The Difference Between Custom, Semi-Custom, & Stock Cabinets Monday, August 27, 2018

During your kitchen renovation, one of the most important and most expensive decisions you will have to make is on the cabinets to install. Cabinets fall into three basic categories:

• Stock
• Semi-Custom
• Custom

Your available space and design preferences will determine which kind of cabinets you end up choosing. The key difference between the three options on the market today is the differences in production methods, options available, and quality of materials being used on the product.

In the Lakeland and Plant City areas, Semi-Custom or Stock cabinets are the most popular. However, we recommend the Custom cabinets for luxury homes that want top-of-the-line results.

Stock Cabinets

Mass produced, less flexibility, but more affordable.

Customers can find a wide variety of standard size stock cabinets from the large home improvement stores. Though these cabinets are mass-produced with no customization options available, they are, however, generally available in multiple sizes, colors, and styles that will fit most kitchen dimensions and design schemes.

Stock cabinets are the most affordable option, but there are a few downsides. They are pre-made, therefore leaving no flexibility to the size or style. Most available stock cabinets are made with lesser quality materials, such as particleboard, which is then covered in veneer or imitation wood.

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Allow for customized sizing and typically use better materials.

This hybrid option provides a crossover between stock and custom cabinets. Semi-custom cabinets are created in standard sizes with the ability to have the width, depth, or height altered as needed. This allows customers to have more flexibility with both designing their kitchen and modifying the cabinets, as they need. Semi-custom cabinets are usually available in as many styles and colors, just like stock cabinets, but they are a produced from a better grade of material.

However, there are limitations to the available customization options. Customers may desire options that can only be found with custom cabinets.

Custom Cabinets

Unlimited options and the best quality, but the most expensive.

Custom cabinets are built to the exact specifications of the homeowner. While custom cabinets are typically made to standard sizes, needs for irregular sizes or shapes can be accommodated. This allows homeowners full flexibility on the type of wood, door style, details, colors, size, and more.

On the other hand, these are going to be the most expensive option on the market for customers. In addition, since the cabinets are custom and made-to-order, they will have a much longer lead-time. With the added expense and time, you will receive a product that has higher quality craftsmanship.

Consider Your Space & Work With Professionals

Choosing cabinets is one of the hardest parts of kitchen renovations. Take a good, hard look at your space and work with a well-respected renovation company. If you're located in the Lakeland/Plant City, or another nearby area, contact True Builders to help decide which category of cabinets are best for your home project!