Custom Cabinets are they worth it?
I Goggled “custom cabinet definition’ and this is what came up first:
“(Custom Cabinetry) This offers the most options for style and design. With custom cabinets you’ll multiple choices for wood type, shape, size, glaze, finish, hardware, frame style and more. This is the most expensive option when it comes to cabinetry.” http://www.cabinets-match.com/
There has to be more to custom cabinets than just whats in that definition. I always get asked: “what makes your cabinets different from what I can buy at the big box stores?” My response in most cases is that, ” I make your cabinets from scratch to your specific size and color option.”
Well if you have been to any of the big box stores lately, you have seen that they offer many different colors, wood types,shapes, sizes and finishes too. It truthfully is getting harder to differentiate from the large national cabinet manufactures. The small shop owner is not the only one to offer special glazes and crackle finishes. The large cabinet manufactures want in to the Custom Cabinet crowd.
So what is a Custom Cabinet and why Should I choose Custom Cabinets for my kitchen?
- Custom means that the cabinet is built to the clients specifications.
- Custom means you are designing and building to suit a specific situation.
- Dealing with a cabinetmaker who offers any size, shape, or color you want.
- Choosing your specific hardware in example, hinges, soft-closing tracks, lights, accessories, ect.
- Custom cabinets might mean your dealing with a designer.
But what about price difference with custom cabinetry?
That is a question which only you can answer. If you choose a quality cabinet-maker you will have many perks.
- Some have an in-house designer. This is an option that only quality cabinet shops offer. A designer will listen to all of your requests and come up with a functional floor plan that will surpass your expectation. Also this saves you the expense of hiring a professional designer, which can be very costly.
- The flexibility to alter any detail that you choose. The standard big box store does offer many different options, but all those options tend to cost an arm and a leg. While a custom cabinet-maker is willing to work with you and not hit you with every upgrade. At my shop I look at every customer as a long-term relationship. I am sure that if you get all that you ask for and some more, you will recommend me to all of your friends and relatives.
- The option of seeing the progress of your project as it comes along. Since most custom cabinet shops are local you will be able to interact with the shop. Possibly change the finish, delivery date, add an upgrade if you think of it after you purchase.
- Most small shops tend to use better quality materials, such as Domestic Plywood for the box construction. High quality hardware, Blum or Grass. We do this to save us in the long run. No true custom cabinet-maker wants to have to replace a defective track, and this is why most tend to offer their customers better quality as a Standard and not an upgrade.
These are just a few different thing that you should take into consideration before just looking at the price. I’m sure that most cabinet makers will agree that custom making a kitchen, bathroom or entertainment center is not the most expensive way to go.
Custom cabinets are made specifically for YOU
Custom cabinets are made to order for a specific kitchen in the same way a custom motorcycle is made for a specific customer. The cabinets can be manufactured deeper to fit the as many components that you will place in it, like larger cooking utensils, dishes and other cooking supplies. The wait for custom cabinets may vary up to 12 weeks, depending on how busy the cabinet-maker is. Though custom cabinets do have a higher price tag they are definitely worth the wait, since they can last many years. Homeowners and their cabinet designers must pay close attention to these key decisions:
- Specialized inserts—whether spice racks, tray slots or knife racks–are made to fit custom cabinets snugly rather than have to be purchased as an add-on that might sit loosely inside the cabinet or drawer. The better designs also reflect better detailing, construction, and are powder or chrome coated so they wear well for a longer term.
- Styles, from Shaker to raised panel with applied molding and modern flat fronts. Add a Tuscan look or sleek Modern with contemporary cabinets. Or maybe your into Traditional Cabinetry, and like lots of details such as corbels, beaded paneling and ornate crown molding. With custom cabinets the styles are endless.
- Finishes vary from natural woods and stained woods. Glass inserts, distressed or solid paint colors. When using solid paint or a lacquer finish is selected, many more coats are applied, such as a two coats of primer and several top coats. Many cabinets come with a finished interior, UV coated maple plywood is standard for the cabinet boxes.
With Custom cabinets price should not be the only determining factor. Obviously everyone has a budget and no one wants to blow it away. So do your research, see if you can get all the same options in a big box store that a custom cabinet-maker can offer. Always get many quotes before starting any project. One thing is definite, Custom doesn’t translate to Quality. Check references look for reviews online. Not every cabinet-maker is the same and not always is the most expensive the best option.
Is it worth spending the extra money on custom cabinets? I would say yes it is, but only if you do your research and choose the right cabinet-maker. Quality cabinetry lasts for decades, and if you are looking to spend your money wisely on something that will last, they are the best choice. With so many options out there you might feel overwhelmed, but if you found this article you now know the few major differences in-between custom and stock cabinets. Go out there and visit a few local cabinet makers many offer no obligation estimates. I’m sure you will be surprised with what you will encounter. If you are in South Florida feel free to contact us and we will help you in determining the best custom cabinets for your South Florida Home.
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