What Homeowners Need to Know Before Starting a Luxury Kitchen Remodel
A kitchen remodel is one of the most exciting—and most important—improvements you can make to your home. The kitchen is where families gather, meals are prepared, conversations happen, and memories are made. It’s often the most used room in the house.
Because the kitchen serves so many purposes, a successful remodel must strike the right balance between beautiful design and everyday functionality.
Your kitchen should reflect your personal style while supporting how you cook, entertain, and live each day. Whether you’re considering a simple update or a full renovation, understanding your options will help you make confident decisions.
This guide will walk you through the key elements of a kitchen remodel so you can better evaluate your goals, explore your options, and select the right professionals for your project.
Cabinet Options: Refinishing, Refacing, or Replacing
Cabinetry is typically the largest investment in a kitchen remodel, so it’s important to understand the three primary upgrade options.
Cabinet Refinishing
Cabinet refinishing involves keeping your existing cabinet structure and painting or staining the visible surfaces.
With cabinet refinishing, Gehman Design Remodeling will:
• Repaint or restain cabinet doors and drawer fronts
• Refinish the cabinet frames and boxes
• Install new hardware such as knobs, pulls, and hinges
This option works best when cabinets are in excellent structural condition and the existing layout works well.
Contact Gehman Design Remodeling
Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet refacing is often confused with refinishing, but it’s actually a more substantial upgrade.
With cabinet refacing, we:
• Replace all cabinet doors and drawer fronts
• Apply a wood veneer to the cabinet face frames to match the new doors
• Install new hardware and hinges
Refacing allows you to achieve the appearance of new cabinetry while keeping the existing cabinet boxes in place. It’s a great option when the layout works but the style feels outdated.
Cabinet Replacement
Many homeowners choose to replace their cabinets entirely, especially when:
• The kitchen layout needs improvement
• Cabinets are worn or poorly built
• More storage and modern accessories are desired
Cabinet replacement allows for complete design flexibility, improved storage solutions, and higher-quality construction.
Understanding cabinet construction will help you compare options effectively.
The 5 Major Components of Quality Cabinetry
1. The Cabinet Finish
The finish is the first thing people notice. It may be:
• A rich stained wood finish highlighting natural grain
• A smooth painted finish for a bright, modern look
• A specialty finish such as glazing or distressed wood
Most high-quality cabinets use conversion varnish, a durable protective coating that resists moisture, scratches, and daily wear better than standard finishes.
2. Face Frames, Doors, and Drawer Fronts
These components are typically made from solid hardwood or engineered wood products.
Different wood species vary in durability and appearance:
• Softer woods may dent more easily but cost less
• Harder woods offer superior durability and longevity
At Gehman Design Remodeling, we simplify the process by offering the most proven wood species used in kitchen cabinetry.
3. The Cabinet Box
While the doors get the attention, the cabinet box determines long-term strength and durability.
Cabinet boxes are typically made from:
• Furniture board (particle board)
• Plywood
• Hybrid constructions
Higher-quality cabinetry uses thicker plywood construction for strength and longevity.
To help simplify choices, Gehman Design Remodeling offers cabinets in three quality levels:
Good
• Furniture board cabinet boxes with laminate interiors
• Solid wood doors and drawer fronts
• Interior surfaces that resemble natural maple
Better
• ½” plywood cabinet boxes with matching wood veneer
• Durable melamine interiors that resemble maple
Best
• ⅝” or ¾” plywood cabinet boxes
• Premium interior options including:
Melamine interior
• Highly durable
• Easy to clean
Natural maple veneer interior
• Beautiful and authentic
• Slightly less resistant to heavy wear
4. Drawer Construction
Drawer construction is another indicator of cabinet quality.
At Gehman Design Remodeling:
• Drawer boxes are solid hardwood
• Corners are dovetailed for strength
• We never use particle board or thin plywood drawer boxes
This construction ensures drawers remain durable and smooth for decades.
4. Drawer Construction
Drawer construction is another indicator of cabinet quality.
At Gehman Design Remodeling:
• Drawer boxes are solid hardwood
• Corners are dovetailed for strength
• We never use particle board or thin plywood drawer boxes
This construction ensures drawers remain durable and smooth for decades.
5. Hinges and Drawer Glides
Modern cabinets should include:
• Soft-close concealed hinges
• Undermount soft-close drawer glides
These features prevent slamming and provide smoother operation while protecting cabinet longevity.
Countertops, Sinks, Faucets, and Backsplashes
A complete kitchen remodel typically includes:
• Countertops
• Sink and faucet
• Backsplash or wallsplash
• Lighting
• Flooring
Working with a design-build remodeling company allows these elements to be coordinated seamlessly.
At Gehman Design Remodeling, our team manages the entire process. Most work is completed by our employee craftsmen, while specialized trades—such as stone countertop fabrication—are handled by trusted partners.
