The Cabinet Buying Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Shop

July 29, 2025

Embarking on a kitchen or bathroom renovation is an exciting journey, and choosing the right cabinetry is arguably the most impactful decision you’ll make. Cabinets define the aesthetic, dictate the layout, and determine the functionality of your space. With countless styles, materials, and price points available, navigating the options can feel overwhelming.

That’s why The Design House has created this essential cabinet buying guide to equip you with the knowledge you need before you shop.

cabinet buying guide in Denton, TX from The Design House

Understanding the Basics: Your Essential Cabinet Buying Guide

Before you even step into a showroom, familiarize yourself with these fundamental aspects of cabinetry:

Cabinet Construction Levels

Cabinets are generally categorized into three levels, impacting quality, customization, and price:

  • Stock Cabinets:
    • Description: Pre-manufactured in standard sizes, limited color/style options.
    • Pros: Most affordable, quick availability.
    • Cons: Limited customization, often lower quality materials (e.g., particle board boxes), may leave awkward gaps.
  • Semi-Custom Cabinets:
    • Description: Standard sizes with more options for finishes, door styles, and some modifications (e.g., deeper cabinets, wider drawers).
    • Pros: Wider range of styles and colors, better quality materials (often plywood boxes available), quicker lead times than custom.
    • Cons: More expensive than stock, still not fully tailored to unique spaces.
  • Custom Cabinets:
    • Description: Built to order for your specific space, offering limitless options in size, style, finish, and features.
    • Pros: Maximizes space utilization, unique design possibilities, highest quality materials and craftsmanship.
    • Cons: Most expensive, longest lead times.

Cabinet Box Construction

The “box” is the structural foundation of your cabinet. This is a critical factor what you need to know before you shop:

  • Particle Board (Furniture Board): Least expensive. Made from wood particles glued together. Susceptible to moisture damage and less durable over time.
  • MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): Denser than particle board, smoother finish, good for painted cabinets. Still susceptible to moisture if not properly sealed.
  • Plywood: Stronger, more durable, and more moisture-resistant than particle board or MDF. Excellent choice for box construction, especially for base cabinets near water sources.
  • Solid Wood: Most expensive for boxes, but offers exceptional strength and durability. Often used for face frames and doors.

Door Construction and Styles

The door is the most visible part of your cabinet and defines its style:

  • Door Styles:
    • Shaker: The most popular. Flat panel with a raised frame. Clean, versatile, suits many styles.
    • Flat Panel (Slab): Simple, minimalist, ideal for modern or contemporary designs.
    • Raised Panel: Traditional, classic look with a raised center panel.
    • Recessed Panel: Similar to shaker but with a more subtle edge detail.
    • Arch/Cathedral: More ornate, traditional.
  • Construction:
    • Solid Wood: Durable, but can expand and contract with humidity.
    • MDF: Very stable, good for painted finishes as it resists cracking.
    • Thermopane/Laminate: Applied over MDF or particle board. Affordable, but can chip or peel over time.

Finishes

The finish impacts both aesthetics and durability:

  • Paint: Offers a wide range of colors. Look for high-quality, multi-step painting processes for durability and a smooth finish.
  • Stain: Enhances the natural grain of wood. Provides a warm, classic look.
  • Veneer: Thin layers of real wood applied over a substrate. Cost-effective way to get the look of solid wood.
  • Laminate/Thermopane: Durable, easy to clean, but can lack the depth of real wood or painted finishes.

Hardware and Features

Don’t underestimate the impact of internal features and hardware:

  • Drawer Glides: Look for full-extension (drawer pulls out completely), soft-close mechanisms, and under-mount glides (hidden from view).
  • Hinges: Soft-close hinges prevent slamming.
  • Storage Solutions: Pull-out pantry shelves, lazy Susans, spice racks, trash pull-outs, cutlery organizers – these greatly enhance functionality.

Cabinet buying guide and checklist in Denton, TX from The Design House

Your Cabinet Buying Guide: Planning Your Purchase

  1. Define Your Budget: Be realistic about what you can afford. This will narrow down your construction level options.
  2. Assess Your Needs: What do you store? How much? What do you want to change about your current kitchen/bathroom’s functionality?
  3. Consider Your Style: Collect inspiration photos. What aesthetic appeals to you?
  4. Measure Accurately: Have professional measurements taken. Even a small error can cause major issues.
  5. Seek Professional Design Advice: This is crucial. A good designer can optimize your layout, help you choose materials that fit your lifestyle and budget, and prevent costly mistakes. This is perhaps the most important point of this cabinet buying guide.
  6. Read Warranties: Understand what’s covered for how long.
  7. Consider Installation: Professional installation is key for longevity and proper functioning.

Stop by The Design House for Cabinet Expertise in Denton, TX

Choosing the right cabinets is a significant decision. Don’t go it alone! Let the experts at The Design House help you design a functional and beautiful space. At The Design House, we are your local family team of home interior transformation specialists. Our 15,000 square foot design center in Denton, TX, offers an extensive selection of cabinets, expert design services, and professional installation. We’re here to help you navigate this cabinet buying guide and make informed decisions that you’ll love for years to come.

Call or visit The Design House. We have a showroom location in Denton, TX. We service the areas of Argyle, Aubrey, Carrollton, Corinth, Denton, Flower Mound, Frisco, Justin, Krum, Lake Dallas, Lewisville, Little Elm, Pilot Point, Ponder, Roanoke, Sanger, The Colony, Colleyville, Crowley, Grapevine, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Southlake, Celina, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Bridgeport, and Decatur, TX.

About Us

Foresight, integrity, and excellent performance define our professional commitment, serving with character and purpose to honor God. Yet, at heart, we’re a local family, passionate about being your trusted home interior transformation specialists. Everything you envision, plus our special personal touch, is right here in your own backyard.

Posted in Cabinets and tagged ,