Blog

It is no secret our country holds a tremendous amount of respect for Veterans. Their dedication, leadership, and respectful culture are values that closely align with that of an entrepreneur. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 10% of all business owners are Military Veterans. Within the Kitchen Solvers system, Veterans make up 15% of our Owners and we cannot express how thankful we are that they chose Kitchen Solvers to dedicate their passion towards. Veterans make great business owners for a lot of reasons, but here are a few traits we find in our Veteran owners.

Camaraderie

Teamwork is a key component of the military culture, which aligns well with the franchising model. Many franchise owners say the reason they chose a franchise instead of starting their own business is for the community that comes along with it. Having a system in place and others who have been through the system comes with a sense of security. At Kitchen Solvers, “partnership” is one of our main core values. While partnering with homeowners to create a project of their dreams is important, the Kitchen Solvers Home Office Team puts even more emphasis on the partnership that comes between franchisor and franchisee. “It feels like a family. We can call anyone and they will be able to give us an answer or direct us in a different way to solve our own issue or challenge” – Jay and Jill McAdams, Kitchen Solvers of Emerald Coast

 

Leadership

Our Veterans have a servant style of leadership. They have a willingness to jump in and help out, no matter what the task. They don’t see themselves as bigger than any part of their business. This selfless act makes others want to get behind them and help them succeed. It inspires hard work and loyalty within their teams, which is exactly what a business owner needs. At Kitchen Solvers, the goal for most owners is to build a team and a business. This doesn’t happen without a strong leader pushing their team to meet goals. Veterans often strive for success and have a contagious drive that others feed on. “Being in the military, you have a chain of command. You’re able to talk to leaders and your support structure because overall the military is one big family. The nice thing about Kitchen Solvers is that it’s that miliary-type environment, not because it is hard-charging, but because of the support aspect. Just being able to contact anyone in the franchise, whether it is on the east coast or west coast, they’re willing to talk to you about any issue, big or small.” – Matt Salaices, Kitchen Solvers of North Indianapolis

Self-Driven

Although veterans rely on their team and a comradeship environment, they also are driven from within. Our entrepreneurs need that same self-motivation to remain driven. When our owners start their new business, it begins with a business plan that outlines the tactical pieces that need to be completed to achieve a greater goal. The more transparent and outlined this plan is, the better ability to stay self-driven and on track. Veterans and entrepreneurs hold themselves accountable for meeting their goals and Kitchen Solvers does the same with our franchise partners. In fact, when asked what set Kitchen Solvers apart from other opportunities, David Ellerd, Kitchen Solvers of Corpus Christi responded, “Initially, for me, it was the knowledge that I have. I have remodeled several kitchens and understand a lot of aspects of what makes a kitchen functionally work. After meeting and discussing the franchise with Kitchen Solvers, I found myself with result-minded individuals that are open to ideas and have a similar drive to achieve great results. I also had a personal experience that the Kitchen Solvers team kept me in their prayers and well wishes. I could never repay the goodwill and encouragement that I received from them during one of the most difficult times of my life.”

Risk Taker

It really goes without saying, but Veterans and entrepreneurs are risk-takers. Whether joining the military or starting a business, there’s risk involved. While the risks are different and are at varying levels, it still requires a brave individual to take that risk. When starting a business, there are so many uncertainties. Is there enough demand to stay busy? Is there enough energy and drive to keep it going? Are there enough people in the workforce to employ? Will customers stay satisfied and happy? Just like the military trains for these uncertainties, so does Kitchen Solvers. Many of these questions and more are addressed as part of our training. Investing in a Kitchen Solvers franchise provides the system and processes of course, but it also provides a better sense of security and assurance. However, as they say, no risk, no reward!

Thank you to all our veterans, especially all our Kitchen Solvers franchise partners and Veterans we highlighted here. We appreciate your service, camaraderie, leadership, drive, and most of all the risk you took to join our family!

If it’s time to take your own risk or you’re interested in learning more about the Kitchen Solvers opportunity and the Veteran’s discount we offer, visit www.kitchensolversfranchise.com or call 888-484-8468.

Back

 

• Project Location: Miami Beach, FL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing 
• Type of door style: Elegante II
• Remodel style: Modern
• Color: Matte Black

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of North Miami’s Gallery page.

 

• Project Location: La Crosse, WI
• Remodel type: Cabinet refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Traditional
• Color: Antique white
• Countertop: Laminate
• Countertop color: Pionite Rice Lake

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse’s Gallery page.

