Cabinetry Ins & Outs
If you’re preparing for a renovation and need new cabinetry, it’s worth taking time to understand how cabinets are built, priced, and installed. Cabinetry has many moving parts—literally—and knowing the differences between box-store cabinets, cabinet shops, and semi-custom options can help you make the right decision for your space, budget, and long-term needs.
Start with the Big Decisions
Before you purchase cabinetry, consider four key factors:
• Total cost (boxes, finishes, installation)
• Where you plan to buy
• The level of design support you need
• Installation timeline and flexibility
Each cabinetry source offers something different, and not all are created equal. Here’s how to evaluate your options.
Box Store or Lumber Yard Cabinets
If you need a quick renovation and are keeping the same layout, a box store or local lumber yard (such as Middleton Lumber) can be a practical choice. These cabinets come in set 3-inch increments and rely on fillers to make the sizes work. This approach works well when:
• You aren’t changing the footprint of your kitchen
• You’re replacing cabinets in the same locations
• You don’t require custom inserts or specialty storage
Because the sizes are predetermined, design services are minimal—you’re essentially ordering cabinet boxes that “fit” your existing space. The trade-off is that:
• Filler pieces will be used to close gaps
• Customization is extremely limited
• The final layout may not maximize storage or functionality
For fast, simple updates, box-store cabinetry can be effective. For more creative, optimized kitchens, other options may serve you better.
Cabinet Shops
Cabinet shops offer a more specialized experience, but they still work within nominal cabinet sizes and often have limited customization capabilities. While some homeowners assume this route offers a fully custom experience, it often does not. Challenges to keep in mind:
• Cabinet shops generally rely on preset box sizes
• Modifications can make cabinets more expensive than true custom
• Design services may prioritize profit-friendly layouts over creativity
• If the job site conditions change, new parts can take weeks to arrive
Because cabinetry installations often require on-site adjustments, delays can quickly add cost and extend the construction timeline. For homeowners who want flexibility and design-led layouts, cabinet shops can be hit or miss.
Semi-Custom Cabinets (The Sweet Spot)
Semi-custom cabinetry strikes the ideal balance between flexibility, functionality, aesthetic options, and price. This is the option I recommend most often because it offers:
• Custom dimensions without filler pieces
• Better storage and more usable interior space
• Custom inserts for organization and specialty storage
• Crown molding and details that match the entire home
• Flexibility during installation to adjust for real-life conditions
The process typically looks like this:
- We design a preliminary layout together
- The plan is priced a few different ways
- Semi-custom cabinetry almost always matches or beats fully custom pricing
- We refine the design cabinet by cabinet to ensure every item has a home
- During installation, adjustments can be made quickly and efficiently
The final result is cabinetry that feels built into the architecture of your home—beautiful, functional, and perfectly tailored.
Don’t Forget About Appliances
Your appliances significantly influence the cabinet design, so make those selections early. Certain models require specific clearances or specialty cabinets, and backorders are still common. Some appliances take months to arrive, so it’s best to:
• Purchase appliances as early as possible
• Use reputable dealers who offer warehouse storage (State Street Discount, Clarke Appliances, Barons, Ferguson)
• Avoid big-box stores if delivery timing is critical
Designing the kitchen around your confirmed appliance selections ensures everything fits seamlessly.
Designing Cabinetry Is a Creative and Collaborative Process
Cabinetry design is one of the most enjoyable parts of the renovation process. Between layout, finishes, hardware, and functional details, there are endless opportunities to create a kitchen that looks incredible and works beautifully.
If you’re ready to explore cabinetry options—or want help designing a kitchen that feels thoughtful and custom—I’d love to talk about what inspires you and how we can make it real.
