Kitchen Remodeling Wars: Ready-To-Assemble Cabinets Vs The Brand Names

RTA, or Ready-to-Assemble cabinetry, is rapidly growing in popularity as a significantly lower cost and higher quality alternative to many, if not most, of the made-to-order option that you find from your local custom cabinet manufacturers or big box home improvement stores. While a custom made kitchen can run anywhere from $10,000 to upwards of $50,000.00 or more, RTA cabinets can help you save a significant amount on the kitchen cabinetry itself, and possibly cutting a $20,000 budget by nearly half. And unlike most times where "you get what you pay for," often with RTA cabinets, the quality of the materials used and the construction could be significantly better than mainstream brands. So if you're thinking about a renovating or holding off on that new kitchen, here is my side-by-side comparison between RTA and the brand names.


When it comes to materials and construction, RTA cabinets score a big win among the leading brand names. While you can expect solid wood doors in both categories, the major difference comes when looking at the rest of the construction. For one, most, if not all RTA cabinets come equipped with plywood boxes, usually ¾ inch thick, where as much of made-to-order cabinetry found in the major retailers or local manufacturers use some variation of compressed wood, such as particle board. And although a salesman at the home improvement store may talk to you about a ¾ inch wood framed cabinet, they are generally speaking exclusively about the front face of the cabinet where the door is attached to. Usually they are excluding the sides and back of the box. Furthermore, traditional or made-to-order cabinets are also known for using particle board in their drawers, where as RTA usually use wood connected by dovetail joints to ensure long lasting durability for years to come.

If you're wondering what's the difference between wood or plywood construction versus particle board is? Then place a piece of particle board in a cup of water for a day or two, and you'll see what we are talking about. Particle board is extremely susceptible to moisture and can warp and expand overtime when significant moisture is present, particularly around dishwashers and sink or in moist environments where humidity is high; even mopping can sometimes present a problem to particle board. RTA cabinets also significantly differ in the way the cabinetry is put together because of the strength of the plywood. Particle board cabinets usually are assembled using a variety of methods, from staples to wooden dowels and glue on the higher end cabinets, whereas RTA cabinets usually use a sturdy cam lock system that ensures your cabinets won't pull apart down the road.

In terms of cabinet door styles, choices do seem to favor the made-to-order or custom option. One con in the pros' and cons' of RTA, is that the cabinets are prefabricated, meaning they are manufactured and mass produced in one set color, door style, and in specific sizes that usually come in increments of 3 inches. However, RTA cabinetry comes in many styles, colors and finishes and it's almost for sure that there is one available that matches any given individual's taste and lifestyle. As for the set sizes, careful planning and good measurements from a skilled professional carpenter of kitchen remodel professional will ensure your kitchen looks as custom as the finest customs kitchens out there. Bar none, pre fabricated means mass produced, which means lower labor costs and turnaround times, which ultimately means less money spent.

Turning dream kitchen and baths into affordable realities is what we are all about. Superior Kitchens & More a leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of high quality kitchen and bathroom cabinets, as well as the Klazz line of plumbing fixtures and accessories. Located in South Florida, Superior operates a large design & manufacturing center that features a state-of-the-art showroom featuring all of our all wood cabinetry lines, as well as our kitchen and bath plumbing products. Here, we are staying ahead of our competition by finding innovative ways to improve and lower production costs without compromising the trusted quality we have come to be known by. Klazz is a registered trademark of Superior Kitchens and More.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sammy_Gonzalez