 

• Project Location: Columbus, OH
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing 
• Type of door style: Slab
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Starlight White Acrylic for uppers and Italian Walnut for lowers

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of Columbus’ Gallery page.

 

• Project Location: Indianapolis, IN 
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing  
• Type of door style: Spectrum
• Remodel style: Modern 
• Color: Feather White
• Countertop: Granite
• Countertop Color: Aspen White
• Backsplash: Bianca Blended

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of North Indianapolis’ Gallery page.

 

Back

Technology has made it way into nearly every aspect of our lives, including our kitchens. The way we cook, eat, and entertain has been revolutionized by kitchen technology in the last decade. For the homeowner who is seeking convenience, efficiency, and precision in their culinary practices, intelligent appliances and integrated kitchen management systems are the perfect choice. Here we will explore a few of the latest innovations in smart kitchen technology to make your experience more enjoyable and efficient.

Smart Appliances

The kitchen technology revolution is in full swing and smart appliances are leading the charge. Their goal is to make everyday kitchen tasks easier and more efficient. Many smart fridges, for example, come with built-in cameras that allow you to see what is inside without even opening the door. This makes it easy to create your shopping list and reduce food waste. Some of them can even connect to an app on your phone so you can double-check if you have a certain item while you are out at the store. Many modern refrigerators also have touch screens on the door that enable you to search the web for recipes, order groceries online, or even watch your favorite streaming service while you cook.

Another smart appliance that is changing the landscape of the kitchen is the smart oven. Smart ovens can be controlled remotely by smartphone apps so you can preheat your oven on your way home from work, monitor the cooking process, and even be notified when your meal is ready. Some models come with suggestions for certain recipes and precise temperature control to make sure your dishes turn out perfectly every time.

Home Management Systems

Smart home assistants are becoming more and more popular. Smart devices like the Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, and Apple HomePod have built-assistants that have become homeowners culinary companions. You can ask your digital sous chef to read recipes, set timers, or even provide measurement conversions in a pinch. You can connect these devices to other kitchen appliances via Bluetooth and control things like oven temperatures, lighting, or starting the coffee maker from the other room in the morning.

More specifically, kitchen management systems were created to simplify meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation. They can help you organize shopping lists, plan meals, and even keep track of expiration dates. Some can come up with recipe suggestions based on what ingredients you have on hand too. By investing in a kitchen system, you can reduce food waste, save time, and make sure you always have the ingredients you need for your go-to dishes.

Energy Efficiency

Homeowners are becoming more eco-conscious every year and today they appreciate the energy-saving capabilities of smart kitchen technology. Most modern appliances are designed to minimize energy consumption. For example, induction cooktops utilize electromagnetic fields to heat cookware directly and only when it is on the surface to reduce energy waste. Additionally, some home and kitchen management systems can analyze your energy usage patterns and suggest ways to improve efficiency and usage.

The latest innovations in smart kitchen technology are truly changing the way we cook, eat, and manage or kitchens and homes. These improvements are specifically designed to enhance convenience, efficiency, and safety in our daily culinary experiments. Whether you are just getting into cooking or you’re a seasons pro, embracing technology can take your cooking experience to the next level making it more enjoyable, efficient, and eco-friendly. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, consider incorporating some of these technologies and watch your home cooking experience reach new heights.

Back

When you think of hinges you usually think about a piece of metal bolted with a screw that links the actual cabinet to the cabinet door. If you see that on the side of the door, your hinges are probably out dated.

At Kitchen Cabinet Doors we pride ourselves on using hardware that is above the general standard. That is why we use premium European hinges for our cabinet doors.

So what is a European hinge? European hinges are a modern form of cabinet hinge. They are not visible when the cabinet door is closed which gives it a clean look. The good thing about European hinges is that they can be used on a variety of cabinet door types so you don’t have to worry about it not fitting on a particular door. Also, these hinges are commonly used on cabinets today.

Now why should you use European hinges?

You Won’t See Them

European hinges are also known as “concealed hinges” or “invisible hinges” which makes them hidden from plain sight when the door is closed. No more bulky metal hinges with screws that could possibly collect dust, dirt, and moisture. Since these hinges are concealed you don’t have to worry about them being in plain sight which make them ideal for design.

