Definitions of Cabinetry Types

Kitchen and Bath Center features major brand names in fine cabinetry in a variety of price ranges.  Please select a brand name cabinet to see it described in detail, including styles, woods, finishes and special features. For helpful suggestions on planning your project and estimating your investment, go to Getting Started.

Custom, Semi-Custom, Built-to-Order, Stock

Please note:  brands are listed in alpha order, not quality or preference.

Cardell Cabinetry –  Stock / Built-to-order  (semi-custom)

Duracraft – Stock / Built-to-order (semi-custom)cabinetry

Elmwood - Stock / Custom cabinetry

KraftMaid Cabinetry – Built-to-order (semi-custom)

Omega Cabinetry – Built-to-order (semi-custom) / Custom

Stock cabinetry – Stock cabinets (sometimes referred to as ‘box cabinets’ are rarely actually stocked and the term “stock” does not indicate the level of quality.  Generally less expensive than built-to-order (semi-custom) cabinets, stock cabinets are available in limited sizes, styles, woods and finishes and offer fewer storage and decorative options.  Stock cabinets may be quicker delivery, depending on location and shipping arrangements with the manufacturer.

Built-to-order cabinetry – Built-to-order cabinets (sometimes called semi-custom) are built after the manufacturer receives your order.  They may be assembled from parts already ‘in stock’ or ‘cut and ready’ making them less expensive than fully custom cabinets while offering a greater range of selection in styles, woods, finish colors and optional features. Most built-to-order (semi-custom) manufacturers will make some customized modifications upon request.  Built-to-order cabinets usually take about 4-8 weeks for your order to be delivered. Built-to-order (semi-custom) cabinetry is probably the best value. 

Manufactured cabinetry (sometimes called ‘boxed cabinetry’) – generally refers to any cabinets built in a large factory with a regional or national supply chain rather than in a small, local shop.  Manufactured cabinets of both stock and built-to-order (semi-custom) varieties feature more sizes, higher quality, more durable finish and a greater choice of styles, woods, finishes and optional features, making them a greater value and a better investment.  ‘ Economy of scale’ makes it possible for larger manufacturers to produce greater variety.  Larger companies are better able to comply with ‘clean air laws’ making it possible to produce baked-on and high-solids varnish finishes small local shops cannot duplicate.  These factors provide a better product with far more durable finishes, an important value to you, the customer.

Custom cabinetry – Cabinets that are built-to-order and have fewer limitations in selection of styles, woods and finish colors.  “Custom” does not indicate quality.  Custom cabinets may be manufactured by a local shop or by a larger regional or national manufacturer.  As with built-to-order (semi-custom) cabinetry, the quality of custom cabinets is determined by the quality of materials, workmanship and available finishes.  Do not be misled into paying more for custom cabinets unless you are assured that the quality features are better than manufactured cabinets.

The total cost for your cabinets will be determined by these variables:

• Cabinet type (i.e. Stock, semi-custom, custom)
• Wood and/or door style selection (some manufacturers charge differently for each wood species.  Some charge by the door style selection, including the wood species in the price.
• Door style may make a considerable difference in price.  Generally, raised panel and more elaborate doors are more costly.
• Finish – Washes, glazes, antiqueing or other special finish features usually carry a premium and so do some colors from some manufacturers.
• Design – There are many ways to layout every kitchen or bath design.  The selection of the sizes of cabinets in the floor plan you choose can make a difference in your price.  For instance, using a single 30” wide cabinet is less expensive than using two 15” wide cabinets in the same space.  Drawer stacks are more expensive than the same size cabinet with a door only or a door and a drawer. Cabinets to surround a refrigerator rather than just space for the fridge and panels for appliance fronts add to the overall cost.
• Optional interior features – A lazy susan cabinet will cost more than a blind corner.  Pull out drawers cost more than standard shelves, etc.
• Optional decorative features – Additions such as crown moldings, light rail, glass doors, decorative hardware and raised end panels add to your cost.