Expert Answers About Cabinets and Kitchen Remodeling & Bathroom Remodeling

Planning a new kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or cabinet replacement project often comes with a lot of questions. At Countertops Unlimited in Augusta, New Jersey, we help homeowners, contractors, builders, designers, and other trade professionals understand their options and choose materials that fit their space, style, lifestyle, and budget.

From kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and laundry-room cabinetry, our goal is to make the selection and ordering process as straightforward as possible.

Countertops Unlimited has been serving customers throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania since 2001, with more than 30 years of countertop-industry experience. Visit our showroom at 755 County Route 565 in Augusta, NJ to see countertop slabs, samples, cabinets, sinks, faucets and other kitchen and bathroom options.

CABINET FAQs

Does Countertops Unlimited sell kitchen cabinets?

Yes. Countertops Unlimited offers a full selection of cabinetry for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Our expanded Augusta showroom includes cabinet displays so customers can compare styles, colors, finishes and storage options alongside countertops.

How many cabinet manufacturers do you work with?

Countertops Unlimited currently advertises cabinetry from six different manufacturers, giving customers options across different design styles and price points.

Because product lines can change, visit the showroom for the current manufacturer selection.

What types of cabinets do you offer?

Available cabinet categories and styles include options such as:

Shaker-style cabinets
Modern cabinets
Flat-panel cabinets
Traditional cabinets
MDF cabinetry
Painted cabinetry
Solid-wood cabinetry
Hardwood cabinets
Contemporary designs
Farmhouse styles
Decorative and ornate cabinetry
Ready-to-assemble cabinets
Higher-end cabinet lines

The exact selection varies by manufacturer.

Do you sell RTA cabinets?

Yes. Countertops Unlimited offers options ranging from RTA, or ready-to-assemble cabinets, to higher-end cabinetry.

This allows us to accommodate different project goals and budgets.

Do you sell bathroom cabinets and vanities?

Yes. Cabinetry is available for bathroom projects in addition to kitchens.

We can also help coordinate vanity cabinetry with granite, quartz, quartzite or other countertop materials.

Do you sell laundry-room cabinets?

Yes. Countertops Unlimited offers cabinetry suitable for laundry rooms and other storage spaces.

Can you help me choose cabinets?

Yes.

Cabinet selection involves much more than choosing a door color. Our showroom can help you evaluate layout, storage needs, cabinet style, finish and how the cabinetry coordinates with countertops and the rest of the room.

What is the difference between stock, semi-custom and custom cabinets?

The terms can vary somewhat among manufacturers, but generally:

Stock cabinetry offers predetermined sizes, styles and finishes and is often the most economical.

Semi-custom cabinetry usually provides more choices in dimensions, finishes, door styles and organizational features.

Custom cabinetry provides the greatest flexibility for unusual dimensions, personalized configurations and specialized finishes.

We can help you determine which level makes sense for your project.

Are solid-wood cabinets better than MDF cabinets?

Not automatically.

Both materials have advantages.

Solid wood offers natural grain and traditional appeal. MDF provides a smooth, stable surface and can work particularly well for painted cabinet doors.

Construction quality, finish, hardware and the way the cabinets will be used matter just as much as the material name.

What are hardwood cabinets?

Hardwood cabinetry uses wood from broad-leaf species such as maple, cherry, oak or other hardwoods.

Different wood species vary in grain, color, hardness and how they accept stains and finishes.

Are painted cabinets durable?

Quality painted cabinetry can perform very well, but painted finishes require reasonable care.

Minor expansion and contraction of wood components can sometimes make joint lines more visible over time, especially as indoor humidity changes.

What are Shaker cabinets?

Shaker cabinets feature a simple recessed-panel door design with clean lines.

Their versatility makes them suitable for traditional, farmhouse, transitional and contemporary kitchens.

What are flat-panel cabinets?

Flat-panel, or slab-style, cabinet doors have a clean, flat face without a raised or recessed center panel.

They are commonly used in modern and contemporary kitchens.

What cabinets are best for a farmhouse kitchen?

Shaker-style cabinetry is particularly popular in farmhouse and transitional kitchens, although other styles can work depending on finish, hardware, countertops and surrounding materials.

What cabinets are best for a modern kitchen?

Flat-panel doors, simple Shaker doors, streamlined hardware and clean finishes are popular choices for modern kitchens.

Should I choose cabinets or countertops first?

Cabinet layout should generally be established before final countertop measurements because the countertops are fabricated to fit the installed cabinets.

From a design standpoint, cabinets and countertops should be selected together whenever possible.

The cabinet finish, countertop, flooring, backsplash, wall color and hardware all influence one another.

Should my countertops match my cabinets?

They don't need to match—they need to coordinate.

Many successful kitchens use contrast. For example:

Dark cabinets with light countertops
White cabinets with veined quartz
Wood cabinets with warm natural stone
Gray cabinets with white or warm quartz
A contrasting island cabinet and countertop combination

What countertops look good with white cabinets?

White cabinets are extremely versatile.

