Stock, Semi-Custom and Custom Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are available in four levels of design and price.
Stock cabinets are typically available fully assembled in standard sizes and configurations. You can usually take them home the same day or just a few days later. Sizes and styles are more limited than with custom options, but the price is right for remodeling on a budget, and preassembly makes them quicker to install. If you purchase preassembled cabinets, you need to have a vehicle with enough space to carry them, or you'll need to arrange to have them delivered.
Semi-custom cabinets are built after you order them and offer a larger range of sizes and styles than stock cabinets. These options make it easier to design a kitchen that fits your individual requirements. Semi-custom cabinetry requires a longer lead time for delivery than stock and is a little more expensive.
Custom cabinets are made to almost any size or standard you require. You may want a unique piece to act as a focal point in your kitchen, or you may have an odd-sized or irregular-shaped space that won’t accommodate a stock or semi-custom piece. A custom cabinetmaker can build nearly anything you need from scratch. In addition to size and configuration, you can select a framed or frameless design, door and drawer-front style, the type of overlay you prefer, as well as color and finish. Custom cabinets are usually the most expensive of the three types. The exact price varies widely based on size, materials and options. The time it takes to receive a custom cabinet order varies depending on the cabinetmaker's schedule.
Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinets offer do-it-yourself (DIY) assembly. It’s the best value on cabinets with high-quality construction and the perfect project for DIY enthusiasts and weekend warriors. Ready-to-assemble cabinets are designed for quick and easy assembly and can be done at your convenience. Be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions included with your cabinets. At Lowe’s, you get affordability without sacrificing workmanship. Same day delivery available in select stores or have it quick shipped direct to your home.
Are you ready to create your dream kitchen? The Lowe’s Kitchen Planner can make that dream a reality. Take our style quiz, get a cost estimate and meet with one of our designers for a free consultation.
What Are the Different Sizes of Kitchen Cabinets?
While cabinets can vary in size, standard sizes for stock cabinets give a good indicator of typical sizing.
- Base cabinets generally measure 34-1/2 inches high without a countertop — and up to 36 inches with it. They're typically 2 feet deep, and widths can run between 12 to 48 inches.
- Wall cabinets vary in height, ranging from 12 to 42 inches. Depths, too, can vary between 12 and 24 inches, while widths can run between 12 and 36 inches.
- Pantry cabinets stand taller, up to 8 feet high, with a depth of one to two feet, but are narrower, generally between 1-1/2 and 2-1/2 feet.
What Are the Different Types of Kitchen Cabinets?
The material used in cabinet construction helps determine the look of the cabinets. You’ll have more material possibilities with semi-custom and custom cabinets.
Cabinet and Drawer Boxes
The cabinet box and drawer box can be constructed of human-made materials or solid wood.
- Particle board and furniture board are composites of reclaimed and recycled wood products bonded together with a synthetic resin or binder under heat and pressure.
- Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers. It's typically stronger than particle board.
- High-density fiberboard (HDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers. Due to its resin content and the manufacturing process, HDF is stronger than MDF.
- Plywood is made of thin layers of wood veneer glued together. The wood grain of each layer runs at a 90-degree angle to the grain of the layers surrounding it, resulting in a strong and stable building material.
- Solid wood is kiln-dried lumber that's been milled directly from felled timber.
Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts
Doors, door fronts and face frames are available in different species of hardwood and human-made materials:
- Maple and hickory are dense hardwoods and less susceptible to dents and scratches than many other species.
- Cherry is also a durable option and can have a very intricate grain and pronounced wood characteristics.
- Species such as birch, beech, oak and alder offer the warmth and beauty of natural wood but are more economical options.
- MDF coated with a durable, easy-to-clean polymer wrapped or molded surface offered in a variety of colors gives the look of painted or stained wood finish.
The look of the cabinets and the available finishes vary by wood species. As with other materials, semi-custom and custom cabinets give you more options to find the wood and finish that best fits your style and vision.
If selecting a natural wood look, be aware that different materials will have very different grain patterns and color tones. It’s a good idea to see a sample of your material and finish combination before purchasing. Another thing to keep in mind is natural wood tones will age over time, especially if they’re in direct sunlight through windows or doors.
Cabinet Type and Configuration
Base cabinets support your countertops to provide a workspace or organization space at standing height. In addition to different door and drawer cabinet configurations you’ll see in standard base cabinets:
- Sink base cabinets are designed to be used with a sink, featuring a false drawer front and open back to fit around your sink plumbing. Storage options are available in most cabinet lines.
