Why Choose Custom Cabinetry?
By / October 3, 2022 October 5, 2022
Photography by Hudson Creative Productions, LLC | Kitchen Design by Joan Bigg Design, LLC
Even though custom cabinetry comes with a bigger price tag than stock cabinets, a lot of homeowners decide that it’s worth the investment. Let me help you answer the question – why choose custom cabinetry?
Complete Control
For my fellow control freaks and perfectionists out there, custom cabinetry gives you exactly what you want. No compromises. No nagging little imperfections. Nothing but exactly what you envisioned. Gain complete control over layout, materials, style, finishes, hardware—everything.
Photography by Third Shift Photography | Kitchen Design by Evalia Design, LLC
Superior Quality
Custom cabinets are hand-built by master craftsmen using superior techniques that just can’t be replicated with mass production. Whereas you’ll find glue, screws, and nails in stock cabinets, craftsmen will use dowel, dovetail, or mortise and tenon joints. Aka, they’ll skillfully fit wood grooves together for a construction that’s both sturdier and more beautiful.
And, with all the effort that goes into custom builds, you’ll receive top-notch quality materials too. Instead of cheap particle board that will wear in a few years, custom cabinets will be built with quality wood that will last a lifetime.
Avoid Dead Space
Stock cabinets are designed for stock spaces. If your room has any kind of unique characteristic (most do, especially older homes), you’ll probably end up with some dead space if you try to use stock cabinetry. Custom cabinets are built to your exact specifications, so you won’t end up with this so-called dead space. Instead, you’ll be able to make every part of your room useful and functional.
Kitchen Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Design
Takeaways
Yes, custom cabinetry is an investment, but they are the better value for money in the long run. What’s most impressive to me is that people I talk to still stand by their decision that custom was worth the investment, even years later. Did I help you answer the question – why choose custom cabinetry?
If you’re interested in learning more about custom cabinetry, please contact us and one of our design experts would be happy to discuss how to translate your vision and needs into reality. Follow us on Instagram and like our Facebook page for more design inspiration!
A Diamond Dealer Conference Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence
By / October 4, 2019 October 4, 2019On September 26th and 27th, dealers from across the nation, near and far, came to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Kountry Kraft, a custom cabinet manufacturer located in Newmanstown, Pennsylvania. Kountry Kraft was founded in 1959 by Elvin Hurst, Sr. and Helen Hurst, after Helen gave him the gift of a Sears Craftsman table saw for Christmas in 1958. 60 years and three generations later, the company celebrated their diamond anniversary with a diamond dealer conference.
The conference consisted of two fun-filled days of activities. The designers took a tour of the 96,000 square foot facility and were able to see where and how their cabinet designs come to life. They also made some of the products themselves – metal fusion finish, banded a door front, dovetailed a drawer box, paint colors and more.
The different activities awarded the dealers “diamonds” that could be used to enter to win different prizes. Prizes ranged from cabinet door samples, to cabinet displays, to the grand prize which was an option of a diamond with a $6,000 value, $6,000 net off one cabinet order of choice, $6,000 net co-op dollars or 60% off one display. The lucky grand prize winners were Janice Page, CKD, and Debbie Karpiak of PKsurroundings.
Two special guest speakers presented – Richard T. Anuszkiewicz and Matthew Ferrarini – renowned leaders of the kitchen and bath design industry.
Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, also known as Richard A2Z, presented about Fashion Forward Thinking.
Matthew Ferrarini presented about the flow, function and feeling of a space.
Other kitchen and bath design leaders participated in a discussion forum leaded by Denise Grothouse, discussing major topics of the industry, including how to successfully brand your company and how to qualify leads. The leaders on the panel include Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, Justin Sachs of Stonington Cabinetry & Designs, Beth Veillette of Hanford Cabinet & Woodworking, August Reichert of Sunnyfields Cabinetry, and Janice Page of PKsurroundings.
Kountry Kraft is honored to have such great partnerships and employees. It is thanks to them that we can celebrate 60 years. Visit our Facebook page to see more photos from the diamond dealer conference!
#KountryKraft #KKTurns60 #CustomCabinetry #60thAnniversary #DiamondAnniversary
Custom Crafted Cabinets vs. Stock Cabinets
By / November 14, 2018 March 17, 2023Choosing between custom crafted cabinets and stock cabinetry can be overwhelming. However, learning the pros and cons of both can help you make a decision about which better suits your lifestyle and design.
