What is the difference between custom, stock, and RTA cabinets?
Custom cabinets are built to your exact measurements and specifications, stock cabinets are pre-made in standard sizes, and RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets ship flat-packed for on-site assembly. In Naperville, custom runs 12,000-35,000 with a 4-8 week build, stock runs roughly 6,000-18,000 from showroom inventory, and RTA runs 3,000-8,000 plus assembly labor. If you are here looking into custom kitchen cabinets vs refacing, the sections below walk through the process from the first quote to the finished job.
The comparison table
- Custom: any size, any layout; plywood boxes, dovetail drawers; 25-30 year lifespan; 4-8 weeks; 12K-35K
- Stock: standard sizes only; quality varies by brand (plywood to particleboard); 15-20 years for quality stock; 2-6 weeks; 6K-18K
- RTA: flat-packed standard sizes; assembly required (jigs, square framing); 8-10 years for budget RTA; 3-9 days shipping; 3K-8K + labor
Why custom fits non-standard spaces
Stock and RTA ship in standard sizes (increments of 3 inches, typically). Non-standard rooms end up with filler strips and gaps — the exact problem custom solves by building to your actual wall dimensions, including scribing to uneven walls.
Construction differences that matter
- Boxes: custom specifies 3/4" plywood; budget stock/RTA uses particleboard that swells in humidity
- Drawers: custom uses solid-wood dovetail; budget uses stapled or butt joints
- Hardware: custom includes soft-close and under-mount glides; budget ships standard hinges
- Finish: custom applies catalyzed multi-coat finishes; budget uses thin lacquer
Which one should you choose?
Choose custom for a primary home, a non-standard space, or a 5+ year stay. Choose quality stock for a tight budget with standard dimensions. Choose RTA for rentals, outbuildings, or short-term properties — and always verify the box material and factor professional assembly into the price.
