The line between semi custom and custom cabinetry is being blurred. It's easy to be misled into thinking semi custom cabinets are the same as custom cabinets because you can "customize" by upgrading to various options on semi custom lines. It would lead you to believe that you now have a custom cabinet. That is not the case. Semi custom cabinets can only be made to fit certain design and size parameters. They are typically ordered from a catalog of predetermined sizes and styles. You typically have to pay extra once you stray from the "standards."
Custom cabinetry offers great design flexibility and unlimited size variations. Custom cabinets are designed to accommodate your lifestyle and custom fitted to your home to within 1/16". Because of the flexibility offered by custom, you can build to any width, depth or height. With custom cabinets you have functional space in areas where you would typically have fillers with semi custom. You can use essentially every cubic inch of space.
A noticeable difference between semi custom and custom is the finish choices available. While semi custom lines have come a long way, there is still a world of difference when you look at and run your fingers across a semi custom finish. Semi custom lines offer very basic colors and glazes. They are a production facility and need to keep things simple and fast. Custom companies are worlds apart on finishing techniques with unlimited capabilities. They offer hand distressing to achieve various looks and styles. Paint, Old World Hand Brushed Paints, Die stains, specialty glazes, and custom color matches are only available with a custom cabinet company.
A custom kitchen is one of the best investments you can make in your home. It increases the value of your home not only in dollars, but also in aesthetic and design appeal. Custom kitchen cabinets are worlds apart in finish applications, construction methods, space utilization, and design. A well designed and built kitchen will be money wisely invested. You will recoup 85-100+% of the value of a remodel.
Think of a car. You could build a car that looks good on the outside or even from a few feet away. Once you touch it, open the doors, and drive it you can tell the difference immediately. Cabinetry is the same way.
Here are some things to consider when looking at cabinetry.
Lumber selection- The construction of your cabinets should be all wood. Do the panels match for consistency in both grain pattern and color? Is the company using all wood and veneer core plywood materials? Avoid particle board.
Construction Methods- Durability is very important. You want to avoid maintenance issues down the road. Mortise and tenon joinery is durable and strong. Thick and sturdy veneer core plywood cabinet boxes should have ¾" sides and ½" backs. Dovetail construction on all four corners of your drawer boxes should be smooth to the touch. Shelving inside the cabinets should be 3/4" thick plywood. Wood dowel pins should be used for reinforcements in both the doors and face frames. Drawer guides should allow full extension of the drawer box with a soft closing mechanism allowing the drawer to gently glide and close. The base cabinets should also include a dust cover to minimize dust and dry wall particles getting into the cabinet and affecting the ball bearings in the drawer guide.
Finishes- The finish on your cabinetry should include a catalyzed conversion varnish. This is a clear coat that protects the paint or stain and makes the cabinetry moisture and mar resistant. Twenty years down the road it will still feel the same. You should run your hand over the finish and a quality finish will feel like satin. You shouldn't feel bumps or a gritty feeling due to several stages of hand sanding and a controlled finishing environment to eliminate any roughness.
Accessories- Using cheap imported wire and plastic accessories will shorten the life of your accessories. Rev-A-Shelf, Richelieu, Knape & Vogt and Hafele offer great accessories. Even though semi custom cabinet lines certainly have increased the offerings and upgrade features available, custom cabinetry is still head and shoulders above any semi custom line available. While there may be a slightly higher investment on the front end, the durability, beauty and design of a custom kitchen will pay for itself over and over again.
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