In Stock Kitchens Testimonials

Posted on September 2, 2010 by RTA Cabinets Expert

I love my new kitchen. My neighbor thinks I paid over $10,000 for it.

D. Dallas, TX

Nice kitchen, great customer service. I received my kitchen in 1 week. Wow!

Helen W. New York, NY

Great Kitchen! I’m so happy with it.

Silman H. Los Angeles,

Thank you for my quality kitchen. Easy to assemble.

Bill C. Atlanta, GA

A++!!! My kitchen from In Stock Kitchen’s is gorgeous!

Robert L. Tucson, AZ

We like the cabinet… seems as good as any for the money, or better

Mike C. Ventura, IA

You exceeded my expectations. I really like your product… A special thanks to Avi for doing what was right.

Roy G. Honolulu, HI

We were surfing the web and we came across instockkitchens.com It was unbelievable from price to customer service. It just was headache free…

A. L. Boston, MA

The RTA cabinets are awesome…

Rick San Francisco, CA

Hi, it’s me, your favorite customer Ana!!!! The cabinets look amazing!!I am very happy with it!

Ana Ocean County, NJ

Just want to let you know that the cabinets are in and they are absolutely gorgeous.  We totally love them! Thanks again for all your help.

Jen and Coco Philadelphia, PA

I received the cabinets last week. We built them this weekend and they look terrific!

Tony F. Pompano Beach, FL

Thank you In Stock Kitchens for the prompt customer service and for making things right.

Dave & Sue W. Fort Fairfield, ME

I received my kitchen cabinets yesterday. They are beautiful, I love them! I can’t wait to hang them. Thanks

Rebecca M. Plainfield, New Jersey

Your staff was most helpful and a pleasure to deal with. Your cabinets are not only well constructed but look great!!Thanks.

Ren P. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I have recently purchased sturbridge cabinets from you and absolutely love them…

Jon A. Miami, Florida

We received our cabinets and are very impressed with them. They are well constructed and were fairly easy to assemble.

Robby and Deanah D. Van Buren, Arkansas

The cabinets are beautiful. We will be purchasing a few more kitchens in the future.

Sean L. Topeka, Kansas

I will recommend this store to everyone I know because of the high quality of your cabinets and cheaper prices.

R. and S. Louisville, Kentucky

I recommended your kitchens to two friends and relatives already.

Jacob W., Connecticut

Very nice kitchen cabinets. Great price.

Bruce, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Esther was very helpful and knowledgeable about her product. Great customer service and follow up… Thank you for all your hard work. The kitchen is perfect.

Aaron R. Baltimore, Maryland

Cabinets are of the highest quality.

Michael W. Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Comparing Countertop Materials

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Kitchen Cabinet Designer

Kitchen countertops can be made of many different types of materials, from natural stone such as granite and marble to a synthetic composite such as solid surface. There are a number of factors to be taken into account such as cost, color choices, maintenance and durability. In order to be able to clearly stress the benefits of each type of material, we have put together a comparison table of the most common countertop materials. (Although the information is based on the natural characteristics of the materials listed, always check with the manufacturer for special instructions in order to maintain your countertop properly.)

  Granite Marble Quartz Solid Surface Ceramic Tile Soapstone Concrete Laminate
Requires Sealing Y Y N N Y Y (mineral oil) Y N
Scratch Resistant **** * **** ** **** N *** *
Stain Resistant *** ** *** ** *** **** ** N
Heat Resistant **** ** **** *** *** *** * *
Seam Visibility Y Y Y N N/A N Y Y
Repairable N N Y Y Y Y N N
Nonporous N N Y Y Y Y Y (when sealed) N
Price $$$ $$$$ $$$ $$ N/A $$$$ $$$ $
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Backsplash Ideas

Posted on August 16, 2010 by Kitchen Cabinet Designer

Fairly new to the kitchen trend is a decorative backsplash. It used to be that everyone had a 4” high backsplash between the range and hood above it. Its main purpose was to prevent the wall behind the range from getting dirty and greasy. Although its purpose has not changed, it is now becoming a focal point in many kitchens. A backsplash now does not only specify the area above the range but the area between the countertop and wall cabinets, and sometimes going straight to the ceiling. It can be designed to blend in with the kitchen or as a wow factor to the space. A decorative backsplash is a good idea especially in a small kitchen where it is hard to add a focal point without it being overwhelming.

For those who would like to blend it in to the kitchen design they can use a simple tile that matches their cabinetry or countertop. Another option is to use the countertop material for the backsplash as well.

For those that are staying neutral for the rest of the kitchen fixtures, why not go with a focal point backsplash? Glass subway tiles are extremely popular due to their unique size and variety of color options. Ceramic tiles are classic and can be dressed up with decorative tiles, borders and murals. There are endless options so be creative!

It is important to research each type of material and see what will work best for you.

