Have you been looking into new cabinets for your kitchen? There are many options, so you’re going to want to check with your carpentry services to see which choices are going to work best for you.

It’s nice to know some of the terms you might run into while you’re looking, though; so here’s a look at a few.

Building & Assembling Cabinet Terms

When it comes to assembling cabinets, there are several different types, and how well they will work for you really depends on what you want from your kitchen cabinets and your long-term plans. It’s another thing to discuss with your contractor, but here are the basics:

• RTA (Ready-to-Assemble). These are pre-fabricated in pieces that you assemble on site. They are extremely affordable and on the difficulty scale, rather easy to put together. Unfortunately, the price comes with a bit of a downside: they aren’t usually extremely reliable in the long run. If you’re looking to make an investment in your home, you might want to go for something a little more solid.
• Stock. Stock cabinets are pretty much what they sound like: standard, pre-determined cabinet styles. They are affordable and definitely more reliable than RTA, and they come in a variety of styles. However, you won’t be able to customize what you get—it’s an all-or-nothing kind of deal. For a standard kitchen, this is an economical option.
• Semi-Custom. With a cost break that puts them between Stock and Full Custom, Semi-Custom is a popular choice. Change the depth and choose a finish that works for you. Adjust enough of your cabinets to get what you want without paying full price for custom. If you’re looking for just what you need, this might be the choice for you.
• Full Custom. This is an investment, but often one homeowners are glad they made. Fully customized cabinets guarantee you get everything you want: size, shape, material, dependability, color, finish—you name it, you can have it. For many homeowners who intend to live in their home for many years, this is a step worth taking.

What kind of cabinets do you have? What kind do you want?