Custom vs. Stock
Confused about what type of cabinets to choose? Don’t worry! We’re experts with a love of teaching our customers about the various types of cabinetry. Our job isn’t to upsell you on the most expensive option; we listen to your budget, wants, and needs and help you decide which option would be the perfect match for YOU!
We LOVE handcrafting gorgeous, custom cabinets from scratch at our shop in Kingston, TN!
However, to sometimes better serve your needs, we also carry a line of stock cabinets. Before you contact us to schedule your Free Consultation, take a look at the section below to learn a bit about the differences in “Custom” and “Stock” cabinetry as well as some of our stock cabinet options.
What are “stock cabinets”?
Stock cabinets are pre-manufactured, typically in a large factory. They are also known as RTA (ready to assemble) cabinets. Stock cabinets are available in standard sizes usually in 3 inch increments. All the cabinet parts are pre-finished in the factory, flat packed, and shipped on pallets. Even though stock cabinets aren’t available in custom sizes, they can still be used to fit almost any kitchen or bathroom. This is possible with the use of “filler strips”. These fillers can be cut to custom sizes and strategically placed between the cabinets to fill up the desired space.
Our stock cabinets are available in base cabinets, wall cabinets, tall cabinets (pantry, oven, utility), and bathroom vanities in a variety of colors shown below. The lead time for these stock cabinets is typically 2-4 weeks. We usually can have our most popular option, White Shaker, delivered to your home within 2 weeks! We also offer measuring services, design, delivery, assembly, and installation for all of our RTA cabinet options. Contact Us for information on our stock cabinets.
Stock Cabinet Pros and Cons
Pros
Most budget-friendly option
Shorter lead times - Get your cabinets faster
DIY friendly - If you’re handy (and brave), save some money by assembling and/or installing yourself
Custom Cabinet Pros and Cons
Pros
Nearly unlimited styles, colors, and sizes - We can build you any kind of cabinet you desire -Face Frame, Frameless (full-access), Full Overlay, Partial Overlay, Inset, etc.
Fully customized for your space and your needs - Bring us all of your Pinterest ideas and let us build your dream kitchen!
High quality components - Our custom cabinet boxes are handcrafted in Kingston, TN using all 3/4” plywood (most companies use 1/2” and 1/4” particle board or plywood). We use top-of-the-line Blum door hinges and drawer slides to ensure your cabinets will function smoothly and properly for many years. For face frame cabinetry, our face frames are constructed from 3/4” USA maple which we mill with precision in our shop. We also offer an upgrade using materials 100% Made in the USA!
We can paint or stain your cabinets to any color and sheen you want! If you have a preference, we are equipped to finish your cabinets with all sorts of finishes - conversion varnish, lacquer, solvent-based or water-based polyurethane, etc. We take our finishing seriously, so we only use high quality finishes on our custom cabinetry.
Here you’ll find those stock cabinet options I mentioned earlier.
White Shaker
Carmel
Aspen White
Cons
Custom cabinets are usually more costly than stock cabinets due to the labor intensive process to precisely design and handcraft cabinets from scratch using high quality materials.
Longer lead times than stock cabinets - Depending on our current workload and the size and scope of your order, it will take weeks, sometimes months to complete your project.
Installation of custom cabinets can be more challenging and usually takes a bit longer than than stock cabinets.
(Click the photos for info showing materials and construction)
Platinum
Hickory
Cons
Limited styles, colors, and sizes
Limited options for customization
Lower quality components than custom cabinets
