Kitchen cabinet shopping reveals three distinct categories: stock, semi-custom, and custom. Each serves different needs, budgets, and timelines. Understanding what distinguishes these categories helps Chicago homeowners match expectations with reality and invest appropriately for their specific situations. The right choice depends on kitchen dimensions, design requirements, budget constraints, and how long you plan to remain in the home.

Stock Cabinets Overview

Stock cabinets are mass-produced in standard sizes and finishes, ready for immediate purchase or quick delivery. They represent the entry point for kitchen cabinet options.

How stock cabinets work:

  • Manufactured in large quantities before purchase
  • Available in fixed sizes (typically 3-inch width increments)
  • Limited finish and style options
  • Available at big-box stores and some dealers
  • Can be purchased same-day or within days

Standard stock cabinet sizes:

  • Base cabinets: 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 33, 36 inches wide
  • Wall cabinets: Same widths, 30 or 36 inches tall
  • Tall cabinets: 84 or 96 inches tall, limited widths
  • Depth standardized: 24 inches (base) and 12 inches (wall)

Stock cabinet advantages:

  • Lowest price point: $75-200 per linear foot
  • Immediate availability
  • Simple purchasing process
  • Predictable quality within brand
  • Easy replacement if damaged

Stock cabinet limitations:

  • Fixed sizes require filler strips for non-standard spaces
  • Limited style and finish selection
  • Basic construction (often particle board)
  • Minimal customization possible
  • Lower-grade hardware typical

Best applications for stock cabinets:

  • Rental properties
  • Budget-constrained projects
  • Investment property flips
  • Temporary solutions
  • Straightforward layouts matching standard sizes

Semi-Custom Cabinets Explained

Semi-custom cabinets bridge the gap between stock limitations and full custom pricing. They offer significantly more flexibility while maintaining reasonable costs and timelines.

How semi-custom works:

  • Built to order from standardized components
  • More size options than stock (often 1-inch increments)
  • Extensive finish and style selections
  • Modified interiors and accessories available
  • Ordered through dealers, delivered in 4-8 weeks

Semi-custom sizing flexibility:

  • Width adjustments accommodate most spaces
  • Height modifications available (shorter or taller)
  • Depth changes possible for some applications
  • Reduced need for filler strips
  • Better fit for non-standard kitchens

Construction improvements over stock:

  • Plywood box options available
  • Better hardware (soft-close standard in quality lines)
  • More durable finishes
  • Dovetail drawer construction common
  • Superior edge banding and details

Semi-custom pricing:

  • $150-400 per linear foot installed
  • 2-3x stock cabinet pricing
  • Value proposition strong for most homeowners
  • Quality-to-cost ratio often optimal

Semi-custom advantages:

  • Broad style and finish selection
  • Better construction quality
  • Sizing flexibility reduces fillers
  • Professional design assistance typically included
  • Reasonable lead times

Semi-custom limitations:

  • Cannot achieve any dimension (still working from catalog)
  • Some unique configurations impossible
  • Lead time required (no immediate availability)
  • Higher cost than stock options

Best applications for semi-custom:

  • Primary residence kitchens
  • Homes with minor dimensional challenges
  • Homeowners wanting quality without custom pricing
  • Projects with 2-3 month planning windows
  • Most Chicago kitchen renovations

Need expert advice? Call (224) 808-5100 for free consultation and measurement.

Custom Cabinets Explained

Custom cabinets are built entirely to specification—any size, any configuration, any material. True custom means starting from raw materials for each individual project.

How custom cabinets work:

  • Built from scratch to exact specifications
  • No dimensional limitations whatsoever
  • Unlimited material and finish options
  • Crafted by skilled cabinetmakers
  • Produced over 8-16 weeks typically

True custom capabilities:

  • Exact dimensions to 1/16 inch
  • Any wood species or finish
  • Unique door profiles and details
  • Complex configurations and angles
  • Furniture-quality construction methods
  • Integration with architectural elements

Custom construction quality:

  • Premium hardwood plywood standard
  • Solid wood face frames and doors
  • Hand-fitted joinery
  • Multiple finish coats with sanding between
  • Top-tier hardware (Blum, Hettich)
  • Attention to invisible details

Custom pricing:

  • $400-1,200+ per linear foot installed
  • 3-8x stock cabinet pricing
  • Reflects materials, craftsmanship, and time
  • Often comparable to premium semi-custom fully loaded

Custom advantages:

  • Perfect fit for any space
  • Unlimited design possibilities
  • Highest quality materials and construction
  • Unique, one-of-a-kind results
  • Maximum longevity: 30-50+ years
  • Increased home value

Custom limitations:

  • Highest cost category
  • Longest lead times
  • Requires clear design vision
  • Must find qualified craftspeople
  • Overkill for simple, standard kitchens

Best applications for custom:

  • Architecturally significant homes
  • Non-standard dimensions throughout
  • Specific design visions requiring unique elements
  • Long-term ownership (15+ years planned)
  • High-value properties where quality expected
  • Historical restoration projects

Comparing Construction Quality

Material and method differences affect longevity:

Cabinet Box Construction

  • Stock: Particle board or basic MDF common
  • Semi-custom: Plywood available, sometimes standard
  • Custom: Furniture-grade plywood or solid wood