Custom Cabinets
- Custom Cabinets are built to last
- Each cabinet is handmade
- Ability to customize cabinetry down to the core
- Cabinets are built to fit any size, space and layout
- Custom Cabinets are typically more expensive
- Cabinets take longer to make due to customization and quality of design
Stock Cabinets
- Stock cabinets are the least expensive
- Standard shapes and sizes
- Stock sizes for stock kitchens
- Limited selection of styles and woods
- Pre-manufactured cabinets
- Quick delivery time
- Stock cabinets cannot be customized
- Made on an assembly line
Both options can create a captivating kitchen but it’s important to look at the overall quality and design. Keeping in mind the differences of custom and stock cabinets, here are a few examples of what custom cabinetry can look like in your kitchen.
Custom Crafted Cabinets by Kountry Kraft
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs Photography by Chris Veith
This kitchen features our custom crafted cabinets in an Inset/No Bead cabinetry style with the TW10 Hybrid door design. The picture on the left showcases our dovetail cabinet boxes that provide strong and secure joints that can withstand heavy use. Kountry Kraft goes above and beyond to add dovetailing into our boxes and drawers to ensure long lasting craftsmanship. Dovetailing is not a feature available in stock cabinets, as it takes a skilled artisan to craft this joint style.
Design by PK Surroundings Photography by Rob Karosis
Kountry Kraft created glass kitchen cabinets featuring shelves that are in line with the floating shelves on the adjacent wall. The pantry cabinet showcases by-pass doors to provide easy accessibility to the contents inside. A custom crafted cabinet was decided to include a wine and beer fridge as well.
Design by Pam Whittemore of Drum Hill Designs, LLC
The custom cabinets featured above are unique in color, style and design. Part of our textural cabinetry line, they create a realistic wood grain surface that compliment stainless steel kitchen appliances. When choosing custom crafted cabinetry, you have to ability to choose from a wider variety of finishes and wood choices. Whereas, stock cabinets are more linear and don’t have as many choices available.
Kountry Kraft allows you to completely customize your cabinetry as well as offer a lifetime warranty on all our products. We want your kitchen cabinets to look the best and withstand the test of time. Not sure if custom cabinetry is right for you? Visit our Devon Showroom or find one of our experienced dealers near you!
#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #CustomCabinets #StockCabinets #StockVSCustom
Creating Custom Bath Cabinets with Kountry Kraft
By / July 25, 2018 March 11, 2023Custom bath cabinets can make your bathroom an oasis of functionality and organization, as well as enhance the relaxation of your bathroom space.
When determining custom bath cabinets, you must regulate what you will need the cabinets for. Whether it’s for storing towels, toys, or a makeup station. Custom Bathroom vanities can include built in drawers of all shapes and sizes to clear the clutter and provide you with a clean and open space.
Custom Bath Cabinets
Designed by Thomas R. Kelly of the TRK Design Company
This bathroom features cabinetry crafted with a CRP10161 Hybrid door style and 3001 cabinet style. The cabinetry is made from Hard Maple and finished in Decorators White 45° Benjamin Moore paint color. A makeup station was also created to match the vanity with seating to soak in the beautiful view outside of the home.
Designed by Jessica McAllister for D&B Elite Construction Group
This master bath features cabinetry crafted in Penn Line Style out of Hard Maple Wood. The doors are CRP10 Hybrid style with an Ogee Framing Bead. These custom bathroom cabinets are painted in Graystone 25° Paint.
Designed by Shawn Preis of Kountry Kraft, Inc.
This white bathroom vanity features cabinetry crafted in French Inset style with CRP10 Hybrid door style. This bathroom vanity achieved a furniture-style appeal by featuring decorative legs and the clever use of mirrors to expand the space.
Whether you have tons of space or are trying to build custom bath cabinets to enhance the storage in a tiny bathroom space, Kountry Kraft can create custom cabinets that suit your family’s style. Visit our bathroom inspiration page to gain a better perspective on what custom bath cabinets you may need! Check out our Houzz page to see some of our recently completed designs by our designers.
Kountry Kraft President Explains Cabinetry with Ryan Serhant
By / May 9, 2018 February 24, 2023Kountry Kraft was chosen to educate television personality, Ryan Serhant, in the art of cabinetmaking for his new television show, Sell it Like Serhant. The Bravo TV team discovered Kountry Kraft on Instagram and were instantly impressed by their cabinetry work. In the episode aired on Wednesday, April 25, Ryan Serhant was on a mission to teach Frank, the struggling salesman, about how custom cabinetry is made. With only a week left before Frank would lose his job, Serhant went directly to the expert himself, Elvin Hurst Jr., President of Kountry Kraft.
