Why Custom Kitchen Cabinets Are Better Than Stock Cabinets

Stock cabinets provide a quick solution for your Custom Kitchen Cabinets. But do they have the quality and finish you want?

Many cabinetmakers offer a semi-custom option. These are better made than basic models and can include features like solid wood drawers and doors. They also cost less than fully custom cabinets.

Customization

Cabinets are the largest focal point of any kitchen and should be designed to suit your home’s style, lifestyle, and functionality. With custom cabinets, there are more options for design, size, color, material and more, which helps to create a one-of-a-kind space that matches your vision for the perfect home kitchen.

Stock cabinetry, on the other hand, is a pre-made cabinet option that comes in standard sizes and designs that can be picked up in stores. These are often cheaper than custom cabinetry, but they do have some drawbacks. For example, they may not fit your unique kitchen dimensions, and critical storage opportunities might be missed. Additionally, many companies that sell stock cabinets use cheap materials, which can break down or look dated in a short amount of time.

With custom cabinets, you can choose a variety of high-quality materials and finishes for your cabinetry, which is important when it comes to durability. Using quality materials will help your cabinets last longer and stand up to the wear and tear of daily use and frequent exposure to harsh elements like heat and sunlight.

Another way to improve the longevity of your custom cabinets is through proper installation. This is why it’s always recommended to hire a professional for this project. An expert installer will ensure that all cabinetry is secured properly and that there are no gaps or snags in the woodwork. This can also protect your cabinets from potential damage or accidents, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that your custom cabinetry is installed correctly.

If you are in the market for a new kitchen, custom cabinets can provide a high-end look and increased resale value to your home. To get started with custom cabinetry, contact Holland’s and we will help you find the perfect cabinet solution to match your dream kitchen concept.

Recyclable Materials

Whether they’re made from recycled wood, repurposed materials or simply newer cabinets, eco-friendly kitchen cabinets are less likely to emit harmful formaldehyde. They also help conserve and preserve our forests and keep garbage in landfills to a minimum. You can easily find green cabinets that meet your needs, with many cabinetmakers offering a wide variety of eco-friendly options including low-toxicity finishes, formaldehyde-free plywoods and woods certified by the FSC or Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP).

Reclaimed wood is a popular choice amongst many eco-conscious homeowners as it adds character and history to your kitchen design, while still being environmentally friendly. It’s typically used in place of traditional lumber and is much easier on the environment because it requires fewer chemicals to produce. Repurposed woods can be stained and treated to appear just like brand-new cabinets.

A growing trend in green remodeling is the use of bamboo. This material has a look and feel similar to traditional hardwoods but can be stained in numerous colors to match any kitchen style. It’s a renewable resource that regenerates in three to five years and improves your home’s air quality.

Another great option for eco-friendly cabinets is medium-density fiberboard, which is manufactured from waste wood shavings and other scraps that would otherwise be discarded. The adhesives and finishing details are also often verified as being low-VOC, which reduces the amount of toxic chemicals in your home.

If you have older cabinets, consider donating them instead of discarding them. Many charities such as Habitat for Humanity accept donations of furniture and will give you a tax deduction. This is an easy way to save money on your new custom kitchen and help someone in need at the same time.

Longevity

Investing in quality cabinetry can increase your home value for when you decide to sell. But it’s also important to consider how long you want your cabinets to last. Low-quality products can easily show wear and tear within five to 10 years, requiring costly repairs or replacements. High-quality cabinetry, however, will look great for many years to come.

The longevity of your kitchen cabinetry depends on the quality of materials used. Most cabinets use medium-density fiberboard, which is composed of wood fibers, sawdust, wax, and resin pressed together under high heat to create an engineered wood product that’s strong and durable. The wood is either solid or crafted with wood veneers, which add a beautiful aesthetic to your home.

You can further customize the design of your cabinets by choosing from different edge-work finishes. These add personality and style to your traditional framed or frameless cabinets. From rounded to highly detailed, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. You can even use custom knobs and pulls that help make your cabinets unique and personal.

When shopping for cabinets, you’ll want to look for a lifetime warranty. A lifetime warranty shows that the manufacturer has confidence in their product and that they are willing to stand by it. This is a sign of quality that you will not find in mass-produced stock cabinets, which only offer a limited one-year warranty. This is a big difference, and it’s something to keep in mind as you shop for your new cabinetry.

Expert Advice

Cabinets are a major investment, and it’s important to get expert advice. When it comes to custom cabinets, a qualified designer can help you create a kitchen that’s uniquely you, fits your space perfectly, and works within your budget.

Stock cabinets are manufactured to meet “average” kitchen dimensions and can be found in home improvement stores and furniture shops. They typically require some assembly and are not as customizable as a custom design. If you choose stock cabinets, it’s important to know your kitchen measurements and cabinet styles prior to shopping so that you can find the right style for your home.

Most stock cabinets are made of particleboard or a cheaper plywood and may be shipped to you flat for easy installation. They are usually fastened together using a technique called butt-jointing. Some manufacturers offer a variety of wood, stain and paint options to choose from. If you’re looking for a high-end look, consider custom options like arched doors and customized cornice treatments.

For a more budget-friendly option, you can also use plain MDF (medium density fiberboard). This material is durable and takes paint well, but it doesn’t have the same visual appeal as solid wood or plywood. However, MDF is a good choice for custom work because it’s easier to cut and is more resistant to dents than other types of cabinets.

If you’re interested in a natural look, cherry or maple cabinets are popular choices. Both are durable and take stain well. If you want a more modern feel, consider hickory. This type of wood has a beautiful grain and unique two-tone coloration that looks stunning under a clear finish. Another benefit of stock cabinetry is that many manufacturers pre-glue and nail pieces together before finishing, resulting in fewer touchups for your installer to do on site.

Installation

Cabinets are one of the largest pieces in your kitchen and play a key role in your overall look. While many homeowners can do their own cabinet installation, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional. Licensed, insured and bonded contractors have a track record of working on similar projects and will provide a detailed contract and warranty before starting any work.

A custom cabinet company will offer a variety of designs, materials and finishes to suit your style and budget. They can also create customized storage solutions to maximize your space. They will also ensure the installation process goes smoothly and efficiently. They will clean up after themselves, sweep the area and dispose of any garbage.

Before beginning the installation, you should locate the wall studs with a stud finder. This will help you determine how to best position and mount your cabinets. If you are unable to locate the studs, the cabinet will likely not be securely mounted and may eventually fall down.

If you are installing upper wall cabinets, begin by marking the high point on the wall with a pencil. Then, use a level to draw a line that runs from the high point down to where both upper and lower cabinets will end – for example, next to the stove.

Start by installing an end base cabinet first. Then, align the other cabinets around the room and make sure that they are level. If needed, add shims under and between cabinets to achieve a level and even install. Be sure to check the installation frequently and use a level as you go to prevent time-consuming mistakes. Also, if you’ve already finished painting your walls, you should wait until after the cabinet installation to do so. This will reduce the risk of dinged or scuffed walls.