Discover essential custom joinery tips that will help you maximise the space you currently have.

The Truth About Store-Bought vs Custom Cabinets

Posted by Badel Kitchens & Joinery on February 5, 2022

Are custom cabinets a practical choice for budget and mid-range kitchen renovations or are they really a bit of a luxury option? Are DIY and flat-pack kitchen cabinets pretty much the same as custom cabinets, but with slightly less fancy finishes and options? What if I buy off-the shelf kitchen cabinets, am I getting a good deal or am I compromising on important aspects like durability?

If you’re building a new kitchen from scratch or planning a dream kitchen renovation, chances are you’ve been thinking about custom cabinets and all of the other cabinetry options and had questions like these. Deciding where to save and where to splurge on your kitchen can be confusing – and this is especially true when it comes to the choice between stock and custom cabinetry.

Cabinets are typically the single biggest investment in a kitchen renovation budget – not surprising when you consider that your cabinets are one of the biggest showpieces in the kitchen. Weighing up the options against your needs and budget is an absolute must if you want to get the most from your renovation dollars (and who doesn’t?)

In today’s post we’re going to lay out in practical terms what each of the main cabinetry options out there have to offer and any drawbacks, so you can decide with confidence which cabinets will work best for your new kitchen.

What Types of Kitchen Cabinetry Options Are Out There?

So what options are out there to choose from? When it comes to kitchen cabinetry, you can basically break it down into three main categories:

Stock Cabinets

Semi-custom Cabinets

Custom Cabinets

What are Stock Cabinets?

Stock cabinets, also known as modular cabinets, are cabinets that have been pre-manufactured in a factory and are readily available to order or buy off-the-shelf. Think Bunnings kitchens and flat-pack options. No customisation is available with this option, these cabinets come in pre-determined styles and a limited range of sizes which you’ll need to make work within your space and vision. Stock cabinets are normally mass-manufactured in high quantities and are often sold as “DIY” or “ready-to-assemble” (RTA) cabinets. They are typically constructed of lower-grade wood or particle board. Taken together, these factors keep costs and lead times low, making stock cabinets an popular budget kitchen choice.

What are Semi-Custom Cabinets?

Semi-custom cabinets are essentially stock cabinets with additional cosmetic detailing possibilities. As the name indicates, semi-custom cabinets are a compromise between stock and custom cabinets. Whereas their durability and quality are generally comparable to stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets provide additional design options, combinations and a wider range of finishes. Bear in mind that semi-custom cabinetry is still based on a limited range of looks and materials, so what exactly you’re able to customise varies by manufacturer and the distinctive cabinet designs and combination possibilities are not going to be comparable to those found in custom cabinets.

With semi-custom cabinetry generic cabinet sizes still applies, which means you won’t get that totally custom fit for your space, but depending on the manufacturer you can often make some limited changes to specific dimensions, like changing the size of the cabinet drawers or opting for a deeper cabinet. Expect some lead time compared to off-the shelf options as once you order your semi-custom cabinetry only then will your cabinets be put together.

What are Custom Cabinets?

Finally, there are bespoke cabinets. These are considered to be the cream of the crop and the only way to go if you’re seeking for the highest quality. Because they are custom-made to your specifications, the sky is the limit as to what you may accomplish with them. With bespoke cabinets, you get something that is built just for you.

Comparing Cost of Stock vs Semi-Custom vs Custom Cabinets

At first glance, store-bought and flat-pack may appear to be the clear winner of the cheapest cabinets category. While it’s true the price on the shelf is typically lower than what cabinet makers will quote you and there the added boon that they are ready at a moment’s notice, what people can tend to forget to factor in are the additional costs for delivery, assembly, trades and installation.

While custom cabinets typically come with a higher price tag, this is largely dependant upon the materials and appliances you choose and also already includes various other costs such as the delivery, installation and fees for any other minor repairs that may need to be done, such as patching walls and moving gas outlets etc. It also normally includes project management so everything goes smoothly and on schedule.

When you add in the time you spend putting together your store-bought or flat-pack cabinets, the frustration that it entails or the cost of having to hire someone to install the cabinets for you, install appliances, patch walls and move plumbing, store-bought and flat-pack cabinets can often work out to be very close in price to higher quality custom-made ones and sometimes they can even work out more expensive. So it pays to take all factors into account when weighing up.

At first glance, store-bought and flat-pack may appear to be the clear winner of the cheapest cabinets category. While it’s true the price on the shelf is typically lower than what cabinet makers will quote you, what people can tend to forget to factor in are the additional costs for delivery, assembly, trades and installation.

Comparing Quality of Stock vs Semi-Custom vs Custom Cabinets

Store-bought and flat-pack cabinets are cheap because of one simple reason: they use cheap materials. They are also often as bare as can be, with minimal shelving and simple hardware. While these may save you money initially, upkeep and maintenance may prove to be more demanding as they undergo the wear and tear of daily use.

