When you are remodeling your kitchen, you may want to upgrade your cabinets by having new, customised ones installed. But if you're not a trained do it yourself, then you will need to contract with a cabinet maker to get the job done. To help you understand more about kitchen cabinets and how to select the ones that are best for your needs, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

What's the Difference Between Particleboard and Wood Cabinets? Particleboard is a manufactured composite wood material that is made from blending wood chips, wood pieces and glue that are molded into a sheet of wood. Although particleboard undergoes quality control standards based on the thickness and particle size of the composite wood, there are wide variations in the effectiveness and durability of this material.

Wood kitchen cabinets are typically made from plywood that is glued together into a solid sheet. Plywood cabinets are stronger than particleboard cabinets, but because they are made from real wood, they are more expensive, so if budget is a consideration, you may want to select particleboard cabinets, then use a wood finish to approximate the look of real wood.

What Are Soft Close Hinges? Soft close hinges on kitchen cabinets prevent your cabinet doors from slamming when you close them. Soft close hinges are designed to create a gentle closing action that can keep your cabinets from becoming scratched and worn down from constant opening and closing.

Most kitchen cabinets do not come standard with soft close hinges, so if you want this feature, it will typically require an upgrade, which is considered a customisation and is more expensive. But if you're ordering high grade wood cabinets such as mahogany or oak, the expense may be worth it.

How Should Wood Cabinets Be Cleaned? Wood kitchen cabinets do not react well to excessive moisture, which is why you should use a dry microfiber cloth to clean your cabinets. You can use a wood polish to restore the lustre of your kitchen cabinets, but choose a polish that doesn't contain petroleum solvents or wax as those ingredients can cause damage to your wood grain, which can mar the appearance of your natural wood. Don't leave damp or wet cloths on your kitchen cabinets as long-term exposure to water can cause your cabinets to warp and swell.

If you have more questions, contact cabinet makers like Pinoy Cabinets.