How to order your kitchen
The time has come to order your kitchen,
You have an idea of what you want your kitchen to look like and the rough idea of sizes you're working with, so you will need to decide what components you need to order. This could be just the doors and handles or it could be new appliances, cabinets and worktops too.
We will go through each component you need for kitchen below and highlight some of the things you need to consider.
The Cabinets: The bones of the kitchen.
For this, you'll need to decide what size you want, and what function each cabinet should have.
Most cabinet sizes range from 150mm to 1200mm wide, so you'll need consider what's possible.
There are 3 main types of cabinets:
Base
Used to house drawers, low level appliances, and supports your worktop.
Base cabinets come with adjustable feet to make sure the worktop is level.
Wall
Used to house extractor hoods, or small item storage such as glasses or plates.
Wall cabinets come with adjustable mounts to secure them to the wall.
Tall
Used to house fridges, ovens or provide extra storage.
Base cabinets come with adjustable feet to make sure the worktop is level.
There are thousands of configurations of cabinets and it will all depend on the space you have. If you need help with this, please book a consultation with one of our designers.
Unless you are keeping the cabinets on show, most will be covered by panels, plinths, doors and pelmets, which will need to be the next thing you consider.
If you'd like to get into more detail check out our Advanced page
Doors and drawers: The most visually important aspect of the kitchen.
To order them, the most important thing is picking the style and knowing the correct size.
If you are replacing doors in your current kitchen, this is easy! You just measure all the doors you have now and swap them like-for-like.
When measuring your old doors, you'll find all the widths are slightly narrower and shorter than the cabinet behind it. Most of the dimensions will end in either a 6 or 7. For example 597mm, 446mm, 297mm and so on. This is because for a 600mm wide cabinet, you need a 597mm or a 596mm wide door. This is so the doors don't touch.
Likewise, you will find all the heights end 5mm shorter than the cabinet heights. Most base unit doors are 715mm high, and cabinets are normally 720mm high.
Unlike doors, sometimes drawer front sizes can be difficult.
This is because drawer heights and drawer tolerances differ from each manufacturer. However internal drawer boxes can be unscrewed and moved up and down to accommodate new-sizes of drawer fronts, and they can also be fitted at different heights than before,
so don't be worried if a like-for-like size isn't available!
All of our doors come un-drilled.
This means we don't put holes for hinges or handles.
We find this is best left down to the person installing the doors. The main reason for this is hinge positions are not standard and even differ from cabinet to cabinet so this is something to consider!
Can't find the drawer or door size you need from our list? Don't worry, we can make doors to specific sizes, just contact one of our designers and we can advise you on how to order and provide you with a quote.
Speak to one of our designers here:
If you'd like to get into more detail check out our Advanced page
Panels and Accessories: These naturally follow on from the doors, and help finish the kitchen.
These elements are what hide the sides, tops and bottoms of the cabinets once the doors are in place.
If you are replacing doors in your current kitchen, you will likely need to replace the panels and accessories to match.
There are a few different types of panels you need to consider to clad your kitchen. Most panels and accessories (if not all) come oversized to be cut down on site. This is to accommodate an uneven floor, a slightly slanted wall or just to fit your particular kitchen exactly.
End Panels
End Panels clad your cabinets either side of the doors to hide gaps between the wall and other cabinets.
End panels come in a variety of sizes and usually have a purpose. Standard End panels are:
Base End Panels - Usually 900mm high to cover distance from floor to worktop, they cover units sat on the floor.
Tall End Panels-Typically cover the side of tall units.
Wall End Panels- Typically cover the side of wall units.
Breakfast Bar Panel- Typically cover the back of islands and large runs of units.
Cornice/Pelmets
These finish the top of units, or underneath wall units. They come in long lengths similar to plinths and normally have to be cut to size or mitred to run round corners.
Mantle Accessories
These pieces are accessories to shelves or panel features.
Plinths
Plinths run underneath units to cover the legs of the units. These can also often be used to fill gaps between units and walls.
Corner Mouldings
Often for ease, corner mouldings can be bought to create thicker framing around base or wall cabinets
To order all of your panels and accessories, you need to consider which parts of the kitchen you would like to cover/decorate and it is recommended to consult a kitchen installer or one of our designers to get the exact amount.