MATERIAL PROS CONS
Granite Backsplash Timeless, easy maintenance, variety of color choices, matches all kitchen styles Recommend to be resealed twice a year to protect from moisture, can crack due to improper installation
Marble Backsplash

 Timeless, beautiful, easy maintenance Porous-absorbs grease and dirt easily, can scratch
Tile Backsplash Many color options, texture types and designs, easy installation Grout needs to be cleaned often to keep it looking clean
Mosaic Tile Backsplash Focal point, versatile to any design Higher labor costs, grout needs to be cleaned often
Stainless Steel Backsplash Cleans easily, durable, no grouting necessary Gives off a cold aura, can dent, dirt shows easily
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Choosing Paint for the Kitchen

Posted on August 16, 2010 by Kitchen Cabinet Designer

Because a kitchen has many different colors and textures, choosing a paint color can get very tricky. The biggest question is what to match the paint to; the flooring or cabinets, countertop or backsplash? The key is to choose a color that will bring harmony to the kitchen.

Before choosing paint decide what look you would like to achieve in your kitchen. Are you looking for trendy or classic? Calming or stimulating? A neutral or a color that will pop? Due to the enormous and overwhelming amount of paint colors available, paint stores sell small sample cans that you can take home and see if it will match your design. You can either paint them all on the wall or paint each color on its own canvas. If you do the latter you will be able to take them around with you when shopping for flooring, tiles etc. It will also allow you to see each color by itself. Once you have selected all the “maybes” it is time to narrow them down to 3 or 4 choices.  You should look at the final selection colors during the daytime and nighttime and see which one stands out at you the most.

For those looking to spruce up their home for resale, the kitchen is the first place to consider renovating. If the kitchen is in good condition it may only need a paint job. Consider using neutrals such as sandy brown, taupe or green. They are all timeless and classic colors. Although the current trend may dictate more bold colors it is best to stay away from them when looking to resell. Although it may attract some it may scare off serious and potential home buyers.

Remember, when choosing paint is is always recommended to go with your gut instinct because it is something that can easily be changed if you don’t like it.

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Built-in Refrigerator

Posted on August 15, 2010 by Kitchen Cabinet Designer

One of the newest fads is to give the refrigerator a built-in look. Hiding the sides of the refrigerator gives the kitchen an overall cleaner and neater appearance.  Instock  RTA Kitchens has a variety of options to accomplish this. You can consider surrounding the refrigerator with pantry cabinets and a cabinet above it. If you do not have room for two sides of pantries you can use a refrigerator panel which is 1 ½” wide to cover the side/s and a cabinet above it. If one side of the refrigerator is against the wall you can simply put a tall filler to close the gap with a pantry or panel to finish off the other side.

Check out InstockKitchens.com and see how you can create the perfect built-in refrigerator to fit your kitchen.

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Creating a Makeshift Kitchen

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Kitchen Cabinet Designer

Once your kitchen is completely gutted you will have to create a temporary kitchen. A makeshift food station will need to be setup as well has an eating area. Very likely you will be using your bathroom or laundry room sink to wash dishes so it will need to be setup as well.

The first step is to choose a place to convert. It should preferably be near the bathroom sink. If it is too far from your “kitchen”, it is important to keep a basin to put in the dirty dishes and only make one trip to wash them. Also having an electrical outlet nearby is needed in order to plug in a small appliance. Toasters, microwaves, George Formans and sandwich makers will become your new best friends during the remodel project. They are small enough to be moved when space is needed yet they enable you to cook just about anything, from scrambled eggs to a juicy steak. For those that keep a mini-fridge at work, now is the time to bring it home and put it to good use. Being able to conveniently store milk and eggs near the cooking area makes a big difference to those preparing the meals. Proper placement is important as not to damage carpeting in case of a leak.

The next important point is to set aside a place setting of cutlery, plate and cup for each person and cooking utensils. It is always good to purchase plastic tableware for those hectic days. Depending on the length of the remodel project plastic utensils can get costly, especially if a new spoon is used every time your coffee needs a stir. It is therefore advisable to use it sparingly and only when needed.

Lastly, keeping the area neat and clean is crucial to keep a clear head. When people are in an unorganized mess, (yes, there is such as thing as an organized mess!), they tend to get frazzled and irritated. This therefore prevents food from getting prepared in a timely manner. Having a specified area for the appliances, cutlery, spatula, mixing spoon etc. will help the make-shift kitchen run smoothly and efficiently. If there’s enough room, it is a good idea to keep an old kitchen cabinet for storage.

By following these steps you are bound to have a more pleasant remodeling experience.

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Creating a Budget Plan

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Kitchen Cabinet Designer

Before beginning your remodeling project it is important to come up with a budget plan. The cost of a kitchen remodel depends on various factors; whether you will be purchasing all new appliances, flooring, millwork etc., or if you will be keeping some of the existing design and architecture. The average cost for a mid-range kitchen remodel is $50,860-$59,716 and an upscale remodel can be a whopping $100,000. These numbers are scary enough to dissuade anyone from gutting their kitchen. In actuality a savvy customer, with careful budgeting and planning, can do the remodel for less.

