There are plenty of things to think about when planning a kitchen remodel, but a great place to start is choosing the type of cabinets to fit your needs and budget. When it comes to cabinets your choices will be between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets.
Stock cabinets come in predefined sizes and colors. On the other hand, semi- and full custom cabinets conform to your space, not the other way around. While custom cabinets can be more expensive, they allow for a unique design that maximizes your kitchen space and fits your lifestyle. Learn more about your options in kitchen cabinetry below.
There are two options in-stock cabinetry, pre-assembled and ready to assemble (RTA). Whichever type you choose, stock cabinets come in predefined sizes. Unfortunately, most kitchens don’t conform to these sizes, and homeowners end up with unusable cabinet space, false drawers, or fillers – wood panels that cover empty space between your cabinet and the wall.
While you may assume that cabinets with predefined attributes are faster to install, RTA cabinets are shipped in flat boxes and have to be assembled in the home. The result is a lengthier process than many homeowners anticipate. So, if your sole concerns are budget and speed, pre-assembled stock cabinetry is a better choice than RTA.
In general, stock cabinets also tend to be less durable than custom-made cabinetry. It is not uncommon to see stock shelving bending under a heavy load of plates or cracking along seams over time. So, while stock cabinets will be the least expensive option, they don’t hold up as well to the daily wear and tear a kitchen faces.
Semi-custom cabinets mix stock cabinetry with some custom pieces. With semi-custom cabinets, you can pick the best-sized cabinets for your space, allowing your personal preferences and existing kitchen layout to play a significant role.
These cabinets are usually pre-built pieces with customization options, including detailing, wood, type, color, dimension, and drawer size. Semi-custom cabinets are created by changing the regular dimensions of a stock cabinet slightly to fit your space.
Semi-custom cabinets offer a broad spectrum of styles, finishes, and storage solutions for kitchen remodels. Brands like Waypoint and Fieldstone offer beautiful and customizable styles that fit with most kitchen aesthetics. Semi-custom cabinets are slightly more expensive than stock cabinets, but they are still a good choice if you need some customization while remaining budget conscious.
Full custom cabinets allow you to get exactly what you want for your kitchen remodel. Brands like Ted Wood offer a seemingly endless range of options, including wood types, finish, size, dimension, and a variety of space-saving ideas. If you want cabinets that blend seamlessly with furniture styles, then custom cabinets are the way to go.
Custom cabinets are also a great choice if you are in a unique space, or if you need specialized storage in a small kitchen. If you have a smaller space or unique floor plan, for example, every inch counts. Custom cabinets can maximize your storage while making the kitchen feel more spacious. Think of deep drawers to hold pots, pull-out lazy Susans in corners, and built-in spice racks.
Another great attribute of custom cabinetry is that it will usually hold up longer than any other option. If you are willing to set aside a larger part of the budget for cabinets, you will love all of the possibilities full custom cabinets offer.
You should work with your kitchen remodeling contractor to determine the best cabinet type for your space while keeping in mind that cabinets often take up the greatest chunk of your kitchen remodel budget. Ready to start planning your kitchen remodel? Schedule a free consultation with one of our kitchen experts.