There are three levels of cabinets’ available, stock (readymade), semi-custom and custom. Selecting which cabinets are right for you and your project is dependent on your needs.
Stock or readymade cabinets are just what they sound like; these would be cabinets available at big box stores, or discount import distributors where you get what they have. If you want your cabinets to fill in to the ceiling or fit your space without those unsightly fillers, these would not be for you. If you are looking for something you can pick up for a weekend project and quality is not a high priority, then these are your cabinets. This quality of cabinet could be USA made, but typically they are imported and lack any real quality control. The finish will be inferior compared to what you get in custom cabinets and warranties will normally be very limited. As to the heights, if you have anything over an 84” high ceiling, there may be a gap above wall/tall cabinets to the ceiling. There are limited accessories available and the sizes are limited. Doors, wood species and finishes are very limited. The upside of stock cabinets, very short lead times.
Semi-custom cabinets are similar to stock cabinets with some modifications available. Custom sizes are available with some limitations, heights offered compatible with 96” high ceilings, and many accessories are available. Semi-custom cabinets can be made to fit your space without fillers. Drawer construction, guides and soft close options will be offered as well. These cabinets may have a shorter lead time than custom but longer than stock cabinets. As to wood species and finish, there are many choices along with a larger array of door styles available. In some kitchens, depending on your needs and wants, by the time you add extras and upgrades, the cost could be close to the cost of custom cabinets. Because these cabinets can be modified to fit your dimensions, there is an extended lead time over stock cabinets. There are some cabinet companies like Crystal Cabinets that offer an affordable alternative to their custom line of cabinets.
Custom cabinets are going to be your most flexible. For the most part, anything your designer can draw, these companies will be able to build. Many features will be offered along with variety of wood species, finishes, and door styles. Companies like Crystal Cabinets are made in the USA and offer their cabinets constructed in solid cherry, hickory, alder, knotty alder, maple, quarter sawn white oak, red oak, rustic cherry, rustic hickory, rustic oak and walnut. Along with the standard door offerings, they offer custom door styles using selections from their standard offerings allowing you to make your own door style. A vast selection of finishes are offered including physical elements such as rasping, worm holing, scraping, brushing, highlighting, wearing, and various others. Many of the options you might select in semi-custom cabinets, like solid maple dovetailed drawer boxes, full extension soft close drawer guides, soft close doors are standard. If your needs include staying in place and this being your forever home, consider spending a little more, waiting a little longer and you will be rewarded with cabinets that will continue to perform through their life, give you pride of ownership and performance that will outperform anything else on the market.
Baccaro Construction is a premier “Design and Build” contractor with NKBA certified kitchen and bath designers, working with our clients from the initial “Wish List” to setting the final finishing nail. If you are ready for your first free consultation, call us.
If you have any specific questions or suggestions for future posts, please contact me at Peter@baccaroconstruction.com.