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Kitchen Cabinets
Custom
Where to buy Few cabinetmakers have showrooms; most offer pictures of completed jobs. Be safe: visit some installations.Who designs You; your architect, builder, or kitchen designer; or the maker (but be careful: cabinetmakers aren't necessarily designers).
Cost range Very wide; depends, as with factory-made boxes, on materials, finishes, craftsmanship, and options you choose.
Options available You can often -- but not always -- get the same options and European-made hardware that go in semi-custom cabinets.
Materials used Anything you specify, but examine samples. Methods vary by cabinetmaker; look at door and drawer hardware in a finished kitchen.
Delivery time Figure five weeks or longer, depending on job complexity, number of drawers, and finishes. Allow extra time.
Installation & service In most cases, the maker installs. Buy from an established shop and you should have no trouble getting service.
Other considerations Make sure the bid you accept is complete -- not just a basic cost-per-foot or cost-per-box charge.
Semi-custom
Where to buy These cabinets are mainly showroom items, but some are found in home centers and department stores.Who designs The better (and more expensive) the line, the more help you get. Top-of-the-line suppliers design your whole kitchen.
Cost range A basic box can cost about what stock does, but each upgrade in door and drawer style and finish boosts the cost considerably.
Options available Most lines offer choices galore -- including variations in basic sizes and cabinets for corners. Check showrooms and study catalogs.
Materials used Factory-applied laminates and catalyzed varnishes are usually of high quality and durable. Medium-density fiberboard is the quality alternative for wood in non-showing parts of the basic box.
Delivery time Five to eight weeks is typical, whether cabinets are American or imported, but delivery can actually take up to six months. Order early.
Installation & service Better lines are sold at a price that includes installation and warranty. Some cabinets are virtually guaranteed for life.
Other considerations With some manufacturers, if cabinets are wrong, you'll wait as long for the right parts to arrive as you did in the first place.
