What should I do? I want new cabinets but I don't want to pay a fortune.
This is a question that comes up for many homeowners, they want to get a fresh new look for their kitchen but fear that custom made is out of reach. These days unless you are getting off the shelf cabinets from the local big box store, you may pay just as much for factory made cabinets as for custom made.
A few reasons to consider custom made.
1. You keep your money in the local economy. Why send your money to some big out of state corporation when you can support a local craftsman?
2. Custom cabinets often make better use of space. Box cabinets typically come in increments of three inches. then they use fillers to make up for the gaps so there is unused space.
3. Ask for no particle board to be used. Most custom shops won't use it anyway, but you should really stay away from particle board. In addition to the fact that it is weak and prone to break, particle board also gives off fumes from the formaldehyde that is used in manufacturing. This is called "off-gassing" and lasts sometimes for years adding poisonous chemicals to your indoor air. Factory made cabinets often use this.
4. Green finishes. With a custom shop you can ask for water based lacquers and other low or zero VOC finishes. VOC's ( volatile organic compounds) off-gas into your interior air just as formaldehyde does.
5. Stronger cabinets. With granite, quartz and concrete being the materials of choice for most custom kitchens haveing cabinets that are strong enough to support them is important.
