A large portion of our projects involves
cabinetry. In a kitchen, for example, 60% of an average project are
the cabinets.
There are two types of cabinet construction systems available today.
Traditional American cabinetry is called "framed" construction; it is
a box with a solid 1-1/2" wide wood frame attached to the front of it.
Doors can "slab", "lip", "set in flush" (like fine furniture), or
"marginally cover" the front frame.
The second production method is called "frameless" or "European" where
5/8" or 3/4" melamine or plywood boards are assembled to construct the
cabinet chassis. This thicker material eliminates the need for
"framing". As a result, you can gain greater accessibility to wall
units, greater width in drawers and roll-out shelves for storage and
easier access for cleaning.
For ease of your understanding and comparison, our firm has identified
a number of cabinet quality grades based upon the construction system,
material specifications, hardware, styling, innovations, finish
system, interior accessories, degree of customization available,
application for use in other rooms, brand name recognition, and
relative cost.
Here's a quick rundown of these five quality grades:
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Production grade / Stock: very few
sizes; minimum number of styles; limited accessories and options;
limited finish selection; generally in stock and delivered in 1-2
weeks.
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Semi Custom grade: a step up from
production grade quality and offers wider selection; size of
cabinet can be customized (H/W/D); from 3-7 weeks delivery.
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Custom grade: fully custom in cabinet
sizes shapes and colors; wider range of styles; accessories; wood
species and hardware; available in 7-12 weeks.
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Furniture grade / Handcrafted: built in
the old tradition of furniture making; equivalent attention
invested in the interior construction, fit and finish of the
cabinet as in the exterior; unlimited styles; superb quality
interior accessories; largest selection of wood species including
exotic and reclaimed wood; best painted and hand painted finishes;
accurate period styles, 13-18 weeks delivery.
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Luxury grade / SieMatic:
state-of-the-art frameless construction, cutting edge of new
styles, technology and materials; widest array of functional
interiors and accessories; state-of-the-art hardware systems;
internationally known product widely advertised in consumer
magazines; a leader in the kitchen industry since the 1950's;
excellent literature; has the broadest price range; 12-16 weeks
delivery.
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With many years of experience, our firm knows that a sound investment
in either the semi-custom, custom, handcrafted or SieMatic makes good
sense. While cheaper cabinetry is available from local cabinet shops
and Home Centers, they are not cost effective for a long-term
investment. At least not in a room that gets as much daily wear and
tear as a kitchen. The difference between a quality and cheap cabinet
can be seen within the first year or so.
Our firm carefully researched, selected and crafted cabinet products
from each of these quality grades. We are sure that you will find our
selection to represent the very finest value available.
To illustrate the impact that cabinet product has on the final cost of
a kitchen project, we compared the relative cost of square raised
panel maple cabinetry in the semi custom grade using two layouts.
Designing your project different will change the overall looks and
usage of your project, but it will also become a major factor
affecting the project's cost. We have drawn two very simple, but very
different design options for the same kitchen.
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