Cabinets

Types of Cabinets Available

Use this as a general guide when considering cabinetry. There are many cabinet manufacturers and each has different construction details, manufacturing standards and delivery guidelines. This will usually affect the quality and the time it takes to receive cabinets.

Stock cabinets come in standard sizes and shapes, and are usually available to take home from the store the same day or within a week. Size & style options are very limited and finish & construction is generally inferior. These are mass-produced and stocked in a warehouse.

Semi-custom cabinets are built after the order is placed and choices are made from options of size and style. That flexibility makes it easier to design a kitchen that fits particular requirements. Semi-custom cabinetry usually requires a longer lead-time, 3 to 8 weeks. More choices are offered so they are more expensive.

Custom cabinets are made to almost any standard required. An odd-sized or irregular-shaped space might not accommodate a stock or semi-custom piece, but a custom cabinet company can build nearly anything you need. Custom cabinets are the most expensive of the three types; the exact price varies widely according to size, materials and options. The time it takes to receive a custom cabinet order depends on the cabinetmaker's schedule, anywhere from 5 to 25 weeks or more.

The following table will give you a better idea of where to find the specific features you are looking for. Manufacturing trends are making it possible to start with a basic cabinet and upgrade the exact part(s) of that cabinet that you consider to be the most important,

i.e. drawers, drawer glides, shelves, etc.

You will find many options being offered on a variety of cabinets, allowing you to get the features you want at several different prices.

WHAT TO EXPECT - GENERAL GUIDE
	STOCK	SEMI-CUSTOM	CUSTOM
ENDS,TOPS & BOTTOMS	3/8” paper coated particleboard	1/2” paper coated particleboard or 3/8” to 1/2" paper coated or veneered plywood	1/2” to 3/4” veneered plywood
BACKS	1/4" paper coated particleboard	3/8" to 1/2" paper coated particleboard or 1/4” to 1/2" paper coated or veneered plywood	1/2" to 3/4" veneered plywood
SHELVES	5/8” paper coated particleboard	3/4” paper coated particleboard or 5/8” to 3/4" veneered particleboard or plywood	3/4" veneered plywood or particleboard
DRAWERS	1/2" sides, 1/8” bottom, paper coated particleboard or hardboard	1/2" to 3/4" solid wood sides, 3/16” to 1/4" paper coated or veneered plywood, particleboard or hardboard bottom	5/8" to 3/4" solid wood sides, 1/4" veneered plywood bottom
DRAWER GLIDES	Side mount partial extension, epoxy coated, nylon rollers	Under mount tandem partial extension zinc rated 75 pounds or more	Under mount tandem partial or full extension zinc self-closing with soft close rated 100 pounds or more
FACE FRAMES	Typically 3/4" thick solid wood stiles and rails	Typically 3/4" thick solid wood stiles and rails	Typically 3/4" thick solid wood stiles and rails
BRACES	In the corner or spanning the sides of a base cabinet. Provides stability prior to cabinet installation and countertop attachment points after installation.	In the corner or spanning the sides of a base cabinet. Provides stability prior to cabinet installation and countertop attachment points after installation.	In the corner or spanning the sides of a base cabinet. Provides stability prior to cabinet installation and countertop attachment points after installation.
HANGING RAILS	A strip attached to cabinets with thinner backs (usually less than 1/2"), to enable the cabinet to attach to the wall. Base cabinets will usually have one at the top and wall cabinets will usually have two, one at the top and one at the bottom.	A strip attached to cabinets with thinner backs (usually less than 1/2"), to enable the cabinet to attach to the wall. Base cabinets will usually have one at the top and wall cabinets will usually have two, one at the top and one at the bottom.	Not needed on cabinets with 1/2” or thicker backs.
DOORS	Limited style and finish. Veneered or laminated.	Assortment of styles and finishes.	Larger assortment of styles and finishes with options.
	Expect glue and/or staples at joints. No modifications or alterations.Get these on the shelf at your local home center or lumberyard or within two weeks.	Dado and rabbet joints, dovetailed drawers. Modifications or alterations limited by manufacturer. Order these from any cabinetry retailer.	Dado and rabbet joints, dovetailed or better drawers. Modifications or alterations limited only by possibility. Order these from any cabinetry retailer.

Kitchen Design

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