What Are Semi-Custom Cabinets?

With semi-custom cabinets you are offered some options as it relates to a manufacturers product line. You can select the finish, door panel type, and some size flexibility. But these options are limited to that specific cabinet line.

There is a thought in the cabinetry industry that there is no such thing as a semi-custom cabinet. I disagree and here's why. Even though you may not be able to select a special finish that you really like. Or a door panel is not available to that product line, you still have more options than a stock cabinet.

In this cabinet type the options are limited only in respect to pre-made items and finishes. Such as door fronts. You cannot choose to have a door made to your specifications or to a design you really like. But the options available are normally more than adequate.

What also can be done is to buy a stock cabinet in the style and material you like and have a custom door front made. With this option you get the price savings from buying a stock cabinet but you also get a custom detail. This option often gets you into a better price range, and you still get a truly custom detail.

Most stock cabinets come unfinished so they will need to get finished by the homeowner or a professional. If a highly specialized finish is selected for the door fronts a professional finisher has the best chance of matching the two finishes. Unless they are highly skilled the two finishes may not match perfectly, but the differences should be negligible.

The delivery times are usually 4-6 weeks but could be longer depending on the manufacturer.

Let's go over the pro's and con's.

Pro's

Con's

With all cabinet types they can be spruced up by adding a crown moulding. There is no easier way to make a kitchen uniquely yours than to add a moulding detail. Crown mouldings are as diverse as the cabinets themselves. You could even have a woodworking shop make a custom crown moulding to match your cabinets. Most manufacturers offer crown mouldings as well.