Frequently Asked Questions
Solid wood, crafted from hardwood planks, offers superior durability and moisture resistance compared to particle board. Plywood, constructed by laminating wood veneers, effectively resists warping and securely holds screws and hardware.
In contrast, particle board, also known as furniture board, consists of compressed wood particles bonded with glue or resin under heat. While it is much cheaper and economical, it is also more susceptible to scratches, dents, swelling, warping, discoloration, and damage from moisture exposure.
NHKB exclusively utilizes solid wood and cabinet-grade plywood in our cabinets to guarantee superior quality and longevity, never resorting to particle board.
When choosing cabinet colors and styles, consider the following tips:
- Match Your Home’s Style: Ensure the cabinets complement the overall design of your home, whether it’s modern, traditional, rustic, or transitional.
- Coordinate with Existing Elements: Match the cabinet color and style with existing countertops, flooring, and backsplash.
- Consider the Room’s Size: Lighter colors can make a small space feel larger, while darker colors add warmth to larger rooms.
- Maintenance: Some colors and finishes require more maintenance than others. Darker colors can show dust and fingerprints, while lighter colors can show stains.
- Neutral Shades: Whites, grays, and beiges are versatile and timeless. They can easily adapt to different design changes and are great for resale value.
- Timeless vs. Trendy: Decide if you want a timeless look or if you prefer to follow current trends, keeping in mind that trends can change quickly.
- Color Psychology: Different colors evoke different moods. For example, blue can be calming, green can be refreshing, and red can stimulate appetite. Choose colors that create the desired atmosphere in your kitchen.
- Contrast and Balance: Create visual interest by contrasting cabinet colors with countertops and backsplashes. Balance bold colors with neutral tones for a harmonious look.
- Two-Tone Cabinets: Mixing two colors, such as a different color for upper and lower cabinets, can add depth and interest to the design.
- Accent Colors: Consider using an accent color for an island or a specific set of cabinets to create a focal point in your kitchen.
- Bold Colors: If you want to make a statement, consider bold colors like navy blue, emerald green, or deep red. These can add personality and depth to your kitchen.
- Earth Tones: Colors like taupe, olive green, and warm browns can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for a rustic or traditional kitchen.
- Pastels: Soft pastels such as light blue, mint green, or blush pink can bring a subtle pop of color while keeping the space light and airy.
- Warm vs. Cool Tones: Warm tones (reds, oranges, yellows) create a welcoming atmosphere, while cool tones (blues, greens, purples) are calming and refreshing.
- Glossy vs. Matte: Glossy finishes reflect light and make colors appear more vibrant, while matte finishes offer a more understated, sophisticated look.
Maximizing storage space in your kitchen involves utilizing every nook and cranny efficiently. Here are some storage solutions to help you get the most out of your kitchen space:
- Pull-Out Shelves: These allow you to use the full depth of your cabinets without losing items at the back, especially putting pull-out shelvesin your pantry will allow you to access items easily and keep them organized.
- Under-Counter Drawers: Utilize the space beneath countertops for additional drawers.
- Adjustable Shelving: Use adjustable shelves in cabinets to customize the space for different items.
- Lazy Susans: Ideal for corner cabinets, Lazy Susans make it easy to access items in hard-to-reach areas.
- Pull-Out Trash and Recycling Bins: Keep your trash and recycling bins hidden but easily accessible with pull-out mechanisms.
- Built-In Spice Racks: Integrate spice racks into cabinet doors or pull-out shelves for convenient access.
- Floating Shelves: Add floating shelves to walls for additional open storage and display space.
- Under-Cabinet Wine Glass Holders& Plate Rack: These holders can be mounted under cabinets to store wine glasses or plates and free up shelf space.
- Built-In Appliance: Store applianceslike microwave, oven or microwave-oven combo in built-in cabinets to keep them out of sight when not in use.
- Drawer Organizers:Keep utensils, cutlery, and small kitchen tools neatly arranged with drawer organizers.
By implementing these storage solutions, you can maximize your kitchen space, making it more organized and functional.
Usually it takes 3-5 business days to have your cabinets assembled and delivered. But it will take 3-4 weeks and sometimes even 1-3 months for some custom cabinets. Please consult your NHKB designer regarding your orders and the lead time for delivery.
- Darkening orMellowing – As with all natural materials, wood is affected by environmental factors such as natural and artificial lighting, smoke and age. Darkening or mellowing can be expected and is a natural process for wood as it ages.
- Color and Grain Pattern Variations – Each wood species exhibits its own distinctive grain patterns andcharacteristics which adds to its natural beauty. These variations in color, grain and other naturally occurring characteristics are not considered imperfections or defects.
- Finish Variation – All wood varies in color from piece to piece due to natural variation in tone and grain patterns.
- Pitch Pockets and Mineral Streaks – In certain species of woodespecially cherry, pitch pockets and mineral streaks are prevalent and are not considered to be defects.
