Choosing Custom Cabinetry for the Kitchen of your Dreams

Understanding Custom Cabinetry

(ARA) - Kitchen cabinets are the most visible and used part of any kitchen. They represent your largest kitchen investment and are probably the most confusing of all the decisions you'll make for a new kitchen. So, before you take the leap, do your homework.

"Keep a file with pictures from magazines of designs and features you like, go to showrooms and talk to certified kitchen designers. The more you know, the easier the decisions will be," says Vince Achey, vice president of sales and marketing for Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry.

Once you've done your homework and know what you want, or even if you aren't sure, consult a certified kitchen designer. Choose a designer you are comfortable with because you're going to spend a lot of time together. Don't be afraid to ask for references and then call them. Get to know them and let them get to know you. The more they know about your family and your lifestyle -- how you entertain, whether you eat in the kitchen, even if you are right or left handed -- the more they can suggest options to enhance your space.

There are three categories of cabinetry: stock, semi-custom and custom. It is important to know the differences, the advantages and disadvantages of each before you begin shopping.

Custom cabinetry is made to order. The cabinetry fits your space and your taste. Each cabinet is made to your specifications, one at a time, when your order is placed. Unlike stock and semi-custom, nothing is pre-made or warehoused.

"The biggest benefit of custom cabinetry is that it is yours. The space is designed and built especially for you -- the options are only limited by your wants and wishes," said Achey.

Stock cabinets are mass produced, pre-assembled, and warehoused prior to purchase. They are essentially "off the shelf" and are made in a limited number of designs and finishes. Sizes are generally restricted to a range of standard industry sizes beginning at 9 inches and increasing by 3-inch intervals up to the maximum 48 inches. So, if your dimensions fall outside of the 3-inch increments there will be gaps. Filler strips are used to close these gaps usually between the cabinet and an appliance or wall. The more fillers needed, the more wasted space you'll have. Semi-custom cabinetry also follows the industry size format and uses fillers or trim to close gaps.

There are no standard sizes or filler pieces in custom cabinetry. Cabinet depth, height and width can be adjusted to fit corners or unusual spaces. Instead of using fillers to address gaps or 'dead space', custom cabinetry can turn that space into a unique storage solution or display area.

Cabinet drawers and doors will be opened and closed many times a day so construction, materials and finishes are an important part of your cabinetry decisions. Cabinets should have solid frames, door and drawer fronts, reinforced corners and closed backs.

The most common stock cabinets are usually made of engineered wood with a melamine finish. Semi-custom cabinetry offers more options and is typically constructed of engineered wood or plywood with solid wood doors or faces. The materials and workmanship tends to be higher quality than that of stock cabinetry.

Custom cabinetry construction, materials and finishes are usually superior to that of stock and semi-custom. The drawer fronts, doors and face frames are generally solid wood. At Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, each cabinet is hand-built with your choice of two methods: framed, mortise and tenon construction with dovetail drawers or full access (frameless) dowel construction, called Medley, also with dovetail drawers. Most custom manufacturers offer your choice of hand-selected wood, reclaimed wood or exotic woods in addition to standard wood species choices.

Custom cabinet makers can match the paint or finish of another piece of furniture, a piece of cloth or even the color of your favorite serving platter from Aunt Betty. While stock and semi-custom makers only offer a set number of factory finishes.

Though stock can be the least expensive, it offers the least flexibility and options. Semi-custom cabinets are generally more expensive than stock cabinets but there are more options in finishes, door styles and design features.

Custom cabinetry is usually the most expensive, but not always. If cabinet width is the only issue, not style, wood species or finish, a custom unit can be built to specs using engineered wood, which costs much less than solid wood and still allows for a custom fit. Also, the number of design features is endless: glass insets, full extension drawer glides, dog dish drawers, under sink drawers are just a few options available.

Custom does require the longest lead time -- about 6 to 12 weeks depending on the complexity of the job. But in the long run, you will have exactly what you want.

When choosing a cabinet manufacturer, take into consideration how long they have been in business. For example Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry has been in business for more than 35 years and has a solid reputation as a reliable company. Ask friends; check the internet for ratings and feedback about manufacturers. The manufacturer should offer a good warranty. Also, make sure that a touch-up and repair kit is included or can be easily ordered.

Whatever your budget or desire, you can have the kitchen of your dreams -- and you should. Visit www.plainfancycabinetry.com to learn more about custom cabinetry options.

Courtesy of ARA Content