Stock Kitchen Cabinets vs Custom Kitchen Cabinets
The choice between stock kitchen cabinets and custom kitchen cabinets is sometimes difficult to make. Both options are highly popular and have their own unique selling points. The information detailed below will give you a better idea of the benefits and drawbacks of both, so you can decide whether you want a stock cabinet or a custom cabinet in your kitchen.
Advantages of Stock Kitchen Cabinets
Stock kitchen cabinets are assembled and displayed in home improvement shops. These cabinets are made from high quality material and are available in a variety of materials and finishes. The most popular materials are wood, steel and laminate. You can choose from a variety of stock cabinets and select one that best suits your needs.
Stock kitchen cabinets are very affordable. In fact, they can cost less than half of a custom made kitchen cabinet. For a much lower price, you can get a cabinet that is comparable in quality to a pricey custom-made cabinet.
You can also mix and match a stock kitchen cabinet with other matching pieces of storage furniture, so that you can improve the overall appearance of the kitchen while not having to spend too much money. There are several ways in which you can use stock kitchen cabinets to achieve the look you want in your kitchen.
Drawbacks of Stock Kitchen Cabinets
Stock kitchen cabinets have a few definite drawbacks. The biggest one is the standard sizes they come in. These cabinets usually have standard lengths such as 1.5 feet, two feet, and three feet and standard heights. If your kitchen is an unusual shape or if you have special storage needs, a stock kitchen cabinet will not be a suitable option. Also, there is often some wastage of space or gaps, which are usually covered by filler strips.
Advantages of Custom Kitchen Cabinets
A custom kitchen cabinet is one that is made after measuring your kitchen and keeping in mind your appliances and storage needs. If your kitchen is shaped differently, for example, if it has a curved wall, a custom cabinet can fill the space beautifully while accentuating the shape. Custom kitchen cabinets are available in innumerable styles and can be made with a combination of different materials.
You can create slots for each of your appliances and even have special drawers or storage cabinets made for your kitchenware. By choosing a custom kitchen cabinet, you can efficiently use the space in your kitchen. You can achieve exactly the look you want. You also have the option of adding lighting and choosing glass doors for certain sections of the cabinet. You can even use different materials to make separate parts of the kitchen cabinet.
Custom kitchen cabinets are quite expensive, especially if you choose wood or steel. Another drawback is an extensive waiting time. After ordering, you will have to wait for a couple of months before the cabinet is delivered to you. For both stock and custom kitchen cabinets, you have the option of getting installation help at a charge.