Cabinet Construction
A big factor for consideration is the construction of the cabinet. If one happens to be seeing staples holding a cabinet together, it’s likely that it isn’t going to make it for an extended period. However, a high-quality indicator can include dovetail joints on solid wood drawers or dowelled/corner-blocked joints. Another thing to look for would be drawers with under mount glides, as they allow a sleek look and more opportunity for storage. A dust top or mortised door hinge (with soft close) are also some of the many indicators of a high-quality cabinet.
Cabinet Finish
One of the major indicators of a high-end cabinet would be the finish. However, there’s still more to consider than how shiny the cabinet looks. Ask if your custom cabinet provider can show you a sample of how your cabinet’s wood will handle a stain finish. Certain woods can act differently when given a finish, so it’s important to see how your wood is going to stain when all is said and done. This is especially true when it comes to custom paint, custom stain, or lacquer on your cabinetry. A great example would be alder or hickory having more variation in its stain than maple.
High-Quality Cabinets & Custom Cabinets: What’s The Difference?
Many individuals confuse “high-quality” and “custom”. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Since anyone can build a custom cabinet, it makes high-quality custom mean so much more. So before we begin, it’s important to understand that cabinetry is broken up into three different categories: Full custom, semi-custom, and stock. Full custom and semi-custom cabinets are considered higher quality options, which are created piece-by-piece. Stock cabinets are created in mass-production and typically utilize lower quality wood.
With a full custom cabinet, your wish is our command. A shop will submit and design drawings that will be built to the very fraction of a single inch. For homeowners looking to update their old home, a full custom cabinet might be the best choice. Why? Well, a full custom cabinet can be designed to suit the style and space of the home being renovated.
If a full custom is out of your price range, a semi-custom is still a great option to keep quality and save money. Although you may be limited in what you have for cabinet diameters (such as specific doors or cabinet heights), you will still have top-tier construction and great materials at your disposal. Long story short: You can still work within the limits of a semi-custom option and still have a high-quality cabinet in your home.
So in consideration of the information above, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to custom cabinets and renovating your old home. Thankfully, Kitchen Art Design is here to add custom millwork and cabinetry to your wonderful new kitchen. Being trusted for over 40 years, Kitchen Art Design has been making best-in-class projects that always meet the budget and time requested with no issues. With integrity, quality, and transparency is the foundation of our company, we’re ready and willing to tackle your project. Book an appointment today to get started!