Kitchen Cabinetry Primer

It’s exciting to choose cabinetry for your new kitchen or bath, but with so many different types of cabinets to choose from, it can be difficult to know what’s right for you and your family.

While it’s great to have choices, there are lot of options out there and it can be overwhelming without a basic understanding of the types of cabinets, doors and drawers that are available to make your kitchen or bathroom remodeling dreams come true.

With the kitchen cabinetry primer from Crown Construction Inc. in Dryden, NY, we help you sort through the different types of cabinetry to make your decision easier.  We also recommend that you check out the extensive information in “Cabinetry 101” from our cabinet supplier, Masterbrand Cabinets.

Cabinetry Primer

Cabinet Quality Grades

Cabinets are grouped into four grades based on quality of construction: ready-to-assemble (RTA), stock, semi-custom and custom. Decide up front on the amount of money to be invested in cabinetry and then browse cabinetry lines and options within your budget. Cabinetry prices are measured in lineal feet, ranging from around $50 per lineal foot to $500 per lineal foot. Installation costs may be included but are often quoted separately.  Always look for sound construction and hire a skilled installer, regardless of whether you are purchasing stock, semi-custom or custom cabinetry.

Ready-to-Assemble (RTA). Readily available and constructed with cost in mind, these cabinets are purchased boxed from chain home stores. Selection is limited in style, size and material and they require assembly.  They are not known for long-term durability which often results in trouble over time. If you are considering purchasing RTA cabinetry, make sure you are well versed in constructing and installing cabinetry, which can be tricky, even for a skilled professional.

Stock. Purchased pre-sized from the manufacturer, stock cabinets are a basic and economical option. Stock cabinets are mass-produced, available in fixed sizes and cannot be altered, making them less versatile for existing spaces. Stock cabinets are size-specific, measured in 3-inch increments.  Materials range from particleboard covered with plastic laminates to solid wood, depending on the manufacturer. They offer a relatively limited range of accessories and the price of installation is typically not included in their purchase price.

Semi-Custom. With a broader selection in both style and material, semi-custom cabinetry generally marks the mid-to-upper range in terms of quality and price. Semi-custom cabinetry allows some size adjustments and usually offers better quality cabinet construction.  Semi-custom cabinetry boasts an extensive selection of styles, finishes, storage solutions and decorative enhancements, featuring a personalized look at a reasonable price point. Semi-custom cabinets consist of everything from stock cabinets fitted with custom doors to made-to-order cabinets selected from a manufacturer’s catalogue of featured styles, materials and finishes. Price of semi-custom cabinets usually includes installation.

Custom.  On the high-end, custom cabinetry is completely made-to-order and offers the most diversity in style, material, finishes and accessories. These cabinets are constructed and finished like fine furniture with tailored sizes and innovative design solutions, suiting even the most unique spaces. The lead-time and price for custom cabinetry depends on the level of customization and often includes installation.  While design options are limitless, these high-dollar cabinets can quickly exhaust a budget.  Possibilities are endless—there are absolutely no standards.