Hi, I’m one of the designers at Apico Kitchens here in Toronto. I’ve spent over two decades helping homeowners transform their kitchens into functional, beautiful, and highly personalized spaces. And if there’s one topic that always sparks confusion during a remodel, it’s this: “What’s the real difference between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets?”
If that question is on your mind, you’re not alone.
Choosing cabinetry is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your renovation. Cabinets set the tone for your entire kitchen—not just in how it looks, but how it functions every single day. And I’ve seen firsthand how choosing the right cabinetry solution can elevate the value, usability, and feel of a home. So, let’s walk through the three categories in real terms: how they differ, what they offer, and what you should consider as a homeowner.
Stock Cabinets: Fast, Familiar, But Often Limiting
Stock cabinetry is what you’ll find at the big-box stores—pre-fabricated, off-the-shelf solutions built for speed and cost-efficiency. Think IKEA, Home Depot, or Lowe’s. If you’re renovating a rental unit, doing a quick flip, or working with a tight timeline and budget, stock might seem appealing.
But here’s the tradeoff I always point out: you’re designing your kitchen around their limitations. Sizes are standardized. Style and color options are minimal. You’re often left with awkward filler panels to compensate for cabinets that don’t quite fit.
From a quality perspective, materials like particle board and MDF dominate this category, and the hardware isn’t usually built for longevity. Yes, the price is low—but so is the lifespan.
When stock cabinetry makes sense:
- You’re on a tight timeline or strict budget
- It’s for a rental or secondary property
- You’re okay sacrificing personalization for cost
Semi-Custom Cabinets: The Sweet Spot for Most Homeowners
Semi-custom cabinetry is what I often recommend to homeowners who want a kitchen that feels personal, polished, and tailored—without venturing into fully bespoke territory. These cabinets are made to order, but within a predefined system.
You get to choose from a wider range of styles, materials, colors, and even modify dimensions slightly (usually in 1” increments). Here at Apico, we work with semi-custom lines that offer solid wood doors, high-quality plywood boxes, soft-close hardware, and a variety of clever storage solutions.
When semi-custom is ideal:
- You want style and storage options that suit your lifestyle
- You value quality but need to stay within a mid-to-upper range budget
- You’re looking to minimize fillers and maximize function
Custom Cabinets: Built Around You, Not the Other Way Around
This is where Apico truly shines. Custom cabinetry is for the homeowner who wants everything to be just right. Whether you’re renovating a historic Toronto home with quirky corners or designing your dream kitchen from scratch, custom allows us to build every cabinet—down to the millimeter—to fit your space and style.
Custom means:
- Choosing any door style, material, or finish
- Creating unique storage solutions tailored to how you cook
- Seamlessly integrating appliances or turning cabinetry into furniture-style showpieces
We use premium materials like walnut, rift-cut oak, and maple, paired with precision joinery and top-tier hardware. The result is cabinetry that’s as beautiful as it is functional.
When custom cabinetry is the right choice:
- You want a one-of-a-kind kitchen that reflects your personality
- You have a challenging layout or unique needs
- You value durability, fine craftsmanship, and a flawless finish
What About Price? Here’s What You Should Expect to Invest
Stock Cabinets: Around $100 to $400 per linear foot installed. For a 10×10 kitchen, that might mean $3,000 to $8,000 total. You may need to pay extra for installation, modifications, and fillers.
Semi-Custom Cabinets: Typically $150 to $900 per linear foot installed, or $8,000 to $20,000+ for an average Toronto kitchen. You get better materials, fit, and design flexibility.
Custom Cabinets: Usually $500 to $1,400+ per linear foot installed, with full kitchen projects ranging from $15,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on materials and complexity.
Let’s Talk Lead Time
Stock: ⏱ 1–2 weeks (sometimes same-day pickup). Fast, but not personalized.
Semi-Custom: ⏱ 4–8 weeks. Made-to-order with moderate wait time.
Custom: ⏱ 8–12+ weeks. Every piece is built from scratch. Worth the wait.
Filler Panels: The Hidden Cost of Poor Fit
With stock cabinetry, you’re usually dealing with cabinets that come in 3-inch increments. That often means gaps that need to be filled with 3-6 inch panels or more. I’ve seen kitchens lose up to a foot of usable space to fillers.
Semi-custom reduces this issue with finer size adjustments, often down to the inch.
Custom eliminates it altogether. We design to your space exactly, using every millimeter effectively.
Boosting Property Value & ROI
Kitchens sell homes. And cabinetry plays a big role in perceived value.
Stock: Neutral or negative resale value. It might look fine on day one, but often doesn’t age well.
Semi-Custom: Solid ROI. Higher quality and better fit increase perceived value and buyer appeal.
Custom: Premium resale impact. A well-designed, custom kitchen is a major selling point. Buyers recognize craftsmanship.
⚡ ROI Tip: You can expect to recoup 50% to 80% of your kitchen investment at resale. But the bigger impact is emotional—a kitchen people fall in love with helps you sell faster, and often for more.
The Bottom Line
If you’re making decisions about cabinetry, here’s what I’ll leave you with:
- Stock works in a pinch, but you’ll compromise fit, quality, and possibly even long-term value.
- Semi-custom is the sweet spot—great fit, elevated quality, and plenty of personalization.
- Custom is for homeowners who want it all: beauty, precision, and cabinetry that works for you, not the other way around.
At Apico, we specialize in custom and semi-custom cabinetry because we believe the heart of your home deserves that kind of attention. Whether you’re planning a dream kitchen or need guidance on what’s realistic for your budget, we’re here to help every step of the way.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to talk through your space, your goals, and your timeline—and help you make the smartest investment in the most important room in your home.