Most panel components will be cut-to size so you will always have to order a larger piece than required. For plinths and cornice components, you will have to consider how many cuts will be made for each section of the kitchen.
*Handy tip: Ordering one extra base end panel, or one extra plinth can always be a lifesaver for cutting mistakes or damages! *
Handles
Everyone likes to be held, and the same goes for your kitchen. Handles are a key part to your kitchen.
If you're replacing handles on your current doors you'll need to know one thing: The drilling distance.
For most handles, they are secured by a small screw from the rear of the door.
For knob or button handles, there will just be a single drill hole which can be replaced like for like.
For cup, bar or T-shaped handles there will be two drill points. This distance needs to be measured and checked to make sure the old and new handles match.
Tab handles are slightly different, they sit on the top-edge of the door (or side if you want) and are screwed on from the back.
For push-to-open catches, these sit inside the cabinet and are spring loaded.
Before using push-to-open catches consider these can't be used on integrated appliances, like dishwashers or fridges unless the appliance has it's own push-to-open feature.
If you're purchasing handles for your new doors and kitchen, an installer will drill handle positions on-site according to where you would like each handle.
In order to choose your new handle positions consider how they will open, and if the handle will interfere with anything else in the kitchen!
If you'd like to get into more detail check out our Advanced page
Appliances make your kitchen a kitchen.
There is a large variety of choice when it comes to appliances so seeking expert advise is always recommended. We have outlined the basics of each appliance choice below but speak to our experts to discuss brands, price brackets and see if we can price match any appliances you plan on purchasing.
Sinks
There are three main types of sinks:
Undermount
These mount under-neath the worktop and often require the worktop to overhang the sink edge.
These are most commonly aluminium or stainless steel but can be purchased in ceramic or other materials.
Over-mount
These mount over the worktop and are used in conjuction with MFC or laminate worktops most frequently.
These are most commonly aluminium or stainless steel.
Belfast
These mount underneath the worktop with the front face showing towards the front of the cabinet.
These are most commonly ceramic.
Material choice:
Aluminium or stainless steel provides the least maintenance but colour/finish can be limited whereas ceramic will be harder to keep clean but can often help you achieve a more traditional look.
Worktop Considerations:
Some worktops such as laminate and MFC need to have an over-mount sink, this is because the cut-face of the worktop has to be kept hidden. Wooden, composite or stone worktops can work with all other sink types.
Cabinet Sizes:
The width and depth of the sink is something to look into when fitting on top of a cabinet. Any drawers underneath will be compromised and it must fit within the width of the cabinet below.
Waste disposal and Boiling tap:
If you want a waste disposal or boiling water tank fitted to your kitchen underneath the sink, then sink height must be considered, as a very deep sink could compromise which tank or waste disposal can be fitted. This issue is more common with Belfast sinks.
Tap positioning:
Some sinks allow taps to be fitted on top of them. Others need the tap to be fitted to the worktop behind them. If you are compromised on space when designing your kitchen then making sure the tap/sink combination you choose will work. (Always consider how large the tap handles are!)
You can also make the sink from the worktop material. This can be done with composite or stone manufacturers. Speak to an expert if this is something you are looking to do.
Taps
Taps can be incredibly flexible. There is always a variety of styles, colours and features to choose from.
Standard
A standard tap typically comes with one or two levels to control hot or cold water. The only concerns here is how many holes you need to drill into the worktop, and how it fits to the sink or worktop.
Featured
Special taps can include having flexible hoses that can be removed to rinse down the sink, or having features such as boiling or sparkling features.
Material choice:
Picking a tap finish is key to most kitchens. Most people either match their sink or handle finish.
Worktop Considerations:
Some taps are installed in-top of the sink, and some are drilled and fitted on-top of the worktop. Considering how the tap is fitted is always a consideration.
Boiling tap and Sparkling tap:
Some brands allow you to add tanks to under the sink. These are a great feature but it always helps to consider how much space under the sink you have and also if you can get power to these features.
Tap positioning:
Some sinks allow taps to be fitted on top of them. Others need the tap to be fitted to the worktop behind them. If you are compromised on space when designing your kitchen then making sure the tap/sink combination you choose will work. (Always consider how large the tap handles are!)
