Custom Cabinets vs. Stock Cabinets: Why the Difference Matters

When planning a kitchen remodel, one of the biggest decisions homeowners face is whether to choose custom, made-to-order cabinets or settle for stock cabinets. At first glance, stock cabinets may look appealing because they can be 30–40% cheaper—but as with most things, you truly get what you pay for.

At SolidHauz™, we believe in showing you exactly why quality cabinetry is worth the investment. Let’s break it down:

1. Construction Quality

   • Stock Cabinets: Often built with cheap plywood or particle board, stapled joints, and sometimes even held together with plastic clips. Backs are usually thin ¼" panels, which makes the cabinets flimsy and less durable. Drawer boxes are commonly stapled, leading to sagging or breakage over time.

   • SolidHauz™ Custom Cabinets: We use UV-finished ¾" birch plywood throughout the cabinet, including a full ¾" back panel for superior strength and rigidity. Our drawers are built with true dovetail joinery, ensuring long-lasting durability. Cabinets are assembled with Confirmat screw fasteners, which provide unmatched stability compared to staples or clips.

2. Hardware & Functionality

   • Stock Cabinets: Lower-cost hinges and drawer slides are common, and rails are often flimsy and unreliable. Over time, doors may sag, and drawers won’t glide smoothly.

   • SolidHauz™ Custom Cabinets: We exclusively use BLUM hardware, the industry’s gold standard. BLUM hinges and drawer slides come with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your cabinets will function beautifully for years.

3. True Custom vs. “Branded Custom”

Some kitchen contractors source quality cabinets, but the majority order standard cabinets with limited sizes, styles, and finishes—then brand them as custom.

• Standard cabinets are manufactured in fixed widths (usually in 3" or 6" increments like 18", 24", or 30"), which means fillers and gaps are often required.

• True custom cabinetry is designed to fit your kitchen exactly—whether you need a 25" cabinet or a 31.5" cabinet, we build it to size.

There’s nothing wrong with standard cabinets; they are mass-produced and generally lower in cost. But custom means precision fit, tailored design, and unlimited flexibility.

At SolidHauz™, we also go one step further:

• Every cabinet box is edge-banded to match the door color and finish.

• Choose from veneer, laminate, acrylic, or other premium finishes—we make the doors in your chosen material and then edge-band the cabinet box for a seamless, high-end look.

4. Price & Value

• Stock Cabinets: Lower upfront cost, but often replaced sooner due to wear, sagging, or hardware failures. Hidden costs can also come from modifications or constant repairs.

• SolidHauz™ Custom Cabinets: Our prices are competitive because we are the manufacturer—no middleman, no unnecessary overhead. You get factory-direct pricing, premium quality, and unmatched service.

5. Turnaround Time

• Stock Cabinets: Availability can vary, and special orders often mean long delays.

• SolidHauz™ Custom Cabinets: Our lead times are unmatched. We prioritize efficiency without cutting corners, so you get premium cabinets delivered faster than many competitors can offer.

See the Difference for Yourself

At SolidHauz™, we even keep a small cabinet construction sample on hand so you can see firsthand how our cabinetry compares to stock cabinets. The difference is undeniable.

When you’re comparing bids and you see a kitchen priced 30–40% cheaper, now you’ll know why: thinner materials, cheaper hardware, weaker construction, and cabinets that are “standard” sold as “custom.”

With SolidHauz™, you get true custom cabinets—built stronger, fit perfectly, finished beautifully, and delivered faster.