Kitchen Cabinet Types: Guide for Your Remodel

Choosing the right kitchen cabinet types is one of the most important steps in any remodel. Cabinets define the look of the kitchen, determine how functional it feels day to day, and influence your budget. Homeowners in Pasadena, Maryland, are often surprised by just how many options are available.

To make things easier, here’s a clear breakdown of the major cabinet types, construction methods, and popular styles. So you can decide what’s right for your home.

The Three Core Cabinet Types

When people talk about cabinet “types,” they’re usually referring to the level of customization. These categories are the foundation of any remodel.

1. Stock Cabinets

These are the most budget-friendly, available in standard sizes and finishes. They can be ready-to-assemble (RTA) or pre-assembled. RTA cabinets save money but require some hands-on effort. Pre-assembled cost a little more but install quickly. Perfect for homeowners who want a fresh look without breaking the bank.

2. Semi-Custom Cabinets

A middle ground between stock and fully custom. Semi-custom options come in standard sizes, but you can tweak dimensions, finishes, and features. This makes them ideal for kitchens that need a personal touch—without the price tag of custom builds.

3. Custom Cabinets

Built specifically for your space, custom cabinets are the ultimate in personalization. They’re great for unusual layouts or if you want a one-of-a-kind kitchen. The downside is the higher cost and longer wait times, but the results can be stunning.

Construction Methods That Matter

Beyond customization, construction impacts both look and durability.

Framed Cabinets: Feature a face frame on the front. Sturdy, traditional, and ideal for classic designs.
Frameless Cabinets: Also called European-style. Sleek, modern, and maximize storage space since there’s no face frame.

Door Overlays and Styles

How cabinet doors fit and look is just as important as the box itself.

Partial Overlay: Doors cover part of the frame, leaving it visible. Budget-friendly, but less seamless.
Full Overlay: Doors nearly cover the entire frame, creating a clean, uniform look.
Inset Cabinets: Doors sit flush inside the frame, giving a high-end, furniture-like appearance.

Popular Kitchen Cabinet Styles

Some door styles stand out in Pasadena homes and beyond. These are the ones people most often ask about:

Shaker Cabinets: Simple frames with a recessed center panel. Timeless and versatile—fitting modern, farmhouse, or transitional kitchens.
Raised Panel Cabinets: The center panel is slightly elevated, adding dimension. A more traditional, decorative look.
Slab (Flat-Panel) Cabinets: Smooth, frameless fronts with no detailing. Perfect for a sleek, modern design.
Beadboard Cabinets: Vertical grooves that bring texture and a cottage-style charm.
Glass-Front Cabinets: Let you display dishes or décor while adding brightness to the kitchen.
Louvered Cabinets: Horizontal slats that add unique style and ventilation, though trickier to clean.

Each style has its pros and cons, but these six cover most of what homeowners are searching for when considering new kitchen cabinets.

Placement and Function

Cabinets aren’t just about doors. Where they go matters just as much:

Wall Cabinets: Mounted above countertops for everyday items.
Base Cabinets: Anchor the kitchen and hold countertops.
Tall Cabinets: Often used for pantries or utility storage.
Specialty Cabinets: Corner units, appliance garages, or floating cabinets designed for convenience.

Thinking about how you cook, store, and move through the kitchen will help you decide how to combine these effectively.

Materials and Finishes

Materials influence cost, maintenance, and overall style.

Solid Wood (maple, oak, cherry, hickory): Durable and classic, but pricier.
Wood Veneer: A thin layer of real wood over core material. Mimics solid wood at a lower cost.
Laminate: Affordable and customizable, but can chip or peel over time.
Thermofoil: Vinyl over MDF. Very affordable, but less heat-resistant.

For finishes, painted cabinets are popular in Pasadena remodels, while natural wood stains fit rustic or traditional designs.

How to Choose the Right Cabinets

When helping homeowners in Anne Arundel County with remodels, I usually recommend starting with five key questions:

What’s your budget? Decide early so you know whether to stick with stock, consider semi-custom, or go fully custom.
How do you use your kitchen? Heavy cooks may need durable materials, while others might value easy-to-clean styles.
What’s your layout? Unusual corners or small spaces may require semi-custom or custom options.
What style do you want? Modern, traditional, farmhouse, or transitional—the cabinet style should tie the whole design together.
How much maintenance are you okay with? Slab doors are easy to wipe clean, while beadboard or raised panels require more care.

Choosing the Best Cabinets for Your Home

The right kitchen cabinet types can make or break your remodel. Stock, semi-custom, and custom options each serve different needs, while door styles like shaker, slab, or raised panel define the look and feel. Pair that with smart placement and durable materials, and you’ll end up with a kitchen that works beautifully for your lifestyle.

For homeowners in Pasadena, Maryland, these decisions don’t just shape the kitchen—they shape how the home feels every day. Take your time, weigh the options, and choose cabinets that make your kitchen both functional and welcoming for years to come.