Ovens
For cooking, there's so much choice. Consider function first and budget second, as every home has a different need.
Built- In (Integrated)
Most modern kitchens use integrated ovens as part of their design. They often come suited to be fitted inside a 600mm wide cabinet and can be combined with a second oven, a microwave, warming drawer or coffee machine
Freestanding + Range Cookers
These are often great for chefs with limited space or homes looking for a more traditional look; where the focus of the kitchen is the central cooking appliance.
Choose for your household:
Every household has different requirements for cooking. One or two ovens is usually the main question. A range cooker can be great for this, as a space-saving way to get more than oven without splashing too much cash.
Budget and Features:
Without over complicating how price vs features work; the simple explanation is the more expensive oven, usually comes with more features. Typically they include: Better even heating, Pyrolytic cleaning, remote turn on/off, self-cleaning, hide and slide door and so on.
Size, Space and Placement:
You will often hear people talk about the kitchen 'triangle'. This is finding the least amount of distance between your oven, hob, sink and we think also your fridge! (More of a cooking quadrilateral), this will be more of a consideration for your range cooker as due to their size can only be placed in certain places.
Looks:
Most ovens come in your favourite colour, as long as it's black or silver. Range cookers offer a wider variety of colours and this is done to focus attention on the central cooking area. Ovens generally need to be practical over looks but going for a built-in oven will work better in a contemporary kitchen, and a stand-along range cooker will look better in a more traditional look.
If you're looking at a range cooker, you can skip the hob section as it's included! Something to consider when pricing your appliances...
Hobs
Gas
A Hob which uses burning gas to heat your pans. Less child friendly and usually harder to plumb-in as you require a gas-safe engineer or plumber.
Induction / Electric
Induction hobs are far more popular than electric now, they only work with certain pans but means they only heat when the pan is on them, making them more child friendly.
Number of Burners:
Every household has different requirements for cooking, usually you choose either 4 or 5 burners for most households or even a domino 2 burner hob.
Location and First fix:
Generally induction or electric hobs are easier to install as they don't require a gas first fix, which will require a trained gas plumber in order to relocate or install.
Size, Space and Placement:
You will often hear people talk about the kitchen 'triangle'. This is finding the least amount of distance between your oven, hob, sink and we think also your fridge! (More of a cooking quadrilateral).
Hoods
Recirculating / Extraction
Most extractor hoods slot into two categories when it comes to the method of expelling cooking fumes from the air: Some hobs require to have the filtered air to be ducted outside; this maybe a consideration for where the hob is placed as a hob on an island may struggle to have a ducted out extraction system ducted through the floor or ceiling. However there are hobs which re-circulate the filtered hot air back into the room. Some brands allow add-on its to be purchased to switch the hoods systems to either be ducted out or recirculating.
Above Hob / Worktop Level
Above hob extractor fans are your typical hood units. They are positioned above the hob and work to filter the smells directly above the pans. These hobs are usually more cost effective and can be integrated meaning they can be hidden inside the cupboard above the hob if required.
Worktop level hobs can be either integrated into the hob (brands such as BORA do this) or can be made to sit just behind the hob and often pop-up when in use. These hobs are great for islands or hobs where extractor fan above the hob isn’t an option.
Note some worktop-level extractors don't let you use a gas hob!
Extractor Location:
If you would like a hood that extracts outside, you will likely need access to an external wall otherwise recirculating is your only option..
Size:
Width of the extractor (especially with worktop level units) need to be proportional to hob size. For integrated extractor fans above the hob, check the depth and width of the unit fits into the cabinet dimensions.
Refrigeration
Integrated
Integrated fridge and freezers allow the appliance to be hidden by a matching door. These are the most common types of refrigeration used in modern kitchen design.
Standalone
Stand alone fridges including American fridge freezers can be a great talking point for kitchens and in some cases allow more storage space and features like water and ice makers.
Size:
More integrated fridges are designed to be housed in a 600mm wide kitchen unit, with the larger american fridges 900mm wide..
Features:
The more expensive the brand, the more features you will come across. Better sealing freezers, and separated areas in fridges for keeping fruit and vegetables fresh are amongst the more popular..
