Types of Cabinets: Stock vs Semi-Custom vs Custom
Stock Cabinets
Pre-manufactured cabinets available in standard sizes, limited colors, and styles. Quick delivery.
Price Range
$60-$200 per linear foot
Lead Time
2-4 weeks
Pros
- ✓Most affordable option
- ✓Quick availability
- ✓Predictable quality
- ✓Can be purchased at big box stores
Cons
- ✗Limited sizes (3" increments)
- ✗Fewer finish options
- ✗Standard hardware only
- ✗Lower quality materials in budget lines
Best For:
Budget-conscious remodels, rental properties, simple layouts
Where to Buy: IKEA, Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards
Most Popular
Semi-Custom
Manufactured cabinets with customizable options for sizes, finishes, and features. Middle ground option.
Price Range
$150-$400 per linear foot
Lead Time
6-12 weeks
Pros
- ✓More size flexibility (1" increments)
- ✓Wide range of finishes and styles
- ✓Better quality construction
- ✓More organizational options
Cons
- ✗Higher cost than stock
- ✗Longer lead time
- ✗Limited structural modifications
- ✗May require designer assistance
Best For:
Most full kitchen remodels, standard to complex layouts
Popular Brands: KraftMaid, Diamond, Merillat, Aristokraft
Custom Cabinets
Built to order cabinets with unlimited customization. Handcrafted to exact specifications.
Price Range
$500-$1,200+ per linear foot
Lead Time
10-16+ weeks
Pros
- ✓Unlimited design possibilities
- ✓Any size or configuration
- ✓Highest quality materials
- ✓Unique, one-of-a-kind kitchen
Cons
- ✗Most expensive option
- ✗Longest lead time
- ✗Harder to match if replacement needed
- ✗Requires experienced installer
Best For:
Luxury remodels, unusual layouts, historic homes
Sources: Local cabinet makers, Luxury brands, Custom woodworkers
Cabinet Construction Quality
Box/Carcass Construction
Particle Board
BudgetLeast expensive, prone to sagging and moisture damage
Used in: Stock budget cabinets
Price: $
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
GoodStrong, stable, good for painted finishes
Used in: Stock to semi-custom
Price: $
Plywood
BetterStrong, moisture-resistant, most popular
Used in: Semi-custom to custom
Price: $$
Solid Wood
BestPremium option, very durable, expensive
Used in: High-end custom
Price: $$
Door Construction
MDF Core with Veneer/Paint
Pros
- • Smooth finish
- • Stable
- • Affordable
Cons
- • Can't be stained
- • Damaged edges hard to repair
Best For: Painted cabinets
Solid Wood Frame with MDF Panel
Pros
- • Strong frame
- • Stable center
- • Good value
Cons
- • Panel can't be stained
Best For: Painted traditional styles
Solid Wood
Pros
- • Can be stained or painted
- • Traditional look
- • Refinishable
Cons
- • Can warp
- • More expensive
Best For: Stained finishes, traditional kitchens
Hardware & Mechanics
- →Dovetail or dowel drawer construction (vs stapled)
- →Undermount soft-close drawer glides (vs side-mount)
- →Six-way adjustable hinges (vs fixed)
- →Soft-close hinges on all doors
- →3/4" plywood drawer boxes (vs particle board)
Cabinet Styles & Finishes
Shaker
Five-piece door with recessed center panel. Most popular style.
Popularity:
Most Popular
Price Impact:
Standard
Best For: Transitional, modern farmhouse, traditional
Flat Panel / Slab
Simple, flat door with no frame. Clean, modern look.
Popularity:
Very Popular
Price Impact:
Low-Mid
Best For: Modern, contemporary, minimalist
Raised Panel
Traditional style with raised center panel and decorative molding.
Popularity:
Traditional Favorite
Price Impact:
Mid-High
Best For: Traditional, classic, formal kitchens
Glass Front
Frame with glass insert to display dishes.
Popularity:
Accent Piece
Price Impact:
High
Best For: Upper cabinets, display areas
Louvered
Horizontal slats for ventilation or style.
Popularity:
Specialty
Price Impact:
High
Best For: Coastal, tropical styles
painted
Opaque color finish, most versatile
Popular Colors:
White, Gray, Navy, Black, Sage Green
Price Impact:
Standard to High (specialty colors)
Maintenance:
Shows wear on edges, can be touched up
stained
Transparent finish showing wood grain
Popular Options:
Natural, Medium Brown, Dark Walnut, Weathered Oak
Price Impact:
Standard
Maintenance:
Durable, hides wear well
two Tone
Combination of colors or finishes
Popular Combos:
White uppers/gray lowers, White/wood island, Painted/stained mix
Price Impact:
10-20% premium
Maintenance:
Varies by finish type
Budget Planning & Cost Optimization
Average Cabinet Costs by Kitchen Size
| Kitchen Size | Stock | Semi-Custom | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Kitchen (70 linear feet) | $4,000-$14,000 | $10,000-$28,000 | $35,000-$84,000 |
| Medium Kitchen (100 linear feet) | $6,000-$20,000 | $15,000-$40,000 | $50,000-$120,000 |
| Large Kitchen (150 linear feet) | $9,000-$30,000 | $22,000-$60,000 | $75,000-$180,000 |
Worth The Upgrade
- ✓Plywood box construction over particle board
- ✓Soft-close hinges and drawer glides
- ✓Dovetail drawer construction
- ✓Undermount drawer glides
- ✓Deep drawers in base cabinets
Skip The Upgrade
- ✗Exotic wood species (unless specific aesthetic goal)
- ✗Elaborate crown molding (can add later)
- ✗Maximum organizers (add as needed)
- ✗Glass uppers throughout (use sparingly as accent)
Ordering & Installation Process
1
Planning & Design
2-4 weeks
- • Measure kitchen
- • Choose style
- • Create layout
- • Get quotes
2
Order & Manufacturing
2-16 weeks (varies by type)
- • Place order
- • Pay deposit
- • Cabinets manufactured
- • Quality check
3
Preparation
1-2 weeks before delivery
- • Demo old cabinets
- • Plumbing/electrical rough-in
- • Wall repairs
- • Floor leveling
4
Installation
3-7 days
- • Cabinet delivery
- • Install cabinets
- • Install countertops
- • Hardware & trim
