Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Buying Kitchen Cabinets (and How to Avoid Them)
- Charlotte Cabinet Installation
- Jan 15
- 6 min read
Buying new kitchen cabinets is exciting, but choosing kitchen cabinets can be overwhelming. With so many styles, materials, and price ranges, it's easy to make decisions you might regret later. Many homeowners make avoidable mistakes that lead to frustration, wasted money, or a kitchen that doesn’t meet their needs. As professional cabinet installers, we've seen it all.
Here are the most common mistakes homeowners make when buying kitchen cabinets - and how you can avoid them.
Choosing Style Over Function
It’s tempting to pick cabinets based on looks alone, but function should come first. Beautiful cabinets that don’t work for your needs cause frustration. Your kitchen has to work for your lifestyle. A sleek, modern cabinet may look amazing, but will it hold everything you need?
Pick durable materials: Kitchens are high-use areas. Choose cabinet materials that resist moisture, heat, and wear.
Select hardware that works: Handles and knobs should be comfortable and easy to use.
Balance style and practicality: For example, glass-front cabinets look elegant but require more upkeep.
Avoid this mistake by asking:
Do I need more drawers or shelves?
Do I cook often or entertain a lot?
Do I need pantry space or specialty storage?
Remember, you use your cabinets every day. They should be as practical as they are attractive.
Not Measuring Correctly
Incorrect measurements can lead to major problems - gaps, misaligned appliances, or cabinets that simply don't fit.
Tip: Always measure more than once and consider professional measuring. Walls are rarely perfectly straight!
We addressed this topic in a previous article. These tips will help you obtain accurate measurements of your kitchen. Check it out by clicking on the link below.
Ignoring the Kitchen Layout and Workflow
A kitchen should be designed for efficiency. Poor layout choices can make cooking frustrating. Kitchen cabinets must fit the layout and support how you cook and move in the kitchen. Buying cabinets without considering the kitchen’s design can cause awkward spaces or block access.
Follow the kitchen work triangle: The distance between the sink, stove, and refrigerator should be efficient. Cabinets should not interfere with this flow.
Measure carefully: Ensure cabinets fit the space, including allowances for appliances and doors.
Consider cabinet height and depth: Tall cabinets may look great but can be hard to reach. Deep cabinets might block walkways.
A well-planned layout with the right cabinets improves cooking efficiency and comfort.
The image below illustrates an example of the kitchen work triangle design. This concept involves arranging the stove, sink, and refrigerator in a triangular layout. This design ensures that your appliances are conveniently close, yet not too close, allowing you to move easily around your kitchen while cooking.
Ignoring Cabinet Quality
Not all cabinets are created equal. Some look great on the outside but use low-quality materials inside. Some homeowners focus on price and style but ignore cabinet quality. Low-quality cabinets may look fine initially but can warp, chip, or break quickly.
What to check:
Solid wood vs. particle board
Dovetail drawer joints vs. standard drawer
Check the cabinet box material: Plywood boxes are stronger and more durable than particleboard.
Look at door construction: Solid wood or MDF doors with veneer finishes last longer than laminate.
Inspect hinges and drawer slides: Soft-close features add comfort and protect cabinets from damage.
Investing in quality cabinets saves money and hassle over time.
Underestimating Storage Needs
One of the biggest mistakes is buying cabinets without considering how much storage you actually need. Cabinets are not just about looks; they must hold your pots, pans, dishes, and pantry items efficiently.
Assess your current kitchen storage: Take inventory of what you own and how you use it. Do you have many small appliances? Lots of baking supplies? This will guide the type and number of cabinets.
Think about future needs: If your family is growing or you like to entertain, you may need extra storage.
Use organizers and pull-outs: Instead of just standard shelves, consider cabinets with built-in organizers, pull-out trays, or lazy Susans to maximize space.
Failing to plan storage leads to cluttered countertops or wasted cabinet space that doesn’t fit your lifestyle.
Take a look at the kitchen storage tips we’ve shared in our previous articles—great ideas to maximize your space.
