Differences Between Prefab, Semi-Custom and Custom Cabinetry (2024)

Custom vs Semi-Custom Cabinets

Semi-custom falls in between prefab and custom and often presents a happy medium in the prefab cabinets vs custom cabinetry debate. While these cabinets are still technically prefabricated, meaning they’re usually mass-produced in a factory, they offer limited customization and quality options comparable to custom cabinets.

Depending on the supplier, semi-custom cabinets may still only come in standard sizes or you may have some options on width and depth but usually only in set increments. However, odd spacing between two walls may require fillers to be placed in between cabinets to get a tight fit. Compared to prefab cabinets, you have more color and stain options and a variety of door styles to choose from. However, no matter the number of customization options available with semi-custom cabinets,your choices are far greater with custom cabinetry.

Semi-custom cabinets are higher in cost compared to prefab, but they’re less expensive compared to custom cabinets. Because you can mix and match some features, you must order these cabinets after finalizing your customizations. However, the lead time is shorter than what you’d have when ordering fully custom cabinets.

Custom Kitchen Cabinetmakers

Although custom cabinets have the highest price point compared to semi-custom and prefab cabinets, no other type of cabinet gives you the freedom to truly match your kitchen’s shape and style, with excellent craftsmanship. Custom cabinetmakers can build cabinets in whatever size needed. In fact, it’s possible to custom-design cabinets to work in any kitchen, even if it has crooked walls or other irregularities, to create a perfect fit without fillers.

Custom cabinets are made with quality wood, often with solid wood cabinet doors and trims, and offer unlimited color and finish choices. Add-ons like carousel or slide-out cabinets optimize space and enhance storage solutions. The sky’s the limit, because your cabinets are being built to meet your exact needs and wants. Custom kitchen cabinets also provide the highest durability, which is especially important if they’re going to be holding up heavy granite or quartz countertops.

Going custom does come with the drawback of having a lengthy turnaround time, but this delay can be factored into your kitchen remodel schedule. In the long run, finding the right type of cabinets for your project starts by identifying the space where you want to put the cabinets, knowing your budget and finding the right provider.

Hire Custom Cabinetry Experts

Element Design Build Remodel can help you design personalized cabinets, instead of you having to choose standard stock cabinets for your kitchen remodeling project. Our team works with you to ensure your new kitchen has ample storage to maximize your space. From custom Amish-built to prefab cabinets, we offer brands to fit every style and budget.

Our custom kitchen cabinetry designs can incorporate kitchen islands to provide additional space for working or entertaining. We offer numerous add-ons, including soft-close cabinet hinges, self-closing drawers, kitchen carousels, glass doors and under-cabinet lighting. Our team can also create custom bathroom vanities when you’re ready to give your bathroom an update.

Element Design Build Remodel is a full-service home remodeling company serving Cleveland and the entire northeast Ohio area from our Hudson location. Contact us at 330-523-6919 to set up a free, no-obligation design consultation for your kitchen, bathroom or home remodeling project today.

Differences Between Prefab, Semi-Custom and Custom Cabinetry (2024)

FAQs

Differences Between Prefab, Semi-Custom and Custom Cabinetry? ›

Semi-custom cabinets are higher in cost compared to prefab, but they're less expensive compared to custom cabinets. Because you can mix and match some features, you must order these cabinets after finalizing your customizations. However, the lead time is shorter than what you'd have when ordering fully custom cabinets.

What is the difference between prefab and custom cabinets? ›

Poor refinishing: While prefab cabinets offer convenience and affordability, the range of finishes is limited, and they tend to have a mass-produced quality. If you have specific colour or texture preferences, custom or semi-custom cabinets offer a broader selection of finishes to choose from.

What is the difference between semi-custom cabinets and custom cabinets? ›

In a nutshell, custom cabinets provide limitless options for special customization, installation, and one-of-a-kind appearance, while semi-custom cabinets offer limited customization options, less flexibility of placement, and less overall quality.

