Custom vs. Semi-Custom Cabinets: Cost, Installation, & More
When planning a kitchen remodel, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing between custom and semi-custom cabinets. Cabinets are not only a major visual element in your kitchen, but they’ll also take up a significant portion of your renovation budget.
In any kitchen renovation or construction project, choosing the right cabinetry is super important. Understanding the differences between custom and semi-custom cabinets will help Tallahassee homeowners like you decide what type of cabinets you want to get for your kitchen.
To help you navigate this decision, we’ve put together this guide on custom vs. semi-custom cabinets. As always, McManus Kitchen & Bath is here to support you in designing your dream home. Let’s get started!
McManus Kitchen and Bath is a full service remodeling company with an in-house design team and showroom right here in Tallahassee, FL.
We work exclusively with homeowners to help them remodel using a design-build approach that saves time, avoids confusion and creates better results. If you are considering a new project you can schedule a discovery call here.
Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets represent the highest level of personalized craftsmanship in kitchen design. Should you decide to go this route, each cabinet will be designed to meet your needs (as well as improve the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your kitchen). Let’s break it down below:
Precision tailoring
Custom cabinets are built to exact measurements and design preferences. Unlike pre-made cabinets, custom cabinets are constructed from the ground up based on detailed specifications provided by the client.
Endless design possibilities
One of the best features of custom cabinets is the virtually unlimited range of design options. Homeowners can choose from a wide range of different materials, finishes, and hardware to match their vision, personal style, and kitchen layout.
Maximized storage and fit
Custom cabinets aren’t just about looks. They’re also designed to maximize storage and functionality. Custom cabinet makers tailor fit the project to the specific dimensions and layout of your kitchen. If you’re interested in installing innovative storage solutions in your kitchen, you should definitely consider getting custom cabinets.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
On the other end of the spectrum, there are semi-custom cabinets. Semi-custom cabinetry is an attractive option for homeowners who want more flexibility and personalization than stock cabinets offer but without the high cost associated with fully custom kitchen cabinets.
Pre-manufactured with standard options
Semi-custom cabinets are pre-manufactured using standard sizes, styles, and finishes. This pre-production approach allows for faster manufacturing and lower costs in comparison to fully custom cabinets. However, unlike stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets still provide some room for customization.
Some degree of personalization
While semi-custom cabinets are not entirely bespoke, they do allow for some modifications. For example, you might be able to adjust the depth of your semi-custom cabinets to accommodate larger appliances. You can also choose from a variety of different finishes, hardware, and accessories to personalize your cabinets.
More flexible than stock cabinets
Stock cabinetry is typically mass-produced with very limited customization options. While they might not offer the same extensive range of choices as custom cabinets, semi-custom cabinets provide a solid middle ground. You’ll be able to tailor certain aspects of your kitchen cabinets without having to break the bank.
Comparing Custom and Semi-Custom Cabinets
The main difference between custom and semi-custom cabinets lies in the extent of customization and flexibility they provide. Custom cabinets are fully bespoke, meaning they’re designed to the exact specifications of your project.
Semi-custom cabinets, on the other hand, provide some predefined options for personalization. There are also some notable differences when it comes to cost, installation requirements, delivery times, craftsmanship, and quality. Let’s take a closer look below:
Cost
Custom cabinets are the more expensive option because of their bespoke nature. The cost can vary based on the materials you select, the complexity of the design, the finishes, and any specialized features you’ve decided to include. Although the investment in custom cabinets is higher, many homeowners find it worthwhile.
In comparison, semi-custom cabinets are more budget-friendly (which means they’re a popular choice). While they may not offer the same extensive customization options as custom cabinets, they still provide a good level of personalization at a lower cost. This makes semi-custom cabinets an appealing choice for those who are looking to balance cost and customization effectively.
Installation
Proper installation is obviously very important. Custom cabinets, since they’re designed so precisely, typically require professional installation. Semi-custom cabinets, which are pre-manufactured with standard sizes and specifications, will usually be easier to install. That said, you may want to hire a professional installer anyway.
While the installation process may be simpler and quicker with semi-custom cabinets compared to custom cabinets, having a professional handle the installation will ensure that your cabinets are securely anchored and properly aligned. It will probably end up looking better if a professional does it for you, too.
