These days, kitchens are highly visible rooms, and they should be since they are the heart of the home for most people. We often use our kitchens to entertain, and with the popularity of open-style design, our kitchens can be viewed from other areas of the house. Even if the kitchen is closed off, it still gets seen more nowadays than in years gone by.

It’s only natural that we want our kitchens to look great. That’s one reason custom kitchen cabinets have grown in popularity. But are they suitable for your kitchen? Let’s look at custom cabinets' pros and cons so that you can decide if they are ideal for your home. 

What Is Bespoke Cabinetry?

If you’re looking into bespoke cabinetry, you’re likely building custom cabinets in your kitchen. Bespoke cabinetry refers to custom-made cabinets designed and built to fit your specific needs and preferences. 

Unlike standard, off-the-shelf options, bespoke cabinetry offers unique design, superior craftsmanship, and high-quality materials tailored to match the exact style, dimensions, and functionality you desire. In the below sections, we go into more detail about the advantages of custom cabinetry and why the benefits of custom cabinets far outweigh the disadvantages. 

The Pros of Custom Cabinets

• They Look Great: There is no mistaking the look and feel of custom-made cabinets. They simply look more “finished” than stock cabinets. On top of that, you have the ability to create something that meets your specific sense of style.
• They Fit Your Needs: Not only do custom cabinets look great, but they can also be designed to function specifically to meet your needs. If you're a wine aficionado, you can have a wine rack built in. If you're a gourmet cook, you can have a convenient spice rack built into the cabinetry. If you want your cupboards deeper, higher, or broader than traditional cabinets, you can do that. That's the beauty of custom-made cabinetry.
• You Get Great Quality: Your cabinets will be made from better materials than standard cabinets. Both the cabinets themselves and the hardware will be of a higher quality, and doors and drawers should operate better. On top of that, your cabinets should last longer.
• Increased Home Value: Custom cabinets can add significant value to your home. Potential buyers often appreciate the craftsmanship and tailored fit of custom cabinetry, which can make your home more attractive on the market.
• Unique Design Options: Custom cabinets allow you to incorporate unique design elements that are not available with stock options. Whether it's special finishes, intricate moldings, or unconventional shapes, your creativity can shine through.

The Cons of Custom Cabinets

When you are looking into custom cabinets vs stock cabinets, it's clear there are a few disadvantages to installing custom cabinets in your kitchen. However, these negatives often don’t outweigh the cons, depending on your preferences, needs, and budget. So let’s have a look at the cons below:

• They Cost More: The cost of custom cabinets is more. Your kitchen cabinets make up a significant part of the cost of your new or remodeled kitchen. According to recent statistics, stock cabinetry can save you $10,000 to $20,000.

• They Take Longer: Custom cabinets have to be made from scratch. Your contractor can’t just pick them up at a store. You are more likely to run into delays than you are with standard or stock cabinets.

• Repairs Can Be Expensive: While it’s unlikely that you’ll sustain severe damage to your cabinets, repairs can be more expensive—and take longer. Also, it can be difficult to match the wood exactly.

• Limited Changes After Installation: Once custom cabinets are installed, making any changes can be challenging and costly. Unlike stock cabinets, which might allow for easier modifications, custom cabinets are built to specific specifications, leaving little room for adjustments.

• Complex Installation: Custom cabinets often require more precise installation, which can be time-consuming and costly. The installation process might involve more skilled labor, adding to the overall expense and timeline.

Is It Really “All or Nothing”?

You actually have three basic types of cabinetry from which to choose: Stock, semi-custom, and custom. It’s also important to understand that you can get good-quality stock cabinets. However, you won’t have as much choice in the finishes, and you won’t be able to choose non-standard sizing if you go that route.
 
That doesn’t mean you can’t “customize” some of your cabinets with features that will make them more convenient. Even standard cabinets can often be fitted with slide-out shelving that makes it easier to access items at the back of the shelf. You can also install “soft-close” drawers that will keep cabinet drawers from banging shut (plus, they ensure that your drawers don’t “bounce back” or fail to close properly).

So, when you shop for cabinets, look beyond the surface. Anything can look good sitting on a showroom floor. Try the doors and the drawers. Look at the construction. Does it feel like it will hold up? Don’t be in a hurry to make your choices. You’ll live with your cabinets for a long time! 

Additionally, like so many features in your home, you should go for as much quality as your budget will allow. Keep in mind that what costs you a little more upfront will generally deliver much more value over the long haul—both in terms of your enjoyment of your home and in terms of resale value.

Speak With Sunwood About What Custom Cabinetry To Add To Your Home

Deciding whether or not to go the custom cabinetry route when remodeling your home can be a challenging decision. Fortunately, the experts at Sunwood can help you determine if custom cabinets are worth it by discussing the pros and cons of each. 

However, no matter which route you take, you are guaranteed to have your kitchen cabinets installed perfectly and can trust the craftsmanship of the remodeling experts at Sunwood. So contact us today and let us help you pick your cabinetry and install it according to your specific needs so that you’re happy with how your home and kitchen look. 

Adapted and updated from the original post