Your home layout is unique, and you have your own set of needs when it comes to a kitchen remodel- be it small spaces, large households with children, or something else. You want your kitchen cabinets customized, and you are attracted to the beauty and durability of natural wood.
Custom woodworking can be done entirely by a local millworker in your own town. A custom kitchen may also be manufactured and assembled in a factory by a larger company. There are pros and cons to each, so there are many options to consider before making that decision.
Customization Options
A factory specializing in custom kitchens will provide far more options than a local millworker. Since the volume of kitchens produced is higher, a large company is able to offer more finish choices and door styles to align with your decorating taste. A local millworker of course delivers their own special touch, which may really suit your own style, in a small range of popular stain and paint choices.
On the other hand, a factory built kitchen might offer thousands of colors and finishes, or even a glass finish such as that by Austrian solid wood cabinet manufacturer Team 7 [INSERT LINK TO THIS PAGE: http://www.team7us.com/linee ]. The types of wood available might also be more varied with factory cabinets. While certain favorites like oak and cherry are probably standard for many woodworkers, more exotic choices such as olive or rosewood are typically available through a larger company.
Another factor is the degree of customization when it comes to cabinet size. Both small and large companies who make custom cabinets will adjust the dimensions to fit your kitchen’s layout. However, a local millworker might be more specific in their measurements, and more accommodating with the dimensions since they are cut by hand. Factory made cabinets, particularly from Europe, are not quite as precise because they come in a range of pre-specified sizes. For a perfect fit, European cabinets are typically paired with European appliances in metric measurements.
Staff and Contractors
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The size of the cabinet company has a certain impact on your overall renovation experience. This is certainly a topic where personal preference comes into play, as there are pros and cons to both local and large-scale manufacturers.
With a local millworker, your renovation job is handled by a small team or perhaps even a single craftsman. Your kitchen design and measurements might be handled by the same person who actually builds your cabinetry. This can be appealing to someone who likes the small town feel of meeting everyone face to face.
Those who choose a full-service kitchen company have the access to a larger staff with professionals specializing in each step. The initial design is handled by a consultant who works one on one with the client to conceptualize the full design. A team of engineers work on new innovations each year to enhance the cabinets’ utility.
Typically, the quality control will also be very meticulous, as larger companies have the infrastructure to test new materials and procedures extensively. This includes everything from the finish quality to function of drawer glides. Even if the factory is far away, there is usually a customer service team on hand to resolve any issues. This often results in a superior product, and actually a more personalized experience for many people.
Price
The pricing factor is often a tossup and really depends on the situation. A local millworker charges by the hour while a factory tends to quote a standardized rate. The overall cost of a locally made kitchen depends on the speed of the millworker and how much they charge hourly. A factory has higher overhead costs and a larger staff but can make the cabinets much quicker and more efficiently.
The price of your kitchen hinges on your choice of materials also. Solid wood cabinets from a local millworker might cost less than those made in a factory, but a larger cabinet company will often provide a wood veneer alternative that likely costs less.