We all know replacing or refurbishing your kitchen costs money. It’s tempting to try and make short-term savings by choosing cheaper products. But as all our customers for fitted kitchens in Liverpool know, in the long run you will save money by spending a little bit more on high-quality materials in the kitchen.
Here are some of the areas where you shouldn’t skimp on quality if you want a beautiful and functional kitchen that’s built to last.
1. Cabinetry
DIY stores are full of beautiful displays of pristine-looking kitchen cabinets at relatively cheap prices. But get them home, and their reality is often not what it appeared in the store. DIY cabinets are usually made from cheap, low-quality materials, which are often flimsy, so they’re unsuitable for use in a kitchen. When filled with heavy crockery, pots and pans, the cabinets often aren’t strong enough to take the weight. This means over time they can bow, crack, or even become completely detached from the wall, causing a major safety hazard in your kitchen.
It’s important that your cabinets are well-constructed from thick, good quality wood to avoid having to have a lot of damage fixed in the future.
2. Worktops
Cheap kitchen worktops are often made from veneer or laminate. While these look a lot better than they used to, they don’t function the way they should. For a start, they’re not as resistant to heat and water as high-quality materials such as granite or quartz. They stain and burn more easily, so they quickly lose their pristine appearance. High-gloss finishes rarely keep their shine for long.
In addition, food preparation often causes these surfaces to scratch, chip or peel. These defects trap bacteria, which potentially contaminates the food you prepare.
3. Splashbacks
Glass is the most popular material for splashbacks, as it’s heat-resistant, durable and easy to maintain, as well as looking stunning in any kitchen. However, due to the cost involved, some people are tempted to choose acrylic, which looks very similar but is much less expensive.
This can be a dangerous and costly mistake, as acrylic isn’t heat-resistant, so it is not suitable for use behind your hob. Glass or tile may cost more, but they are far safer and longer-lasting solutions.
4. Handles and hinges
Quality isn’t just important in the large, most noticeable features of your kitchen – the little things matter just as much. Cheap handles, drawer closers and hinges, for example, tend not to be very strong, so they’re unlikely to last long.
Choosing high-quality materials for the small details from the outset saves you having to replace them at extra cost in the near future.
Find out more about quality kitchen refurbishment. Choosing higher quality materials throughout your kitchen saves you money in the long run, makes your kitchen safer, and significantly increases the value of your home. The most effective solution is to work with a professional kitchen designer who can allocate your budget effectively and ensure you end up with the highest quality finish.
At HB Kitchens, we design and install custom kitchens in Liverpool, creating high-quality, bespoke designs for our many clients. If you would like to know more about what we could do for your kitchen, please contact us.