They are Extremely Quiet

Ever open a cabinet door and hear a high pitch squeak or creak? Well you don’t have to worry about that with European hinges. They are also soft closing so no doors will be slamming shut. This comes in handy in places where those sounds may be a concern such as medical facilities. In fact, most of the hinges used in hospitals and most doctors’ offices are European hinges.

Adjustable and Easy Removal

No tools? No problem. These hinges don’t require a screwdriver to remove them from your doors. Usually European hinges can clip on and clip off which makes it much easier to install.

Since kitchen cabinet doors are such an integral part of any kitchen renovation project, our goal is to deliver the right cabinet door at the right price – right to your door – on-time and ready for easy installation.

Browse through our catalog and let us know if you have any questions about a particular collection or color.

If you have any other questions or custom specifications, please feel free to contact us. Count on us to be your kitchen cabinet door supplier. Each order is custom-created and can be shipped right to your door!

The Best Time of Year To Reface Your Kitchen Is Just Getting Started

Your alarm goes off and the morning is bright and warm. Your window is half open, and the room still smells of fresh, nighttime air. The birds send songs back and forth across the treetops. It’s finally summertime!

But then you step into the kitchen and it’s staring you right in the face. A project that’s sat for too long on your to-do list: replacing your cabinet doors. All winter you thought, I should get to work on this… but it just never felt like the right time.

Good news – you were right! The perfect time for DIY home renovations is the summer season. Those long July days mean you can pull up the blinds and let the light in longer! This lets you get more done in fewer days without squinting by lamplight, trying to read your pencil marks and measurements.

With the blinds up, you can crack those windows open too. It’s always important to keep your work space well ventilated, but especially if you’re generating sawdust by drilling holes or applying fresh coats of paint or wood stain. PROTIP: Point a box fan or oscillating fan out the kitchen window to blow the bad air out. Leave a window open in another part of the house, and the cross-breeze you’ve created will keep your air fresh and breathable!

From July until Labor Day, your schedule for the summer is probably the most open it will be all year. Without established holidays, you’ve got the time to finish at your own pace, and don’t have to worry about cleaning up for company. Nobody is coming by until you’re ready for them!

All this, plus those summer evenings are the perfect time to relax outdoors after a hard day’s work. Choose a firm stopping point, and reward yourself with a cold drink out on the patio or in the yard. You’ve earned it!

One very important thing to remember – since it’s the perfect season for it, you won’t be the only one renovating and remodeling. So save yourself the hassle of fighting the crowds and digging through piles of warped wood for the best pieces. Just order everything you need at kitchencabinetdoors.com! From the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, to hinges, hardware, and accessories, everything you need can be on your doorstep anywhere in America with the click of a button.

Remember to always be careful with your tools, stay ventilated and hydrated, and wear safety gear. It’s never been an easier time for DIY renovations, so get yours started today!

How to Choose the Material of Your Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Whether you’re installing your cabinet doors for the first time or refacing existing cabinetry that has been through years of wear and tear, one of the first things you have to consider is the type of material that your cabinet doors will be made of. Hardwood, softwood, MDF, and other specialty materials all offer something different for your home, and knowing a little more about these materials can help your kitchen cabinet door project be a success.

Wood

Using cabinet doors that are made of real wood can add coziness and warmth to many kitchens. Cabinetry wood can come from a variety of different trees, and can be all sorts of different colors and display different kinds of grain patterns. Wood can be stained, painted, primed, and finished in a variety of ways to give your kitchen a more polished look.

Hardwoods include oak, birch, maple, cherry, hickory and more. These woods come from seasonally shedding trees that have a more broad leaf shape than those that produce softwood. Unlike hardwoods, softwoods come from trees that produce needles and cones. Softwoods that are popular for cabinetry include pine, cedar and spruce.

It’s important to know that a wood’s classification into “hardwood” and “softwood” doesn’t always necessarily correlate to the physical hardness of the wood itself, so be aware of exceptions. For example, balsa is a type of wood that is in the hardwood family, but is actually one of the softest woods out there. No matter the type of wood you choose, be sure to avoid harsh cleaning chemicals and prolonged exposure to a lot of water.

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

MDF cabinet doors are the most popular runner-up to real wood, as it has some of the properties of wood but is generally less expensive. MDF is a great material option if you have a lot of cabinets to reface on a budget or are attempting to build your cabinet doors yourself. Although medium density fiberboard isn’t natural wood, it does consist of wood— the only difference being that it’s wood fibers being used, and these fibers are combined with glue and pressed by machinery.

