Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Original article by JWP Incorporated, reprinted with permission.Cabinets are similar to cars or fashion in that they follow trends. Depending on the local style, functionality can often vary. Trends are important to watch, but be wary. A trend can come and go, but choosing the right custom kitchen cabinets for your home means finding a style that will last for many years.
When choosing the type of cabinet you want for your home, it is important to understand your options. What type of wood do you want? Do you want stock cabinets, or should you choose custom or semi-custom cabinets? Answering these questions will allow you to make the best purchase possible. Cabinets, no matter what design they utilize, are constructed using one of two methods. They are either faceless or face-frame.
The vast majority of custom kitchen cabinets constructed in the United States are face-framed cabinets. They have a frame on the front which is made out of a hardwood. This hardwood frame covers the edge of a piece of particleboard or plywood. This design makes the cabinet sturdy and allows hinges to be easily attached. Plywood backs can also be used without the need for a top on some cabinets.
Frameless cabinets can be commonly found in Europe. They resemble a box, and all sides of these cabinets are constructed using either particleboard or plywood. They may also be covered with a plastic laminate. The front edges of these cabinets are covered with laminate as well, and this matches the laminate found on the surface of the panel. The doors on these types of cabinets typically cover the entire cabinet. Most holes are drilled at 32 mm intervals along the sides of the panel. The hinges and pegs are then placed in these holes. This can easily be modified to suit the needs of the owner.
Not all custom kitchen cabinets are the same, and you will want to purchase cabinets which will meet the needs of you and your family. Before you go out shopping for them it is important to know what you want and need. While custom cabinets can be made to your exact specifications, stock cabinets are constructed before they are ordered. They are held in storage before being shipped to stores or shops who will then sell them to buyers.
Custom cabinets are the most expensive because they are often built by skilled carpenters who specialize in constructing them. They will put a lot of time and effort into designing your cabinet, and this is why they are so costly. It can often take between 6 and 12 weeks before you receive them. For those who want the ultimate in quality, the time and price is worth it. The speed of delivery and price are the most powerful advantages offered by stock cabinets.
Because they are mass produced, the prices for them are substantially lower. While custom cabinets can cost up to $1200 per foot, stock cabinets can cost as low as $75 per foot. It typically takes less than three weeks for stock cabinets to be delivered to you. If you are a real estate investor who plans on fixing up a home and reselling it for a profit, stock cabinets are a wise choice for you. However, if you are a homeowner who plans on living at your residence for many years, custom cabinets would be a better choice.
With some manufacturers you will find that there isn’t much of a difference between stock and custom kitchen cabinets. Some larger companies which offer custom cabinets are now also offering stock cabinets which have as many as 2000 options or more. These stock cabinets can then be modified to suit the needs of customers. The finishes and sizes can be altered, and the initial 2000 options now becomes an almost unlimited number of combinations.
This has dramatically lowered the prices of quality cabinets. Many small furniture shops have begun buying parts for cabinets and then customizing them. Most stock sized cabinets will fit your kitchen without problems. Most large companies offer cabinets which are between 9 to 48 inches. Even if your kitchen is very unique and has special needs, you may find that stock cabinets will work fine. It is important to shop around and ask questions.
Many manufacturers offer a variety of finishes for cabinets as well as sizes. Some companies offer more door styles for cabinets rather than the actual cabinets themselves. Some doors may use contemporary styles while others may use a more traditional style. Woods which are commonly used in cabinet construction are cherry and oak. Many dealers have begun selling a few box types while offering a large variety of door styles.
Some companies who manufacture cabinets will offer to make slight modifications for an additional cost. They can increase or decrease the depth of them, or they can install wine racks or shelves. This can allow customers to customize their cabinets for a relatively low cost. If you find that a company will not make certain modifications, it would then by a good idea to look into custom cabinets.
Another advantage of stock cabinets is that you can look at them before making a purchase. You may not get this opportunity when dealing with custom cabinets. Companies which mass produce cabinets tend to be very consistent. Because of this their cabinets generally have an excellent quality. The machines used by stock cabinet companies are often much more superior than those used with smaller shops.
If you plan on living in your home for a long time, and don’t mind spending large amounts of money, custom cabinets would probably be the best choice. However, if you only plan on living in the home for a short time, or you are an investor who plans on fixing up and selling the home, stock cabinets are the fastest and cheapest option available. These are things you should consider before going to to look at them. They are an important part of your home, and you will want to make sure you get the best deal possible.
