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Stock or Custom Kitchen Cabinets?

Unlike custom cabinets, which are made to the specifications of a particular order, stock cabinets are manufactured in standard sizes before orders are placed. The manufacturer holds them in inventory or ships them to regional distributors or stocking dealers who sell them to homeowners.

Just as a handcrafted chair costs more than a mass-produced one, custom cabinets cost more than stock. Whether you have custom cabinets made in a local cabinet shop or by a large custom manufacturer, you pay for the time and talents of experienced cabinetmakers.

Custom cabinets require a lot of personal attention and time because they're designed and built from scratch. A 6 to 12 week waiting period is typical. Of course, for high-end kitchens or those requiring special cabinet sizes, configurations, or finishes, the premium of time and money is usually well worth it.

Price and delivery time are the strongest advantages of stock cabinets. These cabinets benefit from the economies of mass production, so they tend to cost from one- to two-thirds less than similar-looking custom ones. Instead of paying $300 to $1,200 per lineal foot for custom cabinets, you're looking at between $75 and $250 per lineal foot for stock.

Delivery time varies, depending on availability and the company's distribution methods, but it rarely exceeds two or three weeks. Cabinets warehoused locally may be available the same day and ready-to-assemble ("RTA") knock-down cabinets sold over-the-counter are often cash-and-carry.There is sometimes a fine line between custom and stock cabinetry. Many large custom manufacturers simplify ordering and manufacturing by offering a wide range of standard sizes and finishes—perhaps 2,000 options. They can modify these by altering size, customizing finishes or colors, adding accessories, or changing the configurations. Even small cabinet-making shops often buy pre-manufactured parts—doors and drawer fronts, for example. They integrate these into custom cabinets.

Washing Machine Buying Guide

There are a few variations in clothes washers, but all washing machines are basically big tubs that fill with water, agitate to scrub clothes, and spin to wring out the water. Of course, in addition to these basic functions, they may have any number of sophisticated functions, particularly with the controls. Most types incorporate some type of electronic timer and control.

Because a washing machine is a large consumer of both energy and water, the key to selecting the right one is to purchase the most energy-efficient model that fits your lifestyle and space and to always use the right amount of detergent for the washer and your water hardness.

In terms of lifestyle, think about how often you use the washer and what you wash. If you wash often, you will get the best performance from a stainless-steel tub. Those who wash less frequently will probably do fine with porcelain-coated steel or high-grade plastic.

If your wash includes a variety of fabrics and levels of dirtiness, choose a machine that offers specialty cycles such as delicate and extra soak, as well as one for a second rinse. Multiple water-level settings ensure the most-efficient wash for loads of different sizes. Some machines can boost water temperature to sanitize a load.

For those with limited space, there are stacking washer-dryer units in either full-size or apartment-size capacities. Remember that the size of your washer should match your dryer's capacity.

Other items to consider are automatic temperature regulators'a must in cold climates, they ensure that wash water comes in at a constant temperature for the setting'and additional insulation and reinforced frames, both of which reduce noise.

When buying a new washer, pay careful attention to the warranty. Be clear about both the term and the extent of the the coverage. Also be aware that some washing machines are much easier to work on than others. Some new types have a cabinet that is easy to detach and lift off for easy access to the parts.

There are two styles of washers: top-load, which is the most common, and front-load, which provides the greatest energy efficiency.

Top-load
This machine, also known as a V-axis because the agitator turns on a vertical axis, allows you to access the wash tub without bending. While a top loader costs less initially, it is less energy-efficient in the long run. It uses regular detergent and offers the greatest selection of models and options.

Front-load
Called an H-axis because its agitator turns on a horizontal axis, the front-load machine is gaining in popularity because of its energy efficiency. This type uses from one-third to one-half the amount of water of a top loader, which means that much less heating. And, because it spins faster, clothes come out needing less time in the dryer. Although they save on energy costs, front loaders are more expensive at purchase, and some require a special detergent.