MDF is a generally durable material and can fit the needs of the average homeowner without a problem. That being said, they are prone to stripped screw holes because of the material being softer in the middle, and the corners of MDF doors can be easier to crush than other options. Although MDF works well for cabinet doors, it isn’t recommended for other parts of your home such as window sills and baseboards. This is because direct, prolonged exposure to water can seriously damage the material.

Other

If having cabinets that look like wood simply isn’t your style, you’re in luck. There are plenty of options available for those who want a more modern, simplistic style for their cabinets— and as a bonus, these materials tend to be easier to maintain.

Glass cabinets are often used in conjunction with other types of cabinet doors, and help emphasize built-in cabinet lighting and visually appealing glasses, bottles, and dishes. Glass is easy to wipe clean and can help brighten and open up a space, but it’s not a material that is recommended for bottom cabinets or households where children and pets may be running through on a regular basis. The biggest downside of glass is the material breaking, which can cause a big mess and the pieces can be dangerously sharp.

Laminate proves to be another option favored for its ease of maintenance and durability. Laminate doors are actually MDF doors that have been sealed with a hard synthetic material. Although laminate cabinets can look like painted wood, they feel much different to the touch. Acrylic is another material that is used for cabinet doors and it appeals mainly to sleek, modern kitchens and minimalistic settings. Acrylic cabinets are usually flat and smooth, and this material can produce a very high gloss. Although acrylic can be shinier and more fashionable than laminate, it’s also more expensive.

Embarking on a project to swap out your cabinet doors for new ones definitely takes some effort. While the actual labor itself isn’t necessarily intensive in any way, it does take some time and it requires some patience and focus on the homeowner’s part. When many of us think about refacing our cabinets, we immediately begin thinking about stretching out the tape measure, making marks with a pencil, removing screws, and installing the new doors. While all of this physical work is important, the first step to refacing is to understand what your options are and how your budget can affect the limits of your project. For these reasons, getting the most out of your refacing project is all about knowledge.

Visualize Your Goal

First things first: You need to determine what types of cabinet doors you are going to install in your kitchen. Most homeowners will want to stick to a particular theme, or have their kitchens match the rest of their home in some way or another. If you’ve done a lot of redecorating in the other rooms of your house since moving in, your kitchen may look completely disconnected from the rest of your home in terms of style. It’s important to have some kind of idea of your desired end result before pursuing one type of cabinet over another.

If you’re looking to update your kitchen to a more contemporary theme, it may be best to consider cabinets with minimal decorative touches. Simple cabinets can modernize many different kitchen styles, and finishing them with a shiny lacquer can make the space look more bright and clean. Those who want more of a traditionally charming appeal may choose to opt for wooden cabinet doors with prominent natural grain patterns. Rich or dark-colored wood brings a lot of coziness into a kitchen, and can make an otherwise empty or overly-spacious room seem more inviting.

Determine Your Options

When you decide to begin looking online or in local home improvement stores for cabinet doors, you’ll be faced with a lot of options. One aspect of new doors that you will have to decide on is whether or not you want medium density fiberboard or solid wood. These are two very common materials for homeowners to choose between, but they both have their pros and cons. While solid wood is sturdy and is often naturally attractive, MDF makes for an equally stable alternative and can be painted any color the homeowner wishes. MDF cabinet doors are often a much more affordable option than wooden cabinets, but there are two potential downsides: First, the nature of medium density fiberboard makes it so stripped screw holes can be a problem. This is because the inner layers of the pressed particles are softer than solid wood. The second potential downside is the fact that MDF doesn’t always hold up as well to moisture as wooden cabinets and can be more prone to warping. Luckily, both of these problems can be fixed relatively easily; stripped screw holes can be packed with toothpicks or a piece of a dowel rod for a quick fix, and MDF can be finished with a waterproof seal to prevent moisture related issues.

There are also a few different options when it comes to hardware and hinges. While these are relatively inexpensive pieces on their own, the math can really add up when you’re refacing a lot of cabinets. Make sure that your handles or knobs fit with your theme, but don’t break the bank!

Shop Wisely

Many places all over the country help homeowners take advantage of great savings when it comes to refacing kitchen cabinets. A lot of companies actually purchase overstock cabinets at a discounted price and then sell the products to their customers. Likewise, custom built cabinet doors that were measured wrong at the manufacturing facility, or suffered minor dents or scratches along the way, are also sold to companies for a fraction of the price they originally were to cost. When purchasing new cabinet doors, there really are a lot of savings to be found!

