Just last night, we did a quick informal survey and asked 5 people on the street this question – “If you could have custom or stock cabinetry at the same price, which would you choose?” All five of them came back with the answer “custom,” and many of them gave a puzzled look as if to say, “Duh…why would you even ask that?” When we asked them why they’d prefer custom cabinetry, the general response was that custom is better quality and you have more options available. This was the response we had expected.

What does surprise us though, is the reputation custom cabinetry has gained through the years when it comes to price. Many homeowners shy away from considering custom cabinetry for the sole reason that they think it will be above their budget range. In case you’re thinking the same thing, we want to nuke that thought immediately. Just because it is custom doesn’t mean it’s unaffordable.

A general overview

Let’s do a quick general overview of stock and custom cabinets, so we’re all on the same page, and then we can get more into the comparison.

• Stock cabinets are ready-made cabinets that are made in batches at the factory in standard sizes and do not come with customizations.
• Semi-stock cabinets are similar in to stock cabinets, but usually allow for some customizations on door size, depth, and sometimes detailing, depending on the manufacturer.
• Custom cabinets are built specifically for the customer and are made to fit perfectly with unlimited options when it comes to size, style and creativity.

When it comes to price

The biggest misconception we have found on custom cabinetry is that it is more expensive. While, that may be true in some cases, if you really do a side-by-side fair comparison, the prices of custom can be extremely competitive. Make sure you’re not just comparing a general stock cabinet to a custom cabinet with all the bells and whistles to get a more accurate understanding of price.

Factor in quality

When you buy anything that is mass-produced, chances are, it will lack the quality of a custom-built product of a similar nature. The same is also true when it comes to stock and custom cabinetry. Custom cabinets are made to be stronger and sturdier and are built to last. For example, when it comes to joints, stock cabinets generally use glue, screws or nails while custom cabinetry joints consist of dowels, dovetails and mortise and tenon. Where stock generally consists of particleboard components, custom is built with plywood components. Because they are built specifically with the client in mind and generally consist of sturdier components, custom cabinets tend to hold up better in the long run.

Create the space you want

Arguably, the most valuable aspect of using custom cabinetry instead of stock cabinetry is that it allows you to create a space that is tailor-made for you. If you want a wine-rack built directly into a cabinet, you can have it. If you want extra detailing on your cabinet doors, you can have that, too. If you want cabinets to fit a slanted wall in your kitchen, that works too. With custom cabinetry, the possibilities are almost endless.

Room shapes and client’s tastes vary – custom cabinetry will fit both perfectly. So, before you assume a custom project will be out of budget, talk with our experts at Brakur Custom Cabinetry, Inc. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised.