Cabinet Basics
Stock, Semi-Custom, Custom
Many people make the wrong assumption that the terms stock, semi-custom and custom cabinets refer to a level of quality.
These terms designate the type of production methods used to make the cabinets, and are in no way indicative of quality. Fine cabinetry is available across all three., as is poor quality.
Simply put, stock cabinets are mass-produced; semi-custom are stock cabinets that can be altered to fit space requirements and custom cabinets are built to individual specifications.
| Type |
Features |
Pros & Cons |
Stock
Price Range:
Low - Med
Quality Range:
Poor - Excellent
Note:
The term builder grade refers to stock (mass produced) cabinets, not a quality grade level
|
Standard:
Pre-Assembled - Mass produced
Stored in warehouses awaiting shipment
(hence the word ’stock’)
Available in both framed and frameless construction
Variety of sizes, shapes, styles, wood species and finishes
Example of Standard Features:
half shelf in base cabinets
Available Options:
None
Accessories as available
Standard Widths:
start at 9" with 3" increments to 48"
Standard depths:
12" for wall cabinets and 24" for base cabinets, oven cabinets, and utility cabinets.
|
PROS:
Most popular type of cabinet sold
Readily available
Can be ordered through retailers using the manufacturer’s catalog
Are generally available within a week to ten days of being ordered
CONS:
What you see is what you get
Limited selection of styles, sizes, shapes, wood species, finishes & features.
Fewer options available than semi-custom or custom cabinets.
May not fit the kitchen space exactly. Filler strips are used to close any gaps between a cabinet and an appliance or wall.
May or may not meet KCMA
or ANSI standards
|
Semi-Custom
Price Range:
Med - High
Quality Range:
Poor - Excellent
|
Standard:
Pre-Assembled - Manufactured
Available in both framed and frameless construction
Variety of sizes, shapes, styles, wood species and finishes
Example Features:
Basic stock cabinetry sizes still apply, but certain dimensions can be changed.
Wider range of styles, construction materials and colors than stock cabinets
Example Built-In Options:
Unique storage units and accessories such as pullout bins, lazy susans, matching interiors, inverted frames
Limited - depending on manufacturer
Widths:
Generally start at 9" with 1" increments to 48" (varies by manufacturer)
Depths:
Standard depths can be reduced or increased within manufacturer’s guidelines
|
PROS:
Second most popular type of cabinet
Greater flexibility in the design process
Wider range of styles, sizes, construction materials and colors than stock cabinets
Offer more options than stock cabinets
CONS:
Construction of these cabinets begins only when the order is final, in order to make modifications to standard sizes
Delivery time make take a month or longer.
Changes can be expensive & increase delivery times
Cabinets may not be returnable if they don’t fit
(see: Do You Need a Designer?)
Cost more than stock cabinets
Limited selection of styles, sizes, shapes, wood species, finishes & features.
Fewer options available than custom cabinets.
May not fit the kitchen space exactly. Filler strips are used to close any gaps between a cabinet and an appliance or wall.
May or may not meet KCMA
or ANSI standards
|
Custom
Price Range:
Highest
Quality Range:
Poor - Excellent
|
Built to Individual Specifications
Available in both framed and frameless construction
Ulimited variety of sizes, shapes, styles, wood species and finishes
Production Methods:
- Carpenter - Build to Job (on/off site)
- Manufactured - Build to Order
Example of Features:
Unlimited
Available Built-In Options:
None Needed
Standard Widths:
n/a
Standard depths:
n/a
|
PROS:
No limit to design, size, style, materials, colors, finishes or features.
Constructed to precise design measurements
Can provide total built-in convenience, without accessories
CONS:
Highest cost
Substantial deposit required - May require payment in full when order is placed
Delivery time may be 10-12 weeks or longer
Homeowner or designer assumes responsibility for measuring accuracy
Non-refundable, Non-returnable for non-production errors
(see: Do You Need a Designer?)
Wide range of pricing and construction standards:
- Build to Job: (Carpenter)
Limited by skill & available materials
Warranty may be non-existent
- Build to Order: (Manufactured)
Cabinets may or may not meet KCMA
or ANSI standards
|
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