What are the 2 construction types of cabinets? ›

The cabinet construction type refers to just the cabinet box, not the cabinet doors. There are two types of cabinet construction: framed and frameless.

What is the difference between builder grade and semi-custom? ›

Custom cabinets, or semi-custom cabinets, are higher quality than builder-grade. They are made with either real wood, hardwood plywood or a high-density wood product. These materials give the cabinet higher humidity & moisture resistance, as they are less porous than cheaper wood products such as particleboard.

How long do prefab kitchen cabinets last? ›

Prefab cabinets offer 10 to 15 years of durability at a lower price, allowing you to spend money elsewhere in your kitchen renovation.

What makes custom cabinets custom? ›

Custom cabinets are cabinets that are specially designed with your tastes and preferences in mind and then meticulously handcrafted in a shop to be later delivered and installed inside your home. Custom cabinets are quality-built with real wood and can be as modern or traditional as desired.

What is the difference between custom and semi custom design? ›

Full custom design requires all the components to be designed and verified right from the transistor level. This methodology is used for mass production and to optimize area speed and power. However semi-custom design are used when there is less time for design and for less quantities.

Are KraftMaid cabinets semi custom? ›

KraftMaid Cabinets is a semi-custom cabinetry line, offering many advantages of a full-custom cabinet, at a more affordable cost. Every cabinet is built-to-order and comes standard with all plywood construction, dovetail drawers and whisper-touch drawer runners.

What are the three grades of cabinets? ›

These grades include RTA (Ready to Assemble), Stock, Semi-Custom, and Custom. All cabinet types are available from various suppliers and allow for a broad range of budgets. Each grade presents its own series of benefits and drawbacks that should be considered before deciding how to outfit your kitchen.

What is the best type of kitchen cabinet? ›

Plywood: The highest quality kitchen cabinets are made of cabinet-grade multi-layer plywood. Plywood cabinets are strong, easier to install and considerably lighter in weight than MDF or particleboard cabinets. While more expensive, plywood cabinets are a good choice if you expect to own the house for a long period.

What are non custom cabinets called? ›

In-stock cabinets, also known as stock cabinets, refer to cabinet boxes that are built by the manufacturer based on industry-standard styles and measurements. They are pre-built and usually ready for installation within a few days.

What is the difference between semi custom and prefab? ›

Semi-custom cabinets are higher in cost compared to prefab, but they're less expensive compared to custom cabinets. Because you can mix and match some features, you must order these cabinets after finalizing your customizations. However, the lead time is shorter than what you'd have when ordering fully custom cabinets.

What does semi-custom mean? ›

Semi custom homes are the “in between” of a pre built home and custom home. These homes won't be like every other house on the block but you won't have to start from scratch either.

What is better than builder grade? ›

Building materials, from windows and faucets to doors and cabinets, come in four grades. From lowest to highest, they are: 1) builder; 2) quality; 3) custom; and 4) ultra-custom.

What does prefab cabinet mean? ›

What are Prefabricated Cabinets? Prefabricated (or stock) cabinets are manufactured well in advance of the day where they are actually purchased by the end consumer. Rather than being built for a kitchen's exact dimensions, prefabricated cabinets tend to come in standard sizes.

Are custom-built cabinets better? ›

Custom cabinets offer more color, style, finish, and size options than the traditional stock cabinets and other ready-to-assemble cabinets. This allows for a maximum level of efficiency and functionality in your space.

What are the disadvantages of custom cabinets? ›

Disadvantages of Custom-Built Cabinets
  • Higher Cost: Much larger investment than lower-grade cabinetry options.
  • Longer Lead Time: Design and build process takes a minimum of 10 weeks.

Are custom cabinets more expensive? ›

More expensive: On average, custom cabinets cost between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot. Long lead time: Since custom cabinets are often handmade, they can take weeks or months to build. May be difficult to install: Custom cabinets can be more difficult to install due to their unique shapes and any extra accessories.

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