Stock vs Custom Cabinets: Which Is Best for You?

When planning a kitchen renovation, your main options for cabinetry fall into two categories: stock or custom. Deciding between these two is a question of budget, quality, layout, and more. Custom cabinets are more expensive but are fitted to your space and will usually last you much longer than stock. Stock cabinets offer a lower price but are built with lower-quality materials. To help you decide, here are the specifics of each option.

Custom Cabinetry

Paying an expert to build your cabinets by hand is the most expensive, yet highest-quality and longest-lasting option. Custom cabinets will last anywhere from 20–50+ years, depending on the materials and construction. Custom cabinets allow you to add specific features, customize layouts, and ensure a direct fit into your space. They’re a great option for those with the budget to invest in a better-made, longer-lasting product.

Depending on the materials and finishes, custom cabinets can cost you anywhere from $15,000–$60,000. They’ll also take about four to eight weeks to build, and a week or two to install, depending on the style, layout, and finish.

Overall, custom cabinets are a higher-priced option that will last you longer and allow for customizations.

Stock Cabinetry

Stock cabinets are ready-made cabinets that are built in standard sizes, styles, and finishes. Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are a similar option that you would find at big box retailers like Home Depot or IKEA. They’re sold in set dimensions and require assembly. Semi-custom cabinets are another option that come in set dimensions while offering more customization, higher-quality material options, and pre-assembled delivery.

Since stock cabinets aren’t designed for your space, they will often have to be retrofitted, which will usually require a longer installation and may also result in “fillers,” rectangular strips of matching wood or laminate used to fill in the empty spaces where the cabinets didn’t quite fit. Since stock cabinets are usually made with cheaper materials, they generally need to be replaced after 10–15 years.

If you have any more questions about the difference between stock and custom cabinets, contact Selba today.