The 10 Questions to Ask Your Cabinet Maker

Custom cabinetry is a huge investment for your home, so preparing a list of questions to ask in advance of your first meeting with your carpenter will make you feel more comfortable with your decision before you sign any contract. Use a face-to-face meeting to get your questions answered, view photos of current complete projects and follow up with reference calls.

Here is a list of the top 10 questions you should ask your cabinet maker during your first meeting with the answers you should hear.

1. What materials will you use in making the cabinets? Solid wood core plywood for the boxes and solid hardwood for the face frames are a must for longevity.
2. How are the cabinets being assembled? Glued and pocket screwed for strength and pocket screws for face frames.
3. What are the finishes? Will the cabinets be finished on site or in shop? Shop-finished cabinets are preferred because of toxic sprays and chemicals. A shop sprayed pre-catalyzed lacquer is the best finish. Cabinets with glass doors or no doors should be stained and finished inside to match the outsides.
4. How are the drawers and slide-out shelves made? Dovetailed drawers are the standard of strength. Solid wood sides are best.
5. What hardware will you use? Under mount, soft-close are the best. With good hardware, you will find that doors and drawers open and close with ease every time.
6.  What style will my doors be? Raised panel or Shaker doors? Inset or overlay frames?
7. Will you provide the design, shop drawings and details? This is important so you completely understand every aspect of the drawings.
8. What accessories are behind the doors? This includes the number of shelves, slide-out drawers, trash bins and other items.
9. How long will it take to make and install the cabinets? This will depend on the shop’s work load.
10.  Is the installation included in the price? Will knobs and pulls be installed as well?

Once you have all the answers to your questions, sit back, relax and get excited about your beautiful new cabinets!