5 Myths about Custom Carpentry Debunked

Interior design and styling: Styledbypt Renovation: Clover Space

#1. Custom carpentry is a waste of money

Custom carpentry can help you to save money over the long run. Although custom cabinets are more expensive than mass produced commercial off-the-shelf storage cabinets, due to the high quality materials and craftsmanship involved, commercial off-the-shelf cabinets are made of cheap chipboard, which is very prone to warping and chipping. As a result, they do not last beyond 5 years. In contrast, custom-made carpentry is usually made of plywood, which is more durable and can withstand the test of time.

Do you know? Chipboard is also known as particle board. It is manufactured from recycled materials by pressing wood chips or jute-stick chips with a synthetic resin. Depending on the chemicals used, a furniture made from chipboard may release contaminants such as  formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, or hydrogen cyanide. Since formaldehyde is a well known carcinogen, look out for furniture which is made with materials with "no added formaldehyde.”

Design: Vitas Design

 

#2. Custom carpentry only makes your home more aesthetically pleasing

Although a home decked in custom carpentry is more aesthetically pleasing, when designed correctly, custom carpentry that has been tailored for a perfect fit for specific needs, is able to fully maximize the wall and floor area more effectively. Furthermore, custom cabinets can be safer than free standing storage cabinets, which are not fixed to the wall. When not bolted against the wall, free standing cabinets are hazardous when the heavy drawers are being pulled since they can be easily tripped over.

Do you know? There was a massive recall of 36 million Ikea chests and dressers, in the United States and Canada, after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said the children (aged three years and younger) were killed when the Ikea chest or dresser fell on them.

Design: D5 Studio Image

 #3 Plywood used for custom carpentry is all the same

Plywood is commonly used in custom carpentry since it is affordable and durable. However, the type of plywood used comes in different thickness and its grade is determined by its durability, heat and moisture resistant properties. As a result, different types of plywood should be used in different areas of your home. For instance, marine plywood is normally used for bathroom carpentry due to its resistance to humid environment.

Do you know? There are mainly 2 grades of plywood, Type I and Type II. Type I plywood has been treated with a waterproof coating and is mainly used for outdoors or indoors where moisture is abundant. Type II plywood is used mainly for furniture, cabinets and carpentry. Plywood also comes in different thickness in the form of 3-ply, 5-ply or 7 ply; the thicker it is, the more durable is the plywood.

Design: Adroit Interior Design

#4 Cost of custom carpentry depends on the amount of material used

The factors that affect the cost of the custom carpentry include the material's origin, the amount of material used, the finishing, the type of plywood and the workmanship. The carpentry usually comes with a laminate finishing, and the laminate that comes with enhanced properties, such as being scratch or fingerprint proof, is more expensive.

Do you know? Matte laminate doesn’t show up fingerprints, making it a popular choice for time-poor homeowners. Although laminates with texture finishing make an impressive visual impact, they are harder to maintain since texture traps dirt. Fire retardant and anti-bacterial laminate is usually recommended for kitchen carpentry.

Design: WEDA Studio Inc

#5. Custom carpentry is only useful if you need storage cabinets

Although custom carpentry is frequently used for constructing storage cabinets, it can be used for many other types of applications, limited by your imagination. For instance, custom carpentry is popular for construction of mezzanine platform, storage staircase, bunk bed, storage bed headboard, multi functional furniture, feature wall and so on! Since custom carpentry is made to fit perfectly and precisely, you will be able to utilize every inch of your floor area, while enjoying the space that is freed up by the custom carpentry.

Do you know? Some ideas for non storage carpentry projects include; custom built TV feature wall which conceals the bedroom entrance for added privacy; customized fold away compact ironing board in the wardrobe for easier access; concealing a dresser in unexpected places for less visual clutter.

Design: Design Chapterz