Door Construction

  • Stock: MDF or particle board with veneer/laminate
  • Semi-custom: Solid wood frames with MDF/plywood panels
  • Custom: Solid wood throughout or premium MDF for paint-grade

Drawer Construction

  • Stock: Stapled particle board, basic slides
  • Semi-custom: Dovetailed boxes, full-extension slides
  • Custom: Dovetailed hardwood, premium soft-close slides

Finish Quality

  • Stock: Factory spray, single coat typical
  • Semi-custom: Multiple coats, catalyzed finishes
  • Custom: Hand-applied, multiple coats with sanding, premium topcoats

Hardware Quality

  • Stock: Basic hinges, partial-extension slides
  • Semi-custom: Soft-close hinges, full-extension slides
  • Custom: Premium European hardware, lifetime ratings

Price Comparison by Kitchen Size

Realistic budget ranges for Chicago kitchens:

Small kitchen (10-15 linear feet):

  • Stock: $1,500-3,000
  • Semi-custom: $3,000-8,000
  • Custom: $8,000-18,000

Medium kitchen (15-25 linear feet):

  • Stock: $3,000-6,000
  • Semi-custom: $6,000-15,000
  • Custom: $15,000-35,000

Large kitchen (25-35 linear feet):

  • Stock: $5,000-10,000
  • Semi-custom: $10,000-25,000
  • Custom: $25,000-50,000

These ranges cover cabinets only. Installation, countertops, and other components add to total project costs.

Timeline Comparison

Planning requirements differ significantly:

Stock cabinets:

  • Selection: Same day possible
  • Ordering: Immediate to 1 week
  • Delivery: Available to 2 weeks
  • Installation: Schedule as convenient
  • Total: 1-4 weeks possible

Semi-custom cabinets:

  • Design: 1-2 weeks for consultation and finalization
  • Production: 4-8 weeks after order
  • Delivery: Included in production timeline
  • Installation: 1-2 weeks after delivery
  • Total: 6-12 weeks typical

Custom cabinets:

  • Design: 2-4 weeks for detailed planning
  • Production: 8-16 weeks for fabrication
  • Finishing: Often included in production time
  • Installation: 1-2 weeks after completion
  • Total: 12-24 weeks typical

Making the Right Choice

Decision factors to weigh:

Choose stock when:

  • Budget is primary constraint
  • Kitchen has standard dimensions
  • Timeline is urgent
  • Property is rental or investment
  • Planning to sell soon

Choose semi-custom when:

  • Quality matters but budget has limits
  • Some customization needed
  • Planning moderate timeline (2-3 months)
  • Primary residence with 10+ year horizon
  • Want professional design guidance

Choose custom when:

  • Space has unusual dimensions
  • Specific design vision requires unique solutions
  • Budget supports premium investment
  • Long-term ownership planned (15+ years)
  • Property value warrants quality
  • Historical accuracy needed

Chicago-Specific Considerations

Local factors influence category selection:

Vintage home dimensions:

  • Pre-war Chicago homes rarely have standard dimensions
  • Custom or semi-custom typically necessary
  • Stock cabinets require excessive fillers
  • Investment in proper fit pays dividends

Condo requirements:

  • Some buildings restrict renovation timelines
  • Faster stock options may suit restrictions
  • Quality expectations vary by building class
  • HOA considerations affect decisions

Resale market expectations:

  • Buyers in premium neighborhoods expect quality
  • Stock cabinets may diminish value in upscale areas
  • Mid-range neighborhoods accept semi-custom well
  • Match investment to neighborhood norms

Climate considerations:

  • Chicago humidity variations stress materials
  • Quality construction resists moisture better
  • Plywood outperforms particle board long-term
  • Investment in durability appropriate

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between stock and semi-custom cabinets?

‍A: Stock cabinets come in fixed sizes with limited options, available immediately. Semi-custom offers more sizes, styles, and finishes, built to order in 4-8 weeks. Semi-custom provides significantly better fit and quality at 2-3x the price.

Q: Are custom cabinets worth the extra cost?

‍A: Custom cabinets make sense for non-standard spaces, specific design requirements, and long-term ownership. For standard kitchens with normal dimensions, quality semi-custom often delivers excellent results at lower cost.

Q: How long do different cabinet types last?

‍A: Stock cabinets typically last 10-15 years. Semi-custom cabinets last 15-25 years. Custom cabinets can last 30-50+ years with proper care. Construction quality and materials directly affect longevity.

Q: Can I mix cabinet types in one kitchen?

‍A: Yes. Some homeowners use semi-custom or custom for visible areas and stock for less prominent locations like pantries. Ensure styles and finishes coordinate for cohesive appearance.

Q: What type of cabinets are best for resale value?

‍A: Semi-custom cabinets offer the best balance of quality and value for most Chicago homes. Custom adds value in premium properties. Stock cabinets may actually diminish value in upscale neighborhoods.

Get Started

Understanding cabinet categories clarifies options and sets realistic expectations. Free consultations include assessment of your specific needs and recommendations across our semi-custom and custom offerings.

AK Cabinet Craft showrooms display all quality levels for hands-on comparison. See construction differences, feel hardware quality, and examine finishes before making decisions.

Schedule Your Free Consultation:

  • Call: (224) 808-5100
  • Visit: Lincoln Park or Bucktown showroom
  • Online: akcabinetcraft.com/contacts

‍

‍