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The Basic Design Differences Between Kitchen & Garage Cabinetry

Cabinets designed for kitchens and garages have similar goals: to contribute to the organization, functionality, and aesthetics of their respective areas. Designing Garage Cabinets vs Kitchen Cabinets are specialty products that increase the value and usefulness of a home or shop. However, there are many differences to take into account when designing and building cabinets for garages vs. kitchens. The contrasts stem from the different environments in which the cabinets will be used. Kitchen cabinets are designed for the interior of a home and store relatively lightweight home goods, while garage cabinets must withstand harsh conditions and be able to store much heavier duty tools and materials.

Kitchen Cabinets Are Designed To Enhance Your Kitchen’s Aesthetics & Utility

When designing kitchen cabinets, aesthetics and utility are two important factors at play. Clients often want to replace their kitchen cabinets not merely because they are old or worn out, but because they dislike the style and color of their existing cabinets. Cabinets that are well designed will improve the flow of the rest of the home They will also the space in a way both beautifies the home and increases the efficiency and utility of the kitchen area. 

Custom Kitchen Cabinets Can Transform & Improve Your Kitchen’s Looks

Fewer things will transform the overall look of a kitchen and a whole home than brand new, custom designed cabinetry. The kitchen is the hub of the home where families spend many of their waking hours – imagine loving every detail that goes into this central space. Hiring a custom kitchen cabinet maker will ensure you get the perfect look for your home with all of your style preferences taken into consideration. 

Built-In Kitchen Cabinet Organizers For Better Use Of Space & Functionality

Cabinets transform the overall look of your kitchen, and also play an important role in the functionality and organization of your cooking space. When you work with a custom kitchen cabinet designer, you can spend time discussing how your kitchen works and designating zones for a smoother flow in your daily life. For example, moving the pots and pans next to the stove or creating a coffee and breakfast bar will simplify your day to help keep your life in order. Your cabinet designer can help maximize your storage space and may even have ideas you didn’t know existed. Since the kitchen is the heart of your home, keeping things organized in that area will help declutter your mind, too, so you can relax and enjoy your beautiful kitchen.  

Garage Cabinets Are Made To Resist Harsh Conditions

Kitchen cabinets are designed for interior spaces, which generally enjoy comfortable temperatures, consistent humidity levels, and very little risk of water damage. In contrast, a garage must usually withstand significant temperature and weather extremes, meaning that garage cabinets by necessity must be more resistant to harsh conditions.  

Garage Moisture & Humidity Prevention

Moisture evasion may be one of the biggest challenges involved in garage cabinet design. While there are a number of different ways that garage cabinets will be exposed to moisture, such as extreme humidity and water entering through open garage doors, the most likely way garage cabinets will encounter moisture is through the flooring. This includes moisture rising up through the concrete floor itself as well as from spills or puddles from excess rainfall. Garage cabinets must be able to handle this moisture in ways that kitchen cabinets do not need to. Usually, this is accomplished by installing floating cabinets that are secured to the walls without touching the ground, or by the use of heavy duty moisture barriers beneath the cabinets that prevent ground moisture from reaching and ruining your cabinetry. Extremes or swings in humidity and dryness must also be taken into consideration. Cabinet makers must utilize different types of craftsmanship and sometimes use different materials in garage cabinets to overcome this barrier.

Built As a Garage Tool Storage

Often, clients want to add cabinets to their garage for the storage of their heavy duty tools. Since these pieces of equipment are usually much larger, heavier, and rougher than kitchen appliances or utensils, it’s imperative that garage cabinets are designed with stronger materials. Much thought will need to be put into the design so that the cabinets are capable of the load bearing demand that will be placed on them. Safety issues, such as secure connection to the wall to avoid falls or injuries, will need to be taken into consideration as well. Garage cabinets need to be able to withstand much heavier duty use while resisting damage and remaining attractive and functional. 

Metal Vs. Wood Garage Cabinets: What’s Right For You?

It’s important to consider what material is best for your garage cabinets. Consider how they will be used, what your environmental situation is, and what kind of items they will store. There are many different types of wood cabinets to choose from. Generally, wood cabinets are the easiest type of cabinet to install, and are also most easily customized in both style and layout. However, they are more prone to damage from dents and pests. They may not perform as well over time in humid conditions. 

Metal cabinets may be made from stainless steel or aluminum. They are resistant to rust and are the best option for long-term use and storage of very heavy tools or other items. Unfortunately, they are less customizable and harder to add on to down the road, since manufacturers periodically change their models. Working with a custom garage cabinet maker is helpful to determine whether metal or wood cheap garage cabinets are best for you.

This blog post is courtesy of AZ Cabinet Maker, owned and operated by custom cabinet builder, Richard Abbey.