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Stock Cabinets vs. Custom Cabinets: Which Should You Choose?
By: Andrew Saladino | 
4 min
June 12th, 2023
If you're planning an upcoming remodel or building a brand-new home, you may be deciding what type of cabinetry to purchase for your kitchen. So, how do you decide between stock and custom cabinets?
When it comes to choosing between stock cabinets vs. custom cabinets, the decision largely depends on your budget, lead time, and desired design. The following guide will outline the pros and cons of each type of cabinet so you can decide what's best for your space.
Stock Cabinets vs. Custom Cabinets: What's the Difference?
Stock cabinets and custom cabinets differ by price, lead time, design options, and ease of installation. Here's a rundown of a few differentiators of stock vs. custom cabinets.
| Stock Cabinets | Custom Cabinets |
|---|---|
| Cost $60-$200 per linear foot | Cost $500-$1,200 per linear foot |
| Pre-manufactured and available to ship immediately | Custom-made and can take weeks or months to build |
| Limited size, design, and style options | Virtually unlimited size, design, and style options |
| Typically easy to install | May be more difficult to install |
| Quality varies based on supplier | High quality |
What Are Stock Cabinets?
Stock cabinets are manufactured with standard measurements, materials, and styles. They are typically ready-to-assemble (RTA) or pre-assembled, and are available in furniture stores or online. While stock cabinets are pre-made, there are typically various style, color, and finish options to choose from. All in all, stock cabinets make it easy and affordable to give your kitchen a makeover.
Pros:
Affordable: On average, stock cabinets cost between $60 and $200 per linear foot.- Quick lead time: Since stock cabinets are pre-manufactured, they are typically ready to ship or pick up immediately.
- Easy to install: Stock cabinets are generally simple to install due to their standard shapes.
Cons:
Standard dimensions: Stock cabinets are manufactured based on standard measurements. Although these work for most kitchens, you may not find the exact sizes you need if you have a uniquely shaped kitchen.- Limited design and style options: You'll have a limited variety of style, color, and finish options to choose from.
- Can be low quality if purchased from an untrustworthy supplier: Some companies manufacture stock cabinets using cheap materials, so it's important to do your research.
What Are Custom Cabinets?
Custom cabinets are custom-made and designed based on your specific space. When purchasing custom cabinets, you can typically choose all aspects of the cabinet including the size, doors, drawers, materials, and color. Custom cabinets can be quite expensive and take time to build.
Pros:
- Customizable: With custom cabinets, you can handpick the size, shape, color, and finish of the cabinets.
- High quality: Custom cabinets are often made by hand with quality materials.
Cons:
- More expensive: On average, custom cabinets cost between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot.
- Long lead time: Since custom cabinets are often handmade, they can take weeks or months to build.
- May be difficult to install: Custom cabinets can be more difficult to install due to their unique shapes and any extra accessories.
Price
When it comes to pricing, custom cabinets are typically much more expensive compared to stock cabinets - custom cabinets cost between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot, while stock cabinets typically run between $60 and $200 per linear foot. As you can see, going with stock cabinets will save you a nice chunk of change in your kitchen remodel budget.
Design
In regards to design, you're going to have more options with custom cabinetry, especially if you want a unique look for your kitchen. When designing custom cabinetry, you can choose everything from the material and color of the cabinets to the sizing and finish.
If you choose to go with stock cabinets, you'll have limited options compared to custom cabinets - but that's not to say you'll have no options. Stock cabinets typically offer a selection of materials, styles, finishes, and colors to choose from. As long as you're not looking to reinvent the wheel, you'll likely find a stock cabinet that suits your vision.
At Kitchen Cabinet Kings, we offer more than 40 styles to choose from, such as Victorian, modern, Tuscan, and more.
Features
Custom cabinets also allow you to pick and choose the features you want, such as pull-out cabinets, turntables, narrow drawers, dividers, and anything else you want to ensure your kitchen functions optimally. Plus, you'll get these features in the exact measurements you need to fit your space.
Keep in mind that most stock cabinets also offer a variety of drawers and other features to choose from in order to optimize your kitchen.
Quality
Generally, custom cabinets are regarded as higher quality since they are typically hand-crafted by experienced woodworkers. However, this doesn't mean all stock cabinets are low quality - just make sure to do your due diligence when selecting your supplier.
Below, we've listed some hallmarks of high-quality cabinets:
- Built with Grade-A plywood
- KCMA certified
- At least ¾-inch plywood shelving
- Soft-close hinges
- Strong back panel
Lead Time and Installation
Lead time refers to the time it takes to get the cabinets and complete the installation process. Since stock cabinets are pre-manufactured, they have a much quicker lead time than custom cabinets, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete.
Custom cabinets are also typically more laborious to install due to their unique features and accessories. Stock cabinets, on the other hand, are much simpler to install, although you may still want to hire a professional.
Stock Cabinets vs. Custom Cabinets FAQs
Still unsure about stock cabinets vs. custom cabinets? Below, we've answered a few common questions you may have.
What's the difference between stock and custom cabinets?
Stock cabinets are manufactured with standard dimensions and styles, while custom cabinets are designed for a specific space.
What are the advantages of stock cabinets?
The advantages of stock cabinets are the affordable prices, ease of installation, and quick lead time.
What are the disadvantages of custom cabinets?
The disadvantages of custom cabinets are the expensive price tag, long lead time, and tricky installation process.
What are semi-custom cabinets?
Semi-custom cabinets strike a balance between stock cabinets and custom cabinets. They're similar to stock cabinets in that they are manufactured in standard sizes and styles, but they offer more variety.
Are custom cabinets worth it?
Custom cabinets may be worth it to you if you prefer a unique design and have extra room in your kitchen renovation budget. However, if you're looking for quality cabinets at an affordable price point, you may want to consider stock cabinets instead.
In search of high-quality stock cabinets for an upcoming kitchen renovation? Our NKBA-certified team of designers can help you choose cabinets that fit your vision and budget.
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