What is a Modular Cabinet?

A modular cabinet is a premade unit that can stand alone for a specific purpose, such as a bathroom lavatory or a curio cabinet. Modular cabinets may also be referred to as semi-custom cabinets.

Modular cabinets are storage units that are not attached to other cabinets. Modular cabinets are a common method for providing storage and display areas in homes, garages, bathrooms and kitchens. These prebuilt cabinets are made from quality materials including steel, solid wood or medium density fiberboard, and they cost less than custom cabinets. Modular cabinets provide versatility because they can be placed anywhere in a room. They can be mounted to the ceiling, placed on the floor or stacked on counters. Modular cabinets are available in several sizes and finishes, which allows homeowners to choose storage units that will perfectly fit their decorative and functional needs. Some consumers have used modular cabinets to organize their pantries, while others have created additional workspace in their kitchens by installing the units.

What is a Custom Cabinet?

Custom cabinets are storage areas which are measured, designed and built to fit a unique room. They may be mounted to the ceiling or the floor.

Custom cabinets are storage cabinets that are built specifically for the area in which they will be used. A professional carpenter or cabinetmaker can measure each space within a room and then plan and design cabinets to match the layout and measurements of the room. Custom cabinets are specially created to fit all walls, to open around obstacles and to reach the desired heights. This prevents the cabinet units from being too large or too small. They are built to order in a remote workshop before they are assembled onsite and installed in the home. Although most modern cabinets come in premade modular units, custom cabinets offer options for any design or space. Custom cabinets are especially useful in multipurpose rooms or around appliances that are not a standard size. Custom cabinets can be made from a variety of wood and may have wood, tin or glass doors.

What is a Microwave Cabinet?

A microwave cabinet is a custom built area which is made to store, hold or conceal a microwave oven. A microwave cabinet may be built into the top row of cabinets, the lower cabinets or as a separate island.

Microwave cabinets are wooden areas that are built to store a microwave oven. Some microwave cabinets are separate pieces of furniture that are intended to conserve kitchen space. These might make a previously unused area more functional. Many microwave cabinets are built into the top unit of cabinets, while others may be included in the base cabinets. Some microwave cabinets are included in a kitchen island, which sits in the middle of the room. Microwave cabinets can be custom ordered to fit the exact measurements of the existing cabinetry in a kitchen. Some microwave cabinets have doors that conceal the appliance from view. This creates a uniform appearance throughout the kitchen because the cabinet is built using the same wood, stain and design as the rest of the cabinets in the room.

What is a Stock Cabinet?

Stock cabinets are cabinets that are manufactured using standard measurements and styles. While they offer limited options for consumers, stock cabinets are often less expensive than custom cabinets.

Stock cabinets are cabinet units that are built off-site and are available in standard dimensions. While there are several varieties of wood and styles available, stock cabinets do not offer as many options as custom cabinets. They used to be referred to as the “bare bones” of cabinets, but this is no longer the case. While options are still limited, consumers can still achieve the style they want using stock cabinets. They are often available for consumers to take home immediately, or homeowners may have them delivered directly to their kitchens. Stock cabinets are less expensive than custom cabinets, but they do not always fit the exact measurements of each kitchen. This can make it difficult for homeowners to achieve consistency and uniformity throughout their kitchens.

What is a Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Cabinet?

Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are units that arrive in a kit. They provide all of the materials and tools necessary for the consumer to assemble the cabinets on site.

Ready-to-assemble cabinets are manufactured cabinets that are assembled by the homeowners. Rather than hiring a cabinetmaker to fill a custom order, homeowners can purchase RTA cabinets for their kitchens or bathrooms. The kits contain everything the consumer needs to put the cabinets together, including wood, screws and hinges. RTA kits make it easy and affordable for homeowners to update their kitchens with new cabinets. The units are available in a variety of sizes, and consumers can choose combinations of cabinets that fit the measurements of their kitchens. Prices vary depending on the material used for the cabinets. Some manufacturers use solid wood, while others rely on heavy plywood for their products. RTA cabinets are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Molding and accent pieces can also be used with RTA cabinets to provide a finished appearance.

What is a Thermofoil Cabinet?

Thermofoil cabinets are cabinet units that have been covered with a thin sheet of vinyl. The vinyl has the appearance of hardwood or veneer but is much less expensive.

Thermofoil cabinets are wood or fiberboard units that are coated with vinyl. The vinyl, which often has patterns similar to wood grain, is wrapped around the substrate material so that it appears as though the entire cabinet is made of wood. Thermofoil is easy to maintain and only needs to be wiped down occasionally with a damp cloth and nonabrasive cleaner. Thermofoil cabinets are also fairly durable. They can withstand several types of damage, and they are resistant to moisture. However, thermofoil cabinets are highly susceptible to scratches and dents, which can then expose the rest of the unit to damaging elements. Thermofoil cabinets are a popular alternative for homeowners that want to remodel their kitchens or replace their existing cabinets on a limited budget.