Cabinetry Decoded: Custom, Semi-Custom, and Ready to Assemble
Our clients are often brimming with questions at the start of the remodeling process. Answering these queries is an essential part of what our designers do at The Cabinet Store + Culina Design. While we’re always happy to chat in person, we find it’s also helpful to address the most common questions we receive here on our blog. One such topic we’d like to shed some light on is the advantages and drawbacks of various cabinet types. As our name might suggest, we do know a thing or two about cabinet design! Scroll below to get the details on custom, semi-custom, and ready to assemble cabinetry.
Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets are the most expensive and personalized cabinet option available. Built by expert craftspeople, custom cabinets are just as beautiful as they sound. Everything from size, color, style, and finish is up to the homeowner; your imagination is the limit! Whether created and installed on-site or designed as pieces for assembly, custom cabinetry is made to exact specifications, one part at a time. If your budget can accommodate it, going with all-out custom cabinets is ideal. However, if you’re trying to stick to a budget, semi-custom or ready to assemble cabinets may better fit your remodel.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets are a happy medium between custom and ready to assemble cabinets. They allow for some customization but in a more limited capacity. A lot of popular cabinet makers create semi-custom cabinets, so finding an option that fits your needs is relatively easy. Semi-custom cabinets are quite similar to stock or ready-to-assemble options but leave room for basic changes like sizing and final details.
This route is an excellent fit for a majority of homeowners! It reduces overall cost while avoiding a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all result. Most people want flexibility when creating their kitchen, but fully customized cabinets simply aren’t a necessary investment for the typical home cook.
Ready to Assemble Cabinets
Of all three of these varieties, ready to assemble (RSA) cabinets are going to be the least costly option. As you might suspect, RSA cabinets go hand-in-hand with the phrase “some assembly required.” However, the amount of actual work you’ll need to do is entirely dependent upon which brand you choose. There are certainly drawbacks to this type of product, and in most cases, what you see is what you get. Despite the extra work, ready to assemble cabinets can be a fantastic addition to your home. The key is to make an informed decision and buy from a reputable brand.
There you have it! Now you know the difference between custom, semi-custom, and ready to assemble cabinets. When you’re ready to start planning your next remodeling project, you’ll be able to select the cabinetry that’s right for you. And don’t forget, The Cabinet Store + Culina Design is here to help! One of our accessible, talented, and friendly designers would love to show you around our showroom. Stop in or get in touch with us to start designing the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams!
