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Formerly known as
“bare bones” cabinetry, choosing stock cabinets for your home no longer means
you’re getting the bare minimum. While prices largely remain tailored for the
budget-conscious, stock manufacturers are now offering luxurious options
previously exclusive to custom.
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From
the designer
Connie Edwards,
CKD, CBD
Director of Design
for American Woodmark Corp.
“Stock manufacturers have recognized that kitchens
make a fashion statement and that cabinets are no longer a commodity. The number
of decorative accessories such as furniture feet, onlays and moldings keeps
increasing but there have also been big changes in stock cabinet construction
as well.
Dovetail drawers and full-access undermount glides
are almost a given in the better stock offerings. Some modifications are even
available, including matching interiors for open or glass door cabinets,
reduced and increased cabinet depths and a plywood side option. Specialty
finishes like glazes used to be considered custom or semi-custom, but they too
have entered the stock arena.” |
The Basics
Stock cabinets are constructed prior to purchase; because the manufacturer is
not building to your unique specifications, all sizes meet industry standards.
Stock cabinetry widths begin at 9 inches and increase in 3” increments to 48”
(the largest standard stock size available). Some stock companies also offer
half-sized cabinets (13 ½”, 19 ½”, etc.). To accommodate sizes outside of the
3-inch increments, filler strips close any gaps between the cabinet and the
wall or an appliance.
Expect limited wood species, door styles and finish
selections. However, to counteract the lack of available modifications, the
woods, door styles, and finishes that manufacturers choose tend to be the most
popular; don’t think that purchasing stock means settling for an outdated
cabinet!
Check out what you’re getting beyond the cabinet. The
manufacturer should offer a good warranty that can be extended or transferred
to the end-user if you plan to sell. Also, make sure that touch-up and repair
materials accompany your shipment or can be easily ordered.
Stored in the
manufacturer’s warehouse, stock cabinets are usually available within one week
of being ordered.
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From the designer
Jean Buchen, CKD
K T Highland, Inc., Lancaster,
PA
www.kthighland.com
“Sometimes when a customer wants
a great deal of customization and ornamentation on stock cabinets, the price
difference between stock, semi custom, and custom is minimal because the cost
of installation is driven up for all the custom pieces to be installed on the
job site.” |
Pros/Cons
Pros:
Cons:
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Limited number of cabinet
sizes to choose from
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Generally, no modifications
are permitted
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Wasted space due to fillers
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