Why don't you guys buy some a-b fur 3/4 plywood, glue, screws, hinges, nails, stain , varish, etc. and go for it! Make it yourself and be proud of it. $1000s for garage storage, give me a break.
I have learned that sometimes its cheaper to buy what you want than to try and build it. Today raw materials, time, and energy can cost more than going out and buying it.
Well I talked to the guy today and looked at the samples. My first impression of the powder coated MDF is it looks like plastic feels like wood. Its hard to describe but its like when you perceive something to be heavy and as you pick it up its very light. Thats the illusion I get with this product. I was thinking it would be flimsy but in fact its very rugged feeling. Not to say it looks cheap because thats not it at all.
The drawers also look well built with dovetail construction. I didn't get to see the whole system together but I do have the opportunity to visit the showroom.
Things I liked about the system is that there are many different combinations of drawer sizes and cabinets. Its very modular so one can pick and choose the combination that best suits the need. The countertops are thick. I liked the butcher block better only because the "impact Coating" looked difficult to clean since its a rough texture. Its basically truck bed-liner.
The Brushed stainless (contemporary) handles looked very nice and beefy, but I would caution the use of them on the drawers since they will just act like hooks and grab everything from belt loops to anything you might be working on. If I do go with this system I would probably get them for the cabinets and have the Anodized aluminum handles for the drawers. Just a thought.
I was very impressed with the guy who came out seemed very knowledgable and had some great ideas. He gave me suggestions with reasons behind it which I liked.
I do have some concerns that I asked about. One was if having a vice on the countertop would harm it. His response was depends on the weight of the item and the torque that might be used. One thing he did suggest was to install feet on the normally hanging unit to counter extreme weights.
I wasn't impress with some of the colors like the burgundy. I guess thats a personal impression and has nothing to do with the quality.
So the million dollar question is cost, and at this point I still don't know. When asked he honestly said until he works it out in the computer he really doesn't have an idea or doesn't want to tell me. Not sure but thats fine I understand it will be all custom so price will vary. I will keep everyone posted on the cost and if I actually use them. At this point I like what I see.