Custom-built cabinets allow homeowners to match the décor and architecture, use space wisely and add specialized touches to suit their needs. Pre-made cabinets may be cheaper and easier than custom-built cabinets, but they will not be as effective or attractive as a quality custom cabinet. Here’s some more detail about the advantages of custom-built cabinets, and a few tips for making quality custom cabinets if you’re listing it under your DIY carpentry projects.

Looking Good

Quality custom cabinets can be built with virtually any type of wood and any trim imaginable. If your home is full of rustic pine furniture, you can custom design a cabinet in the same style. Similarly, a unique trim or crown-molding pattern is easily matched on the edges of a custom-built cabinet.

Conquering Space

Particularly in older homes, spaces are not designed to accommodate the standard sizes for pre-made cabinets. A kitchen is rarely the ideal width, so awkward spacers are required between standard-sized cabinets. A custom-made kitchen cabinet solves the problem, as they can be designed to any size especially if you build a deck or patio. Moreover, odd spaces underneath stairs or on a triangular corner need not go unused. Fill the space with a custom-built cabinet.

A Personal Touch

The other drawback of a standard pre-made cabinet is the one-size-fits-all design. A custom-made kitchen can be built with a wine rack or short, rotating spice shelves. Or show off the fine china with a glass door that matches the rest of the custom-built cabinet. In a custom design cabinet for a living room you can build drawers to any width or depth to accommodate the items that need to fit in the drawers. Bulky and awkwardly shaped board games can fit in a cozy custom cabinet drawer instead of awkwardly piling up in a closet. Skilled local carpenters could even use Dr. Seuss for inspiration and custom design cabinets for a children’s room with swirls, curves and no square corners.

A Few Handy Hints

Don’t get too crazy with your custom-built cabinet. In a kitchen or bathroom, remember that vanities and countertops typically come in a limited number of standard sizes. An extra deep cabinet may fit the serving platters, but won’t accommodate a pre-cut laminate countertop. On a related note, make sure the multimedia cabinet fits the widescreen TV or stereo components with a few extra inches for getting the electronics in and out of the space.

Additionally, consider leaving some custom cabinet work to the pros. Even a skilled craftsman knowledgeable in fixing creaky stairs and other wood works can call in professionals without shame. Doors and drawer fronts are often the most intricate part of a custom design cabinet. It may be possible to save time and money by sending that part of the job to a professional industrial shop, which has the tools to do the job fast, cheap and well.

Author Steve Graham is a former construction manager and newspaper editor. He has written more than 2,000 articles for Web sites, magazines and newspapers.