Elvin Hurst, Jr. is the son of the founders, Elvin Hurst, Sr. and Helen Hurst, whom purchased the company with his sister, Dee Hurst-Funk in February 2003. Elvin and Dee have been immersed in the family business since they were born. Growing up alongside their hardworking parents gave them a strong desire to guide Kountry Kraft into the future.
Elvin taught Ryan and Frank the artistry and talent required to making quality cabinetry; beginning with cutting down the tree all the way to crafting the cabinet door. Elvin chose to teach Ryan and Frank how to create a distressed cabinet – or as Ryan Serhant would call it; “like a worn pair of jeans”. Elvin guided the two men through the steps of creating a distressed cabinet. As Elvin explained the cabinetmaking process, Ryan made sure Frank was taking notes.
Step 1: Dubbing using a sander
Step 2: Rasping using a file
Step 3: Dings and dents using a chain
Step 4: Worn holes using a scaler
Ryan Serhant, Frank, Elvin Hurst, Jr. and Kountry Kraft Craftsman
“Let’s make some cabinets!” Ryan shouted when it was his turn to create the “worn cabinet look”. Ryan and Frank were stunned when they saw their finished product. Ryan Serhant had such a great time that he stated, “if real estate doesn’t work out, I’m selling cabinets!” Frank could now see how the entire process was done by hand, and that became a unique selling point for him; telling the story. Every aspect of Kountry Kraft’s cabinetry is completely done by hand by the talented craftsmen.
Click here to watch an exclusive behind the scenes clip of Ryan Serhant with Elvin Hurst, Jr. at the Kountry Kraft manufacturing facility.
Trout Design Studio | A Kountry Kraft Cabinet Dealer
By / November 8, 2017 November 7, 2017Trout Design Studio is a full-service interior design studio that focuses particularly on high end designs. The team at Trout Design Studio works on both residential and commercial properties, specializing in the finest quality and uniquely designed spaces. The designers pay special attention to the smallest details in a room, making sure to compliment every inch of space. We have the honor to work with such passionate design studios, like Trout, and we are inspired everyday with the designs they create.
Designed by Michael Beidler of Trout Design Studio, Photography by Williams Beidler
Michael Beidler of Trout Design Studio designed custom transitional cabinetry for a kitchen design in Washington, D.C. The transitional kitchen space is open to the family room, making the kitchen feel bigger than its proposed size. The cabinets are made of hard maple wood, crafted into an inset/no bead style. The cabinets were finished with a paint match to WM-100421 35°. Although this kitchen isn’t very large in size, the custom cabinets by Kountry Kraft bring storage and functionality into the space.
Designed by Michael Beidler of Trout Design Studio, Photography by Williams Beidler
This transitional bathroom includes custom crafted transitional cabinets, also designed by Michael Beidler of Trout Design Studio. This bathroom is located in the same residence as the kitchen you see above. Beidler wanted to continue the transitional theme throughout the whole house, creating a cohesive and personalized style. The cabinets in this bathroom are made of hard maple crafted with an inset/no bead style. The finish on the cabinetry is a paint color match to JM-98525 35°.
Visit Trout’s Houzz Page to view some of their recently completed bathroom and kitchen projects. Want to see more transitional cabinet styles? Visit our planning center to see our hundreds of cabinetry styles and color combinations!
Designers Spotlight – Evalia Designs, LLC
By / June 14, 2017 March 20, 2023As a cabinet manufacturer, we enjoy sharing designs by our talented clients. Evalia Designs, LLC is in our designers spotlight this month. Founded by a young woman, April Spagnolo, this full-service design firm’s goal is to turn your vision into a reality.
April Spagnolo, founder of Evalia Designs, is a Certified Kitchen Designer with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. She has studied at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, La Roche College and The American University of Rome. Spagnolo has over 10 years of experience working on both remodeling and new construction residential projects, custom cabinetry and specific commercial spaces. April grew up watching her grandfather work in the construction industry. She was inspired by the way his eyes lit up with excitement when he talked about the process of completing his jobs.
Evalia Designs, LLC has incorporates Kountry Kraft Cabinetry into many of their designs. From the kitchen and beyond, our custom cabinetry can fit into any room or your home.
Designers Spotlight
A quote from the Evalia Designs: “The client wanted a more open floor plan, her own personal office space that could be closed off when entertaining, two islands, and a Butler’s pantry. By removing the wall between the family room and existing kitchen we were able to create an open floor plan and help them achieve their dream kitchen design requests.”
A quote from Evalia Designs: “The client wanted a social kitchen, temperature controlled wine room, seating groups, fireplaces, game areas, a secret door to access the storage room and a full bath in their new basement space. By reworking the existing space, using built-in custom cabinetry, and unique finishes we were able to achieve their dream basement remodel.”
