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Custom vs. Semi-Custom Cabinets: Cost, Design, and More
By: Andrew Saladino | 
3 min
June 17th, 2023
Cabinets are an important design element in your kitchen, and choosing the right ones for your space isn't an easy decision. If you want to have some input into the design and style of the cabinets, you may be deciding between custom and semi-custom cabinets.
When weighing custom vs. semi-custom cabinets, the decision depends on the level of customization you want, as well as your budget and desired timeline. The following guide is designed to help you choose which type of kitchen cabinet best suits your needs.
Custom Cabinets vs. Semi-Custom Cabinets: What's the Difference?
Factors that differentiate custom and semi-custom cabinets include price, customization, time, and quality. Below is a brief overview of the differences between these two types of cabinets.
| Custom Cabinets | Semi-Custom Cabinets |
|---|---|
| Designed and built for a specific kitchen | Prefabricated with customization options available |
| Cost $500-$1,400 per linear foot | Cost $150-$900 per linear foot |
| Often takes two to three months to design and build | Can take one to two months to design and build |
| Unlimited customization options | Limited customization options |
| Top quality | Quality depends on materials used |
What Are Custom Cabinets?
Custom cabinets are designed and made according to your particular kitchen. With custom cabinets you can choose every detail, including the dimensions, materials, color, finish, and additional features.
Custom cabinets are optimized for your specific space and organization needs. With this level of customization, the price is typically high and they often take a significant amount of time to build.
Pros:
Custom-made: Custom cabinets allow you to choose all of the details, including dimensions, materials, color, finish, and other elements.- Top quality: Custom cabinets are typically made by experienced craftspeople with a high level of attention to detail.
Cons:
Pricey: Custom cabinets cost between $500 and $1,400 per linear foot on average.- More time needed to build: It generally takes two to three months to design and build custom cabinetry.
What Are Semi-Custom Cabinets?
Semi-custom cabinets offer a limited number of customization options. For example, you may be able to customize your cabinets based on a limited number of cabinet door styles, hardware, finishes, and colors. While semi-custom cabinets provide more options than stock cabinets, they offer less customization than custom cabinets. As a result, they're typically more affordable and timely compared to custom cabinets.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable: On average, semi-custom cabinets cost between $150 and $900 per linear foot.
- Customization is available: You can often choose the style, hardware, color, and finish of the cabinets.
- Takes a moderate amount of time to build: Generally, semi-custom cabinets take between one and two months to create.
Cons:
- Options are limited: With semi-custom cabinets, there is typically a limited variety of options to choose from.
Price
Semi-custom cabinets are generally more affordable than custom cabinets. On average, semi-custom cabinets cost between $150 and $900 per linear foot, while custom cabinets cost between $500 and $1,400 per linear foot. So if you have a limited kitchen remodel budget, you may want to go with semi-custom cabinets.
Design and Customization
The level of customization is a major difference when it comes to custom vs. semi-custom cabinets. When creating custom cabinets, you'll work closely with designers and woodworkers who will provide recommendations based on your specific kitchen. During this process, you'll be able to choose everything including exact measurements, materials, features, and more. You'll be encouraged to provide feedback every step of the way.
If you choose semi-custom cabinets, you'll be able to provide some design input, but your options will be limited. Typically, semi-custom cabinets offer a variety of sizes, styles, colors, finishes, hardware, and accessories to choose from. Unless you're looking to create very unique cabinets, you can often achieve your vision with semi-custom cabinets.
Time
Your desired timeline may factor into your decision between custom and semi-custom cabinets. On average, it takes about two to three months to design and build custom cabinets, while semi-custom cabinets take roughly one to two months. Keep in mind that the exact timeline will vary depending on what supplier you choose.
Quality
Custom cabinets are typically handmade with high-quality materials, ensuring they last for decades. However, that's not to say semi-custom cabinets can't stand the test of time. One way to ensure you get semi-custom cabinets that will last is to choose a supplier that uses high-quality materials.
Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Custom Cabinets FAQ
Still having trouble deciding? Below, we answered a few frequently asked questions to help you determine which type of cabinets best suits your needs.
What's the difference between custom and semi-custom cabinets?
Custom cabinets are fully customizable, while semi-custom cabinets allow you to choose some details like color, hardware, and finish with limited options.
What is considered a custom cabinet?
A cabinet is considered custom if it was uniquely designed and built for a specific space.
Are custom cabinets worth it?
If you're looking to have total control over all elements of the design process, then custom cabinets may be worth the investment.
Where can you buy semi-custom cabinets?
You can buy semi-custom cabinets online or in-store from trusted cabinet suppliers.
If you're interested in semi-custom cabinets for your upcoming kitchen remodel, our NKBA-certified design team at Kitchen Cabinet Kings can help make your vision a reality.
