Tracy Choosing affordable customized cabinetry for your home can be a daunting task if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The best way to find quality cabinetry at a reasonable price is to compare different options and ask for recommendations from your cabinetmaker. By doing this, you’ll be sure to get the best cabinets for your budget and home.
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Custom vs. Semi-custom
Having a professional design for a custom cabinet is the best way to ensure the cabinet will fit in your space perfectly. A professional designer can also match the cabinet to your existing decor and make small adjustments.
Custom cabinets are typically made by a professional woodworker, cabinet shops, companies of cabinetry, and Kitchen & Bath by Design. These companies handle every step of the process. They are usually crafted from top-of-the-line materials and withstand reasonable wear and tear. However, they can cost more than a semi-custom cabinet.
If you’re on a tight budget, a semi-custom cabinet may be the way to go. They are cheaper than fully-custom cabinets. They also come in predetermined sizes and styles. However, they may not fit in your kitchen if you have an odd-shaped kitchen.
Another good thing about semi-custom cabinets is that you can choose a different wood type than the standard. You can also have cabinets stained or painted in a variety of colors. You may even be able to change the size of the drawers or doors.
Stock vs. Custom
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating a space in your current home, you’re likely to come across the question of whether to buy custom or stock cabinetry. While they may be similar in terms of their look and cost, there are a lot of differences between the two options.
When it comes to custom cabinetry, you can choose the materials, finish, and features you want. You can even have special features like bun feet, leaded glass doors, and crown molding.
Stock cabinetry is often made with cheaper materials. Particle board, MDF, and plywood are common materials used. They are also typically covered in veneer or painted. They are generally less expensive than authentic wood, but they aren’t always of high quality.
Stock cabinets are also typically mass-produced. The manufacturer might have a few dozen finishes, but you won’t have the design flexibility of a manufacturer who lets you customize the cabinetry. The manufacturer may also restrict you to certain sizes and styles.
Quality vs. Durability
Whether you’re shopping for a new home or upgrading your current residence, it’s important to know the difference between quality and durability. Poorly made cabinets are likely to rot, rust, or disintegrate over the course of five to ten years of use.
In the arms of cabinetry, there are four main grades, which are categorized by the quality of the wood used. They are A, B, C, and D. The best made A grade cabinet is built to the standard English Imperial standard and is, therefore, one of the more durable types of cabinets.
The best-made cabinetry may be more expensive, but it’s well-suited for many applications. The best-made grade cabinet is made from wood, while the cheaper C-grade cabinets are made from particle boards. The cheapest ones are not durable, but they may look great.
The best-made A-grade cabinet is one of the most expensive items you’ll buy, so be sure to keep a budget in mind. Many affordable options are available, but it’s best to run through a checklist to find the best cabinets for your home.
Cost
Getting custom cabinetry is more expensive than buying pre-assembled models, but it offers more design flexibility. You can choose from various materials and finishes, and your cabinetry can fit in various spaces.
The average cost of custom cabinetry is $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. This includes labor and material. You will also have to consider the cost of accessories and hardware. Some of these items are as small as under-cabinet lighting, while others can add as much as $10,000 to the overall cost.
Custom cabinets are made to your exact measurements. The process begins with a meeting with a designer. You can then choose the wood species, finish, and other components.
Custom cabinets are usually made from strong wood. They may also include carvings and decorative end panels. Depending on the designer, the cabinets may also come with a warranty.
You’ll need to find a carpenter if you choose to have custom cabinets installed. These professionals can help you determine the utilities before the construction begins.
