How to Buy Cabinet Doors
Cabinet doors are an essential part of the style palette of kitchens, baths and other rooms. They can set the style and tone of the room more effectively than almost any other item -- this is especially true in rooms with many cabinets, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Consider these steps when you're planning to buy new cabinet doors, and you'll get the doors that work best for you. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Use a tape measure to obtain the height, width and depth of your cabinet doors. Even the best quality and most attractive doors won't be of any use if they don't fit properly. Most cabinet doors are built to standard dimensions. However custom cabinet doors can be made by local or online cabinet makers. Expect to spend a premium price for custom-made doors.
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Examine the different styles and materials available to you. Cabinet doors can range from the strictly utilitarian to ornate. For a utility or laundry room, plain and unadorned cabinet doors made of such durable materials as wood or plastic composites may be most appropriate. In an elegant kitchen or bath, doors with beveled edges, glass fronts or trim will be much more suitable.
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Consider finishes and colors. Get several color and finish swatches or chips and see how well they fit in the room where you'll be installing the new doors. While many doors come prefinished, you also can purchase doors that are unfinished. If you're looking to custom-match your cabinet doors to a specific paint color or stained wood finish this is an excellent way to go. If you're willing to paint or stain them, or hire someone to do the job, purchasing unfinished doors can be a real money-saver.
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Check different colors and styles of cabinet hardware, which can greatly affect a room's appearance. Try to tie in the hardware to the rest of the room -- consider such factors as the style of the room and the color of other hardware and appliances. If you choose carefully, you can add to the thematic effect of the entire room. However, some doors may be best with no hardware.
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Choose where you'll buy your cabinet doors. Local shops that specialize in cabinets and cabinet doors usually offer the most personalized service, while "big-box" hardware and home stores may offer lower prices. Online cabinet door stores offer wide selection, plus many useful tips for the buyer. If you don't like to do your own work, a local shop is a good idea. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, consider the other two options.
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