Stock vs. Custom

Stock vs. Custom: Finding the Mount That Fits Your Project

Most decisions in life don’t require you to start from scratch. You order straight from the restaurant menu, wear off-the-rack clothing, and use devices’ default settings. It’s fast, reliable, and gets the job done.

But then there are moments when “good enough” isn’t actually enough. Suits need tailoring, a house needs to feel like a home, and, let’s face it, coffee tastes best when it’s made your way. 

Some decisions are built for convenience. Others demand intentionality. Mounting solutions are no different.

Selecting a mounting solution for your security install is often viewed as a minor decision, but its impact is anything but. The choice between a stock vs custom product can influence timelines, shape the visual outcome, and determine how everything comes together in the field.

There’s no wrong choice, only the right fit for your project. Pedestal PRO is built to support both. Here are a few factors to consider as you decide whether a stock or custom security mount is right for your project:
 

Structural Requirements

Instead of forcing a device to fit a generic mount or modifying components in the field, Pedestal PRO ensures everything aligns the way it should from the start. This is true whether you choose from one of our 150+ in-stock SKUs, built-to-order products, or a custom solution. For us, it’s all about the fit.

When you visit our product library, you can search by product family, mounting location, manufacturer, device name, and more to browse our available products. It could be a gooseneck for an intercom, a wall mount for an access control reader, or a check-in kiosk for an iPad. These products are usually available in stock or built to order and ready to ship in as little as a week.

But when your project calls for something more specific, custom solutions provide the flexibility needed. For example, a stock gooseneck may work perfectly in an open, straightforward install. But what happens when the mounting location isn’t ideal? Maybe the curb is too narrow, underground utilities prevent a direct burial, or the device needs to sit farther back from the lane. Suddenly, that “standard” gooseneck requires an adjustment, whether it’s a simple in-stock extender or a custom-bent solution.

Aesthetics

The thing about aesthetics is that it all comes down to personal preference. That being said, there is a general rule of thumb that can help guide you toward a stock or custom solution – For areas that aren’t highly visible, stock often works best. If the install area is customer-facing, consider going custom.

The reasoning is simple. Stock solutions are designed for broad compatibility and functionality. With limited color and finish options available for in-stock options, they’re ideal for back-of-house areas where appearance isn’t critical. This includes construction, warehousing, trucking, and other commercial areas.

Priorities differ in customer-facing areas. In these areas, a mounting solution needs to be architecturally aligned with the environment where it is installed. Otherwise, it becomes an eyesore, undermining an intentionally curated environment.

Think of a modern hotel lobby, a boutique retail store, or a university campus environment. In these spaces, first impressions matter. A solution customized in color and finish can complement existing décor, reinforce a brand, and create a harmonious look while still delivering full functionality.
 

Timing

Of course, the greatest factor influencing your stock vs. custom decision will be your timeline.

Often, mounting decisions are left to the very end of a security install. It would be nice if they were specified in the planning phase, but we all know that isn’t always the case. Plans change, walls move, glass replaces brick, and spaces end up tighter than expected.

That’s where stock solutions become invaluable. They allow the system to be installed quickly so a project can achieve its certificate of occupancy. Pedestal PRO’s in-stock solutions are ready to ship in less than 24 hours, often the same day and with overnight shipping, so you can keep your project on schedule. Stock mounts can then be replaced later with a custom solution that better meets your structural or aesthetic needs.

Even our custom solutions are designed with speed in mind. Free CAD drawings and quotes are typically provided within 24–48 hours, and our in-house manufacturing allows standard custom orders to be completed in 12–18 business days. And as a US-based manufacturer, we are not subject to many of the logistical slowdowns experienced elsewhere. We also offer prototyping services so you can see and hold a product before going into full-scale production. 

Solutions That Just Fit

Every project is different, so the choice between stock vs. custom comes down to what your project demands in terms of speed, looks, functionality, and flexibility. But whatever you choose, know that Pedestal PRO is here to make it happen. 

Pro tip to make your choice a little easier? Don’t make mounting an afterthought. Take advantage of our library of Revit and BIM files for our most common products. Using them during the design phase makes it easy for architects and engineers to specify the right mounts from the start, preventing delays and providing clarity on the type of solution required. 

Custom solutions don’t have to slow you down, and stock solutions don’t have to compromise your vision. Pedestal PRO’s combination of ready-to-ship products, rapid design support, and in-house fabrication ensures you can meet your project’s unique demands without sacrificing quality or schedule.

Still not sure what solution is best for you? Contact us today to talk it through with our team of experts!