Kitchen Cabinet Buying Guide: Stock, Semi-Custom, and Custom
What each tier actually delivers, lead times, and how to read a cabinet spec sheet.
Cabinets are the single largest line item in most kitchen remodels — 25-35% of the total. The decision between stock, semi-custom, and custom drives both the budget and the timeline. Knowing what you actually get at each tier prevents both overspending and bitter disappointment.
The three tiers explained
Stock ($100-$300 per linear foot installed): pre-built in standard sizes (3" increments). In-stock at big-box stores, ships in 2-3 weeks. Limited finishes and door styles. Particleboard boxes are common at this tier — fine for short-term homes but won't outlast a decade of moisture.
Semi-custom ($300-$650 per LF): made-to-order in 1" increments with more finish options. 6-10 week lead time. Plywood box construction is standard. The sweet spot for most kitchens.
Full custom ($650-$1,500+ per LF): any size, any finish, any specialty insert. 10-16 week lead time. Built by a local cabinet shop or premium brand (Wood-Mode, Christopher Peacock).
Reading a cabinet spec sheet
Box construction: plywood is the standard for any quality cabinet. Particleboard sags under heavy loads (sinks, granite) and swells if exposed to moisture. MDF doors are fine; MDF boxes are a red flag.
Drawer construction: full-extension undermount soft-close slides are the modern minimum (Blum, Salice). Side-mount slides are obsolete. Dovetail solid-wood drawer boxes are a quality indicator.