How to Choose Custom Built Cabinets
-Exerpt taken From The Joplin Globe, Saturday, June 28 2003

The biggest myth about custom built cabinets and cabinetry is, well, who can afford them? Though pricing can go from affordable to astronomical, anyone looking for custom built cabinets can get what they want without busting the bank.

Kitchen cabinets, living room bookcases, a bath vanity: whatever the use, cabinets should give a lifetime of enjoyment. Store cabinets, which usually come unassembled and not installed, may not always be the best value. They may not fit right or operate properly.

Custom built cabinets can match the right cabinets to your lifestyle and budget.

Custom built cabinets let you add your personal touch. The custom cabinetry you select is sure to be a highlight in your home. Unfortunately, they may be highlighted even more if constructed poorly. Finding the right builder and installer is very important when ordering custom kitchen cabinets.

The key to cabinets that will provide years of proper operation is careful design. Professional design is critical in the installation and use of cabinets, whether it's a custom-designed bar or a set of kitchen cabinets. Both demand a trained designer.

Cabinetmakers build custom cabinetry to specifications provided by an architect, kitchen designer, interior designer, contractor or homeowner. A variety of wood species and laminates are generally used with custom cabinetry offering a selection of finishes.

Cabinetmakers, when building a new kitchen or doing a complete remodel, offer a unique niche by having the ability to "customize" an existing kitchen. If you are planning a "face-life" or minor remodel, consider a cabinetmakers who can provide intricate architectural changes to existing cabinetry. This is most often done when the current cabinetry is in good condition and/or the layout is sufficient for your needs.

Cabinetmakers can replace cabinet doors with beveled, stained, or plain glass inserts, glass/mullion inserts, pressed tin inserts, etc. Moldings, decorative trim, door and side panels can be handcrafted by a cabinetmaker and added to existing cabinetry. They can also change your existing cabinetry by rearranging units for better traffic flow of function.

Installation is one of the most crucial stages. Each piece should be carefully installed. If you've ever visited a kitchen where a drawer won't open because it was placed too close to an appliance handle, you can appreciate the importance of careful installation.

Before you proceed with designing your custom cabinetry, try to think about these ideas:

* Do you have a preferred style or color?
* Are you preferential to wood, steel, or another type of cabinet?
* If choosing kitchen cabinets, how much time will you spend in the kitchen? This will often    dictate the amount of space you'll want to allocate to your custom kitchen cabinets.