How Much Do Plain & Fancy Cabinets Cost?

There is no simple answer to this question. This might initially feel frustrating, for, as consumers in an instant gratification world, we expect our favorite products — and prices — to be delivered in short order. With high-quality, customized cabinets, however, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. This means that a one-size-fits-all pricing method is also impossible.

Instead of seeking a simple (and incomplete) answer to questions of cost, it's important to understand all that goes into the planning process. It's also crucial that you recognize the long-term nature of kitchen cabinets. This initial investment could bring beauty and functionality to your space for years or even decades, so there is no room for shortcuts.

To help you develop the right mindset for cabinet planning and installation, we've outlined the most important aspects of the process below. Once you've read this guide, you'll have a greater appreciation for all that influences pricing. You'll also feel better prepared to take on the process of planning for your dream cabinets and bringing them to life within your kitchen.

WORKING WITH A KITCHEN DESIGNER

Long before gorgeous new cabinets can become a reality, you'll need to work closely with a talented kitchen designer. Ideally, this person will boast years of experience in kitchen design. This extensive background will have granted your designer an intimate understanding of the many elements that influence cabinet styles:

• Function. What purpose will cabinets hold in your kitchen? At first glance, this question seems simple, but you might be surprised at the extent to which cabinets can fulfill different functions. Whether meant primarily for storage, organization, or decoration, your cabinets should be easy to use now and durable enough that they'll remain functional in the future.
  
• Design. From minimalist to elegant and even rustic chic, kitchen cabinets can complement a variety of popular aesthetics. In some cases, designs are built around backsplash or flooring, but often, the cabinets themselves serve as the focal point. As such, the right cabinet design can ensure that the rest of your kitchen also looks amazing.
  
• Flow. Every element in your kitchen should work together to form a cohesive unit. Their layout determines how easily you can move about this space — and how easy your kitchen is on the eyes. With proper structure, kitchens of any size can accommodate a variety of daily activities, all while being as comfortable and aesthetically pleasing as possible.
  

MANUFACTURING THE CABINETS

Your designer has worked his or her magic and planned cabinets that will make your kitchen more functional and beautiful. Now, it's time to actually create the cabinets according to those plans.

First in the manufacturing process? Receiving the completed orders from the designer. Keep in mind that every order we receive at Plain & Fancy is 100 percent unique. These are accompanied by detailed drawings that convey the essence of the cabinets.

Once we've received designer orders and drawings, we can move forward with shop floor paperwork. We often compare this part of the process to the blueprint traditionally provided by an architect. This key resource produces a much-needed sense of direction for the entire project, while also ensuring that everybody is on the same page.

Careful scheduling and planning are also crucial, as we always aim to complete each project according to the proposed delivery date. A variety of considerations regarding labor and materials must be taken into account, with everything coordinated so that the right people and materials are available at the right time.

Next, we send electronic files to panel saws and routers. These are needed for processing a variety of parts, including doors and drawers. Again, quality is always the focus, as poorly manufactured doors and drawers are often a point of contention among homeowners who are displeased with their kitchen cabinets. With the Plain & Fancy team on the job, however, you can rest assured, knowing that the doors and drawers on your cabinets will exceed your expectations.

FINISHING THE CABINETS

Our attention to detail is most evident as we finish our custom cabinets. This begins with hand sanding, which, while a painstaking process, is more than worthwhile due to the extra beauty it lends to every cabinet design. Once you've selected a finish that matches your vision, you can feel confident that we'll handle the remainder of the process with the care that your cabinets deserve.

After sanding, how we proceed largely depends on which type of finish you prefer. The finishing process can play heavily into how long the cabinets take to complete and how much the final product costs. Painted finishes are common, but we also offer a variety of lovely hand-wiped stains and glazes.

Regardless of whether your cabinets are treated with painted or hand-wiped solutions, you can count on our team to handle every step with painstaking detail.

OPTIONS ABOUND

Clearly, a lot goes into cabinet design and production. Beyond the sheer work of developing customized cabinets, however, pricing also depends on your preferences regarding materials, finishes, and hardware.

Certain wood species, for example, are invariably more expensive than others. At Plain & Fancy, we are pleased to provide 15 common species from which to choose. We also offer over 100 different finishes, so you can select a look that works wonders in your dream kitchen. If you have a specific color in mind, we're happy to accommodate with our custom options.

Wood, finishes, and colors are only the beginning. The style of the door is also hugely influential, both in terms of materials expenses and the cost of labor. We offer hundreds of door styles, including options for both full overlay and inset. We'll help you choose the solution that works best in your kitchen.

ACCESSORIES

Your cabinets are far more than simple boxes mounted to the wall. How you accessorize determines whether they are as convenient or durable as you envision. Solutions such as wastebasket rollouts, drawer rollouts, and corner storage applications are popular for a reason: they maximize kitchen space and make your life easier.

Drawer glides and hinges also matter. You've put so much thought into developing a beautiful kitchen — the last thing you need is a constant barrage of squeaky sounds from your doors and drawers.

Don't forget lighting. Some options, although more expensive, provide exceptional illumination. LED technology can enhance surface lighting or even be incorporated into the cabinet interiors. This will make meal prep easier while also improving the appearance of your cabinets.

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP

Regardless of which styles or materials you choose, you want to feel confident that your cabinets are built to last. Quality craftsmanship is a clear priority at Plain & Fancy, where only the most passionate and talented professionals are trusted to build custom cabinets.

There's a lot to think about as you design your dream kitchen and, of course, budgeting is a top concern. We understand why you're curious about the cost of custom kitchen cabinets, but we hope that we've shed some insight into why, exactly, it's impossible to provide an accurate quote in a blog post or even during a brief phone chat.

Your cabinets will be a key part of your life for years — don't they deserve the care and consideration you'd place into any other important investment? How you approach the cabinet design and installation process now will impact you far into the future, so don't underestimate the importance of careful planning — or the value of dreaming big.

PLAIN & FANCY: THE PASSION BEHIND THE CABINETS

By now, you should have a greater appreciation for all that our talented professionals at Plain & Fancy are able to accomplish. We are passionate about our craft — and it shows. Once your cabinets are complete, you'll be glad you placed this kitchen essential in the hands of a team that truly cares.

Get ready to join our legions of satisfied customers and clients, who remain impressed by their cabinets months, years, or even decades after they've been installed. We feel confident that, like our most loyal customers, you'll be thrilled by the end result.

If you'd like to see for yourself why we hold such a strong reputation, stop by one of our showrooms or check out our design center in Schaefferstown. You're also welcome to contact us online. We'd love to answer your questions and get you on the path to kitchen cabinets you adore.