What to Look for When Choosing New Kitchen Cabinets
When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, few decisions have as much visual and functional impact as your cabinets. Sure, they store your dishes and food—but they also define the look, layout, and overall quality of your kitchen. At Armada Design & Build in Bellevue, Washington, we guide homeowners through every step of selecting the right kitchen cabinets—from design and materials to installation and budget—so your kitchen isn’t just beautiful, it works for your lifestyle.
Let’s break down what to look for when choosing new kitchen cabinets.
Understanding Cabinet Types: Stock, Semi-Custom, and Custom
Cabinets fall along a spectrum—from ready-made stock options to completely custom-built designs.
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Stock Cabinets: These are pre-made and available off the shelf at big-box stores. They’re affordable and convenient but come with limited sizes, styles, and quality options. Because they can’t be modified, stock cabinets may not fit perfectly into every kitchen layout.
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Semi-Custom Cabinets: Sitting in the middle, semi-custom cabinets allow some flexibility in sizing, finishes, and hardware. The closer you move toward the “custom” end, the more design options (and cost) increase.
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Custom Cabinets: Built entirely to your specifications, custom cabinetry gives you total control over dimensions, materials, finishes, and features. They cost more but are made to fit your kitchen precisely—ideal for homeowners who want long-lasting quality and a personalized design.
Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets
Cabinets are generally made in one of two construction styles: framed or frameless.
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Framed Cabinets: A traditional American style, framed cabinets include a face frame around the front of the box. They can feature inset or partial overlay doors for a more classic, traditional look.
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Frameless Cabinets: Sometimes called “European style,” frameless cabinets eliminate the face frame for a sleek, modern appearance. The doors and drawers align edge-to-edge for a smooth, seamless finish. Most homeowners today prefer the frameless style for its clean lines and contemporary design.
Materials: What’s Inside (and Outside) Your Cabinets
Cabinet construction involves two major components: the box and the doors/drawers.
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Cabinet Box Materials: The box is typically made from plywood or particle board (also called furniture board). Plywood is more durable and resistant to moisture, making it a better long-term choice.
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Door and Drawer Materials: Here’s where your style really shows. Options include:
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Solid Wood (oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and more) for timeless appeal.
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Laminate or Thermofoil for a modern, easy-to-clean surface.
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Metal or Glass Accents for a high-end, contemporary touch.
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Whatever you choose, durability and cleanability matter most—kitchens are high-traffic spaces that see constant use.
Cabinet Door Styles
Your door style sets the tone for your entire kitchen. At Armada, we help you explore these popular designs:
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Flat Panel Doors: Minimalist and modern with no edge detailing.
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Recessed Panel (Shaker Style): A timeless favorite that blends traditional and modern elements.
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Raised Panel Doors: A classic, more detailed look often found in traditional or transitional kitchens.
Once you’ve chosen the door shape, you’ll select your finish—painted, stained, laminate, or veneer—depending on the aesthetic you want. We’ll help ensure your cabinets complement your flooring, countertops, and the rest of your home’s design for a cohesive flow.
Functional Features and Smart Storage
Modern cabinetry isn’t just about looks—it’s about efficiency. Behind those sleek doors are endless options for smart storage, including:
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Pull-out shelves and drawers for easy access.
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Lazy Susans and corner pull-outs to maximize awkward spaces.
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Built-in dividers for utensils, trays, and spices.
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Integrated trash and recycling centers for convenience.
These details make everyday kitchen use smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable. Once you experience the functionality of modern cabinet systems, you’ll never want to go back to the old “shelf and drawer” setup.
Appliance Integration
Your cabinets and appliances must work together. From refrigerators and ovens to dishwashers and coffee makers, appliance dimensions determine your kitchen’s layout.
At Armada, we help you plan the appliance lineup early—ensuring everything fits perfectly and maintains a balanced, streamlined appearance. Proper integration not only enhances aesthetics but also improves how you move and work within your space.
The Importance of Professional Installation
Even the best cabinets can fall short if they’re not installed properly. Precise alignment, leveling, and finishing are crucial for seamless lines and smooth functionality.
Frameless cabinets, in particular, leave no room for error—doors and drawers must be perfectly aligned. Poor installation can lead to sticky drawers, uneven gaps, or premature wear and tear.
Our expert installation team at Armada Design & Build ensures every cabinet fits perfectly, looks flawless, and functions as designed—from first measurement to final detail.
Budget Considerations
Cabinets can easily become one of the biggest investments in your remodel. It’s important to plan ahead and find the right balance between cost, quality, and customization.
We’ll help you navigate options that align with your budget without compromising on craftsmanship or functionality. A thoughtful plan ensures you get stunning results without unexpected expenses.
Why Choose Armada Design & Build
At Armada, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners design kitchens that are as beautiful as they are practical. Whether you’re overwhelmed by choices or unsure where to start, our design team will walk you through every step—showing you materials, finishes, and full-size displays right in our Bellevue showroom.
You’ll see, touch, and compare cabinet options in person before making any decisions. And with our integrated design-build process, you’ll have one dedicated team managing your project from concept to completion.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
Choosing the right cabinets can make or break your remodel—but with the right team, the process becomes exciting and stress-free.
Visit Armada Design & Build in Bellevue, WA, or give us a call to schedule your design consultation. Let’s create a kitchen that’s stylish, functional, and uniquely yours.