- Hairline Cracks – Environmental factors influence the performance of wood products. All woodabsorbs and releases moisture due to its cellular structure. In periods of high humidity, wood will “grow”, and during dry periods, wood will “shrink”. Over a period of time, the absorption and release of moisture may cause visible hairline cracks typically in joinery of wood components. These minor cracks are not considered defects.
- Warping – Warping occurs in wood when the absorption and release of moisture creates “stress” in the wood. In many instances, this condition will resolve itself after the cabinetry in your home goes through a heating and cooling cycle. Warping of components is allowed up to one quarter inch (1/4”)and is not considered a defect.
Color Variations: Due to different minerals, natural stones often show a wide range of color variations within a single slab, a hallmark of their nature.
Veining and Patterns: Stones like marble and granite have natural veining and patterns formed by geological processes, valued for their decorative appearance.
Holes and Cracks: Inherent holes and cracks from formation are often filled during processing and do not affect structural integrity.
Pits and Pockmarks: Small surface pits or pockmarks, caused by trapped gases during formation, are natural features, not defects.
Surface Inconsistencies: Slight surface inconsistencies like uneven textures or rough spots are natural and enhance the stone’s unique look.
Mineral Deposits: Various mineral deposits create specks or streaks of color that enhance the stone’s individuality.
These inherent characteristics make natural stones desirable, contributing to their unique look and ensuring no two pieces are exactly alike.
Countertop installation typically takes 5-7 business days after the template is ready. We can prioritize orders for customers who are in a rush due to family gatherings, birthday parties, special festivals, or those who have paid in full. In these cases, installation can be completed in 3-5 business days.
For more information please refer to Question 3.
Step 1: After installing your cabinets, call your NHKB designer to schedule a kitchen template measurement. Our stone worker will usually visit within 1-2 days of your call.
Step 2: We will notify you 1 day in advance of the measurement time window. Our stone worker will then come to create the template and discuss details with you. Ensure someone is home to let us in.
Step 3: The template is typically ready the next day. We will double-check the sizes and contact you to confirm stone seams, sink types, faucet holes, backsplash, overhangs, and other details.
Final Step: Countertop installation usually takes 5-7 business days after the template is ready. We will drill the faucet hole on-site, ensuring a clean job with no dust. If needed, we may return to template a full-height backsplash, which will take an additional 3-5 business days to install.
Choosing the right countertop colors and style can significantly impact your kitchen or bathroom’s look and feel. Here are some tips:
Matching with Existing Elements:
- Cabinets:Complement painted cabinets with contrasting or matching countertops. For natural wood cabinets, consider the wood grain and tone.
- Flooring:Pair patterned floors with subtle countertops and solid floors with more dramatic options.
- Appliances:Stainless steel appliances match various countertop colors, while white or black appliances may influence your choice.
Style and Design Trends:
- Contemporary:Choose quartz with clean lines and minimal patterns.
- Industrial:Opt for concrete-look quartz or dark polished granite.
- Mediterranean:Use rich, warm colors and intricate patterns in granite or marble.
- Scandinavian:Select light, bright colors and natural materials like white marble or quartz.
Material-Specific Considerations:
- Granite:Offers variety, heat resistance, and durability but needs periodic sealing.
- Quartz:Non-porous, stain-resistant, and available in many colors and patterns.
- Marble:Luxurious with unique veining, but softer and more maintenance-intensive.
Visual Effects:
- Small Spaces:Lighter colors make small kitchens appear larger.
- Large Spaces:Darker colors add depth and warmth.
- Patterns:Bold patterns can be focal points; subtle patterns offer a uniform look.
Long-Term Considerations:
- Durability:Granite and quartz are durable; marble requires more care.
- Maintenance:Quartz is low-maintenance; granite needs regular sealing.
- Trends:Neutral and classic designs are more timeless.
The main purpose of a 4-inch backsplash is to protect the walls from water, grease, and other cooking-related spills. However, a 4-inch backsplash is now considered outdated. If you have already tiled the wall, there is no need to install an additional backsplash.
Full Height Backsplash: Extending from the countertop to the cabinets or ceiling, full-height backsplashes offer a seamless and modern look. They are great for showcasing materials with dramatic patterns, like veined marble or colorful tiles, and provide robust protection against splashes, making cleaning easier.
Waterfall with Mitered Cut: Waterfall countertops flow down the sides of cabinetry to the floor, creating a striking visual continuity. The mitered cut, where edges are joined at a 45-degree angle, enhances the seamless appearance and showcases the material’s patterns. This style adds elegance and protects cabinet sides.
Build-Up Edge: This technique enhances the countertop’s edge thickness by adding a strip of material underneath the edge, creating a luxurious and substantial look. Build-up edges can also reinforce the countertop’s structural integrity and are available in various styles to suit different design preferences.