Choosing the right cabinetry can make or break your remodeling project. Especially in kitchen remodels, cabinetry plays a major role in drawing focus to the overall design and room functionality. One reason is that cabinets command so much wall space and rightly so. Can you imagine if everything housed behind those cabinet doors was in full view? The chaos would be overwhelming.
Even before deciding type of materials, color, and style for the cabinets, the first question to ask is whether the cabinets will be custom, semi-custom, or ready-to-assemble (commonly referred to as RTA). There is quite a difference between them, most importantly, cost and flexibility.
Custom cabinetry has the greatest level of flexibility and highest quality since every cabinet is built to the home’s exact specifications. The downside is that the cost can impact the budget substantially. The level of craftsmanship and personalization found in custom kitchen cabinets if often considered the best available.
Semi-custom cabinets are a popular option. This form of cabinetry is pre-designed with several options to choose from to piece together a custom kitchen. Rather than being hand-crafted, most are made in a factory. Pre-assembled and ready for installation, this is the type of cabinetry found in large box stores. The downside can be its construction using medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particle board that won’t last as long as hardwoods.
RTA kitchen cabinets are a sub-type of semi-custom cabinets. The difference is that RTA cabinets don’t come assembled, which saves money upfront on shipping and labor. The downside is that not all RTA cabinets are created equal. On one end of the spectrum are the budget-friendly IKEA cabinets – good price but you may need to speak fluent IKEA to follow the diagrams and directions. Another pathway for better quality, availability, convenience, and options is to enlist the services of a dealer to access an industry cabinet manufacturer specializing in this alternative.
Here’s what to look for to help you select quality RTA cabinets for your project.
— Do the cabinets use solid wood drawers and doors?
— Is the material plywood or hardwood construction?
— Do the drawers have dovetail joinery?
— Are there easy-to-follow assembly instructions?
— Have multiple layers of finish or paint been applied by brush?
Whether selecting custom cabinets, semi-custom, or RTA, Lenton Company can help guide you through the design build process. They partner with dealer-only NorthPoint Cabinetry for many clients looking to stay within a defined budget. The manufacturer’s line offers a QuickBuild quality cabinet solution that addresses the need for a custom look. It is a professional-grade solution without the time and labor associated with custom cabinets. Manufactured in North America with solid wood construction, the cabinets feature sturdy dovetail design and pocket screw assembly that reinforces the cabinet’s structural integrity. Check out this month’s featured project for a dramatic kitchen remodel that used RTA cabinetry.
