In my opinion the “need” for custom cabinets falls into three places. One instance is trying to add to/match existing cabinetry whose manufacturer can not be determined or replicated within the enormous variety of styles and finishes provided by numerous current cabinet manufacturers. A second instance is, regardless of the vast number of size combinations possible with modular cabinets, the desire to fill a certain space with non typical cabinet dimensions…..a rare occurrence. Or the third instance, perhaps after checking out the multitude of designs and finishes available in modular cabinets, you have something particular in mind that can only be achieved by having it made “just for you” One thing is certain, there are times when nothing else but custom made cabinets will do, however modular cabinets hold a large portion of all the stunning kitchens you’ll see while browsing through various media provided kitchen remodel pictures.
Modular Cabinet Kitchen Remodels
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As for the space you are working with…modular cabinets are produced in many different sizes. It’s really quite easy to pick from a range of width, depth, and height sizes to fit most any space and design. They are built in several different standard depths for wall cabinets, base cabinets, pantry cabinets, utility cabinets, bathroom vanity cabinets, office cabinets/desks, and more. The base cabinets are made in 3″ increments of width per cabinet and are built to height requirements to satisfy building code, like kitchen cabinet/countertop height, bathroom vanities are built at standard and raised heights (a few extra inches taller sometimes are more convenient especially if there aren’t smaller children that will be using those sinks) Upper or wall cabinets are constructed in heights and widths in 3″ increments as well as standard 12″ depths and deeper for areas that are not directly over a countertop.
Starting with the overall area measurements and placement of appliances/plumbing etc., the design phase will easily sort out cabinet sizes to accommodate replacing within the original layout or allow for planned re-locations and designs…….For example to better center a sink at a window, add an island, add a pantry for more storage or remove a pantry to gain countertop space, fill an specific alcove area, exact placement in regards to doorways, complete design changes for today’s popular “great room” styles. The possibilities are endless.
Proper planning may include “fillers” of exact wood and finish as the cabinet’s themselves. These are purposed for solidly filling areas not exactly divisible by 3″, better balancing/centering installed cabinets within the layout, proper offsets to allow drawer operation clearance near appliances/door casings and more. These are precisely cut to suit the need and experienced installation will result in nice solid cabinetry that will perform flawlessly with comparable finished good looks, style, and functionality to that of a custom built cabinet package.
Many modular cabinet manufacturers also include as standard features things like cushion close drawers and doors, sturdy dovetail drawer box construction, and are available with particle board or plywood boxes just as custom built are. There are some advantages and disadvantages to either plywood or particle board constructed cabinets boxes, which individual project needs will help determine that choice. And just to clarify, “modular” cabinets should not be mistaken for “RTA” (Ready to Assemble) cabinets. Modular cabinets are already solidly built, arrive ready to install and are not assembled on site using various dowels and quick lock joinery.
There are many customizing options available with modular cabinets….. like glass face doors, drawer organizers, roll out shelves, lazy susans, wine racks, variety of trim/crown moldings……..too many options to even try to list.