Q: Which way should cabinet doors open?

• <div><p>There&rsquo;s no strict rule about which way cabinet doors should open, but generally, double cabinet doors should open away from each other. With single doors, you want to avoid having them block your path or swing into areas where people need to stand. Some kitchens are angled so that cabinet doors may crash into something no matter which way they swing, but the methods above can help prevent damage.</p></div>

Question 1

What is the 1/3 rule for cabinet hardware and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

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The 1/3 rule is a design guideline used by interior designers and cabinet installers to select appropriately sized pulls for cabinets and drawers. The rule suggests that for a balanced and cohesive look, a cabinet pull should be approximately one-third the height of the cabinet door or one-third the width of the drawer face. This guideline helps create a symmetrical appearance because the human eye tends to follow the length of the pull across the cabinet face.

While the 1/3 rule is a helpful starting point, it is not the only option. If a measurement falls between available pull sizes, it's generally best to size up. For an ultra-contemporary aesthetic, you can also opt for full-width pulls that span the entire drawer.

Question 2

Do you install base or wall cabinets first?

Accepted Answer

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We recommend installing wall cabinets first so the base cabinets aren’t in the way. This order also prevents damage to the base cabinets if you drop tools or materials when installing the upper cabinets.

Question 3

How to save money on custom cabinets?

Accepted Answer

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If you're looking for ways to save money on custom cabinets, there are a few ways to cut costs without sacrificing beauty. For starters, comparing door styles to choose the most cost-effective option is a great way to save money on the overall project.

In addition, choosing a common wood species versus an exotic one will lower the price. Woods like oak and hickory are often more affordable wood choices, and the same goes for knobs, pulls, and other finishes where picking a commonly available style can reduce costs.

Question 4

Which way should cabinet doors open?

Accepted Answer

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There’s no strict rule about which way cabinet doors should open, but generally, double cabinet doors should open away from each other. With single doors, you want to avoid having them block your path or swing into areas where people need to stand. Some kitchens are angled so that cabinet doors may crash into something no matter which way they swing, but the methods above can help prevent damage.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of lower-priced kitchen cabinets?

Accepted Answer

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Durability and appearance are the two main drawbacks to installing budget kitchen cabinets, which are often made of less-durable wood or plastic. You're also limited to stock options, meaning you may have a small selection from which to choose.

On the plus side, you can always paint these more affordable kitchen cabinets to make them look the way you want.