Pros and Cons of Custom Cabinetry
When it comes to a home renovation project, a kitchen remodel often comes with one of the highest price tags - new appliances and their installation, light fixtures and an electrician, a plumber to go with the new plumbing, and cabinetry and its installation. With all of these moving parts it means you will most likely need to hire a number of trade professionals to do the work, or hire GREENPORT CONSTRUCTION to manage it all - from Design to Mill to Build. If you like the idea of using your kitchen’s space exactly the way you want to, custom cabinetry might be for you.
When you choose to go custom it gives you total creative freedom. You can choose the materials, the finish, the features and all physical dimensions can be adjusted to your particular space. Custom cabinetry is not limited to kitchens - going custom can be a great options for bathroom vanities, built in headboards/night stands, entertainment systems, closets, accents walls, unique spaces, recreational vehicles, tiny homes, etc.
Most custom cabinetry is made of solid wood, per the clients’ request, as it lasts longer and can be refinished without needing to be replaced. When you choose to go prefabricated you are limited to stock sizes and design layouts. Prefab manufacturers also tend to use imported plywood or melamine. Both have pros and cons and we hope that this list can help you make an informed decision before your project even begins.
PROS
Custom cabinetry can be designed and built to the exact physical dimensions of your kitchen, meaning that you can make optimal use of functional space, even if you have a wall or corner that is oddly sized.
Custom products tend to be made with better materials, which not only means that they will be more durable, but they will also visually look more high end.
Everything can be customized to your taste, including the wood itself, the finish used, the color, the hardware, the sizing, placement, etc.
Makes it easy to accommodate unusual features like pot drawers and hideaway, pull-out pantries, spice racks and lazy-susans.
If made using solid wood, refinishing (without replacing) the cabinets is possible, meaning you can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen for a fraction of the price of a complete remodel.
When sourced from the right company, custom cabinets can be more affordable than you might expect.
Cons
Custom cabinets require considerable lead time to be completed. Improper planning can leave a client with a half finished kitchen waiting for cabinetry delivery. Always make sure you allocate at least 6-8 weeks for your order to be completed.
Custom cabinets will usually be more expensive than most prefabricated options, but again they will last decades and the design will be specific to the kitchen you always dreamed of.