Cabinets: Semi-custom vs Full-Custom
The cabinetry of a home is one of the most important selection items when building a home. It defines the aesthetic and plays an important role in the home's functionality. However, it is also one of the most expensive selection items. In today’s market, it’s not uncommon for full-custom cabinet packages to approach or exceed $100,000. Semi-custom cabinets offer a much more affordable alternative, but there are some tradeoffs.
First of all, for the sake of this article, when referencing semi-custom cabinets, I’m assuming quality units suitable for a luxury home. I’m not assuming low-quality, particle board-constructed cabinets that one might buy off the shelf at a big box store.
Full-custom installation Feb 2024.
Quality:
It would be a mistake to assume that semi-custom cabinets are of lower quality than full-custom cabinets. Of course, the quality of construction may vary from one manufacturer to another, but this is true whether you are talking about semi or full-custom cabinets. That being said, it is possible to source both types of cabinets with high levels of craftsmanship. Plywood construction boxes, dovetail connections, and durable catalyzed finishes are available from some semi-custom manufacturers. Below are a couple of pictures from a recent installation of semi-custom units.
Ability to Customize:
The primary drawback of semi-custom cabinets is the “Semi.” The available units are going to be limited. The factories are set up to produce certain units at certain sizes, which may result in filler panels to bridge the gaps between cabinet units. In contrast, a full-custom cabinet design can accommodate essentially any size and odd shapes. The manufacturers understand what commonly needed units and sizes are, so in general, a kitchen can be (relatively) seamlessly assembled with semi-custom units.
The available door styles may also be a limitation. For example, the manufacturer may only offer a shaker-style door/drawer face. If the homeowner prefers a full-overlay European-style door, they might need to go full custom.
The available finishes (paint/stain colors) are also limited, or the cabinets may come unfinished and need to be painted onsite. Below is an example of available finishes.
The Cost Delta:
Cost is often the biggest consideration when deciding between semi-custom and full-custom cabinets. Semi-custom cabinets generally fall in the low to mid-range of cabinetry costs. Full-custom are going to land in the mid to high-range.
The semi-custom manufacturers streamline their production processes with fewer options and sizes. This is a big factor in the reduced costs compared to fully custom options. Some of the manufacturers are also located in other countries with lower labor costs.
On the other hand, full-custom cabinets are tailored to the specific requirements of the homeowner. They are crafted from scratch based on detailed designs and measurements. This high level of customization often translates to a higher cost. The price can vary significantly based on the complexity of the design, choice of materials, and the intricacy of the customization.
Semi-custom installation from 2023. (Note cabinet hardware not yet installed)
Case Study:
We were recently budgeting a new home and decided to get both a semi-custom and full-custom bid for the homeowner. The suppliers were bidding off the same set of plans, so the quantity of cabinets is equal. Note—this is a smaller home with approximately 100 linear feet of cabinetry. Below are the cost estimates.
Finishes: Paint grade, shaker style doors
SEMI-CUSTOM SUPPLIER - Material: $7,441.44; Installation (by others): $7,000; TOTAL: $14,441.44
FULL-CUSTOM SUPPLIER - Material & Installation - TOTAL: $38,285.44
