A beautiful kitchen is not only eye-catching, it’s the heart of the home – and stylish custom cabinets can be the centerpiece that elevates the entire space.
While various cabinet options are available on the market, nothing compares to the unique charm and level of personalization of custom-made cabinets. They remain the top choice for homeowners, with semi-custom ranking second.
Join us as we explore how custom cabinetry can elevate your kitchen into a stunning cooking haven. This guide will help you make an informed decision on your kitchen remodel.
What Are Custom Cabinets?
Custom cabinets are made-to-order cabinets designed and built to fit your space’s unique dimensions, style, and functionality.
Unlike RTA or stock cabinets, which are pre-manufactured and sold in standard sizes, custom cabinetry is crafted to your specifications.
Whether remodeling a small kitchen or designing your dream kitchen, a custom cabinet allows you to choose everything from the cabinet style to the materials used.
Best Online Cabinets allows you to order custom kitchen cabinets online for a stress-free kitchen remodeling experience.
Custom vs. Semi-Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets are made to measure and are built entirely to your specifications. They can accommodate any design or layout preferences you may have.
Semi-custom cabinets, on the other hand, offer more limited customization options. They are pre-designed but can only be customized to some extent, such as adjusting the width or adding design features.
While semi-custom cabinets are typically more affordable, they are often less personalized to your space than custom cabinets.
Advantages of Choosing Custom Kitchen Cabinets For Your Home
Choosing custom over semi-custom or stock cabinets has several advantages.
Custom cabinets can efficiently utilize every inch of your space, ensuring that even the most challenging new kitchen layouts work to your advantage.
In addition, the custom cabinetry also offers a variety of design options. You can select materials, finishes, and styles uniquely suited to your vision. This level of customization is perfect for those who want to create a highly personalized and one-of-a-kind kitchen design.
Custom Cabinet Doors and Materials
The cabinet door style and material you choose will significantly affect the overall look of your kitchen.
There is a wide range of door styles, whether you prefer shaker-style cabinet doors for a timeless look or more modern, flat-front doors for a sleek aesthetic appeal.
Depending on your preference and budget, the door materials range from solid wood for recessed-panel doors to MDF or decor boards for Flat-panel door styles.
As for the cabinet carcass materials, they can range from plywood to MDF and particle boards.
Cabinet Styles
There are two main types of cabinet constructions: framed and frameless.
Framed cabinets feature a front frame that supports the doors, while frameless cabinets, often European-style, have no visible frame and offer a more streamlined appearance.
The choice between framed and frameless comes down to personal style and functionality.
Finishes and Hardware
The type of finish you choose for your kitchen cabinets can elevate the entire look of your space. For a traditional look, you can select painted or stained finishes. If you prefer a contemporary or modern look, choose a thermofoil or melamine.
From natural wood grain to painted or stained options, finishes can help create your desired ambiance.
Additionally, hardware—such as handles, pulls, and knobs—can add a functional yet decorative touch to your cabinets. Choose handleless kitchen cabinets with innovative hardware solutions like Blum’s and Hafele’s for a streamlined, elegant look.
You can further customize your cabinets with Kessebohmer’s iMove pull-down system. The iMove, short for Intelligent movement, allows fluid movement of the shelves from the wall cabinets. This creative shelving system moves downward and forward with a gentle pull of your cabinet handle.
Customizing hardware is an excellent way to enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen cabinets.
Planning Your Dream Kitchen With Custom Cabinets
Planning your dream kitchen carefully is essential before tackling a kitchen remodel. The design and functionality of your kitchen cabinets will be a significant part of this process.
Selecting The Right Cabinet Style
The cabinet style plays a significant role in setting the tone of your kitchen space. When selecting the right cabinet style, consider the design or layout of your existing kitchen and the overall interior theme of your home.
Is your home having a rustic, modern, or traditional vibe? You can consult with a designer online to determine which cabinet style works best for your home.
Budget Considerations
Fully customized cabinets tend to be more expensive than semi-custom or stock options. However, considering the quality and functionality of your space, they are a long-term investment.
To help manage costs, strictly set a clear budget from the project’s outset. When calculating the total cost of your custom cabinets, consider types, materials, finishes, hardware, and labor. Even if you have a limited budget, there are ways to maximize the quality of your custom cabinets.
