You can paint your kitchen walls any color you like. Decorate the countertop a different way each season. Redo the backsplash, upgrade the appliances. Yet anyone’s impression of your kitchen’s style, color, or quality will be dictated by the cabinets.
It’s your most complex kitchen design decision, and first up is determining who will design and make the cabinets. Today, we’re providing an overview of what custom, semi-custom, and stock cabinets are, so you can choose the right option for your kitchen remodel.
Stock cabinets
Stock kitchen cabinets are already completely fabricated and assembled. Their dimensions, color, and style are predetermined by the manufacturer. They’re most commonly found in builder-grade kitchens.
However, depending on the layout of your kitchen, stock cabinets can end up being a flawless fit that does not scream “builder grade.” Design options are down to the manufacturer, limiting the selection. The boxes are also typically made of particleboard or plywood.
Some manufacturers are rolling out better quality materials and styles these days. You’d be wise to not pigeonhole the budget option before seeing what’s available.
The pros and cons of choosing stock cabinets for your kitchen remodel
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PROS | + |
CONS | - |
|
Most affordable option |
Less durable than semi and custom |
|
Fastest delivery and installation |
Finite design options |
|
Wide availability, accessible |
Little to no customization |
Semi-custom cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets are prefabricated bases with more customization options. Depth and dimension can be altered to suit your needs and space. This is a good pick when stock cabinets just won’t meet the height or configuration requirements of your kitchen design.
They also tend to offer more in terms of quality. As the mid-range option, semi-custom cabinets are more likely to be constructed of solid wood. Overall, if you need some design flexibility but don’t like the time and money involved with custom cabinetry, this is your pick.
The pros and cons of choosing semi-custom cabinets for your kitchen remodel
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PROS | + |
CONS | - |
|
Can be made to fit more unique layouts |
Custom options add to the price |
|
More design flexibility than stock |
You may need to compromise on details |
|
Good quality and durability |
Quality does depend on manufacturer |
Custom cabinets
If you’re finally building the kitchen of your dreams, the heart of the home you want to nurture for years to come, you should at least consider custom cabinets. Every detail, from the wood to the finish, panel style, color, dimensions, and placement of hardware, is up to you.
Custom cabinets offer the unique opportunity to add bespoke molding and decorative details as well as specialized storage, joinery lighting, appliance integration, and much more. The sky is the limit, but what’s for sure is that your new cabinets will fit like a glove.
Naturally, they are more expensive and have greater lead times. Owners still feel it’s worth it.
The pros and cons of choosing custom cabinets for your kitchen remodel
|
PROS | + |
CONS | - |
|
Unlimited design options |
Most expensive cabinet option |
|
Chance for full appliance integration |
Takes more time to make and deliver |
|
Made to fit any layout |
Requires expert installation |
|
The most durable, high-quality, long-lasting option with great ROI |
Demands more planning and decision-making |
The choice is yours at The Designery.
Even if you have a generous budget, you don’t want to spend more than you have to. This is why so many people ultimately choose semi-custom; it’s a solid mid-range option that tends to tick every box. Yet even some homeowners with their hearts set on semi-custom are pleasantly surprised at the prefab stock options hitting the market.
Then there’s custom cabinetry. A top-quality investment you can enjoy for decades, with every specification serving your daily life as well as the design vision.
It’s never as easy as it sounds. If you need assistance choosing cabinets for your kitchen remodel, look no further than The Designery. With hundreds of cabinet options in stock to the ability to craft fully custom configurations, you’ll get exactly what you’re looking for. Book a free consultation or visit a showroom to begin.
Kitchen cabinet FAQ
What is the new trend in kitchen cabinets?
More homeowners are currently opting for warm-toned, medium-depth wood kitchen cabinets. Shades of dusty blue, blue-gray, and blue-green are also trending. Two-toned kitchens with color-rich lower cabinets and white uppers are also popular.
Another emerging trend are textured panels. Some mimic the look of beadboard or shiplap, while fluted and reeded panels in the aforementioned warm wood create a modern organic look.
Are knobs or pulls better for kitchen cabinets?
It depends on the size and style of your cabinets and overall kitchen design. Consider pulls for larger doors and wider drawers. Many pulls are also recommended for a modern look.
Knobs fit with both classic and traditional styles. Depending on the finish, they can be great for vintage, country, and cottage looks. They’re also appropriate for smaller doors and drawers.
Do you put upper or lower cabinets in first?
Upper cabinets are usually installed first due to easy access, which helps avoid damage. It can be more difficult to install upper cabinets with lower cabinets and countertops occupying the space directly below.
What is a good budget for kitchen cabinets?
When budgeting for cabinets, the first decision to make is if you’re choosing stock, semi-custom, or custom. From there, a good budget will depend on current material costs, the number/size of cabinets needed, and your location.
The average national cost of stock cabinets in 2025 dollars is anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. Prices for a large kitchen with fully custom cabinets can exceed $20,000. Semi-custom in a medium-to-large kitchen will sit in the middle.
