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By Dave Sullivan

What kitchen or bath cabinetry is right for your remodel or new construction project, and what information will help you make an educated decision? 

The vast majority of cabinetry can be broken down into 3 distinct categories:  Stock (or Builder) grade, Semi-Custom, and Custom.  By understanding and learning to recognize the differences between these 3 levels of cabinetry and how they will perform, you will be able to make the right decision for your home.

Stock cabinets-also called Builder grade-are the most economical choice for cabinetry.  These typically will come with a limited number of door styles, finish options, and modifications.  Most come with a solid hardwood face frame for the cabinet.  The doors and drawer heads will usually have a solid hardwood frame, but in the interest of cost savings, many will have a wood veneer center panel-also called a “bladder” door. 

Construction of the drawer box varies with the basic box made from particle board or plywood.  Pay attention to how the drawer box is jointed-that is, put together.  It will probably be butted and stapled.  Some manufacturers will offer an upgrade on the drawer boxes to a dovetail style of jointing.  Also make note of the thickness of the drawer box sides.  Some are as thin as 3/8”.  The bottom of the drawer is usually just stapled to the bottom of the sides.  In some instances it will be set into a groove in the sides and front of the drawer box.  Standard is side mount or under mount nylon wheel drawer guides.

One of the most noticeable characteristics is the level of finish that the cabinets receive.  This is where the rubber meets the road, because this is what everyone will see.  By reducing the number of steps taken to sand, stain, and varnish, production costs can be greatly reduced.  This is an acceptable finish for many home owners.

Semi-custom cabinetry is a few steps above stock.  There are many more choices available in door styles and finish options.  Most lines will offer more than 40 door styles and numerous choices of stain of paint options.  Wood species available will number about a dozen.  Extensive modifications are offered to tailor the cabinetry more to the design.

Cabinet face frames, doors and drawers heads will be solid wood with some veneer plywood thrown in for flat panel door styles.  Cabinet boxes will be doweled, glued, and screwed together.  Drawer boxes will usually be constructed of minimum 5/8” thick hardwood such as maple or birch, with dovetailed joints.  Standard will be under mount nylon roller drawer guides on full extension runners.

The level of finish will be much better compared to stock cabinets.  Cabinets receive a multi step finishing process to provide an almost furniture grade appearance. 

Custom cabinetry allows for the most flexibility in kitchen or bath design.  Many manufacturers will offer standard door profiles with the capacity to produce custom doors.  Wood species run the gamut from Alder to Zebrawood, with an unlimited selection of stain and paint finishes.  Cabinets are made to order eliminating the need for modifications.

Cabinet box, door and drawer heads, and drawer box construction is similar to semi-custom.  Drawer guides are typically the same as well.

The level of finish will be second to none with much of the detailing performed by hand.

Our professional design team at Ultimate Kitchen & Bath is ready to assist you throughout the entire remodeling process and educate you so that you will feel comfortable with your decision.  Contact us at 314.968.7755, or visit us on the web at: www.ultimatekitchenandbath.net.

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