RTA & Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. True Custom: What You Need to Know
When planning a kitchen renovation or new construction project, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right type of cabinetry. With so many options on the market—Ready-to-Assemble (RTA), semi-custom, and true custom cabinetry—it’s important to understand what sets them apart and what you’re really getting at each level.
At SWFL Custom Cabinetry, we’ve seen firsthand how the quality, longevity, and design flexibility of cabinetry can dramatically impact the outcome of your project. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between these three categories—and why true custom cabinetry remains the gold standard.
RTA Cabinets: Budget-Friendly, But Limited
Ready-to-Assemble cabinets, or RTA cabinets, are widely available through big-box retailers and online suppliers. These cabinets are mass-produced overseas or in high-volume factories, shipped flat-packed, and assembled on-site.
While RTA is the most affordable option, there are significant trade-offs:
Made with lower-quality materials like particle board or MDF
Pre-finished in bulk, often with thin, machine-applied coatings
Limited sizing, style, and finish options
Susceptible to wear, water damage, and poor long-term durability
Often require additional adjustments or repairs after installation
RTA cabinetry may be a short-term solution for budget-conscious remodels or rental properties, but it lacks the craftsmanship, design flexibility, and resilience most homeowners want in their primary residence.
Semi-Custom Cabinets: A Middle Ground—With Limits
Semi-custom cabinets offer more flexibility than RTA. You can usually select from a range of styles, colors, and finishes, and in some cases, slightly modify cabinet dimensions. These are often manufactured in regional factories using modular components.
While semi-custom cabinets are a step up, they still come with restrictions:
Relies on pre-set cabinet sizes and configurations
Finish and material choices are limited to a standard catalog
Construction may still include MDF doors, lower-quality box materials, or stock drawer hardware
Customization is limited to what the manufacturer offers—not what your space demands
Many brands market semi-custom as “custom,” but at the end of the day, it’s still a mass-manufactured product designed to fit within preset molds.
True Custom Cabinetry: Built From Scratch to Fit Your Home
True custom cabinetry, like what we create at SWFL Custom Cabinetry, is built entirely to your specifications—no stock sizes, no catalog limitations. Every cabinet is measured, designed, fabricated, and finished locally in our Naples, Florida workshop, allowing full control over design, materials, and craftsmanship.
What sets our custom cabinets apart:
3/4-inch prefinished plywood cabinet boxes for superior structure
Dovetail drawer boxes crafted from real hardwood
Solid wood doors, built to your chosen profile and finish
Hand-applied stains and paints using durable conversion varnish
Design flexibility that includes custom moldings, specialty storage, unique layouts, and any finish or hardware you envision
Our clients aren’t choosing from what’s available—they’re creating what they truly want.
You Get What You Pay For—And More
When you choose true custom cabinetry from SWFL Custom Cabinetry, you’re investing in more than just cabinets. You’re investing in:
Longevity—cabinets that will last for decades
Craftsmanship—attention to detail you won’t find in mass production
Accountability—built locally with full transparency
Personalization—a space that reflects your taste, needs, and lifestyle
Whether you're remodeling your kitchen, updating your bathroom, or creating built-ins for your home office or living room, custom cabinetry is an investment in quality that pays off every day.
At SWFL Custom Cabinetry, we don’t just build cabinets—we build lasting value, tailored beauty, and spaces you’ll love to live in. Visit our Naples showroom or schedule a design consultation to explore the difference true custom can make.