"Prefabricated kitchen" still makes some people think of identical white boxes from a 1990s subdivision. That image is about 20 years out of date.
Modern prefab kitchens offer customization options and build quality that rival custom cabinetry — often at 40–45% less cost. At Floor and Bath Design, we've installed hundreds of prefab kitchens across Durham Region that guests assume were built from scratch.
How Prefab Manufacturing Has Changed
The prefab kitchens of decades past earned their generic reputation. Limited styles, questionable materials, obvious mass-production marks. Today's manufacturing looks nothing like that:
- Computer-guided precision cutting for tolerances measured in fractions of a millimetre
- Multi-stage finishes that replicate hand-applied paint and stain techniques
- European-inspired construction — dovetail joints, plywood boxes, soft-close hardware as standard
- Reduced waste — modern CNC equipment optimizes every sheet of material
The gap between "prefab" and "custom" has narrowed to the point where most homeowners can't tell the difference in a finished kitchen.
Customization Options Most People Don't Know About
Today's prefab systems give you far more choices than you'd expect:
Cabinet Modifications
- Height variations to fit your ceiling line
- Width adjustments with properly sized fillers
- Depth options for pantries, islands, and tight spaces
- Corner solutions that actually maximize storage
- Specialty cabinets — appliance garages, wine racks, spice pull-outs
Finish Choices
- 20+ finishes across popular manufacturer lines
- Multi-step painted finishes in nearly any colour
- Wood stains from light natural to deep espresso
- Two-tone combinations for island and perimeter contrast
- Custom colour matching with many premium lines
Hardware and Details
- Thousands of knob and pull options to set the style
- Full overlay, partial overlay, or inset door options
- Glass door inserts and interior lighting packages
- Crown molding and trim packages from simple to ornate
- Decorative end panels and side skins for exposed cabinets
Installation Makes or Breaks the Result
Here's what the custom cabinet industry won't tell you: even a $60,000 set of custom cabinets looks average with careless installation. And quality prefab cabinets look spectacular with skilled installation.
What good installation looks like:
- Detailed measurements that account for every wall irregularity (common in older Durham Region homes)
- Strategic filler placement that looks intentional, not like an afterthought
- Cabinet leveling that creates perfect alignment across full runs
- Scribe fitting that eliminates gaps against uneven walls
- Crown molding with proper coping at every corner
- Seamless toe kicks across the full cabinet run
This is where FBD's 35+ years make the difference. Our installation teams have worked on hundreds of Durham Region homes — from brand new builds in Whitby to century homes in Oshawa. They know how to handle what's behind the walls.
See Prefab Results in Our Portfolio
Browse our project portfolio for real examples — like the Modern High Gloss Kitchen in Ajax, the Transitional White & Blue Kitchen, or the Bright White Kitchen that shows how clean and high-end prefab can look.
Every one of these kitchens started as prefab cabinetry. The difference is in the design and installation.
Your Kitchen Doesn't Have to Cost a Fortune
A well-planned prefab kitchen gives you the look, the function, and the durability of custom — and keeps $15,000–$25,000 in your pocket for countertops, appliances, or just savings.
Visit our showroom to see actual prefab kitchens up close, or book a free consultation to get a realistic plan for your space.
Floor and Bath Design · 109 Old Kingston Road, Unit 4, Ajax ON · 905-683-0079
Frequently Asked Questions
Are prefab kitchens still "cookie-cutter"?
No. Modern prefab systems offer 20+ finishes, multiple door styles (shaker, raised panel, slab, inset), height/width adjustments, specialty cabinets, and two-tone options. The variety now rivals what custom shops offer.
Can I get a prefab kitchen that looks custom?
Yes — and most people won't be able to tell the difference. The key is quality installation: precise leveling, scribe fitting, proper crown molding, and strategic filler placement. That's what turns prefab components into a polished, built-in look.
What prefab cabinet brands does Floor and Bath Design carry?
FBD works with multiple premium prefab manufacturers and can access full catalogs — not just retail selections. Visit the showroom or book a consultation to see the full range of options for your project.
How many finish and colour options do prefab cabinets offer?
Most premium prefab lines offer 20 or more finishes, including painted colours across the full colour range, wood stains from light to dark, laminate and textured options, and the ability to mix two tones in a single kitchen.
What's the difference between prefab and ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets?
Prefab cabinets arrive fully assembled and ready for installation. RTA cabinets ship flat-packed and require assembly on-site. Prefab is typically higher quality with better joinery and hardware. RTA is the budget option.
Can I customize the interior of prefab cabinets?
Yes. Most prefab lines offer pull-out shelves, drawer organizers, lazy Susans, spice racks, tray dividers, and waste bin pull-outs. You can configure the interior storage to match exactly how you use your kitchen.