Get matched with top pre-made cabinet pros in Bourbon, MO

As a homeowner, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your cabinet installer. Once the cabinets are ready for your home, you can do the following:

• Ensure pets are safely in another room, out of the way of open doors and large moving objects.

• Clear countertops for removal.

• Tidy the floor the installers will walk through and around. 

• Prepare to have the installers in your home for the entire day, for multiple days, until the project is done. Expect to have a noisy environment, especially if they will remove old, existing cabinets.  

It is typically cheaper to buy stock or semi-custom cabinets than to build custom ones. The price difference is significant:

• Custom Cabinets: Cost between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot. This price is affected by materials, size, design complexity, and door styles. For instance, a simple slab door's materials might cost $60-$70, while a decorative mullioned glass door could be $100-$200.

• Semi-Custom Cabinets: Cost between $150 and $700 per linear foot.

• Stock Cabinets: Cost between $100 and $400 per linear foot.

While buying pre-built cabinets is more cost-effective, building custom cabinets allows for full modification to fit unique spaces, such as rooms with high ceilings or unusual layouts, which stock options cannot accommodate.

Custom cabinets made from solid wood are the most durable, lasting 20 to 50 years with proper maintenance. In comparison, prefabricated cabinets have a lifespan nearly half as long. The longevity of any cabinet depends on factors like upkeep, the amount of heat and moisture in the home, and general wear and tear. Popular hardwood options for long-lasting cabinets include oak, cherry, maple, walnut, and hickory. While these materials are a worthwhile investment for those planning to stay in their home for decades, their durability comes at a higher price compared to alternatives like furniture board, laminate, and plywood. The average cost for solid wood cabinets ranges from $100 to $1,200 per linear foot.

Since melamine is a type of laminate, both types of cabinets are similar in features and benefits, but they also differ in some ways. Melamine is generally more affordable than laminate, while also being resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. However, melamine cabinets are also heavier and may easily splinter during installation. All in all, the choice between melamine and laminate cabinets will depend on your specific needs.