Kitchen renovations can be complex projects, and all the design decisions that need to be made can feel endless. Today, I want to delve into cabinetry specifically. Regardless of overall budget, cabinets are a significant line item and also one of the most visible features. Not to mention, they're fairly permanent once installed!

In today's marketplace, there are many options to choose from and it can seem complex, but they basically all fall into the below 4 categories:

Ready To Assemble Cabinets: RTA for short, this includes brands such as Ikea and is exactly as the name implies - cabinets come flat-packed and are ready to be assembled. The main benefits of this category are the economical price point and the short lead-times (think 1 week or less). The first con is of course is the need to assemble everything. Whether done DIY or by a contractor this labor absolutely needs to be taken into consideration as it isn't insignificant. To help with costs, the cabinet "boxes" are typically constructed from particleboard. The other main consideration is that the offering is pretty limited - a limited number of door designs, cabinet size/configurations, and a relatively basic offering of interior accessories.
Stock Cabinets: Stock cabinets are another economical option and also come with short lead-times. These are purchased pre-assembled from the manufacturer. Construction varies, ranging from particleboard to plywood depending on the brand. Similar to RTA, the offering can be somewhat limited in door styles and colors, cabinet sizes, and interior accessories available.
Semi-Custom: This category generally represents the mid-range price point. Overall construction quality is improved. Plywood "boxes" become more common but this can vary by brand (some include it as standard, others as an upgrade option). Cabinet sizes are still standard, but the catalog of sizes available as standard will be more extensive - for example uppers might be offered in 2 different heights. Plus, there will be the ability to customize sizing should the need arise. Also available will be a wide range of door styles, colors/finishes, interior accessories, and decorative accent pieces. It's worth pointing out that the lead-time here can be anywhere from 4-10 weeks depending on manufacturer and the level of customization the order includes.
Custom: Marking the high-end, this category offers a product that is completely made-to-order. You have the flexibility of any size, shape, depth, color, and finish. Accessories can push the limits even further - the possibilities are endless! It comes as no surprise that cabinets in this category come with a price tag and the longest lead-time (commonly 2-3 months).

So how do you decide? There's a lot of factors, but here are just a few points to start:

What is the purpose of the renovation?
Is it an income property, or your own residence?
If it's your personal residence, how long are you planning on staying?
What type of improvements and level of finishes are standard for the neighborhood?
What is your overall budget?
What is your renovation timeframe?

While I absolutely appreciate and respect why a custom cabinet costs more than a RTA cabinet, it's ultimately about finding the right fit for each design situation. That's what makes it fun and challenging! Great results can be achieved with RTA with purposeful, creative design and a skilled installer. On the other end of the spectrum, the cost of custom cabinets may be money ill-spent if the design doesn't capitalize on the customization capabilities.

This post only scratches the surface, but I hope the information has been helpful. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments below!

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