You’ve probably heard the phrase “the devil is in the details.” It couldn’t be more true when it comes to cabinet design.
Stock and semi-custom cabinets are cheaper and come in a variety of styles, but they can be less durable than custom options. To ensure quality, look for cabinets with solid backs and I-beams that reinforce the strength of the box.
Customization
Cabinets are a major investment and an important part of the design of your home. You want them to look good and function well for years to come.
Typically, custom cabinets are made to order and installed onsite so they will fit perfectly in your space. This allows for limitless customization and installation options.
Crystal’s cabinet lines offer wood species with a wide range of grain and color movement to suit any style. Heavy, dramatic grain species like cherry and walnut work great for traditional designs while softer, subtle grains are best for contemporary styles.
Semi-custom cabinets offer more choices of door styles and finishes compared to stock, but still follow some set rules. They can often be more expensive than custom and can require a longer lead time to manufacture.
Durability
Cabinets need to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use, especially if you have kids or pets. The cabinet material you choose will have a direct impact on durability.
Cabinets made with solid wood have the highest durability. Plywood is another reliable choice. This cabinet material consists of multiple layers of veneers bonded together with strong adhesives, providing a stable building block for your cabinets.
Custom and semi-custom cabinets offer more design flexibility than stock products. However, it’s important to look at manufacturers and their quality levels carefully. For example, some manufactures use a standard line and add modifications further along the production process. This can affect the quality of the product. Look for a comprehensive warranty that covers the entire cabinet. This will give you peace of mind if something does go wrong down the road.
Reliability
You’ve likely heard the phrase, “the devil is in the details.” Well, when it comes to cabinet design and construction, this couldn’t be more true.
Modular box cabinets, often referred to as builder-grade, are the lowest-grade cabinet option and are typically installed by entry-level home builders or sold at big box stores. These cabinets offer little to no room for customization and may show signs of wear and tear much sooner than higher-grade options.
Custom cabinets are built one piece at a time using high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard. These materials are stronger and more durable than plywood, which is used by modular box cabinets. They’re also crafted by skilled craftspeople who use tried-and-true woodworking methods like mortise and tenon joinery. This ensures that your cabinets are built to last and look great.
Convenience
We’ve all heard the saying, “The devil is in the details.” When it comes to cabinet design, that couldn’t be more true.
Professional custom cabinet designers take precision onsite measurements and utilize high-tech software and laser-guided machinery to ensure flawless construction. The intimate process guarantees that no detail goes overlooked and the finished product delivers on its promises.
RTA cabinets are generally made of lower quality materials, such as particleboard and fiberboard, but Nelson Cabinetry uses plywood boxes for greater strength and durability. They also feature wood-grain faces for a more upscale look and are catalyzed, which makes them resistant to chipping and scratching. These features not only provide convenience for homeowners but will increase resale value.
Value
Despite the higher price tag, custom cabinets offer more value for your money. They are built to the exact measurements of your space, and can be designed to complement or contrast with your home’s style. This helps them add resale value to your home, which is a plus for any homeowner.
When requesting estimates, ask whether the company builds Stock, Semi-Custom, or Full Custom cabinetry. Companies that build fully-custom cabinets will use plywood interiors rather than inexpensive fiber or particle board covered with melamine, and they will be able to offer you a variety of door/drawer front styles including Inset, Partial Overlay, and Full Overlay.
They will also be able to provide you with options for finishes, hardware, and moldings that will add even more to the cost.