Kitchen and bathroom cabinets are one of the most visible and functional elements in any home. With so many options for construction, materials, and styles, choosing new cabinets can be an overwhelming process. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at different cabinet types, materials, door styles, and finishes to consider when selecting cabinets. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinetry along with factors like quality, cost, lead times and more. Whether you’re doing a kitchen or bathroom remodel, building a new home, or just looking to update your existing cabinets, use this guide to make informed decisions about which cabinet construction, materials, and styles are right for your needs and budget.
Introduction to Cabinet Construction
When beginning a kitchen or bathroom cabinet project, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to go with stock, semi-custom, or full custom cabinetry. The construction type you choose impacts factors like quality, cost, lead times, customization options and more. Below is an overview of each cabinet construction type:
Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets are pre-assembled and produced in standard kitchen and bathroom sizes. They are the most budget-friendly option but offer the least flexibility in terms of materials, sizes, accessories, and customization.
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Shortest lead times, often in stock ready for quick delivery
- Wide availability from big box stores, online retailers, and cabinet showrooms
Cons:
- Limited selection of sizes, finishes, and accessories
- Lowest quality construction of the three options
- Modifications are not possible
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets offer more sizes, materials, accessories and customization than stock cabinets while remaining budget-friendly. They combine ready-to-assemble cabinet boxes with made-to-order doors, drawers and hardware.
Pros:
- More affordable than custom cabinets
- Shorter lead times than custom, usually 3-6 weeks
- More sizes and layouts available than stock
- Wide selection of materials, finishes and storage accessories
Cons:
- Less quality in construction than full custom cabinets
- Limited customization compared to fully custom cabinets
Custom Cabinets
Fully custom cabinets are made completely from scratch to your specifications. From materials and sizes to layouts and storage solutions, custom cabinetry allows you to customize every detail.
Pros:
- Fully customized sizes, layouts, materials and accessories
- Highest quality materials and construction
- Designed for your precise kitchen or bathroom layout
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Longest lead times, usually 6-12 weeks
- Requires detailed measurements and kitchen/bathroom plans
When choosing between cabinet construction types, consider your budget, timeline, how much customization you need and the quality of construction. Stock cabinets make sense if you have basic needs and a tight timeline and budget. For moderate customization, semi-custom offers flexibility at lower costs than full custom. If you have specific needs and want maximum quality without budget constraints, custom cabinetry is ideal.
Cabinet Door Styles and Materials
Along with the cabinet box construction, door style and material are major factors that impact the look, feel and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom. From simple slab styles to intricate inset doors, you have endless options. Door material choices like wood, laminate, stainless steel and glass also vary widely in aesthetics, durability and cost. Review the most popular options below when selecting cabinet doors.
Cabinet Door Styles
Slab Cabinet Doors
Slab cabinet doors feature flat, simple rectangular panels. They create a clean, minimalist look and integrate easily into contemporary or modern kitchens. Slab doors are the most affordable option but show wear more easily than other styles.
Shaker Cabinet Doors
Shaker style cabinet doors have a simple, ladder-like five-piece design with a flat center panel and frame around the perimeter. The straight lines and minimal adornments of Shaker cabinets have timeless appeal. They work well in both modern and traditional kitchen settings.
Cathedral Cabinet Doors
Cathedral cabinet doors have an arched top that mimics Gothic cathedral architecture. The arched shape gives kitchens a unique, elegant style. Cathedral doors work well in upscale kitchens alongside crown molding and elevated trim details.
Inset Cabinet Doors
Inset cabinet doors fit snugly within the cabinet frame, creating a seamless built-in look. The hinges are mounted inside the cabinet for a clean exterior surface. Inset doors give kitchens a luxurious, furniture-like appearance but come with a higher price tag.
Overlay Cabinet Doors
Overlay doors sit on the cabinet frame creating a 1/2 to 1-inch overlay. The hinges mount to the outside of the cabinet. Partial and full overlay doors are common choices that blend seamlessly into any kitchen style.
