How to Plan Kitchen Cabinets Online

Ever find yourself browsing through the big box harware stores gazing at the new cabinets? Think about how you like the maple cabinets or maybe the white glaze but can't imagine how it might go with the counter top? There might be too many to choose from. And how about your kitchen; the layout stinks, so you assume you'll have to hire a professional designer. Not necessarily, with a computer and broadband access you can plan kitchen cabinets online. Many kitchen planning programs, available for free, can help you select your cabinet style, plan your cabinet's layout, and then present it all to you in a 3-D layout.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer access (Windows XP or Windows Vista) Broadband Internet connection Internet Explorer 6.0 / Firefox 1.5 or higher Intel Pentium III 800 MHz (equivalent or faster) 32MB Graphics card 1024 x 768 Display resolution Tape measure Graph paper Ruler Pencil

Plan Kitchen Cabinets Online

1. 
    
   French Country.

   Browse various cabinet websites, shop at kitchen cabinet stores, or find the kitchen you like in a home design magazine. Merillat (link below) has an interesting style quiz. When selecting your own style, make sure it matches the current design of your home For example, don't plan a super modern kitchen in a log cabin home.

2. 
    
   L-Shaped Kitchen w/ Island.

   Measure the four walls of your kitchen and the floor. Draw a box with the dimensions of your kitchen on a piece of graph paper. Make sure to measure the width of windows and doors. Also measure the distance between the wall and the window or door. Don't worry if your drawing isn't perfectly to scale. Use this drawing to accurately input your measurements into the program.

3. 
    
   Straight Line Kitchen.

   Good kitchens have efficient work zones. This means planning the kitchen to have the stove, sink, and refrigerator in a triangle. Measure your stove, refrigerator, microwave, sink and dishwasher. If you don't want to spend more money on plumbing, plan these appliances close to current locations to make a small triangle between the three major working appliances.

4. 
    
   Tuscan Kitchen.

   Choose the online planner of your choice Lowe's (link below) has a free virtual room designer for kitchens. If you choose an online planner like Ikea (link below), you can plan your work space, choose a common plan like Single-line kitchen, Single-line with island, U-shaped kitchen, L-shaped kitchen or Galley kitchen. This will help you during the planning and design phase. At the end, Ikea will provide a price estimate for their products. Download the program and follow prompts. Depending on the speed of your computer, the download could take up to fifteen minutes.

5. 
    
   Storage essentials.

   The Ikea site offers step-by-step planning for a beginner with work space suggestions and common layouts. For all the programs, the online graphics will make sure you stay on track. The Lowe's program is a bit more complicated, while the Merillat has a tutorial to guide you through everything from drawing walls to saving projects. These programs are designed to sell product, though registration does not require a purchase agreement.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure twice Most online sites have help centers Double check measurements before ordering cabinets
• Virtual worlds are forgiving Double check before placing orders

References

• Ikea kitchen planner
• Merillat 3D kitchen planner
• Lowe's virtual Room Designer