4 Things to Know About Stock, Custom, & Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets

One thing that’s consistent across every kitchen renovation, remodel, or upgrade is you have to make a lot of decisions. The decisions you make regarding your kitchen cabinets are some of the most important, since cabinets influence your kitchen’s layout. They may also influence how you use the room. Cabinets can be the most expensive part of a kitchen project, so choosing the right ones is essential. As you evaluate the different available cabinet options, you’ll notice they come in three basic types: stock, semi-custom, and custom. If you’re stuck at a cabinet crossroads in your kitchen redo and you’re not sure what type of cabinetry would work best, here’s a breakdown, including the advantages of each:

1. Stock Kitchen Cabinets: Quick, Easy & Economical

Stock cabinets are mass produced and ready to ship when ordered. You can also buy them off-the-shelf in most cases. Their quick delivery time and economical price tag are the reasons many people choose them, since they provide a quick and easy way to give a kitchen a fresh look. They’re made in common cabinet sizes, and come in a limited variety of door styles, colors, and finishes. Stock brands can offer value and quick delivery to keep your project on track.

2. Custom Kitchen Cabinets: Any Way You Want It

At the other end of the cabinetry spectrum, custom cabinets offer nearly limitless options in wood types, colors, sizes, and finishing options. Cabinet makers build custom cabinets to your exact specifications. Usually you’ll start with a standard size cabinet and add on the details and features you want. Capable cabinet makers and designers can work from an existing design or use a napkin-sketch approach to create custom pieces. This ensures you end up with the exact cabinets you’ve imagined. The takeaway: with custom cabinetry, price, quality, and delivery time can vary widely, depending on the level of customization. 

3. Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets: The Best of Both Worlds

Semi-custom kitchen cabinets are available in more styles, features, and options than stock. This offers you more flexibility and design influence while ensuring a tailored fit that’s personalized for your kitchen. You can order semi-custom cabinets in a wide variety of stains, paints, glazes, and specialty finishes. They’re also available with features like roll-out shelves and door racks, and can be embellished with moulding and a variety of hardware choices. Cost-wise, semi-custom kitchen cabinets sit right in the middle between stock and custom. The price will vary depending on the materials used and the amount of customization you choose to do. However, since customization options are limited, the expense still comes in at significantly lower than fully customized cabinets.

4. The Von Tobel Kitchen Design Experience

We understand that remodeling or designing a kitchen can be overwhelming. Whether you’re building or remodeling, we offer design services as well as a wide variety of cabinets in styles and finishes to complement your unique tastes. Our knowledgeable staff will help you narrow down the choices to create the space that matches your dreams and your budget. From concept to completion, our expert designers will work closely with you to pull together your dreams, ideas, and selections to design the best kitchen for your home.

Now you know the important differences between custom and semi-custom cabinets. Read more about what to consider before choosing new cabinets for your kitchen in a related blog post.