It’s the first question in kitchen design: will the cabinets be stock or custom? Cabinetry determines the function, aesthetic, and timelessness of each kitchen.
While some homeowners are intrigued by the endless possibilities of custom cabinets, some are overwhelmed with the choices. So which one is for you?
We’ll break down the pros and cons of custom and stock cabinetry so you can decide for yourself.
Pros of Stock Kitchen Cabinets
For homeowner’s designing within a strict budget, stock kitchen cabinets are the economical choice. Though they vary in price based on the quality of wood and finish, stock cabinetry is always more affordable. It’s easier for homeowners to plan their remodeling budgets around stock cabinet prices.
Options for stock cabinetry are limited, in theory, but the market is filled with hundreds of colors, styles, and finishes to choose from. Unless a homeowner’s dream kitchen is extremely specific, most can find a stock cabinet they are more than happy to call their own.
If time isn’t on your side, stock kitchen cabinets are readily available. Some can be assembled and delivered in a few days or picked up from a big box store in a few hours. If the job needs done immediately, stock cabinetry will be the quicker decision.
Cons of Stock Kitchen Cabinets
Choices are limited with stock cabinetry. Even with a plethora of choices, some homeowners find they can’t find a style or color that completes the design. Sometimes kitchens with odd layouts are hard to outfit with stock cabinetry.
In stock cabinetry it’s difficult to find advanced storage options. The solutions they offer are generally straightforward and leave little room for customization.
Though stock kitchen cabinets may look nice upon installation, quality of craftsmanship will reveal itself just after a few years of use. A reputable remodeler should lead you in the right direction in terms of stock quality.
Pros of Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Professional cabinet makers are in the business of making dreams come true. Whether you’re working with an odd layout, a specific vision, or a list of non-negotiables, they’ll create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind solution.
Material choices in custom cabinetry go far beyond the stock oak and cherry to more exotic wood species like zebra wood and bubinga. The quality of these materials depends on the source, but generally stand up to wear and tear longer than stock varieties.
Custom kitchen cabinets maximize your space. Custom designs make use of spaces that stock cabinets can’t fill and create storage solutions tailored to your personal use.
Cabinets designed just for you and your kitchen posses all potential for the newest, most innovative technologies like motion detection and soft closing slides.
Cons of Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Like anything custom-made, custom cabinets come at a price—a much higher price. Custom cabinets often cost twice what stock varieties do. For many homeowners this is a determining factor, but when considered an investment in their (and their home’s future) it becomes a more palatable option.
Custom cabinets take time. They have to be designed, manufactured, delivered, and installed. Depending on the design this could take weeks to months. If replacement is necessary now, custom cabinetry may not be the route for you.
Cabinetry Considerations
Consider, before deciding, your motivations for home renovation. Are you simply remodeling to resale within the next year or are you creating your forever home? This is perhaps the greatest question when choosing between stock and custom cabinetry.
Installing trendy, new stock cabinetry may help your home appear more updated and move-in ready to potential buyers. Custom cabinetry will the tailored to your every need, dream, and desire for the form and function of your kitchen for years to come.
What is most important to you?
