Why Custom Cabinets Are Inferior To Quality Manufactured Cabinets
Why Most Custom Cabinets are Inferior to Quality Manufactured Cabinets
Almost all custom cabinetry is frameless. This is a less expensive method of construction since much of the solid wood used in framed cabinetry is eliminated.
Particle board box construction rather than plywood. Not nearly as durable or strong. Particle board has a very poor ability to hold fasteners such as the screws used to attach hardware (drawer glides, hinges, etc.)
No face frame to keep the cabinet from wracking out of shape over time. This is especially important for larger wall cabinets. The front edges exposed as either sharp or prone to pulling loose. The face frame covers all the edges of framed cabinets.
Usually the cabinet and drawer interiors are of white melamine like garage cabinets.
Because the stains are manually applied uniformity is nearly impossible. If replacement pieces (doors or drawer fronts) are ever needed later they will not match. Manufactured cabinets are stained using computerized equipment which can duplicate the finish at a later date.
The topcoat is a water based lacquer which is air dryed. The best finish is an oil based (conversion) varnish. The only local company equipped to spray varnish is Reborn. Unfortunately they do not have the expensive ovens necessary to bake the finish on. This final process produces a molecular bond which is extremely durable. This leaves a finish like an automobile painted at the factory rather than in someones garage.
Finally, contrary to what frameless cabinet sellers may claim a well designed manufactured set of cabinets has almost the exact amount of storage space as the frameless yet without all the shortcomings.