Picking Cabinets: Custom or Stock?
By Kate McIntyre

One of the most basic decisions you will make as you shop for new kitchen cabinets is whether you want stock or custom cabinets. Though it is a basic decision, it's not necessarily an easy one. Stock cabinets are less expensive than custom cabinets, but some stock cabinets are of poor quality. Custom cabinets are usually beautifully made, but you tend to pay considerably more for the hand workmanship. Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets are not custom-made to fit your space. Instead, they are available in many different shapes and sizes so that they can fit in any kitchen. Because they are pre-made, you can get them installed quickly. They also cost less than custom cabinets, so you can make your cabinet budget go further.

Though there are many excellent, high quality stock cabinets, the value of stock cabinets is less consistent than that of custom cabinets. If you opt for stock cabinets, make sure that you carefully assess the quality of the materials and workmanship before you buy them. Also, if you have very definite ideas about your cabinets' sizes and finish, you might have trouble finding stock cabinets to meet your requirements.

Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets offer you hundreds of different choices of finish, type of cabinet, and cabinet size. They are a great way to get exactly what you want. Because custom cabinets are made by hand by experienced woodworkers, you can expect excellent craftsmanship. In addition to attractive cabinet faces, custom cabinets boast well-made joints and inner shelving made of high quality materials.

Custom cabinets are not made until you pick the design you like, so you will not be able to get them installed as quickly as stock cabinets. The biggest downside to custom cabinets is their price. If you can afford them, though, custom cabinets are a beautiful option.

Both stock cabinets and custom cabinets have advantages and disadvantages. Your cabinet choice will depend on your style preferences, how quickly you need the cabinets, and your budget. Choosing the right cabinets often involves balancing your economic needs with your stylish desires.

Sources
"Cabinet Basics," Better Homes and Gardens
"Judging Cabinet Quality," HomeTips.com

About the Author
Kate McIntyre is a writer in Portland, Oregon. She holds a B.A. from Harvard University and an M.F.A. in fiction writing from Oregon State University.