Whether you’re building a new home or want to renovate your current space, one of the biggest showpieces in the kitchen is your cabinets. As you begin planning your remodel, you’ll need to choose from either stock kitchen cabinets or custom cabinets.
With stock cabinetry, speed of installation and cost are on your side, while custom cabinets allow you to add special features and detailed craftsmanship. “There are two major factors in distinguishing stock versus custom cabinets: product selection and pricing,” says Eugene Makanev, president of RTA Cabinet Supply LLC, a supplier of ready-to-assemble and pre-assembled cabinetry. Although custom cabinets can be significantly more expensive, they’re not always of higher quality.
“Stock cabinets are pre-manufactured; they can be supplied as ready-to-assemble or pre-assembled. Custom cabinets are made to order; they can be customized to almost any color, size and shape,” Makanev says. If you’re ready to dive into cabinet shopping, here are the expert tips you need to know for choosing kitchen cabinets you’ll love for years to come.
Consider Installation Time
Cabinet installation timelines vary by type. “Custom cabinets are normally more labor-intensive and time-consuming to install since they often come with additional accessories, unusual construction features and require a custom approach,” says Makanev. “Custom cabinets are also more expensive and involve longer lead times. It means installers have to be more careful with measuring and preparation.” Be sure to factor in what type of cabinets you plan to use when outlining your renovation timeline.
