This is probably one of my most favorite questions that we are asked. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot as we examine and compare our cabinetry to another manufacturer’s cabinetry (whether custom or stock). Here at River’s Edge Cabinetry, our goal is to provide you with the best handcrafted cabinets made with high quality finishes and materials. Creating a unique space that fits your personality and style is our specialty! We pride ourselves knowing that is what our customers come to us for.
For those wondering what type of cabinetry to choose for their next project, here is a glimpse of your cabinetry options.
STOCK CABINETRY
(AKA ready made or ready to assemble cabinets)
Stock cabinets are often sold through big box companies (think Lowe’s, Menards, Home Depot) or your local home improvement & lumber stores. Most often, you can get your stock cabinetry in a jiffy compared to usual custom cabinetry time frames. The cabinets are created on an assembly line and are typically ready to be installed in about 3 weeks (when employment, shipping and supply shortages aren’t a factor!). They are often priced affordably due to large assembly line volume pieces. However, stock cabinetry does have some limitations:
Your choices often include limited wood species, door/drawer profiles, stain, and color options.
Pieces can’t be altered down to the 1/16th of an inch to get you your best fit for your space. You are usually stuck with the size options they most popularly fabricate and using “fillers” where gaps remain due to size constraints.
You can’t always be sure of the quality of materials they’re being constructed with.
Sometimes you must build the cabinets yourself, as they can be purchased ready-to-be-assembled or preassembled. Most often, you will be installing the cabinets yourself or hiring out another carpenter to do it for you.
"SEMI-SUSTOM CABINETS"
These are typically offered from stock cabinetry companies, allowing you to change some components of your cabinetry, for example increasing the height of your cabinet to reach the ceiling. Some may offer an “upgrade” on the wood type or added finishes of crown molding or handles. Buyer beware, as you add personal touches to stock cabinetry, be sure to note the increases to your original stock cabinetry estimate. These changes usually do come at a cost to the consumer. By the time you have made all your upgrades, you may be closer to a custom cabinetry price than you may realize!
CUSTOM CABINETRY
Getting exactly what you are looking for and knowing the cost up front is always convenient. You can make sure to find your preferred style, size, color, and layout when you choose custom cabinetry. Most often, those who construct the custom cabinetry are the professionals who will also install your new project. So, you can be sure it will be installed as it was intended to be. Your wait time may be a little longer than stock and semi-custom cabinetry, but the wait will sure be worth it. Most of your custom cabinetry shops are LOCAL and purchase many of their materials locally, meaning you are supporting your own local area businesses.
When choosing your cabinets…consider the following:
The cost of the project for what you are willing to be receiving.
Quality of the method of construction, materials, finishes, and accessories being utilized.
Lead time – does it fit in your new home build or remodel schedule?
Customization – does your cabinetry reflect the vision you are trying to achieve in your new space?
We hope this article helped give you an insight into the different options for purchasing new cabinetry.
If custom cabinetry is what you are looking for, we invite you to our showroom! Here you can experience our quality, craftsmanship and expertise firsthand. Let us show you how our attention to detail, top of the line finishes and unique style set us apart from all the rest!