What Are the Three Grades of Cabinets?


When choosing cabinets for your home, it’s important to know about the different grades of cabinets. There are three main types: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Each type has its own benefits. In this blog, we’ll explain these three grades of cabinets to help you make the best choice for your home.

A girl sitting on a countertop by cabinets

1. Stock Cabinets

What Are Stock Cabinets?

Stock cabinets are mass-produced and come in standard sizes and styles. You can usually find them at big stores and home improvement centers. Stock cabinets are often the cheapest option because they are pre-made.



What Are the Benefits of Stock Cabinets?

Affordable: Stock cabinets are the least expensive option. This aspect makes them great for homeowners on a budget.

Quick Availability: Because they are pre-made, you can buy and install stock cabinets fast.

Standard Sizes: Stock cabinets come in standard sizes. This is handy for simple kitchen or bathroom layouts.



What Are Some Considerations for Stock Cabinets?

Limited Options: There are fewer styles, colors, and finishes available with stock cabinets. This might not work if you have a specific design in mind.

Quality: Some stock cabinets are made from solid materials, but lower-end options might use less durable materials like particleboard.

Fit: Standard sizes might not fit perfectly in unique or irregular spaces.

2. Semi-Custom Cabinets

What Are Semi-Custom Cabinets?

Semi-custom cabinets are a step up from stock cabinets. They are built to order, allowing some customization in size, style, and finish. They still use pre-made parts, which keeps costs lower than custom cabinets.


What Are the Benefits of Semi-Custom Cabinets?

More Choices: Semi-custom cabinets offer more design options than stock cabinets. You can choose from a wider range of styles, finishes, and materials. You can also make some adjustments to the dimensions.

Better Fit: You can adjust the size and configuration to fit your space better. This is good for kitchens or bathrooms with unusual layouts.

Higher Quality: Semi-custom cabinets often use better materials. They also use higher-quality construction methods than stock cabinets. This makes them more durable.


What Are Some Considerations for Semi-Custom Cabinets?

Cost: Semi-custom cabinets are more expensive than stock cabinets but still cheaper than fully custom options.

Lead Time: Since they are made-to-order, semi-custom cabinets take longer to produce and deliver than stock cabinets.

Limited Customization: Compared to fully custom cabinets, there are some limits to customization.

Semi-custom cabinets in a kitchen

3. Custom Cabinets

What Are Custom Cabinets?

Custom cabinets are built from scratch to fit your exact needs. Skilled cabinet makers create them in any style, size, material, or finish. Custom cabinets offer the highest level of customization and quality.


What Are the Benefits of Custom Cabinets

Full Customization: You have complete control over every aspect of the design. This lets you create cabinets that are an exact match for your vision and fit your space.

Perfect Fit: Custom cabinets fit the exact size of your space. They will be a perfect fit even in the most irregular or challenging layouts.

Highest Quality: Custom cabinets are made from the best materials and built using the best methods. This makes them very durable and long-lasting.

Unique Features: Custom cabinets can include special features and details that you can’t get with stock or semi-custom options. This allows for a truly personal look and function.


What are Some Considerations for Custom Cabinets?

Cost: Custom cabinets are the most expensive because of the labor and materials involved.

Lead Time: Custom cabinets take the longest to make and deliver. Planning ahead is important if you choose this option.

Decision Making: There are many choices with custom cabinets, which can be overwhelming. Working with a knowledgeable designer can help.

A photo of custom cabinets in a kitchen

Choosing the Right Cabinets For Your Home

When deciding which grade of cabinets to choose, consider your budget, timeline, and design preferences. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:


Stock Cabinets

Best for: Homeowners on a budget, those needing quick installation, or simple, standard-sized layouts.

Pros: Affordable, readily available, and easy to install.

Cons: Limited options, variable quality, and standard sizes may not fit all spaces.


Semi-Custom Cabinets

Best for: Homeowners who want more design flexibility and a better fit without the cost of fully custom cabinets.

Pros: More design options, better fit, and higher quality than stock cabinets.

Cons: More expensive than stock cabinets, longer lead times, and limited customization compared to custom cabinets.


Custom Cabinets

Best for: Homeowners looking for the highest level of customization, quality, and a perfect fit for unique spaces.

Pros: Full customization, perfect fit, superior quality, and unique features.

Cons: Highest cost and longest lead time.

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