- Corner cabinets are available in several design styles to make the most of your kitchen space. A blind cabinet looks like a standard base cabinet, but the section that fills the corner is covered by the side of an adjoining cabinet. A Lazy Susan cabinet uses a rotating design to provide easy access to items in the back of the corner space.
- Wall cabinets come in various widths and heights — either single, double or triple doors depending on width. Shorter wall cabinets can be used over appliances such as an over-the-range microwave or refrigerator. Most wall cabinets 24 inches high or taller feature adjustable shelves. The height will determine the number of shelves. Corner wall cabinets are available in several styles to make the most of your kitchen space. Corner angle cabinets are the most commonly used as they provide the most storage.
- Pantry cabinets rest on the floor and have a tall storage area, making good use of vertical space. Typical pantry cabinets have two doors and up to three adjustable shelves. Pantry cabinets usually range from 84 inches to 96 inches in height with widths from 12 inches to 36 inches, making good use of vertical space. Most pantry cabinets feature a top and bottom section. The top section will normally have one to three adjustable shelves, while the bottom section will have an array of storage options.
What Is the Most Efficient Way to Organize Kitchen Cabinets?
Arrange your dishware, gadgets and small appliances by keeping handy the items you use the most. Consider additional storage solutions to keep each drawer and each cabinet tidy. The Lowe’s Kitchen Planner can help plan your dream space. Set room dimensions, choose cabinetry and see your kitchen come to life. If you need additional help, schedule a free in-store or online consultation.
The toe kick platforms on stock cabinets are typically unfinished. You’ll need to purchase side panels and toe kicks separately. Some stock cabinets also have unfinished sides.
What Are Framed and Frameless Cabinets?
Cabinets are either framed or frameless. The terms refer to the construction of the cabinets but also indicate the look and some of your design options.
Framed
Framed cabinets feature an overlaying frame or structure attached to the front of the cabinet box. The frame extends up to 2 inches over the cabinet opening, adding strength and sturdiness to the construction. This is the most common type of cabinet in the US.
Frameless
Frameless cabinets, also known as full access cabinets or European style, don’t have a face frame. A frameless cabinet has a seamless line and sleek look with the door and drawer glides attached directly to the box.
Choosing a Door Overlay
Door overlay refers to the amount of frame visible on the cabinetry.
Partial Overlay
Partial overlay, also known as standard or traditional overlay, is the most common and often the least expensive option for your kitchen. The door sits on the cabinet face leaving 1 inch to 1-1/4 inch of the face frame exposed. No hardware is required with a partial overlay door style.
Full Overlay
Full overlay gives cabinets a custom look without the cost and covers most of the cabinets' face frame only leaving up to 1/4 inch. It does require cabinet hardware because there’s only 1/4 inch of space between the doors and drawers, which makes it difficult to open otherwise.
Inset
Inset doors are set into the cabinet frame and fit flush with the face of the cabinet when closed. With this type of door, the hinges can either be concealed or exposed. Cabinets with inset doors provide the smallest amount of storage space and require hardware.
Door Design Options
In addition to door overlays, you can choose from different door styles or designs to achieve the look you want.
Colors and Finishes
Just as important as the cabinets themselves are the color and finish. When deciding on a color, consider your overall kitchen color scheme, personal preferences and the amount of natural light in the kitchen. Below are several types of kitchen cabinet finishes.
- Unfinished cabinets are left in their natural state, without painting, varnishing or staining. Unfinished wood cabinets, like mahogany or cherry, lend a casual and rustic feel to your kitchen.
- Stained cabinets are a popular choice for many kitchens. The stain is applied to wood either by hand-wiping or spray to enhance the woodgrain or change the color. Sprayed stains have a more uniform finish. A stain that’s applied by hand creates a varied color effect, which gives the finished product a unique look and feel.
- Painted cabinets are another popular option that allows you to customize the cabinets to enhance your kitchen. They do, however, require more maintenance. Semi-gloss, gloss or satin finish paint are practical choices for kitchen cabinets as they’re easier to clean than matte finish. Also, the glossy finish is more stain-resistant.
- Thermofoil cabinets are constructed of MDF topped with a thin vinyl layer vacuum-pressed onto the surface, creating a durable, easy-to-clean product. Thermofoil cabinets are available in a wide range of colors that mimic the look of paint.
- Duraform-finished cabinets consist of foils and coatings that are bonded to MDF using heat and pressure. The finishing process produces low-maintenance, durable cabinets that are heat-, fade- and humidity-resistant.
What Colors Look Good for Kitchen Cabinets?
