Selecting the Right Kitchen Cabinets

When it comes to replacing your kitchen cabinets, there are four primary options: refinishing, stock, semi-custom, and custom. And, depending upon your time frame, budget, and taste, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Stock Kitchen Cabinets

Are you budget conscious or on a very tight schedule? Then stock cabinets might be a good solution for you. Stock kitchen cabinets are usually the least expensive of all cabinet types. Because they are manufactured in standard sizes, stock kitchen cabinets can usually be delivered in a very short period of time.

While interior fittings like pullout shelves are available, these options will add to your cost. In addition, because they are "stock," your choices of kitchen cabinet door styles, surface finishes, and hardware options are limited.

Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Built by a manufacturer to fit your kitchen dimensions, semi-custom kitchen cabinets offer more choices. With semi-custom kitchen cabinets, you not only get to choose the kind of finish and kitchen cabinet doors you would like, these cabinets come in special sizes, with more options for heights and depths.

However, semi-custom kitchen cabinets are more expensive than stock and will take a little longer to produce.

Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Custom kitchen cabinets are built specifically for your kitchen. Not only do you get to select your very own kitchen cabinet hardware and door design, you also get to choose the exact finishes and interior fittings. In addition, custom kitchen cabinets generally feature solid wood drawer fronts, doors, and frames, making them exceptionally durable.

Just remember, you'll pay for these additional options--custom cabinets are the most expensive. And, because these kitchen cabinets are built to your exact specifications, they will take the longest.

Another Option: Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing

If your cabinets are in good shape and you like the layout, one very affordable option is to hire a professional to reface your kitchen cabinets. In addition to getting new kitchen cabinet doors you can also get new cabinet hardware, and create the fresh new look you want, with very little expense.