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7110865

Ready-To-Assemble Cabinets Vs The Brand Names

RTA, or Ready-to-Assemble cabinetry, is rapidly growing in popularity as a significantly lower cost and higher quality alternative to many, if not most, of the made-to-order option that you find from your local custom cabinet manufacturers or big box home improvement stores. While a custom made kitchen can run anywhere from $10,000 to upwards of $50,000.00 or more, RTA cabinets can help you save a significant amount on the kitchen cabinetry itself, and possibly cutting a $20,000 budget by nearly half. And unlike most times where "you get what you pay for," often with RTA cabinets, the quality of the materials used and the construction could be significantly better than mainstream brands. So if you're thinking about a renovating or holding off on that new kitchen, here is my side-by-side comparison between RTA and the brand names.
When it comes to materials and construction, RTA cabinets score a big win among the leading brand names. While you can expect solid wood doors in both categories, the major difference comes when looking at the rest of the construction. For one, most, if not all RTA cabinets come equipped with plywood boxes, usually � inch thick, where as much of made-to-order cabinetry found in the major retailers or local manufacturers use some variation of compressed wood, such as particle board. And although a salesman at the home improvement store may talk to you about a � inch wood framed cabinet, they are generally speaking exclusively about the front face of the cabinet where the door is attached to. Usually they are excluding the sides and back of the box. Furthermore, traditional or made-to-order cabinets are also known for using particle board in their drawers, where as RTA usually use wood connected by dovetail joints to ensure long lasting durability for years to come.
If you're wondering what's the difference between wood or plywood construction versus particle board is? Then place a piece of particle board in a cup of water for a day or two, and you'll see what we are talking about. Particle board is extremely susceptible to moisture and can warp and expand overtime when significant moisture is present, particularly around dishwashers and sink or in moist environments where humidity is high; even mopping can sometimes present a problem to particle board. RTA cabinets also significantly differ in the way the cabinetry is put together because of the strength of the plywood. Particle board cabinets usually are assembled using a variety of methods, from staples to wooden dowels and glue on the higher end cabinets, whereas RTA cabinets usually use a sturdy cam lock system that ensures your cabinets won't pull apart down the road.
In terms of cabinet door styles, choices do seem to favor the made-to-order or custom option. One con in the pros' and cons' of RTA, is that the cabinets are prefabricated, meaning they are manufactured and mass produced in one set color, door style, and in specific sizes that usually come in increments of 3 inches. However, RTA cabinetry comes in many styles, colors and finishes and it's almost for sure that there is one available that matches any given individual's taste and lifestyle. As for the set sizes, careful planning and good measurements from a skilled professional carpenter of kitchen remodel professional will ensure your kitchen looks as custom as the finest customs kitchens out there. Bar none, pre fabricated means mass produced, which means lower labor costs and turnaround times, which ultimately means less money spent.
Turning dream kitchen and baths into affordable realities is what we are all about. Superior Kitchens & More a leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of high quality kitchen and bathroom cabinets, as well as the Klazz line of plumbing fixtures and accessories. Located in South Florida, Superior operates a large design & manufacturing center that features a state-of-the-art showroom featuring all of our all wood cabinetry lines, as well as our kitchen and bath plumbing products. Here, we are staying ahead of our competition by finding innovative ways to improve and lower production costs without compromising the trusted quality we have come to be known by. Klazz is a registered trademark of Superior Kitchens and More.

Using the Internet to Plan Your Next Project

With all the drilling and hammering going on across the country, so goes the nightmares that sometimes come with home renovation projects. And with less disposable income floating around and consumers looking for rock bottom prices, it seems contractor disasters are lurking around every corner. If you have home renovations in mind, remember, knowledge is power.
Your most valuable resource is staring you in the face this very moment, and if you're reading this, then you're probably starting off on the right foot. The internet, besides word of mouth referrals, is an excellent source of education and research that should play a critical role in how you plan your home remodeling project. So if you're looking to jazz up your pad and you're a newbie to the world of home improvement, here are a few pointers to help you avoid those unnecessary headaches:
Step one, gain some insight on your project, and what has to be done and how. Sounding somewhat of an expert on the matter can help you greatly when speaking to home improvement contractors, and coming off like you know what you're talking about could really help you avoid being taken for a ride to the cleaners.
Step two, search and research. If you do not have a word of mouth referral, and you're starting from square one, it's OK. In this digital age, looking for the right guy for the job just got a little easier. Several websites offer online reviews from previous customers that can really help you gauge Mr. Right's reputation. Be aware, some maybe outright fabricated lies from the contractor, so try to look for guys who have several good reviews, with a sprinkle of mediocre. One great review usually means Mr. Right's sister probably did him a favor.
Step three, is all about saving money. Becoming a little knowledgeable on your project (Step one) can also help you meet and even come under your budget. Online you can find cost effective alternatives to your current products, and even jump into a little do-it-yourself (DIY) to help lower your costs for labor. Take kitchen cabinets for example. While most custom jobs can run you in upwards of twenty to fifty thousand dollars or more, a little research might show you that you can save a boat load of money, and if you're a little handy and have some time to spare, you might not even have to hire someone. Prefabricated, or ready to assemble kitchen cabinets (RTA), are a viable alternative that can be bought online at a fraction of the cost and shipped to your home in boxes. RTA kitchen cabinets are easy to assemble and with a little online help, installation could be a breeze.

Kitchen Trends: The Ever Evolving Kitchen

Over the past several years, I have seen an incredible transformation occur with many, if not most of my customers. The residential kitchen is no longer where mom goes to whip up a meal, but a true, bona fide home living space; a place where family and friend gather to share in good times, or the kids sit to surf the internet. And now companies, from cabinets to appliances manufacturers, are pushing the envelope to bring beauty and technology to the ever growing popularity of the ever-evolving kitchen.

Here are a three great trends happening this year:

The Island: Getting together in the kitchen is raising the demand for larger islands that can accommodate for dining and socializing, as well as cooking and prep work. Mom’s can now help kid’s with their homework while preparing dinner, and dad can check his emails or watch TV, integrating the kitchen and family life. These larger center pieces are eliminating the need for the traditional kitchen tables, while adding many functional benefits ranging from food prep to storage.

Hi-Tech Cabinetry: Besides style, cabinet manufacturers are adding practicality to sleek, modern cabinets. From push-to-open drawers, self closing hinges, and retractable cutting boards, manufacturers are bringing a little more than great looks. Also for 2012, watch for European inspired styles and dark espresso colors in upcoming kitchen cabinets, and a slow exit of the recently popular cherry color.

