When it comes to kitchen cabinets, custom is going mainstream, according to a recent “Consumer Reports” article. Indeed, the distinction between premium and basic kitchen cabinets “has blurred as manufacturers offer premium features at lower price points.” What used to be available only to the rich can now be obtained at a variety of price points.

Stronger joints, more style choices and upscale features like range-hood covers, elaborate crown moldings and other custom options are elevating stock cabinets to the midlevel of semi-custom cabinets. They are also catapulting basic cabinetry closer to made-to-order custom units.

In an era that is plagued by recession, that's good news for homeowners who would like to upgrade their kitchen cabinets but are too financially strapped to hire a custom designer. Your local Lowe's or Home Deport will do just as nicely these days, thank you very much. At least that's the conclusion “Consumer Reports” came to when they “compared a cross section of matched base and wall cabinets … [choosing] tight-grained maple, which, with cherry, is gaining on oak. Most models are sold at Home Depot and Lowe's, which account for about half of all residential sales.” More specifically, the magazine “evaluated premium lines sold at Expo Design Center, Home Depot's high-end division, along with midlevel models from local stores.”

The results?

1. “You'll find more low-priced basic cabinets available with pullout shelves and full-extension drawers,” thereby providing you with greater storage options.

2. Two ready-to-assemble basic cabinets from leading kitchen cabinet manufacturers were tested. As it turns out, they withstood the magazine's “wear tests better than some more expensive brands,” thereby ensuring greater durability.

3. Although door designs, box sizes, accessories and trim options weren't as great on the basic models, what they lacked in variety they more than made up for with assembly and installation times.

Fortunately for cash-strapped homeowners, ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets afford them the luxury of starting their project right away. They also offer many door styles and finish options to choose from. What's more, their quick attach fastener makes for easy assembly. The flat packing also provides for more convenient transport to the home.

To make stock cabinets feel as though they're even more of the real deal, homeowners should investigate the many customization options today's ready-to-assemble kitchen cabintery affords them. Decorative molding, lazy Susans, roll-out trays, heat shields, fillers, light rails, matching toe kicks and specialty end panels can all give the look and feel of custom kitchen cabinets in the basic stock cabinetry price range.

Once you're ready to give your kitchen the look of customization, start by visiting your local home improvement center. While there, pick your favorite door style and finish. Next, plan and design your dream kitchen. Finally, print out your design and product checklist and bring it back to your home improvement center. Use your checklist to pull the appropriate cabinets in the quantity specified to complete your cabinet purchase.

Soon, following a quick and easy installation process, your new kitchen cabinets will be gracing your kitchen walls and putting a smile on your face.