Cabinet Door Materials
Wood Cabinet Doors
Wood cabinet doors provide a warm, natural look and feel. Popular wood species like oak, maple and cherry range from traditional to contemporary depending on the finish. While expensive, wood doors are very durable.
Laminate Cabinet Doors
Laminate cabinet doors feature a plastic laminate coating adhered to a composite wood substrate. The laminate comes in hundreds of colors and patterns, like wood grains and glossy solid colors, at a lower cost than real wood.
Glass Cabinet Doors
Glass cabinet doors feature a glass insert in a wood or metal frame. They create an open, airy look and allow you to display decorative dishware. Frosted, etched and colored glass offer privacy options.
Stainless Steel Cabinet Doors
Stainless steel cabinet doors provide a sleek, modern look, especially in contemporary kitchens centered around commercial-style appliances. Stainless requires less maintenance than other materials and is easy to clean.
When selecting cabinet doors, consider the style and material that best fits your kitchen’s aesthetic. Prioritize quality materials like wood or stainless steel for high-traffic areas like lower cabinets. For a cohesive look, stick with one or two styles throughout the kitchen.
Cabinet Finishes and Colors
The finish you select for your cabinet doors and boxes impacts both appearance and durability. An opaque paint or stain disguises the wood grain while a clear finish accentuates the natural pattern and color. Matte, satin, high-gloss and other sheens also influence aesthetics and ease of cleaning. Consider the options below when choosing cabinet finishes:
Stained Cabinets
Staining allows the natural wood grain and character to show through while coloring the wood. Oak, walnut, cherry and maple take stain well. Darker stains hide wear and defects more than light tones. Stained cabinets have an elegant, timeworn look.
Painted Cabinets
Painted cabinetry provides limitless color options, from soft pastels to bold, saturated hues. Paints with sheens like satin, high-gloss and matte create different aesthetic effects. The prep work and dry time for painted cabinets is extensive compared to stain.
Glazed Cabinets
Glazing cabinetry involves applying a translucent, tinted glaze over a base coat of stain or paint. Glazing accentuates the detailed ridges and grooves of cabinet doors and molding for an antiqued, worn-in look. The process requires advanced expertise.
Clear Finish Cabinets
Clear finishes like polyurethane, varnish, shellac and lacquer allow the natural wood grains and colors to take center stage. They come in matte, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss sheens. Clear finishes accentuate imperfections so high quality wood is key.
Distressed Cabinets
Distressing techniques manually damage the wood to create a worn, rustic appearance. Chipping, rubbing, denting and white washing are common methods of distressing. The rough-hewn look works well in traditional or farmhouse style kitchens.
Don’t overlook the importance of the cabinet finish. Staining and painting both have pros and cons in terms of appearance, durability and cost. If your heart is set on a specific wood species, go with a clear coat to highlight the natural beauty. For a modern look, opt for painted cabinets in a trendy, bold color.
Specialty Cabinet Materials and Finishes
Beyond traditional wood, laminate and stainless steel, some unique cabinet materials and finishes can elevate your kitchen’s style. Consider the specialty options below:
Glass Cabinets: Glass cabinet inserts, doors and shelves create visual lightness. For privacy, opt for frosted, etched or opaque glass. Illuminated cabinets with interior lighting highlight decorative items.
Tile Cabinets: Tile cabinet fronts provide texture and color impact. Subway tiles, mosaic tiles and other patterns integrate beautifully with counters. Porcelain is durable but heavy.
Metal Cabinets: Brass, copper and bronze metal finishes create an industrial chic vibe. Metal shows dents and scratches more easily than other materials. Stainless steel offers a cleaner, cooler look.
Thermofoil Cabinets: A thermofused melamine resin creates durable, seamless cabinet doors and faces that resemble real wood, matte lacquer or glossy paints for a fraction of the cost.
Concrete Cabinets: For an edgy, ultra-contemporary look, concrete delivers. The heavy material carries loud undertones and works best in modern spaces. Expect a hefty price tag.
