You've finally decided it's time to replace your kitchen cabinets.  Maybe they're falling apart, maybe they're outdated.  You google "kitchen cabinets" only to find more information than you ever wanted.  You start to see terms like "off the shelf" and "semi-custom" and you start to wonder what that even means, and what you should install in your home.  Spoiler alert: there really are no "wrong" decisions here, but making a more informed decision can save you thousands on your cabinets.  Keep reading to find out what you should put in your home, and how much it could save you.

First things first, a few definitions

Cabinets come in three major designations: custom, semi-custom/modular, and off-the-shelf: 

Custom cabinets, as the name indicates, are built to fit your space and are available in any shape/size/style/color you can imagine.  The cabinet boxes will typically be made from cabinet grade plywood and the door/drawer fronts will typically be made from solid wood.  Of course, because they are custom, you can have them built from whatever material you want (assuming you can talk your cabinet builder into using other materials!). 

Semi-custom cabinets, also called modular cabinets, typically come in 3" increments.  Base cabinets are generally available in a standard height (usually 34.5") and upper cabinets may come in a few different heights (typically 30", 36", and 42").  Because they are available in 3" incremental widths, they probably won't quite fit your kitchen perfectly.  However, you can order filler strips with these cabinets that can be cut to fill any small gaps that may exist during installation.  These cabinets also come in a fairly wide variety of colors and styles, but you are still limited to what the manufacturer offers.  They are also constructed from solid wood and plywood, but some manufacturers use MDF or particleboard.

Off-the-shelf cabinets are cabinets you'd buy from somewhere like Home Depot.  These cabinets generally are constructed from low-grade materials like particleboard and are essentially "what you see is what you get."  The colors and styles available will largely depend on what your home improvement center stocks and what the current demand is like.  Some models aren't actually painted but are rather veneered with vinyl which can delaminate and cause headaches down the road.

 So what's the cost difference?

You will frequently see "linear foot" pricing whenever you google cabinets.  It's not always accurate, but it's an easy way to make a comparison.  Custom cabinets will almost always have the highest prices per linear foot.  Here in San Diego, don't be surprised to spend $1,000+ on custom cabinetry.  Compare that to semi-custom cabinets, which will generally run between $300-400+ per linear foot.  Off-the-shelf cabinets will probably run somewhere between $150-300 per linear foot.  This is certainly an oversimplification of pricing, but typically these prices will include any installation and installation materials. 

What should I put in my home?

This is the million dollar question!  To be completely honest, custom cabinets generally aren't worth it, especially in locations like a kitchen.  That said, custom cabinetry is worth it for spaces that have been built for specific use, like an entertainment center or built-in shelving.  These spaces are usually smaller than a kitchen and lend themselves to custom cabinetry. 

However, in rooms like a kitchen, semi-custom cabinets are the winner.  The cost savings alone make them worth it, but the final look is very clean and you won't need a painter to come in and spray all the woodwork.  So unless you absolutely have to have a perfect fit from wall to wall, modular cabinets are an excellent solution.  Due to the incremental design of the cabinets, you will only need a filler strip here or there, and a good installer will be able to handle it with ease and make it look intentional.  Above all of that, the cost savings can be significant. 

Off-the-shelf cabinets can be an excellent solution as well, but because they are not as easily manipulated (meaning, they don't come in incremental widths) and they are made from lower grade materials, we find it worth it to spend just a little bit more on a higher quality modular cabinet system.  That being said, off-the-shelf cabinets are great for new homeowners or budget remodels.  They can add new life to an old kitchen!

At Canady Cabinets, we have the equipment to build you full custom cabinets, but prefer the cost savings of the modular systems.  Give us a call and we'd be happy to hear your ideas and partner with you on your remodel!