Decorative lighting to set the mood in the kitchen is another up-and-coming design trend. From LED lighting fixtures to color lighting accent to sconces, lighting is playing a major role in kitchen to draw attention to the décor. LED will be the dominating force in the kitchen, because of its high efficiency and long lasting properties, together with its ability not to heat, even after long periods of time.

Home Remodeling Is Still Big Business in a Shaky Economy

Driven by a continuous slide in home prices, consumers are reevaluating and redesigning their living spaces for the long haul, and with more than 20% of mortgages still underwater and foreclosures still plaguing many housing markets across America, the "long haul" could be a while.
So what does this mean for general contractors and remodeling professionals? According to a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), home renovation projects are up from a similar survey conducted in 2010, with nearly 50% of the contractors surveyed seeing an increase in the number of home owners who undertake remodels to avoid moving. Bath and kitchen remodeling projects jumped 17% from two years ago, with bathroom taking the lead as the most common job reported by remodelers, followed by kitchen remodels. In addition, other popular remodeling categories included window and door replacements (44%), whole house remodels (35%), room additions (33%) and handyman services (31%).
And in February, the NAHB stated that the residential remodeling market will continue to experience measured growth in 2012 after the Remodeling Market Index (RMI) rose to a five year-high at the end of 2011. These numbers probably give a good indication that Americans may be inclined to spend some money on sprucing up their current homes while they ride out the sluggish housing market. And while average folks are hunkering down, well funded investors are out in full force, securing low priced deals on foreclosed properties to answer the demand of a rising renter's market.
From kitchen cabinets to bathroom vanities to flooring to appliances, it seems that this remodeling trend is breathing new life into old homes. In 2010, the remodeling industry saw Americans spend $116 billion on improvements to owner-occupied units, and if the recent NAHB survey is any indication, the home remodeling industry should see another banner year as consumers invest in renovations and remodeling again. Finally, beyond an improvement in the U.S. housing market, other key factors that should drive remodeling expenditures over the next few years will be a rapidly aging housing stock, particularly due to a lack of new construction starts throughout the housing crisis, as well as an increasing interest in improving home efficiency and green remodeling.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 140,000 members, and is affiliated with 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct about 80 percent of the new housing units projected for this year.

Turning dream kitchen and baths into affordable realities, Superior Kitchens & More is a leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of high quality all wood cabinetry and the Klazz family of kitchen and bath plumbing products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7075132

Home Remodeling is Still Big Business in Down Economy.

Over the past few years, the home remodeling industry has been a bright spot in an otherwise dim economy. With the housing market struggling to get back on its feet, Americans seem to be appreciating their current homes a little bit more. From kitchen cabinets, to bathroom remodels, to entire home renovations, people are redesigning and sprucing up their living spaces in a somewhat affordable bid to ride out the housing crisis. But with all the drilling and hammering going on across the country, so goes the nightmare’s that sometimes come with home renovation projects. And with less disposable income floating around and consumers looking for rock bottom prices, it seems contractor disasters are lurking around every corner. If you have home renovations in mind, remember, knowledge is power.

Your most valuable resource is staring you in the face this very moment, and if you’re reading this, then you’re probably starting off on the right foot. The internet, besides word of mouth referrals, is an excellent source of education and research that should play a critical role in how you plan your home remodeling project. So if you’re looking to jazz up your pad and you’re a newbie to the world of home improvement, here are a few pointers to help you avoid those unnecessary headaches:

Step one, gain some insight on your project, and what has to be done and how. Sounding somewhat of an expert on the matter can help you greatly when speaking to home improvement contractors, and coming off like you know what you’re talking about could really help you avoid being taken for a ride to the cleaners.

Step two, search and research. If you do not have a word of mouth referral, and you’re starting from square one, it’s OK. In this digital age, looking for the right guy for the job just got a little easier. Several websites offer online reviews from previous customers that can really help you gauge Mr. Right’s reputation. Be aware, some maybe outright fabricated lies from the contractor, so try to look for guys who have several good reviews, with a sprinkle of mediocre. One great review usually means Mr. Right’s sister probably did him a favor.

Step three, is all about saving money. Becoming a little knowledgeable on your project (Step one) can also help you meet and even come under your budget. Online you can find cost effective alternatives to your current products, and even jump into a little do-it-yourself (DIY) to help lower your costs for labor. Take kitchen cabinets for example. While most custom jobs can run you in upwards of twenty to fifty thousand dollars or more, a little research might show you that you can save a boat load of money, and if you’re a little handy and have some time to spare, you might not even have to hire someone. Prefabricated, or ready to assemble kitchen cabinets (RTA), are a viable alternative that can be bought online at a fraction of the cost and shipped to your home in boxes. RTA kitchen cabinets are easy to assemble and with a little online help, installation could be a breeze.

Note: Please do take a really honest look at your level of handiness and do your in-depth research before starting any DIY. Lying to your self can quickly turn good intentions into bad situations.

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