Custom Kitchen Cabinets can be a solid choice for your kitchen remodel. They tend to offer more design options, are often locally made and will adapt to unexpected remodeling snafus that occur during renovations.
Look for quality drawer construction and solid wood face frames instead of veneered particleboard. Also make sure shelves are well-spaced to hold tall items like vases and pitchers.
Customization
Stock cabinets typically come in a limited selection of colors, finishes and wood species. If you want to create a truly unique look, you’ll need to go with a semi-custom or custom cabinet line.
With these options, you can have a vast array of finish enhancements like rub through enhancements and hand-applied glazes. You can also choose a wider range of door styles and varying stiles for your cabinetry.
Semi-custom and custom cabinet manufacturers offer a much higher degree of customization, but still within the confines of their pre-set catalogue. Modifications might include changing cabinet depth (up to 1/8-inch increments), finished interiors, beadboard ends or mullion doors and storage units for mud room or laundry rooms. These options are often less expensive than completely custom cabinetry.
Durability
When shopping for cabinets, it’s important to consider the durability of your options. You don’t want to invest in an expensive cabinet design only to find that it scratches, stains, or warps easily.
Durability in kitchen cabinets comes down to the material used for the frames and doors. Solid wood is often considered the most durable option. It’s strong enough to handle the weight of heavy countertops and resists moisture damage better than particle board, which is vulnerable to warping or swelling.
Many bespoke cabinet makers also choose to work with tulipwood, a hardy hardwood that holds up well to paint and withstands the elements. For painted cabinets, light colors tend to stand the test of time better than dark hues, which can show stains and marks more readily. The finish is also a critical factor in determining how durable a kitchen cabinet is.
Style
Cabinets are one of the biggest investments homeowners make in a kitchen remodel. Investing in high-quality cabinets ensures the beauty and functionality of the space for the entire period that the home owner owns it.
Stock cabinets can be high-quality, but they do not offer as many design options as custom cabinetry. If you choose to purchase stock cabinets, be sure to shop around and compare prices. Saving money upfront isn’t always worth paying a premium in repairs and replacement costs later on.
Custom cabinets are a true customization option, allowing the homeowner to choose every element of their cabinetry. They can be crafted to make use of all areas of the room and accommodate any unique requirements of the home.
Modifications to cabinetry can include up to 1/8-inch incremental adjustments in cabinet box sizes, finished interiors, beadboard ends or interiors and glass-ready open-front or mullion doors. A knowledgeable kitchen designer will consider all the details of a project to ensure proper cabinet placement and to avoid any issues with existing or anticipated obstacles like duct work, electrical and plumbing, beams, wall supports, doors or windows.
Storage
Optimal storage is at the heart of every functional kitchen. It makes cooking & cleaning easier & faster while keeping supplies organized & within easy reach. Cabinets are a big part of this & they’re available with many features including turntables, fold-out racks of food storage & even drawers for dishes, pots & pans.
Investing in new cabinets is a major project. A reputable remodeler will work with you to select the best options to suit your style, home & lifestyle. They’ll also help you understand the differences in costs between stock, semi-custom & custom cabinets.
High-quality cabinets should look stunning & provide durable, easy-to-use storage for twenty or thirty years. Lower-quality cabinets can suffer from sagging, crooked doors, warped boxes & other issues that require costly repairs or replacements. When shopping for cabinets, choose a brand that offers the customization options you want & doesn’t skimp on quality. This will ensure that you get the best value for your remodeling dollars.