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What’s the Difference Between Stock and RTA, Custom, and Semi-Custom Cabinets?

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Difference Between Stock, RTA, Semi-Custom, and Custom Cabinets

Cabinets come in three basic types: stock and RTA, semi-custom, and custom. However, they each have their own unique attributes. Understanding their similarities and differences will help you decide which kitchen or bathroom cabinet type is best for you.

Stock and Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets

Designed to be economical, stock cabinets and ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are available to buy off the shelf. They are pre-built to standard sizes and offer limited door styles. Stock cabinets and RTA cabinets often use economical materials to keep the cost down.

Customers have the option to have RTA cabinets shipped fully assembled or shipped in flat boxes to be put together at home.

cliqstudios custom cabinets

Custom Cabinets

In contrast to stock and RTA cabinets, custom-built cabinets offer a vast choice of shapes, colors, and sizes. They are built to exact specifications, meaning they usually take longer to build and thus have higher price tags. Among custom cabinet makers, price, quality, and delivery time will vary widely. A few custom brands are built in factories, but most are built on-site or in a local workshop.

cliqstudios custom cabinets

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Semi-custom cabinets represent the best of both worlds. With a wide variety of the most popular door styles and colors available in semi-custom cabinets, homeowners can easily find the look they want at a great price. Most semi-custom cabinet brands are also well-engineered using high-quality construction with solid wood cabinet accessories. Additionally, adjustment options and custom modifications will help to ensure a tailored fit.

Modern gray kitchen featuring CliqStudios Dayton cabinet style in Painted Urban Stone gray.

Summary: Stock & RTA vs. Custom vs. Semi-Custom

Stock & RTA Semi-Custom Custom
Cost Economical Mid-range Expensive, but varies
Construction Mass-produced in preset sizes Factory-built for individual layouts Built for individual layouts
Product Choices Limited selection Most popular selections Unlimited selection
Customization Little, or no customization Custom modifications in 1″ increments, modular storage solutions Fully customized to your specifications
Quality Varies High quality construction Varies depending on builder
Warranty Limited Warranty Lifetime Limited Warranty Varies depending on builder
Other RTA requires self-assembly Modification options will vary Most custom shops are local

Aren’t Custom Cabinets the Best Quality?

One common misconception among cabinet shoppers is that they believe “RTA” and “stock”, “semi-custom”, and “custom” mean low, medium, and high-quality. Actually, they don’t. Rather, they refer to different cabinet manufacturing processes.

Custom cabinetry is a really vague term,” says CliqStudios Senior Designer Patty Green. “It could mean fantastic, beautiful craftsmanship, or could mean Uncle Bob in his basement.”

Interestingly enough, factory finishes on stock cabinets and semi-custom cabinetry are sometimes be of a higher quality than custom construction. Local craftsmen may not possess the level of professional finishing equipment that larger manufacturers can afford.

Customization for Cabinets

How Important Is Customization for Cabinets?

When it comes to customization and modification of cabinets, “there’s always something,” says Green. “Even if it’s just a conversation about possible storage options or a possible use of space, there’s always going to be something.”

More customization means greater functionality: fewer fillers, less dead space, and more accessible storage.

If you’re unsure of how a custom-fit design can improve your kitchen layout, consider consulting a kitchen designer to see what a custom or semi-custom line could add to your space.

Which Type of Cabinet Is Best for Me?

Ultimately, your cabinets should match your house, Green advises.

Though remodelers often focus on the question “how much can I save?” Moreover, an equal consideration should be, “what value will this add to my house?”

If you’re planning to sell your home soon, understand that your kitchen renovation may also affect the sale.

“Kitchens have gone from behind-the-scenes to front and center,” said Green. “It’s an entertaining space. The average homeowner is savvier and cares more. Therefore, put the kitchen in your house a buyer expects to see.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a stock cabinet?

Stock cabinets are pre-built cabinet boxes in industry-standard sizes. These cabinets tend to offer less door styles and finishes along with cabinet accessories, which is how the price point stays low. Stock kitchen cabinets can be found on a shelf in a local store or come from a cabinet manufacturer in the form of ready-to-assemble cabinetry.

How do you buy stock cabinets?

Stock cabinetry can be purchased through big-box stores or online retailers. If you’re unsure about what you need, contact the retailers’ design professionals for help.

Are stock cabinets expensive?

In comparison to other cabinets, they are the least expensive. Generally, pricing for stock cabinets is between $60 and $200 per linear foot.

What are stock cabinet sizes?

Industry-standard stock cabinet sizes increase in 3” increments. Typically, upper cabinets range from 12” to 36” and base cabinets range in size from 12” to 42” wide.

What does ‘semi-custom cabinet’ mean?

Semi-custom cabinets are high-quality cabinets that come from a manufacturer. The ‘semi-custom’ aspect means they come with a variety of modifications available for a more customized kitchen without the custom price tag.

Are semi-custom cabinets worth the money?

Yes. If your budget allows for semi-custom cabinetry and you like the idea of fully assembled boxes and modifications, this type of cabinet is a great choice.

What is the difference between semi-custom and custom cabinets?

Semi-custom cabinets are somewhat limited in their capabilities compared to custom. Custom cabinets have no limitations and almost endless finishes and configurations available to meet any need.

What are semi-stock cabinets?

Semi-stock cabinets offer a few more options than the basic stock option like increased drawer box and drawer front sizes or increased cabinet depth.

Where do I buy stock cabinets?

Big-box stores and online showrooms like CliqStudios offer stock cabinets. At CliqStudios, we have the widest selection at the best price along with free design assistance. Contact a designer today!

Where do I buy economical stock cabinets?

CliqStudios offers high-quality economical stock cabinets at great prices. Our stock cabinet collection has a wide variety of door styles and finishes, and shorter lead times. Explore our stock cabinets here!

What are the best stock cabinets?

CliqStudios has great stock cabinets with all-plywood construction, factory finishes, a great warranty, and free design assistance. Explore our stock cabinets now!

Are stock cabinets good quality?

Stock cabinets can range in quality depending on where they are purchased and how they were built. Look for things like all-plywood construction, factory finishes, soft-close hinges and drawer glides for higher quality.

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