The table below shows the average cost of materials for custom cabinets. The price may increase depending on the door style, hardware, and add-ons.
Choose materials wisely, consider less expensive wood species, or select a more straightforward finish to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. The key is to find the perfect balance between quality and affordability.
Working with a designer can help you create a plan that stays within your budget while still providing the quality and style you desire.
Lead Time
It typically takes months to produce custom-made orders to ensure your cabinets are designed to your specifications. Best Online Cabinets’ processing time usually takes 3 to 4 weeks, while other manufacturers take 4 to 8 weeks to make custom doors. Our lead time for fully custom flat panel orders is about 4 to 6 weeks.
Ultimately, the lead times of custom cabinets vary depending on the availability of skilled craftsmen, the materials chosen, and the complexity of the design.
Custom Cabinetry Design Process
Once you have a clear idea of what you want, it’s time to begin designing your cabinets. Start by consulting a designer specializing in custom cabinets, which is essential for the design process’s success.
What to Expect When Working with a Designer
Adding cabinets to the kitchen layout is like a puzzle game. This is where the designer’s expertise comes into play.
Best Online Cabinets’ designers are on top of their game. Most of our designers graduated with a relative major and trained with experienced senior designers for at least 6 months. They know what they are doing.
Although you can DIY your new kitchen design, consulting a kitchen designer is highly recommended.
Our designer will work with you to create a custom design that incorporates all your requirements, from cabinet style to materials and finishes.
The designer can help you build a kitchen with storage solutions and cabinet enhancements, ensuring that every inch of your space is used efficiently.
Our designer will ask you for the following details during the consultation:
- Style preferences
- Layout ideas
- Functionality needs
After gathering all your preferences, the designer will work on a layout that complements your kitchen’s size and shape.
They’ll draft detailed plans and 3D renderings, allowing you to visualize the result before production begins.
This is also the stage where adjustments can be made to ensure every element is tailored to your needs.
To get a good grasp of the project during the design phase, you may proactively ask the following questions:
- How long will the project take?
- What materials are best for my budget and needs?
- Are there any design suggestions to improve functionality?
Asking the right questions and understanding the design process will ensure your new custom cabinet units meet your expectations.
Custom Kitchen Cabinet Installation
Once your custom-made cabinets are designed and shipped to you, you must inspect the cabinet materials before installation. Make sure the units are made according to your specifications.
During installation, it is highly recommended that a professional cabinet installer be hired to help fit the cabinets to their desired location. Due to the tiny details, your bespoke cabinets require technical skills and precise installation. Any poor job in installing the cabinets will devalue your custom cabinetry.
The custom cabinet installation typically involves measuring your space one last time to ensure everything fits perfectly.
The cabinets are then carefully assembled and mounted, and the finishing touches—such as adding hardware—are completed.
During installation, ensure the cabinets are properly secured to the wall and all joints are aligned. This will ensure that your cabinets remain durable and functional for years.
In addition, you can establish a regular cleaning and maintenance routine. This will ensure your custom cabinets remain in excellent condition.
Wipe down surfaces with gentle, non-abrasive cleaners and keep hardware clean. Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of your cabinets and keep them looking their best for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Cabinetry
Here are the most frequently asked questions about custom cabinets you would want to know.
Are Custom Cabinets Cheaper?
Custom cabinet pricing is generally more expensive than stock options due to higher-quality materials and personalized design. However, a custom cabinet can offer better long-term value and functionality.
What Are The Disadvantages of Custom Cabinets?
The main disadvantages of custom cabinets are their higher cost, longer production lead times, and potential for over-customization that may not appeal to future buyers.
Are Custom Cabinets Worth The Investment?
Custom cabinets are a worthwhile investment for your hard-earned money, especially if you want a personalized, high-quality kitchen remodel.
Customize Your Kitchen Space Today!
Transform your kitchen into a stunning space with stylish custom cabinets! Discover endless design possibilities and elevate your home.
Custom kitchen cabinets offer unparalleled design flexibility, allowing you to create the best kitchen that suits your needs and style. While the process may take some time, the result is a beautiful, highly personalized kitchen that lasts years.
So, roll up your sleeves and create a kitchen you will love. Contact us today for professional design assistance and consultations.