When investing in custom cabinets, you’re also investing in the high-quality materials used to make these. Unlike store-bought cabinets, custom designed cabinets can be made with a wide range of materials such as various types of wood or even glass and use only premium hardware. You can also talk to your cabinet maker about including features such as pull-out drawers and soft-close hinges.

Comparing Options and Functionality

Use it or Lose it

A very common snag homeowners face when purchasing store-bought kitchen cabinets is that off-the-shelf options are usually a one-size-fits-all arrangement. Because store-bought cabinets only come in a limited range of heights, depths and sizes, they won’t always “play nice” with the space you have to work with. This can cause major challenges in utilising the whole space and you can end up losing alot of potential storage space as well as having to add false drawers and “filler” panels that make things fit better. These filler panels and drawers mean you end up throwing away even more precious storage space. This often unexpected issue can really throw a spanner in the works, especially in kitchens with limited or narrow space or tricky areas such as low or uneven ceilings and irregular shaped floorplans. Having a cabinet maker create cabinets especially tailored for your space will allow you to make the most of your available space. Custom is the clear winner here.

Special Features

Special features that add functionality and maximise available space (and ultimately make life in your new kitchen just SO MUCH more enjoyable) are another popular reason why people go for custom. Custom cabinets, as the name implies, are built to your needs and specifications, so they may be just the ticket if you want to add one-of-a-kind elements to your new kitchen; options such as appliance garages, smoothie stations, an integrated computer/homework/bill-paying station or a pull out pet feeding station. Other popular bespoke cabinet features in 2022 include secret entrances to adjacent rooms or a butlers pantry, ladders within drawers to reach top cabinets, charging stations, hydraulics, and an abundance of storage space. The endless options available with custom cabinetry mean that this is where this option really pulls ahead of semi-custom and stock cabinetry. These are often the kind of features that you only fully appreciate once you start living in your new kitchen and enjoying the how the enhanced functionality makes your life easier. The opportunity to select a unique design and incorporate organising solutions will improve the practicality of any kitchen, and play a significant role in how in love you end up with your new kitchen.

Want to Know More About Custom Cabinetry Options for Your Home?

If you’ve decided that custom is the right fit for you, speaking to a cabinet maker who specialises in custom kitchen design is a great way to start the ball rolling. You can discuss your vision, budget and ideas with a professional designer and get advice on how you can maximise your space and renovation dollars. If you’re ideas are already outpacing your budget, they can also give you ideas on how to achieve the look you want for less and can assess the space. The knowledgeable team of designers at Badel Kitchens offer a free in-home design consultation and will also provide a free quote and design advice to help you start your renovation project on the right foot.

Badel Kitchens and Joinery is known for creating luxury custom kitchens in Sydney and bathroom renovations Sydney. Badel Kitchens and Joinery provide full project management of your renovation and old school customer service. from interior fit out companies in Sydney. Discuss your ideas and budget with one of our kitchen designers now!

Wardrobe Makeover: 7 Space and Money Saving Wardrobe Tips

Posted by Badel Kitchens & Joinery on January 27, 2016

It’s a brand new year! Celebrate it by upgrading or renovating your reach-in wardobe at home. When it comes to wardrobe renovations, it’s important to plan ahead. Consult with an expert who will help you with your wardrobe makeover. It may seem like it will cost alot to do so, but it’s important to note that a poorly planned wardrobe could cost you just as much, or even more, than a well-planned one. Here are a few things you should know before you begin your wardrobe makeover.

1. Before you even begin with renovations, clean out your wardrobe.

This helps you gauge exactly how much space you’ll need. Throw out any clothes you haven’t worn in the last six months, then group things according to kind.

2. Build what you need.

It may be tempting to get a wall-to-wall reach-in wardrobe, but that could only end up costing you more money.

3. Know the dimensions you’ll need.

A typical wardrobe is 60 cm deep, and uses a 1.22m long rod per person. Shelves, on the other hand, are normally 28 –35 cm deep and 30cm high. Hire a professional contractor who canhelp you maximise the space you havewhile planning for efficiency at the same time.

4. Organise what you have.

Since you’ve already grouped similar items together, you’ll know just exactly how much space you’ll need to allocate for each. To maximise space, install two rods, one on top of the other. Your top rod can have all your shirts and blouses, and your bottom one can store your pants and trousers. If a certain group of items occupy more than 50 cm, you might want to consider creating a separate space just for it.

5. Make sure you plan for efficiency.

Allot a space specifically for your autumn and winter clothes so you won’t have to dig around for them. Avoid keeping bags on the floor because picking them up from such a low point can get taxing after a while.

6. Don’t bother spending on specialty items.

Those “unique” space saving gadgets that require you to do 2 – 3 steps just to reach your clothing may not be worth it. You’ll be sacrificing efficiency just for space, and you might end up chucking it in the bin after just a few uses.

7. Keep your shoes out of your wardrobe.

A good place to keep a shoe cabinet is by thedoor. Have your contractor build you a tall yet shallow wardrobe to keep all your shoesneat placed and in full view for when you need them.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money for your wardrobe renovations. All you need is to plan ahead and think strategically. Consult with an expert to help you with the wardrobe makeover.

