Custom cabinets are built to your precise specifications, and you’ll probably work with a kitchen designer who has a Rolodex of local cabinet makers. They’ll be able to make suggestions for your project based on their experience, but you’ll have much more design freedom than you would with stock or semi-custom cabinets. But custom cabinets can take several weeks to fabricate and ship, so it’s crucial that their estimated lead time fits your remodel schedule.
You’ll need to factor in an extra hour or two for assembly if you go this route, and you’ll also have to purchase the hardware. But if you’re a DIYer who has a little extra money to spend, this can be an excellent option for saving on cost without skimping on quality.
A new player in the market, Form Kitchens, is trying to shake up the cabinet industry by eliminating the middle dealer and working directly with European manufacturers. Its goal is to deliver sleek, contemporary cabinets at a fraction of the cost of traditional custom cabinetry.
Generally, you’ll want to choose cabinets made with plywood for strength. And look for a durable finish that’s water-based or latex instead of oil-based, which is hard to clean and often has a stronger odor than other types of paint. You’ll also want to ask whether the doors and drawer fronts are framed or frameless, which has an impact on interior access, rigidity and the ability to add a face frame later if you wish. custom kitchen cabinets