cabinetry categories

There are three categories of cabinetry: Custom, Stock and Semi-custom. Understanding the differences and qualities of each can help in determining which category is right for you.

Custom Cabinetry is made to fit your space and your taste. If you can imagine it and your designer can draw it, a custom cabinetry shop can usually build it; the options are limitless, including moldings, trims, finishes, amenities, inserts, and materials. Each cabinet is designed and built to your specifications, one at a time, when your order is placed. Nothing is pre-made or warehoused. There are no standard sizes in custom cabinetry. Cabinet depth, height and width can be adjusted to fit; instead of using fillers to address gaps or unusual situations, unique solutions such as storage or display areas can be designed and built.

Stock Cabinets are ‘off-the-shelf’ – produced in a very limited number of designs, finishes and sizes. They are mass produced in the industry’s standard sizes, preassembled and warehoused prior to purchase. If your kitchen’s dimensions don’t correspond to the offered sizes, filler strips are used to close gaps; more filler pieces mean more wasted space.

Semi-custom Cabinetry is a blend of stock cabinetry with some custom features such as increased or decreased cabinetry depths; however, it still follows the industry sizing standard and fillers are generally necessary. This category does offer a broader range of options than stock, including sizes, shapes, wood species and finishes.