Over 10 door styles. 20+ finish options. Hundreds of cabinet configurations. That's what today's prefab kitchen systems actually offer — and most homeowners have no idea.
The idea that prefab means limited choices is the most outdated myth in kitchen design. At Floor and Bath Design, we use these options every day to build Durham Region kitchens that are entirely unique to each homeowner.
The Real Numbers: Prefab vs. Custom Options
When you line up the actual choices side by side, prefab holds its own:
Door Styles
The myth: a few basic styles. The reality: 10+ distinct door profiles across popular prefab lines.
- Shaker variations — traditional, slim-line, beaded
- Raised panel — cathedral arch, square, detailed
- Slab doors — contemporary flat, textured, high-gloss
- Specialty — glass-ready frames, mullion, decorative inset
Finish Options
The myth: white, brown, or beige. The reality: 20+ colours and textures.
- Painted finishes in nearly any colour
- Wood stains from light natural to deep espresso
- Laminate and textured finishes that mimic real wood and leather
- Two-tone combinations for islands and accent cabinets
- Custom colour matching available with premium lines
Hardware
The myth: basic knobs. The reality: thousands of compatible hardware options.
- Transitional, contemporary, and traditional styles
- Chrome, nickel, brushed gold, bronze, matte black, brass
- Leather pulls, glass knobs, integrated (handleless) profiles
- Mix-and-match across drawers and doors for a layered look
Material Quality That Stands Up
Another outdated assumption: prefab uses inferior materials. Here's what premium prefab lines actually deliver:
- Dovetail drawer construction — the same joint used in fine furniture
- 3/4" shelving that won't bow or sag under weight
- Plywood box construction options for maximum durability
- Moisture-resistant base cabinets — built for the area under the sink
- Crack-resistant painted doors with multi-stage factory finishes
- Soft-close hinges and drawer glides rated for 75,000+ open/close cycles
These specs match what you'd find in a $50,000+ custom kitchen — at roughly half the price.
Layout Flexibility
Prefab doesn't lock you into one kitchen shape. Today's systems support:
- L-shaped, U-shaped, and galley configurations
- Peninsula and island setups
- Open shelving mixed with closed cabinetry
- Tall cabinet walls and full pantry systems
- Built-in appliance housing and microwave cabinets
- Specialized storage — pull-outs, lazy Susans, tray dividers, wine racks
If you can draw it, there's likely a prefab configuration that handles it. And where standard sizing doesn't quite fit, properly placed filler panels and end panels make it seamless.
What a Designer Adds to the Mix
The options are there — but picking the right combination for your kitchen is where a skilled designer earns their keep.
At FBD, our design team helps you:
- Match door style and finish to your home's architecture
- Pick material combinations that work together (not just individually)
- Avoid the common "off-the-shelf" look with strategic detail choices
- Plan layouts that use standard cabinet sizes to minimize filler and waste
- Pair cabinet selections with the right countertop, backsplash, and lighting
The result is a kitchen that feels personal and intentional — not assembled from a catalog.
Browse real examples in our project portfolio. Look at the Transitional Kitchen in Pickering or the Two-Tone Kitchen with Quartz Countertops — both built with prefab systems.
Start With the Options, Not the Limitations
If you've been assuming prefab means settling, you owe yourself 30 minutes in our showroom. See the finishes, feel the hardware, open the drawers.
Or book a free consultation and we'll show you what's possible for your kitchen — with a realistic budget attached.
Floor and Bath Design · 109 Old Kingston Road, Unit 4, Ajax ON · 905-683-0079
Frequently Asked Questions
How many door styles do prefab kitchen cabinets come in?
Most premium prefab lines offer 10 or more door profiles — including shaker (traditional and slim), raised panel, flat slab, and specialty options like glass-ready frames and decorative inset doors.
Can I do a two-tone kitchen with prefab cabinets?
Yes. Two-tone designs (one colour for perimeter cabinets, another for the island) are standard in most prefab lines. You can mix painted and stained finishes or use contrasting colours within the same manufacturer's range.
Do prefab cabinets come in non-standard sizes?
Prefab cabinets come in a wide range of standard widths (typically 9" to 42" in 3" increments), heights, and depths. For gaps between standard sizes, filler panels create a clean fit. True odd-size needs are rare and usually solvable with the available range.
Are prefab cabinet finishes as durable as custom?
Yes. Modern factory finishes use multi-stage application processes (primer, colour coat, topcoat, sometimes more) in controlled environments. This often produces a more consistent and durable finish than hand-applied work.
Can I add glass doors or open shelving to a prefab kitchen?
Yes. Most lines offer glass-ready door frames, mullion doors, and open shelf units that integrate with closed cabinetry. Interior cabinet lighting is available to showcase what's behind the glass.
What if I want a kitchen style that prefab doesn't cover?
In 35+ years, FBD has found that prefab systems cover 90% of what homeowners want. For the rare 10% — a specific exotic wood, an unusual door profile — we can mix prefab and custom components to get the exact look at a lower total cost than going fully custom.