Kitchen cabinets are one the strongest focal points of a kitchen. So whether you choose to go with custom cabinets (see our blog on choosing a custom cabinet maker) or with prefabricated cabinets, it’s important that you choose the right cabinets for your needs and space availability.

Before choosing, it’s important to consider the different cabinet types and the varying quality of construction materials. Although your contractor will be able to help you with choosing new cabinets, it’s always good to know what options are available to you – so for today’s post, we’re going to outline the types of cabinets and quality grades available today.

There are the four basic types of cabinets – base, wall, tall, and specialty units.

  • Base – standard base cabinets are 24” deep and 36” tall. Depth may be increased to 27” on some semi-custom and custom applications. For ease of use, base cabinetry rests atop a four-inch recessed riser called a toe kick.
  • Wall – upper cabinetry is generally 12” deep but can be increased to 17” on some semi-custom and custom applications. The lengths on wall cabinets are 30” or 42”. Cabinets over ranges and refrigerators are 12” or 18” long.
  • Tall – Tall cabinets are typically 83.5” in height, serving mostly as pantry space and broom/small appliance storage.
  • Specialty Units – Specialty units maximize square footage and organization. They include corner cabinets, sink/cooktop fronts, suspended units, hutches, bottle racks, and appliance garages. An 18” backsplash creates usable workspace between countertops and the bottom edge of upper cabinets (be sure to check out our blog on unique backsplash ideas for more info).

In addition to the types of cabinets available, there are also different grades of quality for the materials used in the construction of kitchen cabinets. These quality grades are grouped into four categories based in their quality of construction – ready-to-assemble (RTA), stock, semi-custom and custom. Here is an outline of each:

Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) – Readily available and constructed with cost in mind, these cabinets are purchased boxed from the chain home improvement stores. Selection is narrow in style, size, and material and, as they are named – they require assembly. Durability is not as long as other grades of cabinetry. If you are considering purchasing RTA cabinetry, make sure you are well-versed in constructing and installing cabinetry, which can be tricky, even for a skilled professional.

Stock – Purchased pre-sized from manufacturers, stock cabinets are a basic and economical option. These cabinets are typically constructed on-site from modular units and are size-specific and size-differences are 3-inch increments (i.e. 21-inch, 24-inch, 27-inch, etc.). Stock cabinet materials range from particleboard covered with plastic laminates to solid wood, depending on the manufacturer. While they only offer a relatively limited range of accessories, they may offer attractive and affordable style without sacrificing quality. The price of installation for stock cabinetry is typically not included in the purchase price.

Semi-Custom – With a wider selection in both style and material available, semi-custom cabinetry generally marks the mid-range option in terms of price point, while allowing for some size adjustments and better quality cabinet construction. Semi-custom cabinetry also features an extensive selection of styles, finishes, storage solutions and decorative enhancements. This allows for a more personalized look that fits within most budgets. Semi-custom cabinets consist of everything from stock cabinets fitted with custom doors to made-to-order cabinets selected from a manufacturer’s catalog of featured styles, materials and finishes.

Custom – Custom cabinetry is completely made-to-order and offers the most diversity in style, material, finishes, and accessories. These cabinets are one-of-a-kind with tailored sizes and innovative design solutions, suiting even the most unique spaces, often narrowing measurements with exact increments down to the 32nd of an inch. While design options are limitless – allowing for flexibility of any size, shape, depth, or finish and accessories – these high-dollar cabinets can quickly exhaust a budget.

Be sure to talk with your contractor about what options will best fit the space available, as well as your budget before making your final decision. Your contractor’s knowledge and expertise may help you to find compromises to allow you choose the cabinets you really want, while maintaining a realistic budget. Click here to learn about our TruYouDesign™ process and request a free estimate.