Smart ways to max out your kitchen space:
Pros and Cons of modern accessories in kitchen cabinets:
Custom cabinets design to transform your kitchen:
Not Setting a Realistic Budget
Budgeting is crucial but often underestimated. Some buyers pick cabinets beyond their means or don’t account for installation and extras.
Include installation costs: Professional installation can be 20-35% of the cabinet cost.
Plan for extras: Lighting, crown molding, and organizers add to the price.
Get multiple quotes: Compare prices and services from different suppliers.
A clear budget helps you make choices that fit your finances and avoid surprises.
Choosing the Wrong Finish or Color
Trendy colors can be fun, but will you still love them in 5-10 years?
This need to be said: Cabinet finish and color don’t just affect how your kitchen look, they impact how it feels, how large it appears, and even how much maintenance it needs. A poor choice can make a well-designed kitchen feel dark, dated, or hard to live with.
Since cabinets are one of the most permanent (and expensive) elements in a kitchen, it’s important to choose a finish and color you’ll enjoy for years—not just one that looks good in photos.
Finish affects maintenance: High-gloss finishes show fingerprints, smudges, and scratches more easily, while very dark cabinets highlight dust and wear. Matte or satin finishes are often more forgiving and easier to keep looking clean, especially in busy kitchens.
Trends can age quickly. Ultra-trendy colors or finishes may look great now but can feel outdated faster than you expect. If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, or care about resale, timeless finishes like soft whites, light neutrals, or natural wood tones tend to hold up better.
Tip: If you want bold, consider using it on island or accent area.
Looking for ideas to add color to your kitchen or maybe just keep it simple? Explore inspiration in our earlier articles.
Two tone Kitchen cabinets:
Creative color combinations for stunning kitchen:
Embracing simplicity in kitchen cabinets:
Failing to Consider Lighting
Lighting affects how your cabinets look and how functional your kitchen is. Poor lighting can make even the best cabinets seem dull or hard to use.
Plan for under-cabinet lighting: This brightens work surfaces and highlights cabinet details.
Use layered lighting: Combine ceiling lights, task lights, and accent lights.
Choose finishes that reflect light: Glossy or light-colored cabinets brighten the space.
Good lighting enhances both beauty and usability.
Another good reading to help in choosing the kitchen cabinets for your home.
How to feng-shui your kitchen to creating positive vibe in your home.
Neglecting to Check Reviews and References
Buying cabinets is a big investment. Skipping research on brands, suppliers, or installers can lead to poor experiences.
Read customer reviews: Look for consistent feedback on quality and service.
Ask for references: Talk to past customers or visit showrooms.
Verify warranties: Understand what is covered and for how long.
Doing homework helps avoid costly mistakes.
Not Visualizing the Final Look
Sometimes homeowners struggle to imagine how cabinets will look in their kitchen, leading to regret after installation.
Use design software or apps: Many companies offer tools to visualize cabinets in your space.
Request samples: See cabinet finishes and materials in your kitchen lighting.
Consult a designer: Even a short consultation can help you make confident choices.
Visualizing helps ensure your cabinets match your vision.
Skipping Professional Advice and Installation
Trying to do everything yourself or relying solely on salespeople can backfire. Even the best cabinets can look terrible if they're installed incorrectly. Uneven cabinets, crooked doors, and gaps can ruin the final look.
Hire a kitchen designer: They understand space planning, trends, and materials.
Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to clarify details about installation, maintenance, or warranties.
Get a second opinion: Another expert might spot issues you missed.
Professional guidance saves time and money. A professional installation ensures:
Proper leveling
Secure mounting
Clean finish
Long-lasting results
Need help installing your cabinets? We're here to make the process smooth, stress-free, and beautiful. Get in touch with us
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration. By planning carefully, measuring accurately, and choosing quality materials and finishes, homeowners can invest in kitchen cabinets that look great, function well, and stand the test of time.
Don't forget: It doesn't have to be overwhelming, seeking professional guidance when needed—can make all the difference in achieving a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.
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