The Differences Between Stock, Semi-Custom, and Custom Kitchen Cabinets

By Kim Ray

Cabinets are the focal point of the kitchen, and real estate professionals and designers advise that kitchen cabinetry is a primary consideration when buying a home. You can significantly increase the value and appeal of your home by installing new kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen cabinets are available in a wide range of prices and styles, and there are many different materials and options to consider before making a final decision. Although new kitchen cabinets are an excellent way to increase the value of a home, they are also one of the most expensive. Invest in your home wisely, and take the time to look into the many possibilities before buying new kitchen cabinets.

There are various types and styles of kitchen cabinets to consider. They are available in all price ranges and all styles, and there are options to meet every budget. Consider the differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom kitchen cabinetry in order to make the wisest investment in your home.

Custom-Made Cabinets

Custom-made cabinetry is by far the costliest option, but with custom-made cabinetry, you can have kitchen of your dreams and add a great amount of value and beauty to your home. If you can envision a design, there’s a talented cabinetmaker that can make your dreams a reality. Choosing custom-made kitchen cabinets provides unique options that might otherwise not be available with semi-custom or stock cabinetry.

Say for instance you want kitchen cabinets to match dining room furniture or woodwork. Custom-cabinet makers can custom match colors to go with almost any finish. The options are truly endless.

In addition, custom-made cabinets can be designed to fit any configuration, size, or dimension. If available cabinet space won’t accommodate standard size kitchen cabinets, changes can be made to suit your needs as well as your style.

Semi-Custom Cabinetry

Semi-custom cabinets aren’t as adaptable as custom-made cabinetry, but they can be altered to meet individual needs. The depth can be reduced if necessary, or increased for added storage space and proper fit. Special features such as wine and plate racks, roll out shelves, full extension drawer glides, glass inlays, intricate molding, and display shelves can be added if desired.

Semi-custom cabinets are available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and finishes, and many features are fully interchangeable. Many companies offer various door styles and creative options that allow the homeowner to obtain the cabinets they want at a price they can afford. They also enable the homeowner to personalize the kitchen by choosing the hardware and finish.

If you want a number of options and choices but don’t want the expense of custom-made cabinetry, semi-custom cabinets are the way to go. There are semi-custom kitchen cabinets to meet any budget and design, and they definitely add value and unique appeal to the heart of any home.

Stock Cabinets

Although stock cabinets don’t provide a wide variety of features, they are a great way to add value to a home without spending a lot of money. Homeowners can find stock kitchen cabinets in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors, and they can find a number of highly desired built-in features.

Stock cabinets are readily available, and a selection of various styles can be found in most larger home improvement stores and cabinet shops. Take the time to shop around to view different options and compare prices.

There are stock cabinets to fit every kitchen and configuration. They’re available in widths as narrow as nine inches, as wide as forty-eight inches, and they are available in three-inch increments in between. Filler strips can be used to close open spaces and customize assembly.

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