Interested in upgrading your kitchen to a new, modern look? Your kitchen cabinets are an excellent place to start. However, you might be confused about which cabinets to choose and which styles will fit your aesthetic and budget.
Generally speaking, there are three types of kitchen cabinets. These types of cabinets include pre-made stock versions, semi-custom, and complete custom designs.
When remodeling your kitchen or purchasing new construction materials, knowing which types of kitchen cabinets are available and their corresponding costs can help you make the best decision.
Let’s get into the different options and types of cabinets out there.
Pre-Designed Cabinets
Pre-designed kitchen cabinets do not allow any room for customization. You usually have a choice of standard colors and designs.
For example, when you go under contract on a new home, the builder may offer a range of cabinet designs and colors that will not add to the home’s final price.
You might choose between:
- White
- Oak
- Cherry
- Maple
If you’re remodeling an existing home, a particular brand or store could offer a pine, dark brown, and white finish.
Standard designs may include handles or are handle-free. With these types of kitchen cabinets, you usually don’t have to wait as long for delivery and installation. They’re already pre-made.
If you just want a basic look or are on a tight budget, pre-designed cabinets can be the optimal way to go. However, if you plan on selling your home someday, you might not appeal to as many buyers’ preferences, and you could face lower offers or appraisal values.
Partially-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom kitchen cabinets allow you to personalize some of the design and finish aspects. For instance, you might choose between various:
- Handle designs
- Colors
- Paint types
- Finishes
You’re not limited to a cherry finish without handles or a white finish without see-through glass.
Semi-custom cabinets can offer homeowners the best of both worlds. However, they cost more and are considered an add-on by most builders.
If you choose a partially-customized design when building a new home, expect to pay a little more. It’s completely worth it if you can get the look and feel you want from the get-go. You’ll save on remodeling costs later on.
Homeowners who are remodeling also reap some cost benefits from semi-custom designs. Since these designs and options are often more sophisticated or unique, the home’s resale value can go up when it’s time to sell.
While semi-custom cabinets are considered mid-tier in price, they can take longer to deliver and install than standard or pre-designed versions.
Fully-Customized Cabinets
If you want to create a unique look in your kitchen, a fully-customized design is for you. Although these types of kitchen cabinets take the longest to make and usually cost the most, they’re worth it if you can afford the expense. Maybe you want a white finish using premium paint, crown molding, and special wood.
A few homeowners are willing to do work with a store and manufacturer to get the best possible fit. They don’t mind the wait or expense to get the exact look they want for their kitchen. Some kitchens that already have luxury appliances or unique looks need custom cabinets. A stock version or semi-custom look just doesn’t fit.
With fully-customized cabinets, you’ll probably have to spend more time upfront describing exactly what you want. You may have to see several blueprints and custom design ideas before reaching a final version. Consequently, it may take more than a few months to get exactly what you want.
You’ll also want to prepare for supply chain issues or disruptions for customized materials. But when it comes time to sell or pass down your home, you probably won’t have to worry about sprucing up your kitchen.
Conclusion
The types of cabinets you choose for your kitchen are ultimately a personal decision. It involves striking a balance between the look and features you want with the limits of your budget.
While some homeowners prefer a basic look that blends in with their appliances and backsplash, others want a 100% unique look.
Before you go out and choose your next set of kitchen cabinets, consider the available types. Pre-designed, semi-custom, and fully-custom are typically available through most outlets, manufacturers, and builders.
Think about whether you desire some flexibility in the aesthetic and how your choice will impact your home’s resale value. You can choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs with these things in mind.