Textured Cabinets: Specialty textured cabinet finishes include crackled paint, ribbed surfaces, distressed wood and complex multi-layered effects. The depth of texture adds bold impact.
Don’t limit yourself to conventional materials and finishes. For a statement-making focal point, incorporate glass cabinets or bright mosaic tile fronts on just one or two cabinets. Vintage brass hardware elevates plain cabinet fronts. Prioritize durability for heavily used lower and base cabinets.
Features and Accessories
Beyond the cabinet boxes, doors, and finishes, the right accessories and functional elements make a kitchen more convenient to use. Carefully consider how you plan to use the space when selecting cabinet features:
Drawers: Drawers maximize storage and accessibility of items compared to confined cabinet spaces. Full extension drawers with soft-close slides are key.
Pull-Out Shelving: Pull-out shelves, like spice racks, pan organizers and fridge/pantry roll outs maximize usable space.
Lazy Susans: Lazy Susan turntables create easy access to items in deep corner cabinet spaces.
Wastebasket Cabinet Inserts: Wastebasket inserts in lower cabinets or base pull-out doors simplify recycling and trash disposal.
Stemware Holders: Stemware holders safely store fragile glassware vertically in deep drawers.
Interior Lighting: LED lighting illuminates the interior of glass cabinets and display shelving.
Adjustable Shelving: Adjustable shelves allow you to customize storage as your needs change.
Don’t underestimate the value of specially designed organizational accessories and pull-outs. The right inserts and smart storage solutions reduce rummaging and make your most-used items readily accessible.
How to Shop for Cabinets: In-Store vs. Online
With endless options for cabinet construction, materials, designs and accessories, settling on the perfect cabinetry can feel overwhelming. Should you work with kitchen designers at a cabinet showroom or try ordering cabinets online? Below is an overview of the in-store and online cabinet buying experiences:
In-Store Cabinet Shopping
The in-person cabinet showroom experience allows you to see a wide range of styles and finishes on display. Kitchen designers assist with measurements as well as selections. You can get hands-on with cabinet doors, hardware and storage accessories. The ability to inspect and compare products in real life helps you visualize the end results. Kitchen design experts also guide you through the process. The downside? Potentially higher prices and limited selection to what’s available in-store.
Online Cabinet Shopping
Ordering cabinets online opens up a wider selection of styles and customization options you won’t find locally. It also allows price comparisons across more brands to find budget-friendly options. 3D modelling technology at many websites lets you design and visualize your kitchen online. The drawbacks? You won’t have access to touch and feel actual product samples. Taking accurate measurements and handling installation is on your shoulders. Communication is more difficult without face-to-face interactions.
Carefully weigh the benefits of the in-store versus online cabinet buying experience based on your needs:
- If you strongly prefer seeing and touching products in person, opt for a kitchen showroom.
- If cost is your top priority, the wider selection online may offer more budget options.
- If you have complex storage needs and layout, in-store designers can provide expertise.
- If you have strong DIY skills and need generic sizes, ordering online can work well.
Many buyers start by getting ideas and price estimates online, then visit showrooms to finalize. Combining online and in-store shopping helps you capitalize on the pros of both.
Hiring a Cabinet Installer vs. DIY Installation
Once you’ve selected cabinets, the big decision is whether to hire a professional installer or take on the cabinet installation yourself as a DIY project. Assess your skills, schedule and budget to decide:
Professional Cabinet Installation
Hiring a certified kitchen contractor to install your cabinets ensures expertise in hanging and securing cabinets properly. Experienced pros have all the specialized tools and fasteners to do the job right. You benefit from their specialized knowledge for a flawless finished look. However, professional installation adds significant cost. Doing any prep work like removing old cabinets yourself helps reduce expenses.
