Choosing a cabinet type is of little importance next to choosing a cabinet supplier. The priority to find a supplier that has the look, value and reputation you need.
The variables are stock, semi-custom or custom cabinetry; then full-access or face-frame.
Stock Cabinetry
Stock cabinetry is great for some applications. The price-point and value make them the best option for low-use areas, such as:
Basement
Extra bathroom
Laundry room
Garage
Semi-Custom Cabinetry
If you’ve read the page on stock vs custom cabinetry, you’ll know that I’m not a big fan of semi-custom cabinetry. There are a few (out of hundreds) that make a quality product with a high value for the cost. Most cost the same as custom, are made with a lower quality and have more limitations than custom.
A good kitchen designer can create a beautiful space with semi custom cabinets, but it’s easier with custom. Semi-custom is what many kitchen designers and interior designers use. They offer several lines that specialize in different looks and prices points. Some designers work with custom cabinet-makers too. If you are getting your cabinets through a design firm, make sure you know what you’re getting.
Custom Cabinetry
Custom cabinetry runs the full range on quality and value. Check out the showroom and get references before signing on with a custom cabinet builder. Most custom cabinetry is of a better quality and value than stock or semi-custom, but not all.
Let’s assume, you’ve found a high quality custom cabinetry builder (like usJ). The price-point and value make these cabinets the best value high use areas, such as:
Kitchen
Master Bath
MainEntertainmentCenter
Entryway
Often-used Bar
Full-Access vs Face-Frame Cabinetry
Should you choose full-access cabinetry or face-frame cabinetry? I have no real answer to this one.
I like full-access cabinetry better; it’s what we build. We chose full-access because it’s allows for more efficient use of space and design flexibility. However, full-access cabinetry requires specialized tools to build it properly; which means that there are fewer custom cabinetry builders using this style. It also means that a builder trying full-access cabinetry without the proper equipment will produce a low-quality product.
The builder’s or supplier’s reputation for a quality product should be a bigger deciding factor than the type of cabinetry he produces.