A dedicated project manager oversees all installations.
Kitchen Countertop Options
Countertops play a major role in both the appearance and durability of your kitchen.
Popular countertop materials include:
• Laminate
• Solid surface
• Granite
• Concrete
• Quartz
Kitchen Countertop Options
Laminate Countertops
Advantages
• Most affordable option
• Available in many colors and textures
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Naturally stain resistant
Disadvantages
• Can scratch more easily
• Heat can damage the surface
• Only compatible with drop-in sinks
Solid Surface Countertops
Advantages
• More durable than laminate
• Scratches can be repaired by buffing
• Seamless appearance
Disadvantages
• Can be damaged by heat or harsh chemicals
• Only available in a matte finish
Granite Countertops
Advantages
• Natural beauty and unique patterns
• Very durable and scratch resistant
• Heat resistant
Disadvantages
• Requires sealing every 12–18 months
• Edges can chip if hit with heavy objects
• Higher price depending on stone rarity
Concrete Countertops
Advantages
• Custom shapes and colors
• Extremely durable
• Unique design possibilities
Disadvantages
• Requires regular sealing
• Can stain if not maintained
• Often one of the most expensive options
Quartz Countertops
Quartz has become the most popular countertop material in modern kitchens.
Advantages
• Non-porous and stain resistant
• No sealing required
• Easy to clean
• Consistent colors and patterns
• Often backed by manufacturer warranties
Disadvantages
• Very hot cookware can damage the resin
• Extended direct sunlight may cause fading
Kitchen Sink Options
Today’s kitchens offer many sink configurations:
• Single bowl
• Double bowl
• Bowl and a half
• Prep or bar sinks
Choosing the right sink depends on how you cook and clean.
Sink Installation Types
Drop-In (Self-Rimming)
• Sits on top of the countertop
• Required for laminate counters
Undermount
• Mounted beneath the countertop
• Provides a seamless look
• Only compatible with stone or solid-surface counters
Farmhouse / Apron Front
• Exposed front panel
• Large basin ideal for washing cookware
Integral Sink
• Seamlessly integrated with solid-surface counters
Sink Installation Types
Sink Materials
Stainless Steel
• Most common option
• Durable and recyclable
• Available with sound-deadening insulation
Porcelain-Coated Cast Iron
• Very durable
• Available in many colors
• Retains heat well
Porcelain Fireclay
• Popular for farmhouse sinks
• Extremely durable and timeless
Acrylic Solid Surface
• Often used with solid-surface countertops for seamless designs
Sink Installation Types
Kitchen Faucets
Kitchen faucets are available in many styles and finishes.
Popular features include:
• Pull-down sprayers
• Single-lever controls
• Touchless operation
• Magnetic docking sprayers
Look for faucets with solid brass construction and lifetime warranties for durability.
Sink Installation Types
Backsplash and Wallsplash Design
The backsplash protects the wall behind the countertop while adding visual interest.
A typical backsplash height is 4–6 inches, but many modern kitchens extend the backsplash all the way to the upper cabinets.
Common materials include:
• Tile (most popular)
• Quartz or granite
• Stainless steel
• Painted drywall
• Wood panels
Tile remains the favorite due to its design flexibility and durability.
Electrical Outlets and Code Requirements
Electrical Outlets and Code Requirements
Building codes require GFCI outlets every four feet along countertop walls.
Outlets are also required:
• On islands
• On peninsula ends
• On countertop sections wider than 9 inches
To maintain a clean backsplash design, outlets can sometimes be placed in:
• Under-cabinet angled power strips
• Pop-up outlets in countertops
• Hidden outlets beneath cabinets
Kitchen Lighting Design
Kitchen Lighting Design
A well-designed kitchen uses three layers of lighting.
General Lighting
Provides overall illumination.
Common options include:
• Recessed LED lights
• Surface-mounted fixtures
Dimmers allow homeowners to adjust brightness throughout the day.
Task Lighting
Focused lighting for work areas.
Most commonly installed as LED strip lighting under wall cabinets to illuminate countertops.
Decorative Lighting
Used to add personality and visual interest.
Examples include:
• Pendant lights over islands
• Decorative fixtures over dining areas
Ambient Lighting
Soft accent lighting used to enhance the kitchen atmosphere.
Popular placements include:
• Inside glass cabinets
• Inside pantries
• Above cabinets
• Under cabinet toe kicks
Ready to Start Your Kitchen Remodel?
A kitchen remodel is an investment in your home and your daily life. The right design and professional team can transform your kitchen into a space that is both beautiful and highly functional.
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel in Bucks County or Montgomery County, the team at Gehman Design Remodeling would love to help.
Call 215-513-0300 or visit
www.gehmanremodeling.com
