A new kitchen is a large investment, so it’s important to choose quality if you want it to last a long time and add value to your home. We’ve seen a huge variety of kitchens in Liverpool and we know what to look for in a quality build – here’s our handy guide to ensure you’re getting the very best value for your money.
Bespoke design
The highest quality kitchens will be bespoke – professionally designed specifically for your kitchen. This not only gives you a kitchen that’s completely unique to you and your needs, it also ensures everything fits perfectly and makes the best possible use of the available space. It will probably contain a number of clever and innovative storage solutions which are not usually seen in off-the-shelf kitchens.
Well thought-out
A quality kitchen will have an attractive, cohesive look and feel, with attention given to every aspect of its use, from the kitchen worktops and cabinetry through to flooring and lighting. The layout will be highly practical, with the cooker, sink and fridge well-positioned and easily accessible, and as much space for food preparation, eating and relaxing as possible.
High-quality materials
Many off-the-shelf kitchens can seem attractive due to their low prices – and they can look attractive in DIY store displays too. But they’re not necessarily built to last due to the cheap materials used. A quality kitchen will use strong, durable materials, and this will show in their appearance after even a short time. None of the surfaces should show signs of chipping, scratching or peeling, and a glossy finish will remain consistent all over, with no dull patches. This is extremely important, not just to ensure you’re getting value for money, but also from a hygiene perspective, as scratches and dents can harbour germs.
Strong, solid cabinetry
The kitchen cabinets in particular are a good indicator of the overall quality of the kitchen. The cabinet doors and drawer fronts should be made from solid wood with as few marks and imperfections as possible. Cabinet boxes should have full-height plywood back and side panels, with I-beams for maximum strength. All shelves inside the cabinets should be at lease ¾ inch thick, and made from a non-porous, wipe-clean material to keep them hygienic and germ-free.
Strong cabinetry is absolutely vital – cabinets that are not constructed to a high enough standard or use cheap, weak materials can be extremely dangerous, as they can bow under the weight of plates and pans, and even end up detaching themselves from the wall as a result.
Attention to small details
The fine details are the mark of real quality in a kitchen build. Look at the joints in the cabinetry – are they dovetailed, as they should be? The hinges are also extremely important – these should be soft-close hinges that open more than 90 degrees, to avoid too much wear and tear on your cabinet doors. Look underneath the drawers – a quality build will have two drawer slides instead of just one underneath each drawer. As for the more visible details, each one should contribute not just to maximum usability, but also to an attractive appearance, from the door handles to the tapware.
The higher quality your kitchen, the longer it will last and the greater value it will add to your home. It will also make an important contribution to your wellbeing, as the more you love and trust your kitchen, the more you will enjoy spending time there.
Want to know more about quality kitchens, or find out how to get one for yourself? Contact the team at HB Kitchens, designers and builders of the highest quality custom fitted kitchens in Liverpool. We’re always happy to discuss your requirements and find out how we can help you.