Custom vs. Stock Cabinets: Which Is Best for Your Los Angeles Kitchen?

Key Takeaways:

• Stock Cabinets
  • Cheapest option
  • Good for rentals/short-term
  • Limited sizes/styles

• Semi-Custom
  • Middle price range
  • More size options
  • Better quality than stock

• Custom CabinetsDefinition: Cabinets built to specific measurements and designs to fit a unique kitchen layout. Why ...
  • Perfect fit for your space
  • Highest quality materials
  • Your exact style choices

• Best For LA Homes:
  • Small kitchens → Custom
  • Older homes → Custom
  • Luxury properties → Custom
  • Rentals/flips → Stock

Custom or Stock Cabinets? How to Choose for Your LA Kitchen

Standing in a cabinet showroom staring at dozens of options, most LA homeowners ask the same question: "Should I go with custom-made kitchen cabinets in Los Angeles or stock cabinets for my kitchen remodel?" 

After installing thousands of cabinets across Los Angeles, we'll give it to you straight - there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But here's everything you need to know to choose what's right for YOUR kitchen.

The Big Differences at a Glance

Remember: Semi-custom cabinets fall somewhere in the middle on all these points.

When Stock Cabinets Make Sense

Stock cabinets aren't always the "cheap" choice - sometimes they're the smart choice:

1. For rental properties
   • Tenants won't appreciate custom quality
   • Faster replacement if damaged
2. When you're selling soon
   • Good enough for staging
   • Faster installation
3. For very tight budgets
   • Let you spend more on counters or appliances
   • More money left for other projects

Real Talk: Stock cabinets have improved - many now offer soft-close hingesDefinition: Cabinet hinges that prevent doors from slamming shut, offering a smooth and quiet closin... and decent finishes.

When Custom Cabinets Are Worth It

That higher price tag buys you real benefits:

1. Perfect fit for your space
   • No wasted inches in small LA kitchens
   • Handles sloped ceilings or odd angles

2. Smart storage solutions
   • Designed for your specific cookware
   • Special features like spice pull-outs

3. Higher quality that lasts
   • Plywood boxes instead of particleboard
   • Thicker shelves that won't sag

4. Your exact style
   • Any color, wood type, or door style
   • Matches your home's architecture

LA Pro Tip: Custom cabinets add more value in high-end neighborhoods where buyers expect premium finishes.

The Semi-Custom Sweet Spot

Many LA homeowners find that semi-custom cabinets hit the perfect balance:

• More size options than stock
• Better materials than basic lines
• 30-50% cheaper than full custom
• 4-6 week lead time

Best for: Homeowners who want some customization without the full custom price tag.

Cost Comparison in Los Angeles

Here's what you'll actually pay:

Stock Cabinets

• Basic: $100-$150 per linear foot
• Upgraded: $150-$300 per linear foot

Semi-Custom

• $300-$600 per linear foot

Custom Cabinets

• Entry-level: $500-$800 per linear foot
• High-end: $800-$1200+ per linear foot

Important: These prices are for cabinets only - installation adds 20-30% more.

How to Decide What's Right for You

Ask yourself:

1. How long will I keep this home?
   • Under 5 years? The stock might be fine
   • Forever home? Invest in custom
2. How important is storage?
   • Minimalist cook? Stock works
   • Serious home chef? Go custom
3. What's my budget?
   • Under $15k total? Stick with stock
   • $30k+ budget? Consider custom
4. How unique is my space?
   • Standard layout? Stock fits
   • Odd angles or sizes? Need custom

LA-Specific Considerations

1. For small kitchens
   • Custom makes every inch count
   • Stock leaves awkward gaps
2. In older homes
   • Custom fits the original architecture
   • Stock often looks "tacked on"
3. For resale value
   • Custom pays off in high-end areas
   • Stock sufficient in mid-range markets

Hybrid Approach That Works

Many smart homeowners mix:

• Custom for main kitchen cabinets
• Stock for the pantry or laundry room
• Semi-custom for bathroom vanities

This gives you quality where it matters most while saving money elsewhere.

Questions to Ask Your Cabinet Provider

1. What's included in the price?
   • Hardware?
   • Installation?
   • Delivery?
2. What's the exact construction?
   • Plywood or particleboard boxes?
   • Dovetail drawers?
3. What's the warranty?
   • 1 year vs lifetime makes a difference

Red Flag: Vendors who won't show you actual samples of the cabinet interiors.

Need Help Deciding? We're Here to Help

At Bradco Kitchen & Bath, we make choosing easy:

• Free consultations to discuss your needs
• Samples of all three cabinet types
• 3D designs so you can "see" your options

Let us help you get the perfect cabinets for your kitchen and budget!

Schedule Your Free Cabinet Consultation