Dishwashers
Integrated
Integrated dishwashers allow the appliance to be hidden by a matching door. These are the most common type used in modern kitchen design.
Standalone
Stand alone dishwashers are usually the more cost effective choice in your kitchen.
Basket or Tray:
Usually based on what people prefer, most dishwashers have either a tray at the top for cutlery or a basket for placing cutlery on. Mostly this is personal preference although different brands have different preferences.
Features:
Like most other appliances discussed, the more expensive the appliance, the more features and better overall economy and performance.
Positioning:
Dishwashers require to have a waste pipe and a water supply; because of this most dishwashers are positioned near the sink for ease of plumbing. (It’s also where you rinse your dishes!)
Laundry
Integrated
Integrated Washing machines and dryers allow the appliance to be hidden by a matching door. These are the most common for when used in a main kitchen layout rather than in a seperate utility room.
Standalone
Stand alone washing machines and dryers are usually used in a utility room, and can also be used in large larder cabinets that hide the dishwasher without having a dedicated integrated door.
Microwaves
Sometimes an appliance you didn’t know you needed, are often used to give microwaves a matching height to the adjacent oven. (Ovens are 600mm high, microwaves are only 450mm. That extra 150mm can be filled with a warming drawer!). Often bought as a matching brand to the microwave.
Waste Disposal Units
Who doesn’t like extra refrigeration space? A wine cabinet usually comes with it’s own glass front depsit it being integrated. The glass front means you can keep on the storage levels and make sure they don’t drop too low. A useful appliance for those parties or just that bit of extra cooling for your beverages.
Coffee Machines
Integrated microwaves are a great addition to kitchens that provide you with more clean worktop space. Integrated microwaves are usually purchased as the same brand as the oven, so they look similar. Most brands offer similar features across the board.
Warming Drawers
Always check the size of the unit and if this works with you sink cabinet and sink. They are great for keeping sink’s clear although they are becoming less popular appliance with modern homes.
Wine Cabinets
Some people opt for an integrated coffee machine over a microwave. They are both typically the same height so can be paired with a warming drawer to be the same height as an oven. You need to consider plumbing if there is a requirement for the brand you choose.
If you'd like to get into more detail check out our Advanced page
Worktops
There are a few types of Worktop that you may want to choose from / consider:
MFC
Starting with the most cost effective type of worktop.
MFC (Melamine faced chipboard) is a plastic coated chipboard that simulates marble or stone. These are usually purchased in long lengths and can be cut to size on site by a trained fitter and don’t often need templating before fabrication. You will need to use and over-mounted sink for this type of worktop.
Man-Made Stone (Quartz)
Quartz and brands like Dekton and Silestone provide durable man-made simulations of marble and stone worktops. These worktops are consistent in colour and are often referred as they are more cost effective than real stone and durable due to their resin based structure. These worktops need to be templated and fabricated off-site and installed by a professional worktop installer/fabricator.
Wooden
Often made from Oak, wooden worktops are a traditional look for a worktop but need to be taken care of. They can provide a great warm surface in the kitchen, but need regular upkeep to stop them from being damaged. Similar to MFC worktops these can be purchased in long lengths and can be cut to size on site by a trained fitter.
Stone and Marble
Marble, Quartzite and Granite are amongst the most popular natural materials for a kitchen worktop. They are all unique and can often be the biggest talking point in any kitchen. Some natural stones can be more upkeep than others, based on their hardness and how porous the material is. These worktops do need a level of care to prevent any long term damage however are often the mark of the most premium kitchens in the world. These worktops need to be templated and fabricated off-site and installed by a professional worktop installer/fabricator.
If you'd like to get into more detail check out our Advanced page
Extra Items
Shelving
Shelves are a great consideration in kitchens and are sometimes preferred to long runs of wall units. These can be made using end panels or plinths that match the same colour as the units but consiuder most painted panels are often only sprayed on one-side!
Some stone fabricators will also make shelving from the matching wood, stone or marble which can often finish off the full design of an upstand or backsplash.
All of our products are designed for you to create a new kitchen yourself. Making it easy to replace doors and other accessories.
If you would like help with your new kitchen and would like to speak to one of our online kitchen experts, please book a consultation
If you need a re-cap go back to our previous guide