cabinetry

The cabinets you choose have a big impact on the style—and cost—of your finished kitchen. Here’s what you need to know to find cabinetry that’s right for you.

Cabinet Basics

Kitchen cabinets are available as stock, semicustom, or custom units. Your choice will affect the overall cost and the sizes and accessories that are available.

Stock: Sold ready to install at home centers and dealers or ready to assemble online, stock cabinets are standing inventory, so you can get them quickly. Your dealer might not have every unit in stock, but special orders take as little as a week. Stock cabinetry is usually available in widths up to 48 inches, in 3-inch increments. Costs are the lowest.

Semicustom: Next up in price, semicustom cabinetry is also factory-made in standard sizes, but you’ll find more woods, finishes, and decorative features. Options include pantry units, sliding shelves, and drawer inserts. These cabinetry lines generally require a longer lead time than stock cabinets.

Custom: With the most options to offer, custom cabinetry is designed, built, and installed to fit your space. A professional kitchen designer will help establish an efficient layout. Exotic woods, ornate details, and period styles will add cost and delivery time but result in a one-of-a-kind kitchen.