Kitchen Cabinets - A Cost and Quality Analysis
Written by Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement

Kitchen cabinets are an important aspect of kitchen remodeling. Cabinets are one of the first things you see when you walk into a kitchen and they are also the hardest element to remove or change. As with any home improvement project, when it comes to kitchen cabinets, budget is usually the first thing that needs to be considered. What many homeowners do not know is that you can be in charge of what your kitchen cabinets cost if you know how kitchens are priced.

Kitchen cabinets are divided into three separate categories based on the type of production methods used to make the cabinets. The categories include; stock, semi-custom, and custom. The cost of your cabinets depends on which type of cabinet you decide to go with; however, it is a false assumption that the categories represent a certain level of quality. Both fine and poor quality is available with each type.

Stock cabinets are popular because they are low in cost and readily available. “Stock” basically stands for your standard, pre-assembled, mass produced cabinet. With stock cabinets, only certain sizes are available and a very limited amount of modifications can be made.

Semi-custom cabinets are sold on the idea that homeowners can achieve the same look as a custom cabinet at a much lower price. They are the middle ground between stock and custom cabinets because they offer a greater flexibility in the design process. Simple modifications can be made to this type of cabinet, as well as more trim and molding options.

Custom cabinets are built to individual specifications. Although custom cabinets are sold at the highest cost, they offer an unlimited variety of design, size, style, materials, colors, finishes and features.

Aside from the three types of cabinets, there are other factors contributing to the overall cost of your kitchen cabinets. Below is a list of factors to consider, listed in order of cost.

• Methods and Materials used in Cabinet Constructions.
• Kitchen Layout
• Style of Cabinet Door
• Type of Finish
• Type of Material Used

If you take all of these factors into consideration before selecting your cabinets, you will be able to take charge of the amount of money you invest, while still getting the quality that you most desire.

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