Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are also built-to-order. These manufacturers produce cabinets in factories and allow an unlimited number of cabinet modifications--at a cost. They use the highest grade of materials and offer the widest choice of styles and custom finishes. These cabinets are the most expensive of all the grades. The lead-time on custom cabinets can be from 8 to 18 weeks.

In a category of its own is the local cabinetmaker. Cabinetmakers custom build your cabinets but they are not manufactured in the same sense as factory-built cabinets. Construction, grade of materials, and finishing techniques may range from adequate to excellent. Ask your local cabinetmaker what equipment is used for painted and stained finishes--these are best when produced using dust-free processing equipment in a dust-free environment. Laminate finishes can be adequately produced without special dust-free equipment.

Your local cabinetmaker can provide you with cabinetry that can be made within a tolerance of approximately one-quarter inch (1/4"). Because smaller fillers (spacer inserts to fill gaps between walls and cabinet boxes) are needed, the cabinets and drawers can be maximized to take advantage of every inch of storage space. In addition, it is often easier to get replacement pieces and parts from your local cabinetmaker.