Custom vs. Prefab Cabinets — Which Is Best for Your Florida Keys Home?

Custom vs. Prefab Cabinets — Which Is Best for Your Florida Keys Home?

When remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or storage space, one major decision is choosing custom cabinets or prefabricated (prefab) cabinets. Both options can look great—but the difference lies in how they’re built, how long they last, and how well they fit your unique home.

At Liz Carpentry, we’ve installed and built thousands of cabinets across Key West and the Florida Keys. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each option—and helps you make the best choice for island living.

What Are Custom Cabinets?

Custom cabinets are built from scratch for your exact space. Every measurement, material, finish, and hardware element is tailored to your home, storage needs, and design vision.

Key Features of Custom Cabinets:

• Made-to-order sizing
  
  
• Full control over layout and design
  
  
• Custom materials, finishes, and hardware
  
  
• Built by skilled carpenters or cabinet makers
  
  
• Designed to fit around unique architecture, pipes, or uneven walls
  
  

In Key West, where many homes are historic or uniquely laid out, custom cabinetry is often the only way to ensure a proper fit.

What Are Prefab Cabinets?

Prefabricated cabinets (also called stock or semi-custom) are manufactured in standard sizes and finishes. They’re typically made in factories, sold through big-box retailers or cabinet suppliers, and delivered ready to install or assemble.

Common Traits of Prefab Cabinets:

• Limited sizes (e.g., 12”, 15”, 24” widths)
  
  
• Fixed finishes and configurations
  
  
• May use particle board or MDF for boxes
  
  
• Lower initial cost
  
  
• Faster delivery
  
  

Prefab cabinets can be a good fit for straightforward layouts with standard dimensions—especially for tight budgets.

How to Choose — Key Considerations for Florida Keys Homeowners

1. Fit and Layout

• Custom: Perfect for oddly shaped walls, small kitchens, or homes with uneven floors or ceilings (which are common in Key West).
  
  
• Prefab: Works best in newer or boxier homes with predictable measurements.
  
  

Verdict: Custom wins for historic or coastal homes with quirks.

2. Material Durability

• Custom: Can be built with solid wood, marine-grade plywood, or other moisture-resistant materials.
  
  
• Prefab: Often uses particle board or lower-grade materials that may absorb humidity or warp over time.
  
  

Verdict: Custom is more durable—especially in a high-humidity, salt-air environment like the Florida Keys.

3. Aesthetic Options

• Custom: Unlimited styles, finishes, hardware, and trims. Your vision can become reality.
  
  
• Prefab: Comes in pre-selected finishes and styles. Limited ability to match existing home design.
  
  

Verdict: Custom allows for a more seamless design with the rest of your home.

4. Timeline

• Custom: Requires time to design, build, finish, and install. Expect 4–8 weeks or more.
  
  
• Prefab: Can often be delivered and installed within 1–2 weeks, depending on availability.
  
  

Verdict: Prefab is faster, but custom is worth the wait for long-term results.

5. Budget

• Custom: More expensive upfront—but offers longer lifespan and better resale value.
  
  
• Prefab: Lower initial investment, but may require replacement or repairs sooner.
  
  

Verdict: Prefab wins for tight budgets, but custom pays off over time.

Why Custom Cabinets Make Sense in the Florida Keys

Living in a coastal environment presents challenges that prefab options aren't always designed to handle. Salt air, humidity, heat, and structural irregularities mean your cabinetry must be more than beautiful—it must be built to last.

At Liz Carpentry, our custom cabinets:

• Are built with solid, moisture-resistant materials
  
  
• Include soft-close hinges and durable drawer slides
  
  
• Fit perfectly with no wasted space
  
  
• Are sealed and finished for long-term protection
  
  
• Can match any style, from classic conch homes to sleek coastal modern
  
  

What Our Clients Say

“Liz Carpentry built our kitchen cabinets from scratch and installed them with such care. They're solid, quiet, and match the design perfectly.”
“We almost went with stock cabinets—but we’re so glad we went custom. The storage is smarter, and the finish is beautiful.”

Real results, real satisfaction.

Our Cabinet Process at Liz Carpentry

Step 1 – Design & Planning

We discuss your space, goals, and style. Then we take precise measurements and create a layout that maximizes storage and visual appeal.

Step 2 – Build

We craft cabinets in-house or with trusted local partners, using high-quality wood and finishes suited for coastal climates.

Step 3 – Installation

Our crew ensures level boxes, aligned doors, smooth drawers, and seamless integration with appliances and countertops.

Step 4 – Finishing Touches

From trim and filler panels to hardware and caulk, we finish strong—down to the last detail.

So, Should You Choose Custom or Prefab?

Choose Custom Cabinets if you:

• Have a non-standard layout or historic home
  
  
• Want durability in a humid, salty environment
  
  
• Care about premium materials and long-term value
  
  
• Have a specific aesthetic in mind
  
  

Choose Prefab Cabinets if you:

• Need a fast, affordable option
  
  
• Have a basic layout with standard cabinet sizes
  
  
• Are doing a temporary update or rental flip
  
  

Either way—Liz Carpentry can help.

Let’s Design the Perfect Cabinets for Your Keys Home

Need expert advice or want to see design options? We’d love to help you find the right solution—custom or prefab—for your space, style, and budget.

Call (305) 294-5861
Email: office@lizcarpentry.com
Find us on Google Maps

Let’s build something strong, beautiful, and built for the coast.