When you are remodeling your bathroom or kitchen, you’re likely going to choose new cabinets. Depending on your budget and the type of remodel you’re doing, you may choose stock, semi-custom or custom cabinetry. Choosing the right cabinets will make a difference in your new space, and the differences are more than just cost.
Stock Cabinets
A stock cabinet most often comes from a big-box home improvement store like Lowe’s or Home Depot. They’re readily available in a few colors and standard sizes right in the store. If you’re considering stock cabinets, take a look at what they’re made of. Stock cabinets rarely have much real wood in them. Many are primarily pressboard and plywood with a thin layer of veneer. Because of this, they’re the least expensive option for new cabinets.
This isn’t to say there are never times to choose a stock cabinet – just know what you’re getting. For example, one of the biggest downfalls is when used in kitchen remodeling, pressboard shelves tend to warp from the weight of dishes. In bathroom remodeling, they may not hold up as well to high levels of moisture. The saying “You get what you pay for” is true when it comes to cabinetry.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Some big-box stores offer semi-custom cabinets. These are available in a greater variety of sizes and finishes. More often, however, your remodeling company works with a few cabinetmakers who offer both semi-custom and custom cabinetry.
The quality of semi-custom cabinets is much higher than stock cabinets. You’ll find elements of the cabinet are a mix of real wood and plywood or pressboard, depending on the manufacturer. This helps keep the cost down. A benefit of semi-custom cabinets is that most manufacturers offer some in-drawer and in-cabinet customizations like sheet pan holders and knife organizers. Keep in mind there is often a lead time with semi-custom cabinets.
Custom Cabinets
As expected, custom cabinets are the most expensive of the three cabinet types. However, unlike stock or semi-custom varieties, most custom cabinets are real wood throughout. And just like the name implies, you can get them in any finish the cabinetmaker offers and in any size and configuration you need, which is often necessary for both kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects.
Your bathroom or kitchen remodeling company can help you choose the right cabinets for your project based on your needs, the type of remodel you’re planning and your budget. G.M. Roth Design Remodeling works with many cabinet manufacturers so our customers have just the style, color and features they want in their new cabinets. If you’re looking for a local remodeling company, call us at (603) 880-3761 or fill out our contact form. We service southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts from our office and showroom in Nashua, NH.
