The differences between custom and store-bought kitchen cabinets often depend on your needs.
When you're building a new home or remodeling an existing kitchen, one of the most important decisions you'll make is the choice between store-bought and custom cabinetry. Both ready-made and built-to-spec cabinets have their pros and cons, and weighing them carefully can help you make the best choice. Does this Spark an idea?
Design Details
If there's one area where custom cabinetry and store-bought cabinets run neck-and-neck, it's in design details. Many of today's ready-made cabinet products feature design details that were previously found only on high-end custom cabinets, such as unusual paint or stain colors, elaborate moldings, and a mix of solid and glass cabinet fronts. While a custom cabinet maker can add even more design details, most homeowners will find what they need at the local big box store's kitchen design area.
Quality Construction
Custom kitchen cabinets have a reputation for quality construction that store-bought cabinets have found difficult to match. Because custom cabinets are usually made from solid wood or wood veneers, rather than particle board or other laminated wood products that are often used in ready-made cabinet construction, custom cabinetry has a better reputation for quality and durability. However, today's ready-made cabinetry is often available in solid wood construction, as well.
Kitchen Customization
When it comes down to creating the kitchen of your dreams, it's sometimes difficult to achieve with the stock sizes and shapes of store-bought cabinets. Small or oddly shaped kitchens may require the higher level of customization that custom kitchen cabinetry can provide. But, as ready-made kitchen cabinetry grows more varied and sophisticated, you might find yourself surprised at how well an off-the-shelf product can fit your kitchen's needs.
Price
The biggest perceived difference between store-bought and custom cabinetry is undoubtedly the price. Many people neglect to consider custom kitchen cabinets for fear of a huge price tag, but depending on your market and your design needs, custom kitchen cabinets may not be out of your budget. Likewise, the many features and finish levels available from today's ready-made cabinets can make buying these cabinets as expensive or more expensive than having custom cabinets built, depending upon your design needs.
Tags: custom cabinetry, kitchen cabinets, cabinets have, custom cabinets, design details, store-bought cabinets, today ready-made
