Designing your dream kitchen is exciting! It comes with customizing everything that represents your taste and lifestyle. Cabinets are no exception. It should be well-suited to your kitchen’s decor and suit your daily needs. When selecting Cabinets in Orlando, Florida, most homeowners face issues choosing the ideal material and finishes.
As a trusted Kitchen Cabinet Company in Orlando, FL, we at Personal Touch Contracting LLC understand the need for selecting the best materials and designs for kitchen cabinets. It is especially important for Florida’s unique weather.
So, let’s compare the three most popular styles— shaker, slab (flat‑panel), and raised panel. This guide will help you decide which best fits your home.
Understanding the Three Kitchen Cabinet Styles
In most U.S. households, three kitchen cabinet styles are common. These are shaker, slab (flat‑panel), and raised panel. Getting a close look at these kitchen cabinet styles will enable you to make informed choices:
- Shaker Style
Shaker cabinets are simple ones with clean lines. These cabinets include a flat center panel that is surrounded by a rail-and-stile frame, often with 5-piece construction. These cabinets offer a versatile look and can be used for any modern or traditional-looking kitchen. This style is especially popular in Orlando’s kitchen market thanks to its timeless appeal.
- Slab (Flat‑Panel) Style
If you prefer a minimalist cabinet style, these cabinets are a good-to-go option. These cabinets consist of a flat, unadorned door face with no frame or panel detail. These cabinets will offer your kitchen a smooth and clean look.
- Raised Panel Style
For those who want to get a kitchen with a decorative look, these raised panel ones are the most suitable. These cabinets have a center panel that is slightly elevated above the surrounding frame. This is a classic style often seen in more formal or craftsman kitchens.
How Each Style Can Work in Orlando’s Environment
Orlando experiences high humidity, tropical storms, and wide temperature variation. Therefore, the choice of the ideal cabinet materials is not only about the looks, but they are also essential for maintenance and performance.
- The cabinets should be ideal for high-humidity regions: Raised panels and framed styles ensure maximum structural stability. In these cabinets, there is a central panel that slightly expands without warping. Slab doors are more susceptible to expansion or contraction unless well-constructed with quality materials.
- Ease of cleaning & maintenance: The Florida climate is extremely humid, causing mold in the corners. Therefore, slab cabinets are the best fit for the kitchens here. Shaker-style cabinets can also be preferred sometimes. Raised-style cabinets are a big no-no as these collect dust and grease more easily, requiring more maintenance.
- Visual balance in Florida homes: Transitional or Mediterranean architectural styles are common in Orlando homes. Shaker-style cabinets can be a good option that offers clean lines without being too stark, fitting well in diverse home styles. You can choose raised panels for homes with more classical or ornate styles. Slab is ideal for ultra-modern homes with minimalist interiors.
- Cost & complexity in designs: Slab doors can be easily manufactured, and therefore, they come at a comparatively lower cost. Shaker is moderately priced and widely available. Raised panel, with its decorative shaping, trim, and detailing, tends to demand higher craftsmanship and therefore higher cost.
Pros & Cons: Shaker, Slab, Raised Panel
| Style | Pros | Cons | Ideal Use in Orlando |
| Shaker | Timeless, works with multiple styles, moderate cost, forgiving design | Less “statement” than raised styles | Great for most Orlando homes wanting a modern-traditional blend |
| Slab | Ultra-minimal, easiest to clean, sleek | Can feel cold or stark, demands perfect finish & alignment | Best for modern or minimalist kitchens in new-construction homes |
| Raised Panel | Elegant, decorative appeal, traditional charm | More detailed maintenance, higher cost | Ideal for classic, formal, or upscale kitchens in historic or luxury homes |
Tips for Choosing the Right Cabinet Style
- Consider your home’s architecture
Your home’s architecture will greatly influence the cabinet designs. For example, raised panels or shaker styles will be a great fit for Mediterranean, Spanish, or traditional style homes. On the other hand, a slab (flat-panel) can be a bold, fitting choice for modern and contemporary homes.
- Climate factors
The Florida climate is extremely humid, causing the cabinet material to warp or swell. Therefore, you should choose materials that can resist such weather issues. For example, use engineered plywood or stable-core construction, especially for slab doors.
- Mix styles when appropriate
Mixing styles can also be a good option for elevating your kitchen’s look. For example, you can prefer lab doors for upper cabinets and shaker or raised panel for base units or accent areas.
- Choose durable finishes
Use durable finishes like UV-cured polyurethane, as these can resist Florida’s humid climate. It won’t warp or be damaged in such weather. Light or medium tones often perform better in Florida sunlight.
- Get professional help
If you are unsure about choosing the right material, getting professional help is crucial. They can guide you on the selection of the right materials, finishes, and designs. Personal Touch Contracting LLC, for example, custom-fits cabinets to ensure doors align properly even as humidity fluctuates.
Why Your Choice Matters
Cabinet doors are the high-visibility elements in any kitchen, and therefore should not be overlooked. You should consider the durability, use, and practicality of these materials so that the cabinets remain functional for a long time.
Ready to Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinets in Orlando, FL?
We at Personal Touch Contracting LLC are your local experts in Cabinets, Orlando, Florida. We are here to help you make the right choice and get personalized assistance in choosing the right cabinet material. From design to installation, we provide personalized service that transforms kitchens into functional, beautiful spaces.
Call us for a free consultation and explore our custom cabinet solutions tailored for Florida living.
FAQs
- What is the most popular kitchen cabinet style in Orlando?
Shaker-style cabinets are the most popular cabinets for the region. These cabinets offer a timeless appeal and ensure compatibility in any home design.
- Should I choose slab cabinets? Are these durable for Florida’s climate?
Yes, these cabinets can be ideal for Florida’s humid weather. However, you should make sure these are built from quality materials and sealed finishes.
- Which cabinet styles require minimum maintenance?
Slab cabinets require minimal maintenance. These have smooth and flat surfaces that resist dust and moisture buildup.
- Should I prefer raised cabinets for modern homes?
Raised cabinets suit traditional and formal kitchens. These are often not considered ideal for modern houses that have minimalist designs.