Choosing Kitchen Cabinets – A cabinet is a cabinet, right? Mistaken!

Choosing new kitchen cabinets can be a difficult decision for many homeowners. Stock, semi-custom, fully custom, local custom cabinets – what does it all mean? And where to start? Some of the information below can help you sort through the terminology and give you a good idea of ​​what’s right for you.

Let’s start with the terminology that we kitchen professionals will probably throw at you the first time we meet. Cabinets are commonly classified based on the manufacturer’s flexibility in their arrangement or ability to make modifications to their standard product offerings. In ascending order of both the flexibility to make changes and the cost of the final product, the list looks like this: in-stock, semi-custom, and fully custom cabinets. Yet another option is local custom, a separate category that, while custom-made, does not neatly fall into this hierarchy due to wide variations in cost and quality.

File Cabinets-

Don’t be fooled by the name. Stock cabinets aren’t sitting on a shelf somewhere waiting for you to buy them. In fact, in my experience, all cabinet manufacturers build products to order and do not stock the finished product. Imagine the huge warehouse it would take to inventory cabinets of all sizes in all finishes and styles of doors. For this particular type of cabinet, what you see in the catalog is what you get. The manufacturer will not make changes to the size, shape or finish of the product. Door styles tend to be limited, finishes can be rough, and are sometimes referred to in the business as “production finishes.” In fact, stock cabinets are often called “production cabinets” because that’s exactly how they’re made: they’re mass-produced in an assembly-line fashion. Builders of subdivision homes and multi-tenant apartments and condominiums often provide this type of kitchen. If you’re on a tight budget and need cabinets in a few weeks, this is the way to go. But be careful! I have seen many homeowners replace standard kitchens after as little as five to seven years. As with everything else…you get what you pay for.

Semi-Custom Cabinets-

This is the middle ground between stock cabinets and full custom. Semi-custom manufacturers often have a specific list of modifications to the standard offerings that the designer can select from, including changes to the height, width, or depth in certain increments. There are more door styles and finishes available than with standard cabinets, as well as more interior accessory options. Most manufacturers will offer glazing and even certain forms of distressing as possible finishing options. A wider variety of looks can be achieved through the use of a greater number of crown molding profiles, and some carving and wood accents are also available to the designer. The construction and quality of the materials are usually a step up from ordinary cabinets as well. If you can stretch your budget a bit and afford to wait a few more weeks for the cabinets, I would recommend seriously considering semi-custom cabinets. You’ll be amazed at how much better the finished project looks, and you’ll enjoy its durability and appearance for years to come.

Complete Custom Cabinets-

“Custom” is probably the most widely used term in the kitchen cabinet business. Almost as cliché as the word “sale” in the car business. However, it has a rightful place here. It is often considered the ultimate and most expensive way to buy a new kitchen. Remember, you get what you pay for. When designed correctly, these kitchens are at the top of the heap. Custom cabinet manufacturers have many door styles to choose from. Some will even build doors to your designer’s specifications if necessary. Plan to see lots of finish samples as well. And if you don’t see one you like, a custom finish can be created just for your kitchen. Combining stains and paints, glazing, and weathering are also common finishing options. Size is not a problem; Good custom fabricators subscribe to the “if you can design it, we can build it” philosophy. In addition to the expanded trim offerings beyond Semi-Custom, most custom manufacturers will allow the kitchen designer to specify trim and carvings provided by outside vendors, and then finish them to match the cabinets, making the design possibilities are even more extensive. The manufacturing process for products of this level can be time consuming due to the fact that many of the critical operations such as sanding, finishing and assembly involve a large amount of skilled labor for which there is no substitute. The best quality materials, superior construction methods, and craftsmanship add up to an exceptional finished product.

local custom-

Product in the local custom category can go well beyond kitchen cabinets and into the realm of architectural millwork, including items like fireplace surrounds, built-in library bookcases, custom bars, built-in wall units, and even some furniture. Local interior designers and architects frequently use local custom shops when projects require them to work more closely with fabricators to achieve their desired results. Local stores provide the ability to work with exotic woods and veneers and offer specifiers the ability to coordinate materials throughout the home. Most local stores will work directly with homeowners. If you are considering this option, it is important that you do your homework. Local shops will vary dramatically – from one person in a garage with a table saw to large professional facilities with the latest equipment and dozens of employees. Prices can also be all over the map. The bottom line here is, do your homework, check references, and know who you’re dealing with.

Shopping

There are certainly many things to consider when planning your new kitchen: countertops, appliances, flooring, lighting, and of course, cabinets. Outstanding layout and design, along with mastering all the technical aspects of how the many parts and pieces of the kitchen come together, are critical to a successful project. Without a doubt, the most important decision you will make is which kitchen designer to work with. Most new kitchen and remodeling projects take several weeks or even months to complete and cost several thousand dollars, no matter how much you buy. Once you’ve committed to investing the money in your home, doesn’t it make sense to choose a professional kitchen designer you can trust and who has your best interests in mind? Trust me, you’ll need expert and patient help with the many decisions over the many weeks it will take to complete your project. For that reason, the first thing to look for is the right kitchen designer. Lots of experience, excellent references and an excellent reputation are prerequisites that you should insist on. You also want to make sure that your personality “clicks” with that of your kitchen professional so that you both feel comfortable working as a team to make the heart of your home a truly special place.