How do I know which cabinet manufacturer / product line is the best fit for my project? This is one of the most common (and most important) questions we get as a custom cabinet company. At Unhinged, we partner with several quality cabinet manufacturers- each with their own unique traits and price points. But, how does a customer know which one they should chose for their project? Before diving into information on the manufacturers, it's important to answer a few questions specific to your project.
What is unique about your project?
What is your style?
What is your budget?
What is your timeline?
Are there any special features that are important to you? (i.e., soft-close functionality, material, finish quality, craftsmanship, etc.)
Answering these questions will help you form a foundation and make an educated decision about the cabinet manufacturer.
What exactly is the difference between high-end, mid-range, and affordable cabinetry?
There used to be very clear differentiators of a cabinet based on its price (e.g., dovetail drawer joints, soft-closing doors and drawers, particle board vs. plywood, etc.). Today, there many companies at very different price points which offer all these features, and the difference between good cabinets and craftsman-quality cabinets is not always as easy to spot.
With this in mind, we've outlined some key features to look for. A craftsman-quality cabinet manufacturer will use:
Select-grade hardwood: sapwood, knots, and cracks are removed, leaving just the clearest parts of the wood for cabinet construction
Seamless customization: extended stiles instead of fillers, flush ends, designer end panels, and transom (or stacked) wall cabinets, integrated panels for appliances.
Construction materials: A cabinet box entirely constructed of plywood (1/2" or thicker) is still considered superior to particle board
Heavy Duty, Name brand hardware: Blum is considered the industry standard
Finish Quality: To the touch, most well-built cabinets will feel the same. However, understanding the quality and thickness of the finish will be a strong indiciator of your cabinets' long-term durability
The benefit of partnering with a custom cabinet company is that the research has already been done for you! For example, at Unhinged, we've spent countless hours researching cabinet manufacturers and have selected only craftsman-quality cabinets (with a range of price points, production times, and custom features). Therefore, there is a perfect product line for each customer's project. Visit Unhinged's Product Line Comparison to review our manufacturers and links to their specific sites.
Regardless of which cabinet manufacturer I choose, how can I save money and where should I splurge?
For every home project, it's important to consider what your priorities are. Do you want to focus on function or are aesthetics more important to you? For instance, you could choose to spend more of your budget on roll-out shelves in base cabinets (functional) or a designer glazed finish (aesthetic). We understand that each project, each design, and each budget will have its unique attributes, and therefore, unique priorities. However, if you are unsure of where you want to save money and where you want to splurge, we've put together a few suggestions.
Things to consider saving on, and why:
Door style. You’ll probably already have a specific door style in mind, but in general the more detailed the the door is, the more expensive.
Wood species. Each major wood species has unique qualities in terms of color, grain pattern, and hardness. You may already know that you want a specific wood species. If not then here are some general guidelines: (Red) Oak and hickory are typically more affordable. Maple and birch are typically a step up in terms of cost. Cherry, walnut and mahogany are usually more expensive. Note: If you are considering painted cabinets, most companies will use a maple door frame since maple is very hard and provides a smooth finish for paint. For this reason, painted cabinets are typically a bit more expensive than stained cabinets.
Pullout Shelves. You’ve got to decide whether the added convenience is worth the expense or not. Any type of sliding hardware, be it a trash bin, pullout shelves, drawers or miracle corner, will drive up the bill.
Customization. It's simple: the fewer details you choose, the less you’ll pay. Corbels, decorative legs, designer end panels, glass door fronts, crown molding and more are surprisingly costly. This doesn’t mean you have to go without any sort of decorative touch, though. Just be strategic about it.
Things that may be worth splurging on, and why:
Soft-close drawers and doors. This function will be something you appreciate multiple times a day. The soft-close eliminates the sound and danger of slamming (fingers), as well as the damage slamming can do to drawers.
Functionality. Drawers in base cabinets are more ergonomic and provide better storage access. Building wall cabinets up to the ceiling will give you significantly more storage space (and a higher-end look).
Floor Plan. Changing the layout of a space will likely be a larger cost, but an efficient and well-thought out layout will save you frustration and time daily.
Kitchen islands and peninsulas. Looking to add one or expand the one you already have? It will cost you. However, the additional space is extremely useful and if your other counter space is limited, it will be worth every penny.
We understand choosing your custom cabinet manufacturer (and deciding how to allocate your budget) can be a daunting task. Just remember, you are not alone! We are here to help discuss, deliberate, and decide. Contact Unhinged any time to start the conversation.
コメント