Question 1

Should I repair, reface or replace my cabinets?

Accepted Answer

Repair isolated hinges, drawers or doors when the cabinet boxes and layout still work. Refacing can suit dry, square and structurally sound boxes when the layout stays substantially unchanged. Replacement is usually the better planning path when boxes are swollen, damaged or poorly configured, or when appliances, plumbing or the room layout will change. A site review should confirm the box condition before refacing is priced.

Question 2

Which cabinet tier fits my project?

Accepted Answer

Stock cabinets favour standard sizes, shorter lead times and lower budgets. Semi-custom lines add size, finish and storage options and often fit conventional kitchens well. Custom cabinets are useful for unusual walls, integrated features, premium materials and older homes where standard modules waste space. Compare the complete installed scope rather than the cabinet-box price alone.

Question 3

What measurements are needed before designing cabinets?

Accepted Answer

Record wall lengths, ceiling height, window and door locations, casing, plumbing, gas, electrical, vents, bulkheads, radiators and finished-floor height. Measure at several points because walls and floors may not be straight or level. Appliance model numbers and required clearances belong in the measurement file. Final ordering measurements should be confirmed by the responsible supplier or installer.

Question 4

How should a kitchen cabinet layout be organized?

Accepted Answer

Plan around the tasks of storing food, preparing, cooking, washing and cleaning. Protect appliance openings, landing areas, door swings and circulation instead of forcing every wall to hold cabinets. Place frequently used items near their work zone and check that open doors and drawers do not collide. A good layout reduces repeated steps without creating narrow pinch points.

Question 5

When should appliances be selected for a cabinet project?

Accepted Answer

Select or identify exact appliance models before final cabinet ordering. Installation sheets govern openings, ventilation, electrical or gas connections, door swing, trim kits and required clearances. Fridges, ranges, wall ovens, microwaves and dishwashers can differ even when their advertised width looks standard. Save each specification sheet in the Project File.

Question 6

Will an island or peninsula fit safely?

Accepted Answer

Test the island with appliance doors, cabinet doors and drawers shown open, then account for people working and passing through the room. Seating adds another occupied zone. The right clearance depends on the layout, appliance instructions, accessibility needs and applicable requirements; do not rely on one universal number. A taped floor outline is a useful reality check before ordering.

Question 7

What makes a cabinet box durable?

Accepted Answer

Review panel material and thickness, back construction, shelf support, edge sealing, joinery and the way the box will be fastened. Plywood can offer strong fastening and moisture tolerance, while engineered panels vary widely by density and finish. A durable box also depends on correct installation, dry conditions and loads that match its design.

Question 8

What should I compare in cabinet drawers?

Accepted Answer

Compare drawer-box material, joint construction, bottom support, usable depth, rated load, extension and adjustment. Full-extension slides improve access; soft-close controls the final movement but does not prove the drawer is strong. Wide pot drawers and waste pull-outs need hardware rated for their expected load and careful alignment.

Measure the room.
Understand the cabinet work.

Repair, reface or replace?

Repair

Reface

Replace

Turn room measurements into a clear scope.

Resolve the details that make cabinet projects fail.

Design your cabinets

Island & aisle check

Corner solution guide

Appliance readiness

Hardware placement

Quote comparison

Photo intake

See a cabinet redesign concept.

Answers tied to the actual planning workflow.

Your cabinet plan becomes part of the home's ownership manual.

CabinetOttawa should connect clients with people who build better.

Corner solution guide

Appliance readiness

Hardware placement checklist

Compare cabinet scopes

Cabinet photo checklist

Measure the room.Understand the cabinet work.

Repair, reface or replace?

Repair

Reface

Replace

Turn room measurements into a clear scope.

Resolve the details that make cabinet projects fail.

Design your cabinets

Island & aisle check

Corner solution guide

Appliance readiness

Hardware placement

Quote comparison

Photo intake

See a cabinet redesign concept.

Answers tied to the actual planning workflow.

Your cabinet plan becomes part of the home's ownership manual.

CabinetOttawa should connect clients with people who build better.

Measure the room.
Understand the cabinet work.