Are Modular Kitchen Cabinets A Smart Buy?

Let’s be honest. In a perfect world, one would always opt for custom made and custom kitchen cabinets designed and installed by a professional craftsman. No one would even think of trying to remodel a kitchen with pre-made modular kitchen cabinets.

Custom cabinets would offer much more than modular versions. They would be designed with your kitchen and your vision in mind. They would fit perfectly. They would offer timeless beauty and astonishing longevity that alternatives could never rival.

Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. Some of us can’t imagine spending the money it takes to secure custom cabinets. As the economy continues to struggle, more and more people begin to share that perspective. This is why we are seeing a growing level of interest in modular kitchen cabinets.

Modular cabinet collections mainly consist of pre-fabricated individual cabinets. In some cases, these cabinets can “grow” with the buyer through the use of additional components. Both variations share two very important characteristics in common. They are ready for installation “out of the box” and are available at much lower prices than alternatives.

Modular kitchen cabinets have a few things going for them. They are cheaper than the alternative. They are now available in a surprisingly wide variety of colors and styles. They are relatively easy to install. In the right situations, it is possible to create a look that is almost as impressive as what could be achieved with high-end custom work. However, those ideal circumstances are not necessarily common. In most cases, there will be an appreciable difference in appearance.

There are other negatives to modular kitchen cabinets as well. They don’t offer as much flexibility as custom cabinets. Designs tend to lean towards a more modern look, which can frustrate those who want a different overall look. They are generally not manufactured to the highest quality standards.

So are modular kitchen cabinets a smart buy? That is a difficult question to answer. It really depends quite a bit on the individual buyer’s situation. Those who can afford to search for more expensive options probably should. They will be happier in the short term with the appearance of the cabinets and, in the long run, with their durability and lasting value. Those who need a “quick fix” and are working on a tighter budget, on the other hand, may find modular cabinets to be an ideal solution, at least in the short term.

In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have modular kitchen cabinets. However, the world is far from perfect. That’s why modular cabinet manufacturers stay in business. It’s also the reason they’re doing their best to create products that capture at least some of the beauty of more expensive cabinet options.