Check out more of Evalia Design’s by visiting their website. See more of our custom cabinetry built into a variety of spaces on our houzz page!
Kountry Kraft Attends KBIS 2017
By / March 1, 2017 September 2, 2021As many of you already know, Kountry Kraft attended KBIS 2017 in Orlando this past January. We had a fantastic time and would like to thank everyone who came out to support us. KBIS is a fantastic opportunity for Kountry Kraft to show off our commitment to impeccable quality in custom made cabinetry.
KBIS 2017
The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show is an exceptional opportunity for companies to showcase their latest products and innovations. Kountry Kraft put our quality cabinetry and innovative designs on display for all to see. Kitchen and Bath enthusiasts from all around the country attend the show to witness what companies have to showcase. Not only do companies want to show off their products, designers want to witness the latest and greatest so that they can give their customers a dream kitchen.
Kountry Kraft fireplace display at KBIS 2009
The last time Kountry Kraft attended KBIS was in 2009, when we featured a fireplace display, a butler’s pantry and horizontal grain kitchen cabinetry. So much has changed throughout those 8 years, but Kountry Kraft has continued to provide the finest products and excellent service.
Metal Fusion Range Hoods
One of our exclusive products featured in our booth was our metal fusion range hoods. These hoods replicate the look of metal when applied to wood. This product is lighter in weight and lower in price than real metal hoods. Our metal fusion hoods come in eight metal finishes; Bronze, Copper, White Gold, Iron, Nickel Silver, Oil Rubbed Bronze, and Stainless Steel. Metal Fusion creates an affordable option for our customers to create dramatic accents and focal points throughout the kitchen.
Kountry Kraft metal fusion range on hood display at KBIS 2017
We proudly take advantage of opportunities to exhibit our fine cabinetry that maintains a harmonious balance between quality craftsmanship and modern technology. Experience bespoke precision and inspiration by visiting our Houzz Page.
Shoe Organization Ideas
By / January 18, 2017 February 20, 2017Whether you’re planning to organize your record collection or shoe collection, there are always new ideas for storage organization. Whether you want your collection hidden or on display, Kountry Kraft can make your shoe organization idea come to life with custom cabinetry.
From big closets to small closets, there is always room for organization! Shoes can take up a lot of room, but with these shoe organizer ideas you will save a lot of space. Shoes don’t necessarily need to be in the bedroom, use another closet or another room to display or hide your shoe collection. Getting crafty with shoe organization makes your shoes easier to find and access. No need to be running around in the morning trying to find the other shoe match.
Kountry Kraft can incorporate your shoe organization idea into any room of your home. No more messy piles of shoes all around your house. Putting away your shoes will be as easy as taking them out! There are many space-saving solutions for your shoes, below you can find just a few ideas!
Shoe Organization Ideas
- Under the stairs
- Wheel out shelves for under your bed
- Hidden storage inside your walls
- Closet cabinetry
- Pull out shelving
- Behind a curtain
- Behind glass doors
- Home made baskets
- Shoe hooks
- Door racks
- Under benches or seating
- Designated shelves for each family member
“Kicking your shoes off” after a long day can become organized if you incorporate shoe organization throughout your home. Maximize your nooks and crannies in your home by making them an organized space for your collections.
See more organization ideas from Kountry Kraft here.
Custom Range Hoods by Kountry Kraft
By / January 4, 2017 March 11, 2023When designing your kitchen, you always want a focal point to bring the overall look together. Custom range hoods can be that unique piece of your kitchen. Kountry Kraft creates custom cabinetry and more.
Custom range hoods can add a dramatic effect to a kitchen through color, style or shape. Having custom features in your kitchen bring personality and character to your home. When you incorporate one into your kitchen, it can become the focal point of the room. The focal point of a room is the first thing people see when they walk in, and it typically brings the whole kitchen together. A focal point piece should be exciting and eye-catching, drawing in the attention of your visitors.
Range hoods are one of the main components of a kitchen, but that doesn’t mean it has to be an ordinary range hood. Range hoods are typically rectangular however, you can make your custom range hood any shape you’d like – triangular, circular or even cylinder shaped! Your custom range hood doesn’t necessarily need to stand out, you can also make it blend in with your cabinetry and barely noticeable in plain sight. You can even design your range hood to be a storage space so that you don’t lose any storage room from a range hood.
Custom Range Hoods
Through contrasting paint colors, this piece became a natural focal point of the room – standing out in midst of the white cabinetry.
Put some personality into your kitchen! Give your kitchen a high-end treatment with a custom range hood by Kountry Kraft.
See more ideas here.