Custom Cabinets – What Expenses Should You Expect When Installing Custom Kitchen Cabinets?
Putting custom cabinets in your kitchen is a great investment not only in the resale value of your home, but also in the practicality of the room.
This purchase is typically the most expensive part of a kitchen build or remodel. When you start looking at designs, knowing about the different expenses can help you not only keep track of how much you’re spending, but also give you options on where you can save and where you can splurge.
These are the main expenses when it comes to custom cabinets in the kitchen:
Wood – There are a variety of types of wood that can be used for custom cabinetry. Prefab cabinets are made from pressed particle board and cardboard. The facade can be made of cheap wood, but the interior will not be solid. When choosing woods, prices will vary. Cherry is at the higher end of the scale, while red oak is a good, durable, mid-priced wood. Other popular materials include hickory, hickory, and maple.
Construction: Poor quality construction is cheaper, but it’s also… well, it’s also poor quality. It just makes sense to go with the strongest dovetail joints and solid wood drawer bottoms make for a quality piece that will last through all the opening and closing for years to come.
Ball bearing slides and weighted drawers also add to the cost of construction and are things to consider. The door is also an important cost factor. The more detailed the door, the more expensive. The same goes for finishes. An enamel is more expensive than a stain or paint. Ultimately, any organizational design will serve you well beyond basic shelves and drawers.
Countertop: Basic laminate, granite, corian, and marble come in a variety of colors and textures. Obviously when you get into natural stone pieces the expense skyrockets, but they are also more durable and add richness to the kitchen. Another popular countertop material is cement.
Contemporary and stylish, this gives a very urban look to the wardrobe. You don’t want to install a gorgeous custom cabinet and then top it off with a cheap countertop.
Hardware: If you’ve ever replaced cabinet hardware and know it can be expensive depending on material and design. It’s also not a place to skimp, but you can find a good middle ground.
Installation – There is not much you can do about this expense unless you do it yourself. Get referrals and let them bid for a price.
Whether you spend or save with your custom cabinetry in the kitchen, you can be sure you’re adding value to your home while adding your personal touch to one of the most used rooms in the house. Isn’t this where your family and friends congregate?