When discussing kitchen cabinets there are typically three basic types of cabinets discussed:  stock (also referred to as modular or economy), semi-custom and custom.  Let’s talk about what these terms mean.

Stock Cabinets

Stock cabinets are the type of cabinets sitting in a box ready to sell on your local big box store’s shelf.  They come either pre-finished or unfinished.  You can’t walk up to the counter and request a slightly different size or a different drawer construction; what you see is what you get.  Some companies offer stock cabinets that are only partially assembled.

Semi-Custom

If you want to stir up a bunch of custom cabinet makers at a fondue party start talking about “semi-custom” cabinets.  You’re likely to get an earfull about how there is no such thing, cabinets are either custom or they are not.  Both stock cabinets and semi-custom cabinets can be referred to as “modular”, they typically are made in widths varying in 3 inch increments.  I think semi-custom is an important and necessary distinction since these cabinets offer endless choices to consumers.  While it’s true the layout must be built around 3 inch increments(for most non-custom cabinet manufacturers) they are typically offerend in an infinite combination of heights, depths, door overlays, box material, drawer construction, drawer mounting, stains/paints/glazes….. and so on.

Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are just that: custom.  They are built to fit the exact design, layout and specifications for a specific project.  They typically do not have a filler piece between a cabinet and the wall, rather the cabinet against the wall is scribed to it.  Anything and everything about the cabinet can be specced by the customer.  Usually when you see doors that are flush with the cabinet frame rather than laid overtop of the frame it is a custom cabinet.

Let’s be clear about one thing: custom does not denote quality.  I have seen very high quality semi-custom cabinets and I’ve seen very poor quality custom cabinets.