When designing the perfect kitchen plan where style and function intertwine, inevitably you run into the issue of which type of cabinets to install.  Cabinets are the focal point of any great kitchen design.  Not only do they establish much of the kitchens appearance, but they also determine how efficiently the space function and how much usable storage you have.

Many homeowners begin the process knowing what style and color they prefer but aren’t familiar with the differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinetry.  They are also baffled with the dramatic difference in pricing that comes with these options.  As a public service announcement, I am attempting to explain the differences in cabinet choices.

Stock Cabinetry

Stock cabinets are generally the most budget-friendly option. They are manufactured in predetermined sizes and configurations with a more limited selection of door styles, finishes, colors, and storage options.

Because you’re working within standard cabinet dimensions, there is less flexibility when designing around unusual room dimensions or creating highly specialized storage.

However, stock cabinetry can be a practical choice when budget and availability are priorities and the kitchen layout works well with standard cabinet sizes.

Custom Built

Custom cabinets are more expensive by quite a bit but offer the greatest flexibility in both design and function. Cabinets can be made to fit the exact dimensions and architectural details for your kitchen.  Custom cabinetry has more options for door styles, materials, and paint and stain finish.

Depending on the cabinet manufacturer and design, functional features can include custom pantry storage, spice organizers, pull-out trash and recycling centers, rollout shelves, tray dividers, appliance storage, deep drawers, and other specialty solutions designed around the way you use your kitchen.

While custom cabinetry represents a larger investment, it can provide the flexibility needed to create a truly personalized kitchen.

Semi-Custom Cabinetry

Semi-custom cabinetry falls between stock and fully custom cabinetry, offering greater design flexibility without necessarily requiring the investment of completely custom cabinets.

Homeowners typically have more choices in cabinet dimensions, door styles, finishes, materials, modifications, and organizational features than they would with stock cabinetry.

For many kitchen remodeling projects, semi-custom cabinetry provides an excellent balance of design flexibility, functionality, quality, and budget.

Choosing the Right Cabinets for Your Kitchen

So consider your habits, determine your budget, and find your style.  There isn’t one cabinet type that’s right for every kitchen. The best choice depends on your space, design goals, storage needs, lifestyle, and overall remodeling budget.

At Clearcut & Co., cabinetry is considered as part of the complete kitchen design. We look beyond cabinet color and door style to determine how the cabinetry can improve the way your kitchen functions—from the overall layout to specialty storage and the smallest organizational details.

Thoughtful cabinetry design allows us to create a kitchen that doesn’t just look beautiful, but works beautifully for the way you live.