For home fitouts and custom joinery, contact Badel Kitchens and Joinery. Our team of experts will help you get the wardrobe of your dreams. Enquire and get your free quote today!

10 Design Tips to Maximise Your Office Space

Posted by Badel Kitchens & Joinery on November 24, 2015

It doesn’t matter whether you own a spacious or a small office; having the right design is necessary to ensure you make the best out of your workspace. If you are unable to provide an efficient, compact, and comfortable work area, paying for a larger office will not help.

Check out this list of tips you can use for optimal small office fitouts sydney design:

1. Assess your space and prioritise your investment in the space

You need to assess your space’s constraints and assets, so you can figure out how to accentuate the positive and minimise the negative. This will also help you determine what you need to fix and what type of furnishings you can use for the office. Investing in a professional renovation and design firm would be worth it as they can provide an expert perspective on your space’s potential and effectively implement it within your budget.

2. Make use of vertical space.

Utilise the vertical space especially if you’re working with a small office space. Walls can be used to create the illusion of a bigger space and to create functional areas. For example, some companies used vertical space by adding whiteboards and using glass walls and windows to allow more spontaneous conversations and brainstorming between different departments.

3. Use wall-to-wall flooring.

With this type of flooring, the different rooms and areas feel wider, unlike tiny rugs that make spaces look chopped off. Choose high-style carpets that have more texture, colour, durability, and stain-resistance.

4. Minimise desk space

Average spaces usually range from 14 sq. m to 16 sq. m, which can be quite uncomfortable if designed incorrectly. Create a scale drawing and calculate human resource requirement to find the right desk size that suits the available space..

5. Choose vertical storage.

Following the vertical-style tip, consider investing in storage options that grow upwards rather than outwards. You may also choose to work with a team who can produce custom cabinets that will suit the requirements of your office and fit in the right space

6. Consider investing in custom furniture for corner office designs.

Custom desks with folding and sliding elements are great for saving space or small offices. These
allow you to hide surfaces when you do not need them. This also improves functionality since you can
create separate areas for specific tasks or smaller tasks.

7. Pay attention to detail.

The devil is always in the details. When redesigning or fitting out your new office space, make sure
you pay attention to everything, including the office equipment you’d be purchasing. If that
photocopier or printer is not really crucial to the business, it might be better not to purchase it right
away so you can maximize available space, especially if it is small.

8. Maximise natural lighting.

Make sure your office is well-lit and utilise as much natural lighting as possible because it help make a room feel and look bigger. You can also choose light colours for your walls.

9. Get rid of clutter.

Define your space and avoid clutter. Avoid leaving too much items around – equip the desks so employees can easily organise and the IT team can setup computers without leaving cables out on the floor. As much as possible, digitise everything so there is less use of papers and necessary storage.

10. Request quotes from professionals.

Doing the project yourself may save you some money, but if it is done incorrectly you might end up spending more compared to what you would when you hire a professional. This is counter-productive especially if you are a new company that needs to start operations ASAP. Set your timeline and budget and let the professionals advise you if it is feasible.

Why You Should Invest In Kitchen Cabinetry

Posted by Badel Kitchens & Joinery on November 9, 2015

Remodeling kitchens can be an overwhelming task. Often you might find yourself at a loss as to how to allocate your budget. But it is important to note that the first thing you should invest your money on is in good kitchen cabinetry. Here’s why spending on quality kitchen cabinetry will prove to be the best investment for your home.

Efficiency

Cabinetry is the very foundation of your kitchen. Careful deliberation and planning is needed before installation.

More than adding an aesthetic appeal to your kitchen, cabinets should first and foremost be functional. It’s an integral of your kitchen and one that is surely going to be used on a daily basis. Every kitchen design should take into consideration the Triangle of Work for easy access and an efficient workflow. Keep in mind that the range, the refrigerator, and the sink are the three essential work areas in any kitchen. With the Triangle of Work in mind, strategise on the optimum positioning and most convenient way to install your kitchen cabinets.

Durability

The kitchen is the heart of every home and is the most utilised room. As such, it is highly prone to wear and tear. Choosing high quality and appropriate materials for your cabinets and countertops will ensure easy maintenance and that your kitchen will stand the test of time. For long lasting cabinet doors, go for solid timber doors that are tough and sturdy or laminated finishes for stain resistant doors.

Organisation

The most important thing to consider when building any home is storage space. The problem most homeowners face is the lack of it a few years after purchasing their home. With proper planning and design, every inch of your space can be utilised for your maximum benefit. Designers and professional installers can help you understand your kitchen floor plan and can come up with ingenious ways to make the most out of your kitchen space.

So before you decide to purchase and appliances or fixtures for your new kitchen, invest in quality cabinets first. They’ll prove to be the biggest return on your investment.

We use only the best kitchen cabinets to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Contact our team today at https://badelkitchens.com.au/contact-us and find out how you too can get the kitchen of your dreams.

Category: Custom Joinery Tips

The Truth About Store-Bought vs Custom Cabinets