A matt lacquer kitchen is relatively easy to get re-painted on site in a completely different colour if you want to change the look in a few years' time

You've decided on the style and design, but what's your chosen kitchen made from? Does it represent value for money, and will it last? But before we explore the different types of kitchen cabinets, here are some general points to bear in mind:

  • Comprising door fronts and carcases, cupboards are assembled in two forms: flat-front (doors cover the face of the cabinet) and in-frame, where they sit within a casing.
  • Depending on the material used, and the price of the kitchen, doors vary in thickness. Foil will generally be thinner, while timber is more substantial.
  • Cabinets that aren't constructed using solid materials should have complete edging, so water or spills can't penetrate to the core below.
  • A carcass is usually between 16 and 19mm thick, so it's stable without being too bulky, and made from chipboard, plywood or MDF.

Pictured: Schiffini's G.One kitchen in matt white lacquer has carcasses in anodised aluminium. Kitchens start from £25,000, available at DesignSpaceLondon