A large majority of the home owners who speak to about custom cabinets generally feel that they are an appropriate investment and are better off purchasing custom cabinets instead of stock ones. Stock cabinets usually only have a few options in terms of hardware and finishes. Also, there is the general problem of custom cabinets often costing much more than ordinary stock cabinets. In this article I’ll briefly discuss these two issues so you can decide if customizing cabinets is a suitable option for you.
One of the primary arguments that people use when purchasing custom cabinets is that they offer a better look and feel than stock cabinets do. However, many people don’t realize that they can actually offer the same look and feel for less money. Custom kitchen cabinet makers are able to design cabinets to your exact specifications with your specific choices in wood and finish. The most obvious benefit to having custom cabinets is obviously that they fit in your kitchen better and complement the space rather than making it look cramped or cluttered. The cabinets also add style and flare to your kitchen and help improve its overall appearance. While you will pay more money up front to go with custom cabinets, the long-term cost savings may actually be greater than the initial purchase cost.
Another major disadvantage of purchasing custom cabinets is the level of workmanship that goes into them. When you go with a stock cabinet, everything is done by the manufacturers, which limits the options of how the cabinet is built. Because the designs and types of materials that are used are pre-fabricated, there is no room for individual customization. This includes everything from the way the doors open to the wood that is used in the construction of the shelves. If you don’t want certain features or finish on the front, for example, you simply have to compromise where you put it and don’t get anything you really want.
However, when you go with a custom cabinet maker, things are more personalized and the options are much greater. The design team can make changes to fit your specific needs and the materials can be chosen specifically to match your desired finish. You can get cabinets that are completely custom built to include all of your favorite upgrades and customization touches. You can even choose to have custom doors and finishes put on the front of your cabinets.
On the other hand, if you go with the more common types of kitchen cabinets, such as stock or face frame units, you may not get the high quality materials and attention to detail that custom cabinets offer. Because these items are mass-produced, they often come off as cheap and are not worth the extra expense. While you will pay more initially to install custom cabinets, if they last and serve you well, you’ll save money in the long run by reaping the benefits of having high-end appliances and cabinetry in your kitchen at all times.
While you’re shopping for custom kitchen cabinets, don’t assume that you won’t find good quality products. The internet is a great resource for seeing what the best companies in your area have to offer and comparing their prices. Remember to look for semi-custom units as well. These may not offer the same amount of customizable options, but they may still have everything you need, including drawers, cabinet handles and drawer slides that would otherwise be out of your reach.