Is it time to update your kitchen cabinets? You may be familiar with your two main options: stock cabinets and custom cabinets. But did you know there’s a third choice? Semi-custom cabinets fall somewhere between stock and custom cabinets, providing DIYers the best of both worlds. When you visit one of our stores to explore your options, we’ll help you decide if semi-custom cabinets are right for you.
Before you buy cabinets, it’s important to understand the difference between the three classifications of kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.
Stock cabinets are available in a single design—no modifications are available from the manufacturer. This means the cabinets are mass-produced in standard dimensions with a limited selection of door profiles, wood species, and finishes to choose from. Most stock cabinets have particleboard box and drawer construction. You can buy stock cabinets right off the shelf at big-box home improvement stores.
Custom cabinets are on the other end of the spectrum. You have free reign to design the cabinets however you want. You can choose any height and width, pick out exotic materials and intricate door designs, and customize any number of special features you want. Because custom cabinets are often hand-finished and not manufactured in bulk, they are typically the most expensive option.
Semi-custom cabinets are the most common classification of cabinets sold today. They are available with some standardization and moderate customization. For instance, you may be able to alter the depth of cabinet boxes, but not the height or width. You can upgrade to a dovetailed drawer box and soft-close drawers, but you may only have a short list of wood species to choose from.
One of the most common misconceptions about buying cabinets is that “stock” denotes low-quality, “semi-custom” is mid-range, and “custom” is high-quality. However, this is an oversimplification. The terms stock, semi-custom, and custom simply refer to the construction options available. One company’s stock cabinets may be made of durable plywood, while the custom cabinets from another manufacturer could feature inexpensive particleboard. Because of this, it’s important to research and ask questions before making your final decision.
Semi-custom cabinets could be right for your kitchen remodel if you’re hoping to make a few customizations, but you don’t need complete control over every aspect. Whether you’re a DIYer planning to install your own cabinets, or you want to hire a professional for the job, semi-custom cabinets may be a suitable choice. Bath, Kitchen & Tile Center is a great place to discuss your home remodeling ideas and find the perfect solution for your needs and budget.
The benefits of semi-custom cabinets include:
Bath, Kitchen & Tile Center has been providing some of the highest-quality cabinets for bathroom and kitchen remodels since 1963. No matter your budget or design preferences, we can help you find a product that fits your needs. We’re an experienced cabinet supplier in Bethany Beach, DE who can bring your vision to life!
Ready to buy cabinets? Still, considering your choices? Please contact us today to speak with an award-winning designer about your custom or semi-custom cabinet needs. You can also view our cabinets in person at our stores in Wilmington, Harbeson, and Abingdon.