Kitchen Cabinetry 101: How to choose the right cabinetry

Planning a kitchen remodel? Confused about how to choose the right kitchen cabinetry that will last?  Choosing the right cabinets is a big deal — they set the tone for your kitchen’s style, storage, function, and budget. Whether you’re dreaming of a Pinterest-worthy custom setup or need fast, budget-friendly RTA cabinets that look anything but basic, we’re breaking it all down for you.

Let’s get into the good stuff — what RTA, semi-custom, and custom cabinets actually mean, what features to look for, and how to choose a cabinet company that gets your vision.

Modern Wood Semi-Custom Kitchen

Why choose RTA Cabinetry?

RTA = Ready-to-Assemble — a.k.a. the IKEA of the cabinet world (but with more style and better quality, if you shop smart). Shipped flat and assembled on-site, RTA cabinets are ideal for DIYers, budget-friendly kitchen remodels, or quick flips.

Why people love them:

• Affordable price point

• Fast turnaround

• Solid for rentals or investment properties

But be cautious of:

• Flimsy materials (say no to particle board!)

• Assembly headaches if you’re not handy

• Limited finish options

Pro tip: Look for dovetail drawer joints, soft-close glides, and plywood boxes. Even RTA brings the quality if you know what to look for. At Kitchen Me Now, we are selective in our RTA lines ensuring that the quality promise comes with the economical lines.

Why Choose Semi-Custom Cabinetry?

Semi-custom = pre-built with perks. These cabinets come in standard sizes but offer a ton of upgrades — think custom colors, added depth, organizers, and soft-close everything.

Why they’re a sweet spot:

• More flexibility than stock

• Shorter lead times than full custom

• Great balance of value and personalization

Kitchen Me Now favorites: Brands like Shiloh Cabinetry and Wolf give you gorgeous finishes, custom sizing, and premium materials — without the custom price tag. Bonus points for our U.S.-made cabinetry that’s tariff-resistant and supports American manufacturing 🇺🇸

Why Choose Custom Cabinetry?

Custom = made just for you. No limits. No filler. Just dreamy, made-to-order cabinetry tailored to your lifestyle, layout, and favorite shade of paint - no matter the color.

Best for:

• High-end kitchen remodels

• Unique layouts or storage needs

• Clients who want exactly what they want

Things to keep in mind:

• Higher cost

• Longer lead times

• Worth it when the kitchen is the heart of your home

From clever pull-outs to jaw-dropping built-ins, custom cabinetry brings your big ideas to life — with expert craftsmanship baked in. We partner with DeWils Cabinetry for our fully customizable cabinetry.

What to Look for when Choosing Quality Kitchen Cabinets

(RTA, Semi-Custom, or Custom)

Cabinets can look pretty, but the guts matter. When comparing lines, look for:

• Plywood boxes (not particle board!)

• Full-extension soft-close drawers

• Dovetail joints

• Quality finishes (painted, stained, or UV-cured to last)

• Adjustable shelving and strong hardware

Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Company

You want more than a cabinet catalog. You want a partner.

Here’s what sets a great cabinet company apart:

✅ Design expertise that blends function + style

✅ Access to a wide range of cabinet brands (not just one-size-fits-all)

✅ Responsive communication (because remodels are stressful enough)

✅ Experience working with homeowners, designers & builders

✅ Honest advice on where to splurge and where to save

At Kitchen Me Now, we’re cabinetry nerds with a customer-first mindset. We don’t just sell you boxes — we help you bring your kitchen dreams to life, whether that means quick-turn RTA cabinets or fully custom creations made to impress (and actually function).