Custom built-ins are cabinetry systems designed to fit a specific space and purpose—often spanning an entire wall or integrating into architectural features like alcoves, niches, knee walls, sloped ceilings, or recessed areas. Unlike freestanding furniture, custom built-ins are planned to maximize storage, improve organization, and create a seamless “built-in” look.

Common types of custom built-ins include:

• Media walls and built-in entertainment centers
• Built-in bookcases and home libraries
• Home offices with built-in desks, shelving, and storage
• Mudrooms with lockers, cubbies, and bench storage
• Under-stair cabinets and storage for awkward spaces
• Banquettes, window seats, bars, and specialty storage

Yes. We offer both framed RTA cabinets and frameless RTA cabinets that can be used as the foundation for custom built-ins. This is a popular approach for contractors and designers who want reliable cabinet construction, precise sizing options, and a streamlined path to creating built-in cabinetry systems.

Why RTA cabinets work well for custom built-ins:

• Efficient shipping and handling for projects nationwide
• Consistent cabinet construction (helpful for multi-unit or repeatable layouts)
• Pairs well with finished panels, trim, and shelving for a true built-in look
• Flexible enough for media walls, offices, mudrooms, and more

Both styles can be used for custom built-ins. The difference is in cabinet construction and the look/feel of the opening. Framed cabinets have a face frame attached to the front of the box. Frameless cabinets (full-access) do not, creating a cleaner opening and often slightly more usable interior width.

Framed cabinets (face frame):

• Classic construction style and traditional aesthetic
• Face frame can add rigidity
• Often paired with traditional trim details

Frameless cabinets (full access):

• Modern look with clean lines
• Full-access openings can be helpful for storage
• Great for contemporary built-ins and sleek media walls

The cost of custom built-ins varies widely because every project is different. Pricing depends on dimensions, cabinet count, materials, door style, finish, shelving, drawers, specialty storage features, and overall complexity.

The biggest cost drivers for custom built-ins:

• Size: wall length, ceiling height, and depth
• Configuration: number of base cabinets, uppers, tall cabinets, and open shelving
• Doors and finish: painted vs stained vs veneer, plus door style
• Storage features: drawers, pull-outs, adjustable shelving, specialty organizers
• Architectural conditions: out-of-plumb walls, uneven floors, or tricky layouts

Custom built-ins cost more than standard furniture because they are designed and manufactured for a specific space. That means custom sizing, precise manufacturing, and more components per linear foot than typical cabinets.

Why custom built-ins cost more than “store bought”:

• Made-to-order sizing (instead of standard cabinet dimensions)
• More finishing and detailing (panels, trim, scribe, crown, fillers)
• Higher quality materials and construction methods
• CNC precision manufacturing for consistency and fit
• More labor for planning and install (especially for full-wall built-ins)

In most cases, yes—custom built-ins are worth it when you want to maximize storage, create a seamless look, and solve layout challenges that furniture or stock cabinets can’t handle.

Custom built-ins are especially “worth it” when:

• You want storage that spans a full wall or reaches the ceiling
• You need a tailored solution for alcoves, niches, or awkward spaces
• You want a finished, architectural look instead of freestanding furniture
• You’re coordinating finishes with existing cabinetry or trim

Well-designed custom built-ins can add value by improving storage, function, and the “finished” feel of a space. Built-ins often increase buyer appeal because they make rooms feel intentional and more usable.

Built-ins tend to add the most value when they are:

• Proportionate to the room (not oversized or cramped)
• Designed for practical storage (not just decorative shelving)
• Finished to match the home’s style and trim
• Installed cleanly with proper scribing and trim details

Yes—custom built-ins are considered a timeless feature rather than a trend. Styles evolve, but built-ins remain popular because they solve storage needs and create a cohesive look.

