Cabinet questions from our clients...

What is the difference between stock, semi-custom and custom cabinets?

Stock cabinets are the most basic, no-frills type of cabinets. Our suppliers usually keep these on hand, so they're usually available within two weeks. They are the least expensive option, but you are limited on choices in terms of color, finish and door-styles.  Check out our JSI Cabinetry for our stock cabinetry line.

Semi-custom cabinets add more detail and options like crown molding, molding on the bottom edges, side panels, and glass doors. More choices in styles, color and finish are available, but semi-custom are more costly than stock and have to be ordered from our manufacturer. We offer Dewils, Integrity and Aster Cucine in semi-custom cabinetry.

With custom cabinets, the sky's the limit. In this category, practically anything you can dream up you can have built. Sizes and dimensions are variable and can be customized to fit specific spaces -- down to the last 1/8-inch. When customizing, you can select from a myriad of specialty features, and the quality of workmanship will be high. So will the price. These will typically cost at least twice as much as stock cabinets. At this level, you're investing in quality and aesthetics. Please speak with one our of representatives for options in custom cabinetry.

Are certain cabinet materials better than others?

There are several materials used to construct kitchen cabinets.  Laminate is the less expensive material, and is the same material that countertops are made from. A disadvantage is that it can only be made in flat panels. However, it's a good choice for kitchens with a sleek, contemporary look.  Aster Cucine offers a stunning line of laminate cabinetry. 

Wood is a more expensive choice, but it offers the classic look of a natural material, and can be made with a variety of styles and finishes. The price range for wood doors is wide, as is the selection. Wood doors may be painted or stained to give a natural finish that shows off the natural wood grain. Well-crafted wood doors can be thought of as analogous to fine furniture.  Check out the How To page for a breakdown of wood species.

The important thing to keep in mind is that no two manufacturers are the same. Cabinet construction may be particle board, MDF or plywood.  Plywood is going to give you the best strength and durability of the three options.  We do not sell any cabinetry with particle board as it swells and degrades over time.

Can I mix cabinet styles?

One of the more exciting design developments in kitchen cabinetry is the creative use of mixed elements. Stylized kitchens today are created with a latitude in design that can make any kitchen unique. Light-stained wood can be used against rubbed paint or dark finishes, and a variety of doors, features and hardware can be combined creatively for a distinctive look. Glass panels, raised panels, scalloped edges and overlay doors are just some of the design options you can choose from. Maintaining a sense of balance and unity is the challenge (and the fun) in custom designing a kitchen.  Read the How To page for more information.

What should I consider when selecting drawers?

One important consideration when choosing cabinets is the design of the drawers, especially since drawers are the element that get the most use in a kitchen. Full-extension glide drawers allow the drawer to be pulled out all the way. Standard stock-cabinet drawers only pull out about three-quarters, so access is limited. Also pay close attention to the basic construction of the drawers. Dovetail joinery and all-wood construction is a mark of fine workmanship. Less expensive drawers are typically made of plastic with wood fronts, and may simply be stapled together. Also, pay attention to the glides. Metal glides hold up longer than plastic ones. All of our drawers are either dovetail or stainless steel. In addition we use Blue Motion glides on all but our stock cabinets. 

Keep in mind that, in a typical remodeling budget, over half of the cost will be allocated to the cabinets alone. Selecting them therefore is one of the most important design decisions you'll make for your kitchen!

The low down on granite...

There are so many products available and at very different price levels. Which one is best?

We get this question a lot so I'm going to spend a little time on it.  There are several different materials available for countertops including laminate, which is the most economical choice, solid surface, engineered stone, concrete, granite and stainless steel and glass, which are the most expensive.  But countertops are a buyer beware topic because what you see is not always what you get which I will talk about later in this article.

In choosing a countertop, we like to ask our clients about their lifestyles.  For example, if you have young children, I would recommend solid surface or engineered stone over all others. Why? They are non-porous meaning that those little bacteria bugs cannot grow.  Actually engineered stone is my favorite and I have it in my own home.  It is very heat resistant and I don't have to maintain it to keep it shiny. 

If you have a modern kitchen, I would definitely go with engineered stone. The sleek look and colors just "fit" in the modern kitchen. Stop by the studio and I will show you what I mean.

Some clients however really want granite. They want the natural look of the stone as wells as the swirls and slices of colors.  It has a little maintenance in that it has to be sealed a couple of times a year but other than that, granite is a great choice. It does get pricy depending on the grade you select.  Granite comes in grade A - E, E being the gorgeous exotics which can run up to $200 a square foot.

Now for the buyer beware part. Our clients are somewhat surprised sometimes when they see the estimate for their granite.  After all there are signs all over NOLA for $50 a square foot for granite whereas our prices start at $64 which includes the material, fabrication and installation. So what is the difference? LOTS!  There are two thicknesses for granite; 2CM and 3CM.  3CM is what you see when you come to our showroom.  You might not think there is much of a difference between the two but there is.  2CM granite is what I expect to see on a bathroom vanity but in kitchens you should definitely have 3CM.  But here is the catch!  The 2CM granite countertop has what we call a built up edge making it appear like 3CM.  Why is this an issue? SEAMS!  Make sure before you buy 2CM granite that they show you their completed work.  Then call us as you will not be happy with what you see.  In addition, there are additional costs for sink and stovetop cutouts, faucet holes, edge profiles etc.  so make sure you have a complete understanding of any additional charges. 

Lastly is the fabrication.  My next door neighbor put in 2CM, $50 a square foot granite in their kitchen.  It was fabricated in their driveway.  Say what?  The quality of your finished product will vary based on several key issues and one is hand fabrication versus fabrication with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine.  What is the difference?  Draw a circle by hand and then draw a circle on your computer.  When done with a CNC machine, you can expect nothing but perfection which is why we only cut our countertops with CNC technology.  Stop by the studio to learn more. 

Undermount or Topmount sink?

Undermount definitely! Less cleaning and it is a nice sleek look. 

What about edge profiles? 

Edge profiles include bullnose, bezel, square etc.  Many come free with the countertop. An upgraded edge profile runs anywhere from $13 to $25 a linear foot. I did an upgraded edge profile on my countertop and I regret it. It just collects dust.

What are the other differences between engineered stone and granite?

The most important difference is that granite is 100% natural.  No two slabs are alike and the sample may not be an exact match to your countertop but they are pretty close. With engineered stone what you see is what you get. It is more seamless that granite as it has a consistent color throughout.  Both can crack or break but it usually takes a bit of abuse to do so.  The difference is that engineered stone has a warranty, granite does not with the exception of the installation itself.

I think engineered stone can withstand more heat than granite. I have seen granite crack after a hot pot was placed on it but it is rare. Both materials can be repaired but engineered stone is much easier.

Other than that they are both excellent choices for countertops. In addition, concrete is another fun choice, particularly if you have a lot of curve or angles to your kitchen.  Stainless steel and glass hit the runway at this years kitchen and bath show and they say that the glass has the same strength of granite but I would not take that to the bank.