Stock or custom? It's one of the first questions you ask when you estimate a job that will include cabinets. The answer will determine where you get the cabinets and how much they will cost. You can usually get stock cabinets faster and cheaper than you can order custom ones, but if the clients want odd sizes, or unusual materials, finishes, and details, then custom-built is the only choice. When I ran a custom cabinet shop, in fact, I figured out that I could do the same quality work for less money if I bought certain parts rather than making them. At various times I bought drawers, doors, and cabinet carcases, and I eventually discovered that
