Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry – Stock vs. Custom

There are three basic types of kitchen and bath cabinets to consider – stock, semi-custom and custom. These terms indicate the type of production methods used to make the cabinets and are not indicative of quality as some people may think. A stock cabinet does not necessarily mean it’s of lesser quality than a semi-custom cabinet or custom cabinet; in fact there are all levels of quality available in each of these types of cabinetry. Learn more about cabinet quality.

Stock Cabinets

source: Quality Cabinets

Stock cabinets, also known as builders grade cabinets, are the most popular type of cabinetry because they are readily available and tend to be the most affordable. They are mass produced and stored in warehouses ready to ship making them a time saver as well. They come in a number of standard finishes and usually have several door styles to choose from. Stock cabinets come in standard widths starting at 9” wide and increase in 3” increments up to 48” wide. Standard depths are 12” for upper cabinets and 24” for base cabinets.

The downside to stock cabinets is that they are limited in sizes, styles, finishes and features, and you cannot modify them to fit your design. Because of the limited sizes, they may not fit your space exactly and require filler strips to fill the gaps. If you are shopping for stock cabinets and are not liking the finish selections offered it is possible to get stock cabinets unfinished so that you can create your own custom finish.

Semi-Custom Cabinets

source: Merillat

Semi-custom cabinets are basically stock cabinets except they are made to order and can be modified to fit your space. They come in a wider variety of styles, materials and finishes than stock cabinets and offer more accessories and built-in options such as pull-out shelves, corner lazy susans and drawer organizers. Because they are built after you place an order, semi-custom cabinetry allows you to choose your desired sizes, style, and finishes letting you design a kitchen that fits your needs without the expense of custom cabinetry.

The disadvantages of semi-custom cabinetry include a longer lead time and a higher cost than stock cabinets. Because these cabinets are made-to-order you may have to wait at least a month or longer for delivery. Although you can modify these cabinets, the more changes you make the higher the price and the longer the lead time. If you start making a lot of modifications you may want to consider custom cabinets instead.

Custom Cabinets

source: Midland Cabinet Company

Custom cabinets are built to individual specifications and offer unlimited design possibilities, making them ideal for those who want and can afford the top-of-the-line in cabinetry and cabinet construction. They are made-to-order and built to fit the exact dimensions of your kitchen. You can completely customize sizes, materials and cabinet interiors to suit your needs. Also, custom cabinets allow you to match existing architectural details or finishes in your home. They are a great choice when you have an odd sized or shaped kitchen or bath in which stock or semi-custom cabinets won’t fit. Because there are endless design possibilities with custom cabinets you may want to consider working with an interior designer or kitchen designer who can help you take advantage of all the options and utilize your space to its full potential.

The downside to custom cabinets is that they are the most expensive of all the cabinet types and they have the longest lead time so you need to plan ahead. Because each cabinet is custom, the time between planning, design and installation can span many months, however, custom cabinets can be a worthwhile investment of time and money if you plan on staying in your home for a long time.

Stock vs. Custom Web Guide

• What’s the Difference between Stock, Semi-Custom and Custom Cabinets?
  Learn from industry insider Kelly Morisseau about the different types of kitchen and bath cabinetry.

• Stock, Semi-Custom or Custom Cabinetry
  Learn more about the different types of cabinetry – their specific features as well as the pros and cons.