FAQ

What is a 'FAQ' anyway?

FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions. Many websites have a FAQ page to (obviously) answer questions that are frequently asked, and to also give consumers information in an easy to read format.

Why should I choose custom cabinets over stock or semi-custom cabinets?

The answer to this question is contained in the word 'custom'. With the stock cabinet option, you have to make your world fit around their sizes. Look at the two examples. Click here to see a kitchen elevation done with stock cabinets. Now look at the same elevation done with custom-built cabinets. This situation is very common in San Diego. Many of the older houses built before the 1960's have 99" ceilings. Most did not have a dishwasher as an original feature, and the kitchens are very small. Stock cabinets with their 3" size increments prove especially difficult to adapt to these types of kitchens. Even in larger, more modern homes, using stock cabinets--and getting a nice finished look--doesn't really work out well.

But the stock cabinets are so much cheaper. Aren't they?

Well, that's a yes and a no. if you're a do-it-your-selfer, and want to tackle cabinet installation, you can probably save some money--and I mean some. The next time you check out a kitchen display at Home Depot or Lowe's, make sure you read the fine print on how they figure prices. The nice corner display with the sign that says you can have these cabinets starting at $1,500 or whatever can be misleading. The 'starting at' phrase is the clue. Look around for the actual price of the display you are standing in front of (I have found them inside an upper door), and you will see that the price will be anywhere from two to four times the 'starting at' price--and they never include installation. If you want to truly compare my prices to theirs, you must have them give you a complete written price, including all of the features you want and installation. You may be surprised.

What about your hardware, you know, hinges and drawer slides? How does that compare to the stock stuff?

Probably better. I say probably, because I don't know every piece of hardware used by every manufacturer, but I'd say across the board, better to much better. I try to use the best functioning hardware available. Right now that would be Blum Clip-top concealed hinges, Accuride full extension or Blum Tandem drawer slides, Rev-a-Shelf or KV convenience hardware and Berenson surface hardware.

What about the new soft-close hinges and drawer slides? Do you use those?

I sure do. They are an option, but I do recommend them. The Blum Tandem drawer slides with the Blum-motion closing mechanism is about as perfect as a drawer slide can get. Blum also makes a soft-close mechanism for their hinges that makes door slams a thing of the past.

I went to Home Expo and they told me you (custom cabinetmakers) could not duplicate the finishes on their high-end cabinets. They said they were illegal in California. They also said their finishes were a ten step, baked-on finish that could only be done in a factory. Is this true?

Sounds like they were mixing a little fact in with a lot of scare tactics. Any finish found on any cabinet produced outside of California can be reproduced here. The only difference is the procedure, some extra steps and some slightly different finish formulations. The truth is, California has some of the toughest emission standards in the country. The Air Pollution Control District regulates the amount of volatile  organic compounds (VOCs) used in wood finishing products. VOCs in sunlight react with other airborne chemicals to create smog. Reducing VOCs is a good thing. In the beginning, the reduced VOC 'California only' finishes were not very good, but after twenty-plus years, the VOC compliant finishes of today are just as good as any finish used anywhere else. The finish we use is certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association. They test for durability, wear and moisture resistance, and only the best become certified. Many states are following California's lead in reducing VOCs. 

As for the 'ten-step, baked-on' aspect, they don't explain exactly what the ten steps are. For us, for example, a maple cabinet with a Toffee glazed finish would first be sanded to a 180 finish, it would then be cleaned dust-free. Next we might apply one to two coats of a dye stain to even out the grain. After the stain has dried, we would then stain with a darker wiping stain to bring out the grain and give some color. We then spray a coat of vinyl sanding sealer, sand lightly with a 320 sand paper, and then spray the exterior with one coat of lacquer. After the lacquer dried, we would apply one to three coats of the toffee glaze and wipe to the desired effect. This gives depth and adds highlights. After the glaze dried, we would use tack cloths to remove any dust and spray with two coats of catalyzed lacquer. After that dried, we would inspect the finished product. That's at least ten steps!

