Stock and custom kitchen cabinets significantly differ in costs, durability, and looks. But, the decision on custom cabinets vs stock is more complex than that. Analyze the following factors to decide what is best for you.
Understanding the Difference Between Custom and Stock Cabinets
Custom cabinets are specially designed according to your instructions and available kitchen space. Once you approve the design, the carpenters will create those cabinets from scratch, and the technicians will deliver and install them in your kitchen.
Because they are built from scratch, you have endless possibilities in terms of taste and design. Most custom cabinets are made from real wood, and they are an excellent reflection of your style. With custom cabinets, you can set up whatever kitchen layout you like to accommodate your appliances and create the storage space you need.
On the other hand, stock cabinets are pre-manufactured and sold in furniture stores. Often, stock cabinets are available immediately, the installation is quick and you get the exact cabinet boxes you see in the store. Stock cabinets are made according to industry standards and have rigorous quality control, as well as a broad price range.
The most noticeable difference between custom cabinets vs stock cabinets is the adaptability. Custom cabinets give you the freedom to design whatever space you have in mind.
Here are the most important differences between the two:
- Price
- Design flexibility
- Installation methods
- Availability
- Production methods
- Overall appearance
- Space use
Cost Considerations
Are custom cabinets more expensive? The short answer is yes, but there is more to know about costs and value.
The stock cabinets vs custom debate typically focus on cost-effectiveness. Custom cabinets cost more and there are a lot of experts involved in the process. You can get a great deal on the stock cabinets, and even buy them on sale or use a personalized discount.
Even though custom cabinet upfront costs are undeniably higher, they are most likely to serve you longer and add value to your space. On average, stock cabinets might need replacement in 15 years, and custom can last three times longer.
Design Flexibility
An important difference between custom and stock cabinets is the design flexibility, which especially comes to the point in smaller spaces or rooms with irregular layouts. Stock cabinets fit better in large kitchens, but custom allows you to create the exact kitchen for needs and wishes.
Maybe you have a big window in the kitchen? You’ll probably struggle to mix and match stock cabinets to manage the space the best. With custom, you don’t have limits. You can have your cabinets as big or small as you want, in the shape you want, etc.
Materials and Quality
When it comes to materials of stock or custom kitchen cabinets, there are several options for both. High-quality stock cabinets may be pricey, and they are constructed from particleboard or medium-density particleboard, according to industry standards.
Craftsmen use hardwood, oak, cherry or maple, or high-quality plywood to build custom cabinets. Those are made with excellent attention to detail. Compared to stock cabinets, which are made to be easily installed without complex seams, with glue or screwdriver, custom cabinets are robust and made to be installed securely.
Lead Time and Installation
The lead time for stock cabinets is short, a few days to two or three weeks. If the cabinets are not available immediately, you may wait a bit longer, and the furniture store will specify when your cabinets will be back in stock. Once they arrive, you can have them installed in several days or shorter, because of the straightforward installation process.
To have a unique fit to your space and preferences, craftsmen need time to build your custom cabinets. They can wait for material to arrive and install them in weeks. If you have some special request, the production time can last longer.
However, lengthy production and lead time of custom cabinets ensures quality in all phases.
Space Optimization
Custom cabinets maximize the space utility and are designed to meet the dimension of the room. They are best suited for:
- Awkward corners
- Unstandard room shapes
- Small rooms
- Unusual window design
- Vertical storage options from floor to ceiling
- Special storage requests
On the other hand, stock cabinets come with standard sizes, and rarely are made from floor to ceiling. That increases the risk of non-cohesive cabinets layout, wasted space, or lack of functionality.
In rare situations, stock kitchen cabinets fit the room dimensions. More often, you’ll have to make changes and visible cuts to get a better fit. With kitchen cabinets, one size fits all, is arguably the biggest issue, compared to custom storage solutions.
Personalization and Unique Features
Custom cabinets are not only unique in their size and shape but also in the details, hardware, and other aspects. For example, you can get cabinets with custom-made shelves for the exact size of your favorite glasses, pots, or whatever you need.
If you have a specific look in your mind, regarding hardware and finish, it can be achieved. If you have antique cabinet handles and knobs, you can have them installed and completely elevate the look of your kitchen.
Manufactured cabinets offer limited options for personalization. Upon deciding on models in the furniture store, you can pick the material and finish, but that is pretty much all. Everything else is already made and quite often, you have only popular colors available.
The hinges, the knobs, and handles are already set, as well as the shelves layout. Cutting and reshaping stock cabinets often violates the warranty and can damage the structural integrity of your stock kitchen.
Resale Value
Custom cabinets or stock cabinets are important for the overall look and atmosphere of your home. Quality kitchen cabinets made from hardwood and custom-designed and installed enhance the resale value of your property.
Stock cabinets are neutral, and they can be found in homes across the country, so there is nothing personal and distinctive about them.
The custom kitchen fits the layout perfectly, uses the space optimally, and has a unique and personal signature. Stock cabinets are functional and practical, while custom adds desirability to your home and a unique selling point. Therefore, if you still wonder are custom cabinets worth it, consider the extra value your home will get.
Key Takeaways
If you are ready to start a kitchen renovation project, first decide on cabinets – custom or stock. Compared to custom, pre-manufactured cabinets are less expensive and accessible.
Custom-made kitchen cabinets give you the freedom to design the kitchen of your dreams, choose colors, hardware, and finishes, and use every inch of the space. But, you’ll have to pay more for quality custom kitchen cabinets.
Nevertheless, they will last several decades and improve the resale value of your home, which are relevant factors to consider, too.
So, the choice is yours! If you need help with your kitchen remodeling, contact A Plus Marble.
FAQ
Can I still achieve a personalized look with stock cabinets?
It depends on other elements and your creativity to play with paint, stickers, crown molding, and cabinet organizers.
What is more durable: custom cabinets or stock cabinets?
Custom cabinets are made from high-quality materials, such as hardwood, and compared to stock, they are built to last for decades.
Are there standard sizes for custom cabinets, or can they be made to fit any space?
Custom cabinets can match every space, despite the layout and the size. They are made to ensure a perfect fit to the available space.
Can I mix custom and stock cabinets in my kitchen?
Yes, that is also an option, but the difference between custom and stock cabinets will be visible. However, if you work with a skilled designer team, like the one at A Plus Marble, you can make a combination to work for you and highlight the unique details of your kitchen.
