The three kinds of cabinets, side by side
| Stock | Semi-custom | Custom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per linear foot | $150 - $400 | $300 - $500 | $500 - $1,200+ |
| Sizes | Fixed 3-inch steps; gaps closed with filler strips | More widths, heights and depths from a catalogue | Built to the exact measurements of your room |
| Door styles and finishes | A short list | A longer catalogue list | Any style, species, paint or lacquer colour |
| Box material | Usually particleboard | Particleboard or plywood | Your choice; usually plywood |
| Lead time | Days to a few weeks | About 4 to 8 weeks | About 6 to 12 weeks |
| Best for | Rentals, quick refreshes, tight budgets | Standard layouts with better finishes | Odd rooms, high ceilings, matching built-ins |
Plywood vs MDF vs particleboard
- Plywood boxes cost roughly 20 to 30 percent more than particleboard, hold screws better and handle a leak under the sink far better. They are the usual choice for kitchen and bathroom boxes.
- MDF is dense and perfectly flat, so it is the best base for painted and lacquered doors and panels; it is heavy and swells if water gets into an unsealed edge.
- Particleboard with a melamine face keeps stock cabinets affordable. It is fine in dry rooms, but a soaked edge rarely recovers.
When custom is worth it
If none of these apply and the budget is tight, semi-custom usually gives the best value. We tell clients that plainly at the consultation.
- The room is not a standard shape: sloped ceilings, bulkheads, out-of-square walls or a column in the way.
- You want cabinets to the ceiling, which adds storage instead of a dust shelf.
- The kitchen should flow into a pantry, bar, wall unit or mudroom with matching doors.
- You want details stock lines do not offer, such as integrated appliance panels, inset doors or laser-cut patterns.
Questions to ask any cabinet maker
- What are the boxes made of, and how thick?
- Are the doors and drawer fronts painted, lacquered or wrapped, and how are they finished?
- What hinges and drawer slides do you use, and are they soft-close?
- Do you build the cabinets yourselves, and who installs them?
- What is the lead time from approved drawings, and what warranty comes with the work?
Common questions
Is custom cabinetry worth the extra cost?
It is worth it when the room has odd dimensions or high ceilings, or when you want cabinets that match built-ins elsewhere in the house. In a standard layout on a tight budget, semi-custom usually gives better value.
Are plywood or MDF cabinets better?
Plywood is better for cabinet boxes, especially near sinks and dishwashers. MDF is better for painted doors and panels because it stays flat and takes paint smoothly.
How much more do custom cabinets cost than stock?
In the GTA in 2026, custom cabinets run about $500 to $1,200 per linear foot against $150 to $400 for stock, so roughly two to three times as much for the cabinets alone.
Get a price for your project
These ranges are a starting point. Xact Design Inc. gives every Richmond Hill and GTA client a free consultation and a detailed written estimate before any work begins. Call (905) 884-9224 or book a consultation.