Current design preferences for custom built-ins:

• Floor-to-ceiling built-ins with clean trim lines
• Mixed open + closed storage for balance
• Minimal hardware or upgraded pulls for a modern feel
• Textured wood or subtle paint tones for warmth

Often, yes. Ceiling-height custom built-ins maximize storage and create a more finished look. That said, the best choice depends on ceiling height, crown/trim details, lighting, and room proportions.

Material selection for custom built-ins depends on the finish you want, durability needs, and budget. Painted built-ins often use MDF door components or paint-grade materials, while stained built-ins commonly use hardwoods or veneers.

Common materials used in custom built-ins:

• Cabinet-grade plywood (strong, stable)
• MDF for painted applications (smooth paint finish)
• Hardwoods and veneers for stained/clear coat designs
• Durable surface options (laminate/thermofoil) where appropriate

For shelving, thickness and proper support matter just as much as material—especially for long spans and heavy loads.

The “best” wood for built-in shelves depends on span length, load, and the finish you’re using. For painted shelves, stable paint-grade materials are common. For stained shelves, hardwoods and veneers are popular.

Shelf performance tips for custom built-ins:

• Use thicker shelves for longer spans to reduce sag
• Add vertical dividers or hidden supports for heavy loads
• Consider adjustable shelves for flexibility

Timelines for custom built-ins vary based on project scope, finish requirements, and shipping distance. In most cases, projects require time for planning, manufacturing, finishing (if applicable), and shipping.

To keep your timeline on track:

• Provide rough dimensions and inspiration early
• Upload drawings/elevations if you have them
• Confirm door style and finish decisions upfront
• Share a hard deadline in your quote request

Big-box retailers may offer stock or semi-custom cabinet lines, but fully custom built-ins—especially for non-standard layouts— typically require made-to-order cabinetry components and a plan for trim/finish integration.

It can be cheaper to create custom built-ins using stock cabinets as the foundation—especially for straightforward layouts. Fully custom cabinet boxes can be a better fit when you need uncommon depths, unique configurations, or highly tailored dimensions.

A practical approach many contractors use:

• Use framed or frameless RTA cabinets for the cabinet “base”
• Add panels, fillers, trim, and shelving to create the built-in look
• Choose door style + finish to match the space

The more detail you can provide, the more accurate your custom built-ins quote will be. At minimum, we recommend sharing:

• What you’re building: media wall, bookcases, home office, mudroom, etc.
• Rough dimensions: overall width, height, and depth (or a sketch)
• Inspiration: photos or examples that show the look you want
• Zip code: for shipping considerations
• Timeline: when the project needs to be installed

We focus on manufacturing cabinetry components for custom built-ins and shipping nationwide. Installation is completed by your contractor, installer, or tradesperson. This approach supports projects across the country and lets you choose the installation partner you trust.

Yes. Many customers start with rough dimensions and inspiration, then refine the layout as the project develops. If you have drawings or elevations, upload them with your request. If you’re early-stage, share photos and measurements and we’ll help guide the next steps.

For the quickest path to a clean built-in layout, include ceiling height, wall width, target depths, and any constraints (outlets, vents, windows, or trim).

Yes. Custom built-ins are common in offices, libraries, retail, hospitality, and other commercial interiors where storage and presentation matter. Commercial projects often benefit from consistent construction, repeatable sizing, and durable finish options.

We manufacture cabinetry components for a wide range of custom built-ins, including:

• Custom built-in cabinets and storage walls
• Built-in bookcases and libraries
• Home offices and built-in desks
• Media walls and TV units
• Mudrooms and entry storage
• Under-stair cabinets and storage for awkward spaces
• Bars, coffee stations, laundry built-ins, and specialty cabinetry

Yes—DIY custom built-ins are often built using RTA cabinets plus panels, fillers, trim, and shelving to create a seamless look. The key is accurate measuring, careful leveling, and planning how trim will cover any out-of-square conditions.

For assembly and installation reference, use our guide: CabinetNow Installation & Assembly Guide (PDF)