10 Reasons to Choose Custom Cabinets
You have a lot of options when considering cabinets for your home project, and many factors that weigh into your decision. When it comes to choosing custom cabinets from Animas Craft Woodworks versus stock made or “semi-custom” cabinets available through online retailers or big box stores, many people are initially concerned about the cost difference. While custom cabinets may sometimes come with a higher up-front cost, when weighing your decision, it is important to understand the full value of custom cabinetry as well as the hidden costs and challenges of using stock or “semi-custom” cabinets. Here are 10 of the reasons to choose custom cabinets over online retailers and big box stores:
1. Your look…
With custom cabinets, there is no limit to the aesthetic. Instead of choosing from a selection of options designed for mass-production, your custom cabinet maker will work with you to find the material and finishes that match you. That means you get your style as you want it! And you’ll know that you have a truly one-of-a-kind creation since your project is personally built from scratch. Looking for contrasting textures or an accent cabinet? That’s probably not offered in an online retailer’s catalogue, but it’s no problem for custom cabinet makers. Stock cabinet line doesn’t have a glass panel option in your chosen style? Need specific cabinet heights, ADA accessibility, unique work spaces, customized niches, open shelving? With custom cabinets, you can choose whatever you need or want because they aren’t restricted by the massive production runs that limit factory-made cabinets.
2. Flexible Functionality…
Custom cabinet makers can design your kitchen, bath, and other built-ins to fit your lifestyle. Stock cabinetry puts you into the same box as everyone else, but with custom cabinets you have the means to think outside of the box. The size and shape of your home is no problem because cabinets can be designed and built in 1/16th inch increments, compared to stock cabinets that are pre-made in 6 inch or larger increments (that means wasted precious storage space).
And custom cabinet makers can incorporate customized storage solutions, cabinet inserts, or complete built-ins to fit all your kitchen gadgets, adventure gear, or whatever you need, right where you need it. “A place for everything, and everything in it’s place” becomes a reality with custom creative design solutions.
3. Quality…
This simply cannot be overstated: quality matters! Quality starts with the materials used in the cabinets. Reputable cabinet makers only build cabinetry with ¾” thick, premium grade sheet goods and hardwoods. Big box stores and most online retailers use ½” thick material and fiberboard frames because it is cheaper to manufacture and the lighter material makes it less costly for them to ship. But that upfront savings can cost you in the long run as these materials do not stand up as well to the test of time. Thinner materials have less strength in all of the joinery, from the cabinet boxes to the door hinges to the adjustable shelf pins. This heavy use wears more quickly and can result in time-consuming and costly repairs.
The type of joinery used is also incredibly important to the durability of the cabinet. Custom cabinets are typically joined using “dados” (grooves in the wood into which an adjacent panel perfectly fits). This creates a durable physical joint combined with the mechanical fastener, eliminating movement between the panels. Typical stock cabinets are simply “butt jointed” against each other and screwed in place. They are easy to damage during transport and installation and can see increased wear over time.
Lastly (and definitely not least), is the care and craftsmanship that goes into custom cabinet projects. The dedication to quality, attention to detail, and personal pride felt by everyone at a cabinet maker like Animas Craft Woodworks can’t be replicated on a high-volume factory floor.
4. Customer Service…
The best custom cabinet makers pride themselves on providing the hands-down-best customer service in the industry. Having trouble getting your phone calls returned, or updates on your project timeline? Contractors ghosting you? Missed deadlines? Check your custom cabinet maker’s Google Reviews to see how they perform according to their previous customers. When a custom cabinet shop is operated by the owner, the clients and potential clients are top priority. Your confidence in your maker and the cabinet company matters as much as the end result. That’s because having a contractor that helps to reduce stress and make the process fun instead of increasing stress and making the project worrisome cannot be understated.
5. Expert Guidance…
Even small installation projects can seem daunting to many home owners. We’ll help every step of the way from the initial consultation to the final installation. You won’t get that front to back support from online retailers or big box stores because you’ll be handed from one team to the next - from design to sales to production to logistics to installation. At a local custom cabinet maker, you’ll likely have one point of contact from start to finish that expertly knows all the ins and outs of your project.
6. Correcting Issues…
Despite best efforts to get everything right the first time, sometimes unexpected problems can occur. With online retailers, the all-too-common problem of a cabinet that has been damaged or lost in transit can mean months of installation delay with today’s supply chain challenges, impacting all the other aspects of your project. Even minor damage that doesn’t affect the project timeline can leave you waiting for months for a repair or replacement. And big box stores are limited by what what’s available in their very limited stock on any given day. A local maker can correct issues quickly and seamlessly, literally starting to rebuild a cabinet the same day an issue is discovered.
7. Combination Projects…
Selecting a custom cabinet shop that also provides full-service woodworking creates the ability to incorporate a wide arrange of elements to make your project amazing. Wood countertops, waterfall ends, live edge slabs, unique statement pieces, accent cabinets, coordinated furniture, barn doors, and all kinds of hand-crafted wood elements can all be incorporated seamlessly and easily into your project. If you don’t see it in an online retailer’s catalogue, you’re unfortunately out of luck. But if you want something that isn’t already in the custom cabinet shop portfolio, that’s just an opportunity to have something new designed and built just for you!
8. Timing…
Coordinating your cabinet installation is key to a well-executed new home build or remodeling project. Online retailers are notoriously difficult to coordinate because they produce and ship cabinets on their schedule, not yours. Cabinets delivered too late cause obvious timeline issues for your entire project. Cabinets delivered too early are either left out in the cold and rain or take up valuable garage space until the rest of the project catches up. Custom cabinets from a local maker can be well-orchestrated with your project timeline and quickly installed by the same people that made the cabinets and understand your project as a whole.
9. Respecting Your Home…
Your home is your sanctuary, and it is always a disruption to have contractors in your home. Selecting a custom cabinet maker that has a proven record of being as unobtrusive as possible by showing up on time, providing regular updates on progress and schedule, controlling dust and debris as much as possible, cleaning up, and working with your busy schedule. Big box subcontractors? Well, who knows who or what you’ll get. With online retailers you’ll be searching for a local contractor for installation, hoping their schedule matches your project timeline.
The local cabinet workshop will build your trust from your first meeting because as a small, community-engaged business they care about creating the best experience for you, your family, and your home, so you feel comfortable having them in your home for the installation.
10. Home Value…
The level of quality, unique design elements, and craftsmanship that an Animas Craft Woodworks cabinetry or built-in project brings to your home does indeed improve home value and resale potential. But let’s be real; you’re not doing it to increase home value, you’re doing it to improve how you live in your home, aesthetically and functionally. The home value thing is just a really nice bonus!
11. Bonus… Collaboration!
Here at Animas Craft Woodworks, we are happy to work with all designers, architects, general contractors, remodelers, and new home builders. Work with these trades and professionals is always a exciting collaborative and creative experience for all involved, and a great way to make your project the best it can possibly be. Contact me for your free project consultation and cabinetry quote. I'm here to help.
Animas Craft Woodworks
Animas Craft Woodworks aims to bring our client's vision to fruition through traditional and modern woodworking techniques. Whether it's a full kitchen, large or small built-in, library wall, or dining table, we work with you to create whatever you can dream up.
Beautiful form, useful functionality, and sustainably harvested materials are the values we take pride in delivering.
We enjoy taking on a variety of projects, large or small, that are tailored to your particular needs and style. So, contact us today to discuss your project, or schedule an appointment with us that works with your busy calendar using this Online Scheduler.
Animas Craft Woodworks looks forward to creatively collaborating with you to make your vision a reality.