Oh yes, the baked-on stuff. All the baking does is dry the finish faster, so they can get it in the box to ship.

Ok I get it, custom cabinets good, stock cabinets bad.

Whoa, I never said that. Stock cabinets have their place. Like I said, a very competent (or persistent) do-it-your-selfer can save some dough by buying cabinets and installing them him/herself. Properly installed, good stock cabinets will serve a long life. I just believe if you are planning your dream kitchen or killer media center or super-efficient home office, do really want to use something that almost fits?

Ok I'm convinced. I want custom cabinets. Now why do I want Carlton Cabinets?

My name is Ray Carlton. My name and reputation are on everything we do. I was born into this business, and have done nothing else. I constantly challenge myself to learn about the latest techniques, designs, hardware, appliances, regulations and finishes. I conduct my business with integrity, and I try to treat people the way I would like to be treated. And, I know my stuff. I am also proud of my workers and their dedication to an outstanding finished product. We use the best materials, the best hardware and the best finishes in our cabinets. You can download a copy of our contract here. It further explains our specifications and also outlines payments and other disclosures.

Are you going to send some greasy salesperson to our house?

Nope. You're going to get me. I'll be the one to meet you the first time. I'll take all of the measurements. I'll draw the plans, and bring you samples to look at. When it comes time to install your new cabinets-I'll be there too!

Do I need a designer?

i have extensive experience and training in kitchen, bath, home office and media room design. I will help you design your new space, and show it to you in 3D with my computer aided design software. Go to www.designsbyrc.com to view projects I have designed from start to finish. If you wish to hire a designer, I will gladly work with him or her to complete your project to your satisfaction.

How long does it take to remodel a kitchen?

The first thing I want to say is, don't try to rush it. Remodeling a kitchen is a big expense. Many decisions have to be made before the actual work is started. The more decisions made before the actual work begins, the smoother and faster the project will go.

A kitchen remodel can take as little as one month to three months or more depending on the complexity. It takes us about two weeks to build the average kitchen. Depending on our work load at the time, once you sign a contract, we can have cabinets ready for you in about 4-8 weeks. While we are building your cabinets, you or your contractor will remove the old cabinets and counters, move walls, move windows or doors, move or update electrical and plumbing and paint. It generally takes us about two days to install the average kitchen. After the cabinets go in, the counter top fabricator will need about two weeks to fabricate counter tops. During this time, you can install your new flooring. After the tops are in, you can install sinks and appliances, and you're ready to go! Of course, all of this takes place in a perfect world which we don't live in. What this means is--expect delays--material delays, sickness, permits and more can delay your project. If you prepare yourself for a delay or two, it will reduce your stress, and if there are no delays, it will be that much better.

Do you do green?

Yes. We have access to lumber and panel products that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council www.fscus.org/. Rev-a--Shelf has a line of cabinet accessories made from Bamboo www.rev-a-shelf.com/. We also can use a water-based cabinet finish that is just as good as solvent-based, and is GreenGuard certified www.greenguard.org/. By purchasing wood cabinets, you are already going green. All of the materials we use are from sustainable sources. Also, starting in 2009, all our panel stock (plywoods, MDF, melamine panels, etc.) will have greatly reduced formaldehyde levels www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/compwood/factsheet.pdf.

Do you just do cabinets? Who do I get for my counter tops, electrical, plumbing and flooring?

We just do cabinets. However, I can provide you with the names of reputable contractors in every trade. These are people I have worked with in the past, and are very good at what they do. If I wouldn't have them work in my house--I won't have them work in yours. You will have to contract directly with them for their services, but I will work with them to coordinate your project, so there are few if any delays.

Can I install my own cabinets?

Yes, but I don't recommend it. Custom cabinets do not come with installation instructions. To do it right, you need a truckload of tools. If you have installed cabinets before, or you will have the help of someone who has, then of course you can do it yourself. But if you're just a 'weekend warrior', you might want to let us do it.

Is that it? I still have questions.

Feel free to email me ray@carltoncabinets.com or give me a call 619-328-6291. If I like your question, I'll post it here.

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