Popular pairings include:

White quartz with subtle veining
Dramatic marble-look quartz
Black or dark granite
Warm granite
Natural quartzite
Gray quartz
Warm off-white surfaces

What countertops look good with wood cabinets?

Depending on the wood tone, good options can include:

Warm granite
Cream or white quartz
Soft gray quartz
Natural quartzite
Dark contrasting stone
Warm-veined surfaces

Bring a cabinet sample to our showroom so the colors can be viewed together.

What countertops work with gray cabinets?

White quartz, marble-inspired quartz, warm white countertops, quartzite and darker contrasting surfaces can all pair successfully with gray cabinetry.

The undertone of the cabinet color is important.

Should my island cabinets match my perimeter cabinets?

They can, but they don't have to.

Using a different cabinet color or countertop on the island is a popular way to create a focal point.

Can my kitchen island have a different countertop?

Yes.

Mixing countertop materials or colors can create visual interest. For example, homeowners may use quartz around the perimeter and natural stone on the island, or vice versa.

How can new cabinets improve kitchen storage?

Modern cabinet layouts can significantly improve usable storage with features such as:

Deep drawers
Pantry cabinets
Pull-out storage
Tray dividers
Waste-bin pullouts
Corner storage solutions
Drawer organizers
Roll-out shelves
Tall utility cabinets

Specific accessories depend on the cabinet manufacturer and product line.

Are drawers better than lower cabinet doors?

Deep drawers are increasingly popular for lower cabinetry because pots, pans and dishes can often be accessed more easily than in a traditional cabinet with a fixed shelf.

The best configuration depends on what you need to store.

What should I consider when designing kitchen cabinets?

Think about:

How many people use the kitchen
Cooking habits
Appliance locations
Pantry storage
Trash and recycling
Small appliances
Dish and glass storage
Pots and pans
Baking supplies
Food preparation areas
Island seating
Traffic flow
Accessibility
Future needs

Good cabinet design should improve how the room functions, not simply how it looks.

What measurements are needed for kitchen cabinets?

Initial planning usually requires:

Wall lengths
Ceiling height
Window locations and dimensions
Door locations
Plumbing
Electrical outlets and switches
Appliance locations
Ventilation
Soffits
Heating vents
Other fixed obstacles

Rough homeowner measurements can be useful during the early design process, but final dimensions should be verified before cabinetry is ordered.

Can I bring my kitchen drawings to your showroom?

Yes.

Countertops Unlimited encourages customers and contractors to bring drawings and project information so cabinet options can be reviewed and ordered.

What should I bring when shopping for cabinets?

Helpful items include:

Room measurements
Floor plan or drawings
Photos of the existing room
Appliance dimensions
Inspiration photos
Flooring sample
Paint colors
Backsplash ideas
Cabinet styles you like
Approximate budget

If you already have countertop preferences, bring those as well.

When should appliances be selected?

Major appliance dimensions should be known before the cabinet order is finalized.

Refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, ventilation systems and specialty appliances can directly affect cabinet dimensions.

How long do cabinets take to arrive?

Cabinet lead times vary according to manufacturer, product line, finish, customization and current production schedules.

Ask us for the current lead time for the cabinetry you're considering before planning demolition or installation dates.

Can cabinets be returned if they don't fit?

Cabinet return policies vary by manufacturer, and many ordered or customized cabinets have restrictions on returns.

This is why accurate measurements and a finalized layout are extremely important before placing an order.

Do cabinets need to be level before countertops are installed?

Yes.

Base cabinets should be properly installed, secured and level before countertops are templated and installed.

Heavy stone countertops depend on an appropriate, stable support structure.

Should cabinets be installed before countertops?

Yes.

For a new kitchen, cabinetry is normally installed first. The countertop fabricator then measures or templates the installed cabinets so the countertops can be manufactured to fit the finished layout.

Can countertops be measured from the cabinet plans alone?

Plans and drawings can be used for estimating, but final countertop fabrication generally requires actual onsite measurements once the cabinets are installed and ready.

Does Countertops Unlimited install cabinets?

No, Countertops Unlimited specifically offers cabinet sales. Ask us about the current scope of cabinet installation services or whether installation should be coordinated with your contractor or cabinet installer.

How should I clean kitchen cabinets?

For most cabinetry, routine cleaning should be gentle.

A soft cloth dampened with warm water is often sufficient. For grease or heavier soil, a mild solution of dish soap and water may be appropriate.

Always follow the cabinet manufacturer's care instructions for your particular finish.

Can I use bleach on kitchen cabinets?

Strong chemicals, bleach, abrasive cleaners and harsh detergents can damage many cabinet finishes.

Use products recommended by the cabinet manufacturer.

Should I use furniture polish or wax on cabinets?

Many modern cabinet manufacturers do not recommend wax or polish because residues can accumulate and create a hazy or uneven appearance.

Follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

Can moisture damage cabinets?

Yes.

Prolonged exposure to water and excessive humidity can damage wood, MDF and cabinet finishes.

Wipe spills promptly and avoid hanging wet towels over cabinet doors.

