Should I buy stock cabinets or custom cabinets?

During construction or the kitchen and bathroom remodel, most consumers will be faced with a decision between purchasing stock or custom cabinets.  In the video below, we discuss some of the differences and details to keep in mind throughout your decision process.

When we mention stock cabinets, we’re referring to the cabinets that are readily available at most home improvement or remodel outlets.  Stock cabinets are mass produced in a manner that is intended to keep costs down.  For this reason, most stock cabinetry options are limited in selection, styling, and sizes.  Simply stated, stock cabinets are designed and produced to fit the needs of most and may prove to be a great option for your next project as well.

When referring to “custom cabinets”, we are referring to cabinets that are made to order.  They are very exacting and matchup to the customer’s unique specifications.  Every detail of the construction of semi-custom cabinetry can be tailored 100% to the client needs.  As such, measurements and planning will also have to be just as exact to prevent cost overruns and installation issues.  And, since custom cabinets are made to order….you have to wait for them to be built.  Not necessarily a deterrent when you have exacting standards, but definitely something to account for in the planning process.

When you hear the term “semi-custom”, you can think of it as the best of both worlds.  They are simply stock cabinets with many “custom” options.  With semi-custom cabinets you can still get many of the desired features of a custom build such as…..

• Pullout spice racks
• Hidden trash can doors
• Increased and decreased depth cabinets
• Floating vanities

The most notable limitations of “semi-custom” options will be in the sizing.  Most of your semi-custom cabinetry will come in width/height options of 3-inch increments.  Any gaps this causes in a particular install will be filled with “filler panels”.

While we cannot definitively state which of the three options you should buy, we hope we’ve helped you better understand some of the primary differences.