Over the course of the last 40 years, the kitchen cabinet industry has been transformed and advanced by modular, factory-produced cabinets. Traditionally, when there was a need for new cabinets, cabinet frames were cut and assembled onsite, while other parts, such as drawers and doors were manufactured back at the shop.
Kitchen cabinets that were built onsite had no separating back or sidewalls, whereas modular cabinets are essentially individual boxes that are arranged together. Nowadays, most cabinet makers offer both the modular cabinet units as well as the cabinets that are built onsite.
So which do you go with when you are looking for custom cabinets in Jackson, MS? We have laid out the major differences between both options in hopes that it helps make your decision easier.
Factory built kitchen cabinets
Factory built kitchen cabinets have become increasingly popular over the years for many reasons. One of the main reasons these have become so popular is that many cabinet companies design their wood cabinets with a baked-on factory finish. In going through this chemical baking process, the cabinets receive a highly durable finish that resists stains from food and liquids, which will keep them functioning and looking great over time.
In contrast to the above, if there is a finish that is applied onsite by your local cabinet shop, odds are the finish will never fully cure. As a result of this, the cabinets will become grimy and gummy over time. The finish will most likely breakdown faster, to the point where it’s possible for you to strip the finish while cleaning the cabinets.
Another advantage of factory built cabinets is the ability to provide superior quality control for consumers. Mass factory-produced cabinets are built using uniform construction methods and factory materials, as well as individual cabinet sizing, which reduces imperfections and can be custom-made to fit your tastes.
Most of the larger cabinet factories and manufacturers are able to offer long-term or limited-lifetime warranties for their products, which are endorsed by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA). The KCMA is a professional trade organization that rigorously tests cabinets for the wear and tear that is typically found in bathrooms and kitchens.
Lastly, larger cabinet manufacturers have the ability to provide 3-D computer programs to your local cabinet dealers, enabling them to show you all of the possible layouts for your home, as well as giving you an idea on pricing. Although there are some local cabinet shops that have similar capabilities, it’s more common in the larger cabinet showrooms that sell factory-built cabinets.
Cabinets built onsite
Although factory-built cabinets have many advantages, sometimes hiring your local cabinetmaker for custom cabinets in Jackson, MS is more preferable. Custom cabinet shops offer the ability to design unique features for your home, which, when adding to your already existing cabinetry, your local cabinet guys can do a much better job of replicating the styles and colors.
It is recommended that when looking for some special-order customizations, you obtain a quote from a custom cabinetmaker, as it may be more costly to go through a factory.