Does humidity affect wood cabinets?

Yes.

Wood naturally expands and contracts as environmental humidity changes.

Maintaining reasonably consistent indoor humidity and temperature can help reduce movement in wood cabinetry.

Can sunlight change cabinet color?

Yes.

Natural wood can change color as it ages and is exposed to sunlight. Painted, laminate and other finishes may also fade or discolor from prolonged UV exposure.

Window treatments can help reduce direct sunlight.

Can I buy both cabinets and countertops from Countertops Unlimited?

Yes.

One of the advantages of visiting Countertops Unlimited is the ability to coordinate cabinets and countertops in the same showroom.

We also display or offer complementary kitchen and bathroom products such as sinks and faucets, making it easier to coordinate the overall design.

Can you help with both kitchen and bathroom projects?

Yes.

Countertops Unlimited works with countertop and cabinet projects for kitchens, bathrooms and other areas of the home.

Can I replace countertops without replacing my cabinets?

Often, yes.

If the existing cabinets are structurally sound, properly installed and suitable for the new countertop material, new countertops may be installed without replacing the cabinetry.

The existing cabinet condition should be evaluated before proceeding.

Can I replace cabinets but keep my existing countertops?

This can be significantly more difficult, particularly with stone countertops.

Existing granite, quartz or quartzite may not survive removal intact, and replacement cabinet dimensions must match precisely. Discuss the project before assuming the countertop can be reused.

Should backsplash be selected before or after countertops?

In many projects, the countertop is selected first and the final backsplash is selected afterward.

This allows backsplash colors and patterns to coordinate with the actual countertop or natural-stone slab.

Do you work with contractors?

Yes.

Countertops Unlimited has worked with contractors and commercial countertop customers since the early years of the business.

Do you work with builders and designers?

Yes.

Commercial and trade customers can include:

Contractors
Kitchen and bathroom designers
Architects
Builders
Investors
Real-estate professionals

Do you offer contractor or commercial pricing?

Countertops Unlimited offers services and pricing programs for qualifying contractor and commercial accounts.

What areas does Countertops Unlimited serve?

Countertops Unlimited is based in Augusta, Sussex County, New Jersey, and has completed projects throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Our core regional market includes communities throughout Sussex County and neighboring areas of Morris, Warren and Passaic counties, as well as nearby portions of Pennsylvania and New York.

Customers commonly come to us from communities such as:

Augusta
Sparta
Newton
Andover
Lafayette
Vernon
Sussex
Hamburg
Franklin
Hopatcong
Byram
Branchville
Stillwater
Hackettstown
Blairstown
Rockaway
Dover
Denville
Succasunna
Lake Hopatcong
West Milford
Milford, Pennsylvania
Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania
Port Jervis, New York
Warwick, New York
Goshen, New York

Where can I find granite countertops near Sparta, NJ?

Countertops Unlimited is located nearby in Augusta, Sussex County and provides granite slab selection, custom fabrication, templating and countertop installation for customers in the Sparta area.

Where can I buy quartz countertops near Newton, NJ?

Our Augusta showroom serves Newton and surrounding Sussex County communities with engineered quartz countertops, samples, fabrication and installation.

Where can I see countertop slabs in Sussex County, NJ?

Countertops Unlimited stocks hundreds of granite and marble slabs at our showroom at 755 County Route 565 in Augusta, NJ.

Where can I find kitchen cabinets in Sussex County, NJ?

Countertops Unlimited offers kitchen, bathroom and laundry-room cabinetry from multiple manufacturers at our Augusta showroom.

Where can I find cabinets and countertops in one showroom?

Countertops Unlimited offers both cabinets and countertops in its Augusta, NJ showroom, allowing homeowners to coordinate cabinet door styles, finishes, granite slabs, quartz samples and other kitchen and bath selections in one location.

Do you serve homeowners outside Sussex County?

Yes. Countertops Unlimited has completed projects throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Do I need an appointment to visit the showroom?

You are welcome to contact us before visiting, particularly if you would like dedicated design assistance or want to discuss a specific countertop or cabinet project.

What should I bring to the showroom?

For the most productive visit, bring whatever you already have from your project, including:

Cabinet sample or door
Flooring sample
Backsplash tile
Paint colors
Kitchen or bathroom photos
Measurements
Floor plans
Contractor drawings
Appliance specifications
Sink information
Inspiration photos
Approximate budget

Don't worry if you're early in the planning process. Our showroom is also a great place to gather ideas.

Can I visit just to look at ideas?

Absolutely.

You don't need to have every decision made before visiting. Seeing full slabs, quartz samples and cabinet displays can make it much easier to determine which direction you want to take.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Every kitchen, bathroom and countertop project is different. If you have a question about granite countertops, quartz countertops, quartzite, engineered stone, countertop fabrication, countertop installation, kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinetry, countertop remnants or kitchen and bath design, contact Countertops Unlimited or visit our Augusta showroom.

Countertops Unlimited
755 County Route 565
Augusta, NJ 07822
Phone: 973-875-0033

Free estimates are available.