Delivery and lead time
Custom cabinets typically have longer lead times because they’re built from scratch. The meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating each piece means that it can take several weeks to months for custom cabinets to be completed and delivered to your home.
Semi-custom cabinets generally have shorter lead times compared to custom cabinets. Since they are pre-manufactured, production and delivery times are faster. However, the lead time ultimately depends on the extent of customization you want and the manufacturer’s production schedule.
Customization
Once again, with custom cabinets, the customization possibilities are almost endless. You can select every aspect of the cabinet design — from materials and finishes to specific features and accessories.
Semi-custom cabinets offer a more limited range of customization options, but they still provide enough flexibility to personalize your kitchen. You can choose from different styles, finishes, hardware, and accessories within predefined parameters.
Craftsmanship and quality
Custom cabinets are typically built by skilled artisans, so you can rest assured that you’ll be getting high-quality cabinets if you decide to go the fully custom route. The use of premium materials and advanced construction techniques results in custom cabinets that are not only visually appealing but also quite durable and long-lasting.
While semi-custom cabinets may not match the level of craftsmanship found in custom cabinets, they still maintain a good standard of quality. Reputable manufacturers of semi-custom cabinets implement strict quality control measures. This is to ensure consistency and reliability in their products.
What is the Right Choice for Your Tallahassee Home?
When deciding between custom and semi-custom cabinets for your Tallahassee home, there are a few factors you should take into consideration:
Budget
Custom cabinets offer almost unlimited personalization options, but they tend to be more expensive. Semi-custom cabinets are more affordable (and are still somewhat customizable).
Customization needs
If you have specific design requirements and want complete control over every aspect of your cabinetry, custom cabinets are the way to go. If you’re looking for some personalization without the extensive process, semi-custom cabinets might be a better choice.
Timeline
Custom cabinets have longer lead times, whereas semi-custom cabinets can be delivered more quickly.
Installation
Both types of cabinets could benefit from professional installation. However, custom cabinets may require more specialized expertise.
Quality and craftsmanship
Custom cabinets generally provide higher craftsmanship and quality. That said, reputable semi-custom manufacturers also provide durable and high-quality options when it comes to semi-custom cabinets.
Conclusion
Choosing the right kitchen cabinets is a huge decision for any homeowner. However, just know that whether you decide to opt for the bespoke quality and limitless customization of custom cabinets or the balanced flexibility and affordability of semi-custom cabinet types, you’ll be making an excellent choice.
At McManus Kitchen & Bath, we understand the importance of this decision and are here to help you navigate your options. We want to help you design the perfect cabinets for your Tallahassee home! Contact us today to discuss your kitchen renovation plans and discover how we can assist you in creating cabinets that are both beautiful and functional.
Another Thing to Consider… Framed Vs Frameless
We specialize in frameless cabinets. They are have several advantages over framed options. Read about them here.
Why We Recommend Semi-Custom Cabinets
In the past, custom cabinets were almost always the best you could get. But now, because of great advances in the manufacturing process, semi-custom cabinets are the way to go.
Like custom cabinets, semi-custom offers a very high degree of customization. While not completely limitless, you can almost certainly find exactly what you’re looking for with semi-custom cabinets.
They are made with high-quality materials and the quality control the manufacturer requires gives you the peace of mind you need for such a big investment.
And the wide variety of choices in terms of colors and finishes means you’ll be able to find the perfect aesthetic for your space.
They’re also better in terms of price, costing significantly less than custom cabinets. The wait time is shorter and often more reliable.
But most importantly, the cabinets are often better quality. Because they’re factory-made, they are consistently excellent. The finishes are flawless and the quality control protects you, the buyer.
Today semi custom cabinets are usually a better choice and offer better quality and reliablity.
When to Choose Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets do still have a place, especially if you are using a qualtiy company like Custom Wood Products. We’ve worked with CWP for several years and their service and quality are fantastic.
We like to use CWP when we the client wants inset cabinets. Inset cabinets have very tight tolerances so the extra care CWP takes in the manufacturing process is important.
Custom cabinets would also be the best choice if you wanted to use an exotic wood like Zebrawood or ebony since most semi custom shops won’t carry them because of lack of demand.
If you want specialty cabinets with curved doors or other unique features then custom is probably the best choice as well.
Picture of a hidden door panty from the Custom Wood Prodcuts Showroom
