When it comes time to replace kitchen cabinets, a growing number of homeowners are choosing custom kitchen cabinets over stock units. According to the Kitchen Cabinet manufacturers Association sales of custom cabinets gained 14.9 percent in March 2005 over the same period the previous year.

Custom kitchen cabinets are by far the most expensive option, but more and more homeowners view top quality cabinets that are designed and built specifically for their space as something worth paying a little bit extra.

When you consider how much time is spent in the kitchen, and how costly a kitchen renovation can be, many homeowners feel they’d rather just go for what they really want rather than settle for a second option. Stock and semi-stock have improved greatly over the past number of years, but bottom line is they are mass-produced on an assembly line. Some custom options are available, but you still have to take, and work with, what they have rather than design for your own needs.

With custom kitchen cabinets you have the ability to design what you want where you want it. The end result is a kitchen that not only looks great; it works like a dream as well.

In looks, furniture-style cabinets continue to be very popular, giving the room a truly personalized look that cannot be matched with stock or even semi-stock cabinets. To add extra style and flair, many homeowners are choosing to mix up the finishes and style of the various pieces rather than opt for a uniform look.

It’s often best to work through your contractor when choosing a cabinetmaker to build your cabinets. He or she will know the various cabinetmakers in the area and what will be the best fit for your plans. A good contractor knows what to look for and what price range to expect, as well as how dependable the cabinetmaker will be.

Having the cabinets custom built will take a bit more time than other options. You can expect it to take at least 4-6 weeks for the cabinets to be built. Usually, because they are custom built, the cabinetmaker looks after taking measurement and doing the final installation.