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Consumer Information

What Is The Difference Between Custom, Semi-Custom and Stock Cabinets?

If you’ve already renovated a kitchen or are just beginning the process, you know how overwhelming the details can be.  One of the many things to consider is whether you want to purchase custom or semi-custom cabinets, and what the differences are. This blog will primarily focus on the differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom kitchen cabinets.

The first thing to know when noting differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets is that the terms refer to the production methods used to make the cabinets, not to the quality of the cabinets. If you want more information about the quality of materials and construction methods, then you can find it in this blog.

Stock Cabinets

Stock cabinets are ready-made, pre-manufactured cabinets, meaning they’re mass-produced in a factory and ready to ship when ordered. They’re sold in modular units, and no customization is available. What you see is what you get! The advantages of stock cabinets include affordability and quick delivery. However, you usually have a limited selection of styles, shapes, colors, wood types, etc. Delivery time is typically 1 to 3 weeks from the time of your order.

We recommend using stock cabinets if:

  1. You are looking for a low-cost solution to your cabinetry needs.
  2. You can save money by installing them yourself.
  3. Stock cabinetry is the quickest solution if time is a factor.

The disadvantages of Stock Cabinetry:

  1. Finish & color selections are limited.
  2. There are standard height dimensions for base, wall, vanity, and tall cabinets. Stock cabinets cannot be modified.
  3. Generally, stock cabinets last 5–10 years.

Standard Width: Start at 9″ with 3″ increments to 48″

Standard Depth: 12″ for wall cabinets, 24″ for oven, base, and utility cabinets.

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Semi-Custom Cabinets

Semi-custom cabinets are stock cabinets with extra detailing options. The basic cabinet sizes still apply, but consumers can change specific dimensions, such as resizing the cabinet drawers and door fronts, or increasing/decreasing the cabinet depth. The advantages of semi-custom cabinets are that you get the feeling you have some individual input into the design (however limited) without the cost of full-on custom cabinets. Sometimes that’s all you need to get great cabinets without the expense of a custom job. Semi-custom truly is the best of both worlds. Delivery time is typically 3 to 8 weeks from the time of your order.

We recommend using Semi-Custom cabinets if:

  1. Semi-custom cabinets offer an outstanding balance between stock & custom cabinetry—a budget-friendly choice for a simple upgrade to your home.
  2. Incorporate stock options with modifications and customization to feel as if you are involved in the design phase.
  3. Quick lead times can speed up the process.

The disadvantages of Semi-Cabinets:

  1. Hardware: better quality hinges and slides are available as an upgrade only.
  2. Construction: Although made to the client’s size requirements, semi-custom cabinets are predetermined sizes, and often fillers are used to fill areas, which can limit your storage options.
  3. Semi-cabinetry typically will last in the home/office 10 – 20 years.

Standard Width: Start at 9″ with 1″ increments to 48″

Standard Depth: Can be reduced or increased according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are built to your specifications, so they can be pretty much anything you want! When designing custom cabinets, we start with your floor plan and the locations of your windows and doors. We determine your appliance preferences and custom-design your cabinets around them, incorporating all your accessory and storage ideas.  Because of this, custom cabinets are expensive, labor-intensive, and usually take a few weeks or months to complete. Custom cabinets are built by skilled carpenters and manufactured on a build-to-order basis.

We recommend using Custom cabinets if:

  1. You are building a new home, or if your floor plan is more complex and requires customization because it doesn’t use standard sizes.  Custom cabinets are built to fit.
  2. Custom cabinets give consumers complete freedom in the design, style, and construction of their cabinetry. You don’t have to settle for average; you can add all the bells and whistles!
  3. Custom cabinetry is built to last a lifetime.

The disadvantages of Custom Cabinets:

  1. Timing: generally, custom cabinets take the longest.  The design and construction phase is more detailed.  Skilled craftsmen do all the work; therefore, the production takes longer.
  2. Huge cost difference: No doubt custom is the most expensive of the three, but the value received will be well worth it!
  3. I wish I could come up with another negative, but I can’t. If you plan on living in your home for a long time and quality is very important, then custom is for you!

Standard Width: Customizable

Standard Depth: Customizable

The Biggest Difference Is PRICE

As you may have guessed, the more customization options you have, the higher the overall price will be. Another advantage of having more custom options is that you can usually get a broader range of storage gadgets, such as spice pullouts and drawer organizers. Rev-A-Shelf has an endless supply of items that can be added to custom cabinets and semi-custom cabinets. The ability to build custom hoods can also add a unique complement to your overall design. Some Kitchen and bath dealers (like us) can provide semi-custom cabinets while also offering custom-built pieces, such as a hood or hutch, as enhancements to your kitchen cabinet order.

The possibilities are endless; you need a creative designer to make it happen. After all, your kitchen is the heart of the home, where you and your family spend lots of time, and you’ll want it to be functional, durable, and beautiful!

What kind of cabinets do you have in your kitchen? Share your experiences and recommendations! Was this information helpful? Share your comments.

/onJuly 7, 2015/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inConsumer Information

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