Custom vs. Box Cabinets

While it may seem cost-effective to go for prefabricated box cabinets when remodeling your kitchen, it is likely that the money you save will be offset by the limited selection you will find whe looking at box cabinets.As they are made in only limited sizes, styles, and colors, it can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to find cabinets that are the style and color you want as well as the size you need.

For example, box cabinets are generally only available in standard sizes, which generally start at 9″ in width and go up to 48″ in width in 3″ increments.  That means that if the area you are remodeling does not measure precisely, you could be left with unsightly gaps.  The sizing restriction also applies to height and depth.  Realistically speaking, unless you have a cookie-cutter kitchen, you may find that you have difficulty meeting your needs with box cabinets.

And that is just regarding size.  Did you know that the only way you can guarantee that you will be able to have full reign when it comes to wood color, style, hardware and upgrades is to go for custom cabinets?  Many box cabinet designs do not even allow for options in basic hardware, let alone allow you to choose a finish of your choice?  If you choose box cabinets, your cabinets will be hauled to your home from a warehouse and installed right out of a box.  On the other hand, if you choose custom cabinets, actual cabinet makers [not just installers] will meet with you at your home, take measurements, and produce cabinets that exactly meet your size requirements.  You will have complete freedom of choice when it comes to color, style and hardware.  Of course, custom kitchen cabinets are going to have a longer lead time and higher initial cost than box cabinets, but the concessions you make in price and time are going to be made up for by fact that you will have complete control over your remodeling project, and the end result will be high quality cabinets that reflect your personal taste and style.  The last thing you want to do is walk into somebody else’s home and see your kitchen.  If you are going to invest time and money in your cabinets, you should do it in such a way that your home gains in value, and not in such a way that costs you more in the long run.

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