DIY Kitchen Cabinet Materials from Builders Warehouse: Diy Kitchen Cabinets Builders Warehouse
Building your own kitchen cabinets can be a rewarding and cost-effective project. Builders Warehouse offers a range of materials suitable for DIY enthusiasts, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right material is crucial for both the aesthetic appeal and the longevity of your cabinets. This section will delve into the specifics of available materials, material calculations, and sample kitchen layouts.
Material Comparison: Melamine, MDF, and Plywood
The selection of materials significantly impacts the final cost and quality of your DIY kitchen cabinets. Builders Warehouse typically stocks melamine, MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard), and plywood, each offering a different balance of cost, durability, and ease of working. The following table provides a comparison:
| Material | Cost | Durability | Ease of Workability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melamine | Low | Moderate; susceptible to chipping and water damage | Easy; readily available pre-cut sizes |
| MDF | Medium | Good; strong and stable, but sensitive to moisture | Moderate; requires careful handling and finishing |
| Plywood | High | Excellent; durable and resistant to warping | Moderate; requires more skill and tools for precise cuts |
Material Calculation for a Standard Kitchen, Diy kitchen cabinets builders warehouse
Accurately calculating the amount of material needed is crucial to avoid waste and extra costs. This involves careful measurements and planning. For a standard kitchen, consider the following steps:
1. Measure each cabinet: Measure the height, width, and depth of each cabinet you plan to build. Record these dimensions for each cabinet type (base cabinets, wall cabinets, corner cabinets, etc.).
2. Calculate board footage: For each cabinet, calculate the board footage required. Board footage is calculated as (width in feet) x (height in feet) x (thickness in feet). Remember to account for any waste during cutting and add a 10-15% buffer for errors.
3. Aggregate material needs: Sum the board footage for all cabinets to determine the total amount of each material needed. Remember to factor in extra material for shelves, backs, and other components.
4. Consider hardware: Don’t forget to account for hinges, handles, drawer slides, and other hardware components. Builders Warehouse offers a range of these items; factor their costs into your budget.
Example: A simple base cabinet measuring 3 feet wide, 3 feet high, and 0.75 feet deep (standard thickness of plywood) requires 6.75 board feet (3 x 3 x 0.75). Multiply this by the number of base cabinets and add extra for cuts, waste, and shelves.
Sample Kitchen Layout and Cabinet Configurations
A well-designed kitchen utilizes various cabinet styles to maximize functionality and storage. A sample layout might include:
* Base Cabinets: These are floor-mounted cabinets used for storing pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials. A standard configuration includes a mix of drawers and doors. Consider using MDF for base cabinets due to their durability and moisture resistance.
* Wall Cabinets: These are mounted above the countertops and are ideal for storing dishes, glasses, and less frequently used items. Melamine is a cost-effective option for wall cabinets due to its ease of installation and light weight.
* Corner Cabinets: These maximize storage space in corner areas, often utilizing a lazy susan or pull-out shelves for easy access. Plywood’s strength is ideal for these cabinets due to the added stress from their mechanisms.
* Tall Pantry Cabinets: These tall, narrow cabinets provide ample storage for canned goods, dry goods, and other pantry items. MDF is suitable for tall cabinets for stability and strength.
This sample layout demonstrates how different materials can be used strategically within a single kitchen design to balance cost and functionality. Remember to always pre-plan and measure meticulously to ensure the success of your DIY project.
