A sizable chunk of the money that goes into your next kitchen remodeling job will go toward new cabinetry. According to industry benchmarks, cabinets on average make up close to 40% of the total budget. Various factors have an impact on the exact amount you will be spending on cabinets though. Below we discuss the most important factors to consider that will help you to make an informed decision.
The Way The Cabinets Are Constructed
The first choice you will have to make will be between face-framed and frameless cabinets. Face-framed cabinets are normally significantly cheaper than frameless cabinets, however, frameless cabinets offer better accessibility inside the cabinets because there are no face frames.
Your next decision will be regarding the drawers. A stapled-together drawer box is undeniably the cheapest option – but it is also not as durable as a drawer with dovetail construction and a plywood bottom.
The Type Of Wood
While the type of wood used for your kitchen cabinets may largely depend on personal preferences, once you know the price differences you might change your mind. At the lower end of the scale, we often find red oak, hickory, or hard maple. At the top end is walnut or red birch. In between, you will find something like cherry with its one-of-a-kind characteristics and stunning beauty.
The best budget option in our opinion is laminate ‘veneer’, otherwise known as thermofoil. This is made by using a combination of pressure and heat to apply a vinyl film to a medium-density fiberboard. The laminated veneer looks very similar to wood detailing, but is not so likely to chip – and it doesn’t require the same amount of care as real wood, however does not have the same long-term durability as plywood cabinets with solid wood doors. Check out our wood guide to learn more about the different types of wood for cabinets.
The Design Of the Cabinets
The design of the cabinets you choose will to a large extent determine the character of your kitchen. From elegant and chic to rustic, there’s something for everyone’s tastes. When it comes to cost, there is one rule though: the more detailed the design, the more expensive it will typically be. For example, a standard raised panel door will cost less than a mitered door which often will have a more ornate design in the frame and panels. A slab door (completely flat design) will normally be the least cost of all.
A standard door, or one with a partial overlay, will also cost less than one with a full overlay where the door covers the cabinet’s full frame. If money isn’t too much of a concern, an inset-style door might appeal to you. In this case, the drawers and doors are built to fit within the opening of the face frame.
How The Cabinets Are Built
Ready To Assemble. This is the cheapest option. It consists of premade kits that can often be ordered online. You have to assemble them at home before they can be installed.
Stock cabinets. These are fully pre-made so you can choose the one you like most online and install it (or have it installed) when it arrives. They are slightly more expensive than the first option.
Semi-custom or semi-stock cabinets. This option allows the buyer to create semi-customized options by selecting different styles from a relatively small number of options. They fit somewhere near the middle of the price range.
Custom kitchen cabinets—this is what we do. Our cabinets are built from the ground up according to your design specifications and other preferences. You choose the type of wood, the style, the types of doors and drawers, etc. As could be expected, they often cost a bit more than their mass-produced counterparts. But if you can afford it and you realize that this is an investment that will last many years, it’s undoubtedly your best option. Since our cabinets are built in our own shop from the ground up, our 100% custom-made cabinets are a good value for most people.
Hire a Custom Cabinet Builder in Perry, NY
If you would like to have custom cabinets installed in your kitchen, we want you to know that you’re on the verge of making a solid investment that you’ll love for many years to come.
At Kustom Kabinetry, we love helping homeowners transform their kitchens, and we’d be honored to help you transform yours. To see photos of our work, visit our online gallery. If you need help deciding what color to paint your kitchen, our team of custom cabinet professionals will be happy to provide a professional opinion.To learn more about our services or schedule a free estimate, contact us today by calling (585) 237-3733 or visit us online at kustomkabinetry.com.