Kitchen design is a personal matter, with the homeowner's tastes the ultimate judge. But if you're undecided, consider that the kitchen is one of the most used rooms in your home, and is a popular place for family and friends to gather. Many people prefer brighter colors or lighter shades, such as blond wood or cabinets painted white.
Still unsure? Check out our guide — DIY Kitchen Color Schemes and Paint Ideas — for a deeper look at kitchen color design.
What Are the Different Cabinet Finishes?
If you're putting a DIY finish new unfinished cabinets, you have a range of options:
- Matte Paint: Matte paint provides a flatter, less glossy sheen, creating a more casual, low-key feel.
- Satin Paint: Satin finishes offer a middle ground between gloss and matte finishes. It can be a popular choice, as it's simple to apply and cleans easily.
- High-Gloss Paint: A high-gloss finish gives your cabinets a distinctive and appealing sheen, and offers durability and easy maintenance.
- Water-Based Stain: Water-based stains are absorbed deep into the cabinet wood, drying quickly but delivering a rich stain. Once absorbed, the water will raise the graining slightly, so you may wish to sand it back down.
- Oil-Based Stain: Oil-based stains dry more slowly than water-based options, but won't affect the graining as much, either. It comes as a liquid or gel and is rubbed or brushed into the wood, providing attractive color and enhancing the detail in the wood.
- Polyurethane Varnish: This varnish brushes onto your cabinets as a transparent protective coating, resistant to fungus, mildew and moisture.
- Conversion Varnish: Conversion varnish is also called catalyzed varnish, and requires the addition of a hardening agent before application. It's a great protective coating for wood cabinets, but to be sure you get the correct proportion of varnish to hardening agent, it's best to use a professional contractor.
- Glazed: A glaze is added to an already painted or stained cabinet to provide additional detail and interest, giving the wood an antiquing effect or a more metallic appearance.
What Is Modern Kitchen Cabinet Design?
Once you decide on the primary options for your cabinets, consider some accessories for a modern design:
- Add style with glass doors, with or without mullions. Finish the interior to match the exterior, or shake things up with a bright or contrasting hue.
- Down-lit glass display shelves put the spotlight on your decorative collections.
- Plate holders face front or to the side for an interesting view of your dinnerware.
- Faux furniture legs and feet for cabinets give the illusion of freestanding pieces.
- Spacers, plinth blocks and rosettes add a decorative touch to your cabinetry.
- Tip-out tray kits allow you to convert false drawers on some cabinets to useable storage space.
Accessible Kitchen Cabinetry: What Are the Features to Look for in Kitchen Cabinets?
Accessible kitchen cabinetry is a customized solution designed to make using the storage space easier:
- Pull-out, pull-down and pull-up shelves, baskets and drawer organizers mean dishes, glassware, pots and pans are easy to reach.
- Pull-out tables and cutting boards slide in and out of existing cabinetry at the height that’s right for you to create a more comfortable, safer workspace.
- Adjustable-height countertops accommodate every user at a level that’s right for them.
- Elevated toe kicks leave room for wheelchairs and other mobility devices at the base of the cabinets for a more comfortable fit.
- Lowered cabinetry for wall ovens and microwaves puts hot food at a more manageable level, reducing the risk of burns and spills.
- Raised dishwasher cabinetry can bring everyday chores to a more comfortable position.
Take a look at our Cabinet Storage Buying Guide to see storage options that can make your cabinets easier to use.
Cabinet Hardware and Countertops
Cabinet hardware can be designed for style, accessibility and ease of use. Our Cabinet Hardware Buying Guide will help you find designs that meet your aesthetic or functional needs.
Countertops complete the look of your cabinets and give you space to work. Different countertop materials are suitable for different types of use and are available in different price ranges. See our Countertop Buying Guide for help finding the countertops that will be best for your kitchen.
How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost?
The cost for cabinets can vary between $5,000 for a DIY job with stock cabinets and $40,000 or more for custom cabinets with professional installation. Kitchen cabinet pricing depends on the design and size of your cabinets, the type of wood or other material that's used and the complexity of the installation. Custom cabinets, too, will be more expensive than stock options. Materials such as laminate and wood veneer offer an economical choice, while woods and acrylics provide a middle ground, and steel cabinets constitute your most expensive option.
Don't have time to install cabinets yourself? Check out our professional cabinet installation service.
What Is the Best Material to Use for Kitchen Cabinets?
The best material to use is the material that fits your budget while accomplishing your goals of a fresh look and quality performance. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Laminate offers a budget-conscious homeowner excellent performance and an appealing appearance, while wood brings natural warmth and classic looks. Finally, steel offers a sleek, modern feel with all the performance of wood and laminate options.