DIY Cabinet Installation
With some carpentry skills, patience and DIY spirit, self-installing kitchen cabinets is doable. For access to how-to advice and video tutorials, look to online resources and home improvement stores that offer classes. Order cabinets ready to assemble for easy joining without intricate woodworking. The major drawbacks are an increased risk of installation mistakes and a more time-consuming process. DIY installation only works for standard layouts, not complex designs.
Consider how comfortable you feel accurately measuring for cabinets, completely removing old cabinets if needed, leveling and securing new ones, adjusting doors and drawers, connecting appliances, adding trim and dealing with unexpected issues. If your abilities don’t measure up, the cost of professional installation provides valuable peace of mind and better results.
Setting a Cabinet Budget
From economy to luxury designer brands, cabinet pricing spans a wide spectrum. Setting an appropriate budget is essential. As an approximate average guideline for mid-priced cabinetry:
- Stock cabinets cost $75 – $250 per linear foot
- Semi-custom cabinets range from $200 – $500 per linear foot
- Custom cabinets average $500 – $1500+ per linear foot
Of course, many factors affect final cost per linear foot, including:
- Type of wood (oak, maple, etc.)
- Door style and material
- Finish and color techniques like painting or staining
- Inclusion of accessories and storage inserts
- Quantity and sizes needed
- Overall quality and construction
Don’t equate higher cost directly with higher quality. Well-reviewed stock or semi-custom lines offer excellent durability and aesthetics for the money. Create a cabinet budget by measuring your space and determining prices per linear foot for your preferred construction type and features. Remember to account for the cost of professional installation, delivery, hardware, counters, sinks, appliances and lighting fixtures too.
Tips for Measuring Your Cabinet Needs
To select cabinets and determine pricing, accurate measurements are essential. A few key tips help you measure like a pro:
- Create a detailed floor plan: Sketch your floor plan with exact room dimensions and fixture locations. Include windows, doors, and current and planned appliances.
- Measure in multiple spots: Walls are rarely perfectly straight, so measure along the floor, center and ceiling in multiple spots along any run.
- Note obstructions: Account for pipes, outlets, vents or other items that impede cabinet installation.
- ** Measure existing cabinets:** Note heights, depths and widths of current cabinets to match capacities if keeping any.
- Add overhead: Discuss ceiling height with designers to ensure adequate room for cabinets plus ventilation hoods.
- Leave wiggle room: For inaccuracies in old homes especially, add 1-2 inches onto measurements.
- Snap photos: Take photos of existing kitchen layouts from all angles to reference when ordering.
With detailed measurements, photos, appliance specs and floor plans, you have all the info needed to select cabinets confidently. Never rely on cabinet size terminology like “standard” or “full-depth”. Use accurate inches and feet to convey sizing needs.
Lead Times for Cabinet Orders
Along with budgeting, factoring in cabinet lead times is crucial when planning your project timeline. From ready-to-ship stock cabinets to made-from-scratch custom builds, delivery windows vary widely:
- Stock cabinets: 1-4 days from order to delivery
- Semi-custom cabinets: 3-6 weeks from order to delivery
- Custom cabinets: 6-12 weeks from order completion to delivery
To stay on schedule, discuss time estimates upfront with your retailer and kitchen designer. Place cabinet orders as soon as possible with accurate measurements. Build in some buffer room on timelines in case of shipping delays or other surprises. Be extremely wary of vendors promising unusually fast turnaround on custom cabinets, as quality is likely to suffer. For quickest turnaround, look to reputable stock cabinet brands. With some planning, even major remodels with custom cabinetry can happen in as little as 6-8 weeks.
Common Cabinet Terminology
Like any specialized industry, kitchen and bath cabinetry comes with its own vocabulary of industry terms. Get familiar with the lingo below so you can knowledgeably discuss options with designers and salespeople:
- Toe kick: Recessed space under the cabinet box and behind doors for feet and knees. Full toe kicks are 9 inches deep.
- Face frame: The frame attached to the front of the cabinet box around the door. Usually made of solid wood.
- Box: The outer walls, bottom and top of the cabinet are referred to collectively as the cabinet “
