All about cabinets, cabinet doors before shopping

The cabinet carries the true heart of any kitchen remodeling job. They probably have the biggest impact on the overall appearance of the kitchen and may be the single largest expense. It pays to understand cabinet styles and construction before you go shopping or talk to a kitchen designer about your new kitchen plans.

There are three general categories of kitchen cabinets: custom, semi-custom, and stock. There are different types of each.

Custom cabinets are the most expensive type of cabinet. A cabinet shop builds custom cabinets for a specific kitchen from a blueprint designed by an architect or kitchen designer. Custom cabinets are typically installed and configured by the manufacturer to create an almost limitless variety of storage and organization solutions from any combination of wood or color and in almost any set of dimensions or style.

However, their versatility comes at a cost because they are the most expensive type of cabinets. A common figure can be $100 to $850 per foot, but can go as high as $1,000. (Note: Price includes lazy Susan’s and pullouts). A movable foot refers to one foot of width that includes the upper and lower cabinets. Most common kitchens end up in the $450 to $850 range. This includes cabinets, hardware and handles only. Does not include countertops, plumbing, wiring, flooring, or anything else.

Probably the most frequently installed cabinets by contractors are semi-custom cabinets. Home improvement stores, kitchen designers, or contractors order semi-custom doors from the manufacturer. Most semi-custom cabinets are ordered in standard sizes, then some of the cabinets are custom sized to fit a particular space or to meet a specific need. Manufacturers can customize the size of the doors which can be modified after delivery.

Semi-custom cabinets are available in many styles, woods, and colors. They tend to average $500 per foot (installed), but the cost can vary wildly. Outlets that sell these doors will often have a connection to contractors who can install the cabinets, as well as any necessary plumbing and electrical work.

Regular cabinets are the cheapest way to get a new kitchen in your home or renovate old ones. Gates are in stock at most home improvement stores and some lumberyards. They come in a limited variety of colors and sizes. However, with a little extra work and some classic-looking hardware, you can make these cabinets look great in your kitchen. In fact, once the kitchen is complete, it’s hard to tell from outward appearances whether the project used custom, semi-custom, or standard cabinetry. The cabinets shown on this page are custom cabinets that are constructed of the highest quality wood.