How to choose a custom-designed kitchen: The complete guide before signing the contract
Marcato Móveis · Fine Woodwork · Buying Guide
A custom-designed kitchen is one of the most significant investments in a renovation — and one of the most difficult to evaluate without technical reference. Prices vary immensely. Quotes seem incompatible. And the differences that define quality are precisely those that no one mentions in the showroom.
1. Start with the material, not the style
The numbers that matter: Doors: 20mm MDF. Side carcass: 18mm MDP minimum. Shelves: 25mm MDP — an 18mm shelf with more than 70cm span will warp. Back panel: 15mm MDP. Reputable manufacturers: Duratex and Arauco.
→ MDF or MDP: understand the difference that defines the quality of your custom-made furniture
2. Check the hardware before looking at the finish
The right questions: Are the slides full extension? Drawers with partial extension (70-85%) hide part of the contents. Who is the manufacturer of the slides? The benchmark is Blum (Austria) — Legrabox for kitchens. Who is the manufacturer of the hinges? Salice (Italy) with Silentia Plus is the premium standard.
3. Understand the finishing system
Melamine laminate: entry-level finish. Peels over time. PVA or nitrocellulose lacquer: better than laminate, but with limited durability — yellowing and peeling common in 4 to 6 years. Microtextured PU varnish paint: fine woodworking standard. The Italian reference is the IVE line by Lechler.
4. Evaluate the warranty period
Mid-range suppliers offer 1 to 2 years. Fine woodworking delivers 10 years warranty — because the chosen materials and hardware support this promise.
5. Visit the showroom with a technical eye
Open drawers and pay attention to the movement. A quality drawer opens effortlessly, extends completely, and closes with a smooth soft-close at the end — without banging.
6. Read the contract before signing
The contract must specify: materials with brand and thickness, hardware model, finishing system, delivery time, and warranty conditions. Demand a descriptive memorandum as a contractual annex.
Marcato Móveis Standard
20mm MDF for doors, 18mm MDP for carcass, 25mm MDP for shelves. Blum Legrabox with full extension and BLUMOTION. Salice Silentia Plus. IVE Lechler (Italy) microtextured paint. 10-year warranty. All in contract.
→ See how our custom production process is documented before any signing.