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Discussion Forum

Comparing *custom* cabinets vs. Big-Box

chefwong | Posted in General Discussion on June 23, 2005 10:57am

Kitchen is undergoing a remodel so I’m working with whatever space I have. With that said, the Omega & Plain & Fancy Cabinetry line that I’ve been looking at, I’ve come up with some pretty decent layouts based on their cabinet pieces with only two 1.5″ fillers around the fridge. So there’s no *wasted* space.

 

Anyhow, I’ve gotten 2 bids from local cabinetmakers. One is a bit more than the cabinetry I’m comparing too, and the other….well, it’s 3X the cost. I’m trying to make a apples -apples comparsion as I prefer going with the local cabinetmaker since I could go Framelss – which helps me fit the pieces to thepuzzle a bit more as far cabinets, etc . I’m losing 3″ on the base if I went with framed cabinets, which seem to be the majority of what’s out there.  I’m not sure about the finish though as opposed to the *big box* which have dust controlled spray rooms, baked on finishes, etc.

Love to hear your thoughts on local cabinets vs…. the big box stores if hardware, construction, etc of the cabinets are similar.

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Replies

  1. User avater
    gecko | Jun 23, 2005 11:48pm | #1

    well, if you are going with Euro cabinets I would think they would be much more popular than face framed cabs these days. at least they are in Canada. I personally think cabinets with face frames look very dated and quite bad (unless they have full inset doors in which case they look great but cost a fortune) you seem to know what you want as far as storage and space usage so it sounds like you need to call the two cabinet makers and get them to explain what makes their cabinets better than home depot cabinets. Remember you almost always get what you pay for.

    Custom Cabinetry and Furniture

    http://www.BartlettWoodworking.com

     

     

  2. mbdyer | Jun 24, 2005 12:26am | #2

    Are the custom shop cabinets frameless and otherwise similar to the factory built?  Inquire as to what the custom shops do as far as quality?  3/4" carcasses?  At least 1/2" fastening rail either inside or outside an actual 1/4" or better back panel.  With customs you should be getting all of this and better.  I've installed both and with only a few quirky exceptions (ohhh...they're metric! ) the customs went better and faster.  Factory cabs often use way too much pressboard in structural areas and even hot-melt glue.   Mdf is not a good material for the sub-bases, it isn't structurally strong and it's not good anywhere near water (unless your kitchen doesn't have a sink...)   I have on occasion ripped out suspect parts, usually sub-bases and fabricated my own.

    As far as finishing, the quality of a custom shop should be above that of a factory except in one likely area- the use of conversion varnish.  Small shops aren't usually equipped to use it but most of the finishes used by custom makers is still excellent.  Plus it is usually put on by somebody who knows if it's boogered, that cab is coming right back at him courtesy of a disappointed installer at best.   Most custom shops depend on their reputation for their livelihood.

    As said before, you usually get what you pay for.  Look at your budget and your goals and make that all-mighty decision.

    1. chefwong | Jun 24, 2005 02:28am | #3

      The Omega and Plain and Fancy are both 3/4 hardwood build, blum full extension, solid backing, no plastic for the rails, etc. I'm expecting the local cabinetmaker would use similar materials also.

      My layout only has 2 base cabinets with drawers - one 30" Pot/Pan and a 24" for cutlery. So yes, on framed I will be losing 3" per cab, but I realize that for the base cabs which were my concern, I'm not losing as much as I thought I would be. The door style is Full Overlay so as far as looks, it's similar to a frameless.

       

      Thanks for your input so far.

  3. steve | Jun 24, 2005 10:52pm | #4

    if you buy stock cabinets from a "big box" you will have to do a lot of scribing and fitting to install your cabinets

    i install cabinets for a local yard and they sell "stock"cabinets, and while fastening the cabinets to the walls and floor is easy, the trim work afterwards can be trying sometimes

    but then a great trim job can really "make" a kitchen job

    personally if i was doing my own kitchen, i would stick to the stock cabinets from a good manufacturer and concentrate on the trim work

    ive attached a pic of a recent kitchen, all from "stock"cabinets to show what can be done

    caulking is not a piece of trim

    1. steve | Jun 24, 2005 10:57pm | #5

      and a reduced sizecaulking is not a piece of trim

      1. steve | Jun 24, 2005 10:59pm | #6

        oops different kitchen, but i'm sure you get the idea

        i do some very elaborate kitchens from "stock cabinets" its the details that make the differencecaulking is not a piece of trim

      2. rez | Jun 24, 2005 11:48pm | #8

        Roar! Reduced 677 to 577KB.

        Well, we're getting better. :o)

         

         

        A person with no sense of humor about themselves is fullashid 

  4. BARMIL48 | Jun 24, 2005 11:34pm | #7

    How wide a fridge area are you planning? Maybe you'll want that width back if you go to a large, side-by-side reefer. 

  5. User avater
    CapnMac | Jun 25, 2005 12:10am | #9

    Love to hear your thoughts on ... etc of the cabinets are similar.

    My experience is that the two products are worlds apart (or, at least, should be).

    Now, I worked for a semi-custom shop, and our smallest building increment was 1/16, so we could custom size any of our products to the nearest 1/8."  We permitted up to 5 openings, too, either uniform width or specific widths, too.  All in solid hardwood face frame cabinets in 4-6 species and 10 finishes, "full" overlay, 1/2", 3/8", and full inset doors.

    So, my standards for what a local shop "ought" to do are pretty high.  If they are building box by box, they ought to be willing to bring you the features you want--like hinges that open more than 110º, if that's important to you.

    Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

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