So far everything has come out better them I estimated, I've budgeted myself
to 8K, 3 of that is for Silestone Countertop. and have spent 3.5K (including
some nice tools) So I'm comfortably ahead. Since refacing was going to cost
me $19K and new up between 25 - 30K. I was going to go with A. K., price was
great but the Sales guy made two appointments never called or showed up. I
spoke with the manager and got a call later that day "that he had to take
his daughter to the Hospital, don't know about you, but I would call my
office and let them know!!! So I didn't want to give this guy my money,
kitchen and time and end up never seeing him. So After looking at
everybody's cabinets, I went with Ikea. I bought 2 base cabinets and 2 wall
for $300. (if the sucked they'd end up in my shop (win win)) Just to see if
I would like them. I went with the cheapest model, since I would make the
doors myself. I'm pretty damn happy. I made up for what little short comings
they had. the 1/4 inch hardboard backing replaced by 5/8ths ply. and glued
and screwed them solid. I had 2 missing pieces and 1 broken piece, I most
likely misplaced them and broke the foot. They apologized and after figuring
what item's were missing, 15 minutes later 3 new pieces.....So from
sub-floor to rafters to wall studs.......... one all new kick-ass kitchen
designed around cooking and functionality. When I'm done by August, I'll
post pictures.........

You really have to examine the ingenuity of the cabinets and hardware. The
draws all self closing, was actually fun and interesting to assemble and
solid as hell. I wanted to make everything from scratch, just not enough
time. I had two problems with Ikea's line, I wanted a more "Mission Style"
Door and they don't have an angled corner sink cabinet (so I kept my old
face). but other then that, they are as good as what was installed and that
lasted 20 years. I'll also use there mounting brackets (method) too...

So before I start throwing things up and screwing everything together anyone
got any ideas?

Thanks, Joe