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For decades, a custom cabinet was one built in a local craftsman’s shop, or perhaps built on site…sometimes with great results and sometimes with poor results. The true definition of custom cabinetry, is a product that is built to the designer’s or homeowner’s detailed specifications for a particular project. Semi-custom cabinetry on the other hand, refers to a product that is built in standard sizes (usually in three inch increments), with some options available for customization.

For example: extended stiles (sides) which may be trimmed to fill spaces; decorative options such as valances for base cabinets; and turnings and special moldings all help to create a more custom look. Typically, semi-custom will have a wide variety of door styles and finishes from which to choose.

Box cabinetry is absolutely non-custom. It usually offers basic sizes, door styles and wood species in a few colors. These are most commonly found in home centers for the do-it-yourself market. Due to the complexity of designing with a truly custom cabinet line, few homeowners have the skills needed to accurately order a custom kitchen without professional help. When using box cabinetry built in limited sizes, fillers are inserted to add length. Home centers can help you from your measurements with pretty good success, however the look will not be custom. Sometimes the quality of a mass produced “box” cabinet can be better than that which is built custom in a small shop, and the total cost can be similar.

Your budget as well as the complexity of the design and style will play a factor in which of these three basic types of cabinetry you chose. Remember that truly custom cabinetry lines are not locally built. They are built in a highly efficient plant with specialty finishes applied and baked on with catalyzed conversion varnishes. Local shop-built cabinets, in comparison, typically apply the finish on site using several coats of fast drying but fragile lacquer that has far less durability than “heat-set” finishes. The truly upscale market relies primarily on high quality manufactured custom cabinets to produce the investment kitchen that will last a lifetime, or at the very least a minimum of 25 to 30 years.

As well as these “custom” choices, remember to compare the interiors of the cabinetry. Many times local custom shops use furniture board, a type of particle board, for the side walls of the cabinetry as well as for the shelving. Those of you who have moved into a new construction home will know exactly what I’m describing. The painter then stains or paints the interior and there you have it—rough shelving…porous material and a fragile finish that allows the normal sticky residue from a bottle of oil, or honey, etc… to percolate through and make a permanent mess. Look for a plywood veneer or melamine type interior. Both will have a far better lifespan than furniture board.

Take these tips to heart as you are making the final selection for your new home or remodel. Talk to your contractor or builder and ask them for a reference to a supplier for the type of cabinetry you want to invest in.