Cabinet Buying Guide — 2026

Stock vs Semi-Custom vs Custom Cabinets

Which cabinet tier actually fits your project, budget, and timeline? Real pricing and honest recommendations from 500+ Kansas City kitchen installs.

Three Tiers, Three Price Points

Stock / RTA
Most Popular

Ready today. Budget-friendly. Proven quality.

$75 – $250 / linear ft
Full kitchen: $4,500 – $12,500
Lead Time: In stock — same week install
Construction: Solid plywood box, MDF door, soft-close hardware
Colors: 15-25 popular colors
Warranty: Lifetime structural, 5-year finish
Best For
  • Investors & flippers
  • Rental properties
  • Budget-conscious homeowners
  • Quick turnarounds
  • Multifamily projects
Not Ideal For
  • Unusual kitchen layouts
  • Specific color matching
  • Non-standard dimensions
Semi-Custom
Best Value

Your style. More options. Reasonable timeline.

$200 – $550 / linear ft
Full kitchen: $10,000 – $27,500
Lead Time: 2-4 weeks
Construction: Plywood box, solid wood door, dovetail drawers, soft-close standard
Colors: 40-60 colors including custom stains
Warranty: Lifetime structural, 10-year finish
Best For
  • Homeowners wanting personalization
  • Kitchens with minor layout challenges
  • Mid-range remodels
  • Resale-focused upgrades
Not Ideal For
  • Extreme custom dimensions
  • Exotic wood species
  • Curved or radius cabinets
Custom
Premium

Built to your exact specifications. No compromises.

$500 – $1,500+ / linear ft
Full kitchen: $25,000 – $75,000+
Lead Time: 6-12 weeks
Construction: Solid hardwood throughout, hand-finished, custom joinery
Colors: Unlimited — any color, stain, or finish matched
Warranty: Lifetime comprehensive
Best For
  • Luxury homes
  • Unique architectural layouts
  • Specific design visions
  • Heritage/period-accurate kitchens
Not Ideal For
  • Budget-constrained projects
  • Quick timelines
  • Investment properties

Which Tier Is Right for You?

Answer 4 quick questions to get our recommendation.

1. What's your total cabinet budget?
2. How soon do you need cabinets installed?
3. Does your kitchen have unusual dimensions or angles?
4. What's the primary purpose of this project?

Still Not Sure? Let Us Help.

Our team has installed 500+ kitchens across all three tiers. We'll recommend the right fit for your project — not the most expensive one.