Tips to help you Budget your Remodeling Project:

Speak to a Professional

Before making any large purchases or decisions it is advisable to run it by someone in the trade, be it a designer or plumber, and get their professional opinion and advice on the matter. Moving pipes and gas lines may seem simple to a homeowner but not so to the tradesman doing the job. It is everyone’s nightmare to have to return and reorder especially on a large item such as cabinetry or appliances. It is even more frustrating for those that are on a tight schedule. By asking a professional beforehand, you are saving yourself a headache, time and money.

Invest in Functionality and Quality

There are many decorative and cool features that are available on appliances, faucets and cabinetry. Rule number one is to first look for functionality and quality. Always look for what you need first before looking at the extras.

Although you may be able to find beautiful cabinets including many decorative features; if it is not superior craftsmanship, it will not pay off in the long run. The same holds true for appliances and plumbing fixtures. If the product is all about aesthetics, without quality, the poor quality will eventually catch up causing the fixture to be replaced it within a few years. All those in a remodeling project can tell you that it is a once in a lifetime experience; it is not something that anyone wants to go through again!

Aesthetics

When creating a budget it is important to lay out all the added enhancing features, such as a decorative backsplash and cabinet moldings, and decide which are most important to you. Remember that you will forget about most of those features that were out of your budget once your kitchen is fully installed.

The Price Breakdown

Pricing will all depend on what style and color you choose. Some choices will be a matter of aesthetics only while others selections to make will be on quality.

A major aesthetic choice is choosing the finish of appliances; stainless steel over black or white. When it comes to faucets there are also numerous finishes to choose from. Chrome is always the cheapest finish but is most durable and easiest to clean than a nicer upgraded finish.

Examples on quality are very apparent when it comes to kitchen cabinets. Solid wood cabinets will, understandably, cost more than particleboard or MDF (medium density fiber) cabinetry. Full-extension under-mount glides and epoxy or even stainless side glide side-mounts will vary pricewise as well.
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Instock Kitchens Welcomes Skibrite (White Thermofoil)

Posted on August 4, 2010 by All Wood Cabinets Expert

We would like to welcome the Skibrite product line to the Instock Kitchen Family.


30% OFF New Skibrite Collection Thermofoil Cabinets

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The Benefits of Purchasing Cabinets Online

Posted on August 3, 2010 by Kitchen Cabinet Designer

Time. In today’s world people simply don’t have time to go around to different showrooms. Because there is less time many people, whether they like it or not, depend on the convenience of the internet to make important and large purchases. Insurance, flooring and even groceries are just a few significant things that can be acquired via the internet. When it comes to purchasing cabinets for your home it is no different; many people are now turning to the internet to purchase. When it comes to home fixtures it is harder because you cannot touch the product and see if the finish will work for you. Why then are many purchasing online?

The simplest answer is price. Online showrooms have better pricing on cabinets without compromising on quality. The reason for this is because either they do not have the expense of a showroom or between their actual showroom and online showroom they generate enough sales to be able to heavily discount their cabinets. Many online showrooms offer color and wood samples for a minimal fee that is usually applied to your order. The sample idea is good so that you know exactly what you are getting.

Another benefit is the convenience. Shopping for cabinets does not have to be a whole day trip. With the internet it can be done in the comfort of your own home on your own time. No more taking vacation days to shop for kitchen cabinets; save them for the vacation that you will need once you are done your kitchen remodel!

Shopping online can be daunting but once you start it becomes very difficult to stop! Between the convenience, price difference and comparable quality there’s no reason not to.

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Planning a Kitchen Island

Posted on August 3, 2010 by Kitchen Cabinet Designer

It is not untypical for homeowners remodeling their kitchen to request an island. While an island is certainly useful and can be made the focal point of any kitchen, it is important to realize that it is not necessary. If there is not enough space for an island the kitchen will be claustrophobic and cramped resulting in a poorly designed and non-functioning kitchen. With that said, it is important to first measure the space and see if it will fit. If there is ample space the next step is to figure out what is the largest size that can be designed. At this point you can get creative as to what shape you’d like. If you want a seating area around the island you will want to maximize the seating room. Other popular ideas for an island include having a bar/veggie sink or cooktop on it.

Some Important Island Tips:

  • There should be a minimum of 36” pass through on one side of the island.
  • It is recommended to have 42” space between the island and one side of the cabinets for one cook and 48” for two cooks.
  • If there will be a raised bar top, support will be needed, i.e. corbels, support wall.
  • Molding, such as scribe molding, quarter round molding or a furniture base molding, is recommended to finish off the bottom of the island’s back panel to prevent it from ruining.
  • Outside molding is needed to finish off the back corners of the island; where the side of the cabinet and back panel meet.
  • If outlets will be installed on the island, be sure that all necessary electrical work is done prior to installing the island.
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