Stock, Semi-Custom and Custom Cabinets: What’s the Difference? 

If you’re considering custom cabinets for your new kitchen design, you probably have a few questions. What makes them better than stock or semi-custom cabinets? Why should you make room in your budget for a 100-percent-custom solution? 

These are questions we hear frequently, so we’ve outlined the differences among the three cabinet types and what to expect from each.

Why Go with Stock Options?

Stock cabinets are manufactured and shipped to suppliers based on industry standard measurements. They are not built to fit your home. Because of this, you have limited choices when it comes to material type, stain or paint finish.

This also means they are much cheaper than the other options. The greatest benefit of stock cabinets is that they are usually readily available, if the type you want is in stock. You can typically get them delivered quickly, and in some renovation scenarios, this is beneficial.

Choose stock kitchen cabinets when:

• Budget is your main concern.
• You’re not building your dream kitchen … yet.
• You are on a strict timeline.

Semi-Custom: The Hybrid

Semi-custom describes stock cabinets that allow for more modification than the base options. You can choose more specific dimensions, drawer sizes and finishes. They aren’t delivered as quickly as standard stock cabinets for this reason. They also cost a bit more, but you get more control over the finished product.

Go for the semi-custom option when:

• You want input to design and style.
• The cost of custom is out of your range.
• You need minor modifications to make cabinetry fit your new kitchen’s dimensions.

Custom Benefits

Custom cabinets are built from scratch, made specifically for your kitchen. A local cabinetmaker will visit your home and take measurements. They’ll get your take on layout and design a blueprint based on your specific needs and wants. This means design specifications are limited only by your imagination, especially when you have a skilled cabinetmaker handling the build.

The level of craftsmanship is evident in the finished product, but that means you will pay more and wait longer — the only downside. But once your custom cabinets are installed, you have them forever.

Stick to custom cabinets when:

• Your kitchen layout is significantly changing.
• You have specific requests for cabinet material and size.
• You want a high-value, custom look.

Your Home: What Fits Your Vision?

No one type of cabinet is better than the other — they’re simply different. At Swirl Woodcraft, we specialize in high-quality custom cabinetry that far surpasses expectations. What makes us different is that we offer a wide range of materials, finishes and hardware, so we are able to make custom cabinetry an option for many different budgets.

Come to our showroom and get an up-close look at what makes our craftsmanship stand out. Custom cabinets are worth it, and you will soon see why.