Custom vs. Semi-Custom Cabinets: What’s the Difference?

Planning to upgrade your home’s cabinetry in the future? If so, you may be trying to decide between semi-custom and custom cabinets. This article will teach you how custom and semi-custom cabinets are different and some of their advantages. Get the details below!

What are Semi-Custom Cabinets?

Semi-custom cabinets are a cross between stock (or prefabricated) and custom cabinets. Like prefabricated cabinets, semi-custom cabinets are typically built according to standard sizes, styles, and finishes. However, they offer more options for customization — although there are limits on what you can modify.

Homeowners can choose between different paint or stain colors, door styles, and add interior features such as cutlery trays and pullouts. Semi-custom cabinets are more expensive than their prefabricated counterparts but are still a good choice for homeowners on a budget.

What are Custom Cabinets?

Custom cabinets are a step above semi-custom cabinets both in craftsmanship and cost. As the name suggests, they are made to order and tailored to the client’s exact specifications. Everything is chosen by the homeowner, from the size of the cabinet to the hardware and finishes.

Custom cabinets require a larger investment than stock or semi-custom cabinets, but they are incredibly worth it. For one thing, there’s no reason to settle. You get exactly what you want and need in terms of the looks and functionality of your cabinetry.

Other major benefits of custom cabinets:

• Constructed with high-quality materials
• Superior craftsmanship means they’re built to last
• No gaps or wasted space — custom cabinets are designed and built to the layout’s exact specifications
• Better organization with built-in storage solutions

Custom cabinets are truly versatile and can be used throughout your entire home. Take a peek at the many ways to utilize them below.

Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets take up the largest portion of your kitchen, and it’s important that they look and perform their best. The custom kitchen cabinets we designed and built for an Eden Prairie, MN remodel are a great example. With full overlay doors and drawer fronts, these white-painted cabinets give the kitchen a timeless look. More importantly, they feature practical design elements that improve the flow and function of the kitchen. The spacious kitchen island houses the sink and dishwasher to make clean-up a breeze while storage under the range keeps pots and pans within reach.

Click to browse the project gallery.

Custom Bathroom Vanity & Cabinets

Whether an owner’s suite or powder room, a custom bathroom vanity and cabinets go a long way in keeping your space clean and organized. The Artisan team designed and installed two sets of custom cabinets for this Plymouth bathroom renovation. In addition to adding much-needed storage, these bathroom cabinets feature clean lines, neutral colors, and beautiful design details.

Click to browse the project gallery.

Custom Mudroom Cabinets & Lockers

Mudroom cabinets keep wet, dirty outerwear and shoes from tracking debris throughout the house while ensuring coats, backpacks, sports gear, and other items have a designated space. To get the most out of your custom mudroom cabinets, consider using a mix of cubbies, lockers, and hooks like the mudroom below.

Click here to learn more about mudroom cabinetry.

Custom Cabinets for Basement Wet Bars

Adding a wet bar to your lower level creates a fun, informal gathering place. With a range of cabinetry options to choose from, you can easily highlight existing design elements in your basement or create a totally unique space.

Click to browse the project gallery.

Other Custom Cabinet Projects

As mentioned above, cabinetry is incredibly versatile. Custom cabinets can be added to almost any room in your home — even areas you may not expect! Wish your living room had more storage? Add built-in cabinets on either side of the fireplace or a window seat under a bay window. Want to create a mini dropzone in your entryway? Install a built-in bench and hooks.

Other places to install custom cabinets in your home include:

• Closets
• Garages
• Media rooms
• Laundry rooms
• Home offices
• Playrooms
• & more!

Visit our project gallery to see even more ways to use custom cabinets in your home.

Custom Kitchen Cabinets, Bathroom Vanities, & More Near Minneapolis, MN

If you’re looking to add custom cabinetry to your Minnesota home, give Artisan Cabinet Company a call. We are a small, locally-owned cabinet company that offers a personalized, one-on-one approach as we design and build your cabinetry. Every phase of your project is completed in-house by our experienced craftsman, from the design and construction to the installation and finishing. We can also design, build, and install custom millwork and furniture for your home remodeling project. 

Contact us at (612) 306-4064 or email trent@artisancabinetco.com to schedule your in-home consultation today! We proudly serve homeowners in greater Chanhassen and the Twin Cities west metro, including Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Excelsior, Edina, Chaska, Shorewood, and nearby.