There are countless ways to make the cabinets in your home reflect a design, emphasize a theme, or express certain sentiments for all of your family and friends to enjoy. You could decide on particular colors and make them compliment each other or form stark contrast, or experiment with textures and molding to add unique value to your space. You could accentuate the features of your kitchen that you love, or come up with decorative or spacial solutions that help hide unattractive qualities you can’t change. The first step to giving your kitchen a cabinet makeover is deciding on what kinds of styles suit your needs and your tastes.

Below are a few popular kitchen cabinet styles and what they convey about your home:

Flat Cabinets

Just as the name implies, flat cabinets are those that are comprised of a flat surface. When paired with simple vertical pulls or small knobs, these cabinets can be used in many kinds of modern and minimalistic kitchens, and can create an illusion of spaciousness even in cramped areas. Many homeowners choose flat cabinets if they want to show off the texture of the doors and drawer fronts, or if they want to emphasize the hardware.

Raised Panel Cabinets

Cabinets that feature raised panels are classical yet versatile. Eyebrow arches and cathedral arches are popular raised panel designs that are found in many homes across the country often in mid-colored to light-colored woods. Using a glossy white paint or a rich, dark wood with a prominent wood grain can create a feeling of luxury without being too showy.

Glass Cabinets

Another popular design option is when the center panel of the cabinet door is cut out and a glass panel is installed in its place. These doors are especially effective for cabinets that hold collections of expensive dinnerware, ornaments, tea sets, or spirits. Glass cabinets are often used as emphasis doors, and most kitchens that utilize them also encompass other types of cabinet doors.

Distressed Cabinets

Distressing is the process of making new products look older and more worn. While some homeowners initially may not understand why you would want to make your cabinets look aged, the trick in distressing is to add antique or vintage appeal without making the cabinets look less attractive. Distressed cabinets can add a more rugged charm or older, cottage-like feel to otherwise contemporary kitchens.

Inset Cabinets

Inset cabinets are interesting in that they are built to very precise measurements and have no overlay. Most cabinet doors and drawer fronts sit in front of the cabinet frame, but inset doors and fronts slide closed and are flush with the rest of the cabinetry. This creates a smooth surface, and much like flat cabinet doors, can help give the illusion of increased space.

Louvered Cabinets

Louvered cabinets are comprised of a frame and a center panel that is made up of wooden slats. Functionally, these cabinets are great for ventilation purposes and work well in laundry rooms, but they can also look attractive throughout an entire kitchen, and have a high-end appeal. The downside of louvered cabinets is that they are usually fairly expensive when compared to the other styles.

---

Kitchens are spaces where family and friends come together to cook, eat, and chat with one another, so it’s no surprise that homeowners put a lot of thought into their kitchen cabinet styles. Shopping around your local home improvement stores can give you a better idea of what would look best with your existing décor, and you will have the ability to speak to employees who are familiar with the products.

• Project Location: Clearwater Beach, FL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Sage for lowers and White for uppers
• Countertop: Quartz
• Countertop color: Calacatta Oro
• Backsplash: Splash white glass tile

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of the Gulf Coast’s Gallery page.

 

• Project Location: Largo, FL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Protean
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: White
• Backsplash: Porcelain passion crema gloss

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of the Gulf Coast’s Gallery page.

 

• Project Location: Miramar, FL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Slim Shaker
• Remodel style: Modern
• Color: Snow

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of North Miami’s Gallery page.

 

• Project Location: Hallandale, FL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Stratus Super Matte

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of North Miami’s Gallery page.

 

• Project Location: North Bay Village, FL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Contemporary
• Color: Stratus Super Matte

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of North Miami’s Gallery page.

 

• Project Location: Safety Harbor, FL
• Remodel type: Cabinet Refacing
• Type of door style: Windom
• Remodel style: Modern
• Color: Stone with Chocolate
• Door Material: Maple
• Countertop: Quartz
• Countertop color: Calcutta gold

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of the Gulf Coast’s Gallery page.

 

• Project Location: Winona, MN
• Remodel type: Cabinet refacing
• Type of door style: Shaker
• Remodel style: Transitional
• Color: Silt
• Countertop: Laminate
• Countertop color: Quartzite Bianco
• Backsplash: 3”x12” Raku white

For more information about this project, please visit Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse’s Gallery page.

Back