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March 25, 2009
Design Kitchen Co Versus Custom
Anybody have a view of going with someone like Poggenpohl or Bulthaup versus doing a custom kitchen?
So far my wife and I have been in a struggle looking at various options such as Poggen and Bulthaup as well as the option to just go custom and don't have a great sense.
Some people feel a custom kitchen can be cheaper but nicer, but others swear by Poggenpohl or Bulthaup.
But putting aside the tax issue I asked about earlier (Poggenpohl does install so no tax, while Bulthaup changed their policy 2 years ago and longer does), anything else people feel here?
Anyone have, for instance, Poggenpohl cabinets, and if so, how do they like them? Any point of comparison?
And if you have Bulthaup, how would you compare?
Just feels like Bulthaup is darn expensive and not sure you get much extra for the extra $$ over a poggenpohl or custom kitchen (other than telling your friends, if they even know, that you have a bulthaup kitchen).
Comments
try to do a custom made kitchen. it will be much less expensive and you will get exactly what you want.
what you need is a private cabinetmaker who owns his own shop and makes his own cabinetry to your personal preferences.
There is such a person. his name is freddy alak and he does high end work for a good price. remember he owns his shop and makes it himself. You will cut out a great deal of dead weight from this job which is why it is less expensive.
He will come out and give a free estimate. if you want you can go to his shop to see it.
his number is 347-952-5889
tell him susan referred you.
I wish you the best of luck.
Posted by: Ysabelle at March 25, 2009 12:25 PM
With the high end kitchen companies, they will essentially make anything you want so you are getting a custom kitchen.
People say a local custom kitchen is cheaper but I haven't seen that in reality. What I have heard of is horror stories about shops closing after leaving big deposits, shoddy work, etc. Also factoring the additinal aggravation of dealing with a company you don't know with questionable quality, I'd say go with the company whose style you like the most.
(If you already had a cabinet maker that you trusted, I'd tell you go with him/her all the way)
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at March 25, 2009 1:11 PM
I specified Poggenpohl for a job and was shocked at the low quality of the cabinet boxes when they arrived: pretty thin particle board, and not in great condition. I've also used a number of other 'high end' kitchen cabinet companies (though not Bulthaup) and based on those experiences I'd recommend going the custom route. We always do completely detailed drawings so I chose the company for their craftsmanship and reliability not their design sense, which isn't really their job. We've never had problems with anyone not finishing the work and our clients have always been happy with their custom kitchens. You have a lot more control over the finished product that way too.
Posted by: 11216 at March 25, 2009 1:40 PM
Do you have any recommendations for local cabinet makers, 11216?
Posted by: Bessie at March 25, 2009 1:51 PM
I went with Valcucine and am very happy with the results. I believe they're less expensive than Poggenpohl and I know they're a lot less expensive than Balthaup. Its worth checking out their showroom on Crosby Street. Even if you don't go with them you might be able to get some good ideas that you could use if you decide to have custom cabinets fabricated.
Posted by: fexleycb at March 25, 2009 4:05 PM
the big detail about bulthap is the immaculate detailing of their product... for example, their stainless counters have machined details, as opposed to the bend and weld stuff that you get with custom jobs...but is it worth the enormous cost?...up to you
Posted by: eman1234 at March 25, 2009 5:35 PM
Bessie...call Mike Streaman at MRS, Inc...he owns a custom cabinet shop and they do amazing work!! 718-832-5958
Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at March 26, 2009 12:02 PM
Back to the original question: If you desire a lacquered or layed-up veneer- go local. Valcucine does some amazing stuff with phenolic and carbon fiber that local shops wouldn't even touch.
Posted by: southslope at March 26, 2009 8:49 PM
BTW- I've competed with Valcucine and got it based on lead time. Identical product, just faster to do locally (sometimes).
Posted by: southslope at March 26, 2009 8:51 PM
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