Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Cabinetmaker
Pros share advice on when to hire a cabinetmaker and what to know about choosing one
Cheryl F
January 18, 2023
Houzz Contributor. I'm a London-based journalist with years of experience writing for the UK's top interiors titles. I love shopping for quirky accessories, have a passion for rummaging through vintage stores and I'm ever-hopeful of finding that elusive perfect paint shade.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a London-based journalist with years of experience writing... More
Cabinets that are designed to fit the exact dimensions and style of your home can be a thing of beauty, in addition to being highly practical. Here’s when it’s a good idea to hire a skilled cabinetmaker to build custom cabinets, entertainment units, storage shelves and other pieces of furniture.
Copper Sky Design + Remodel
What Are Cabinetmakers and How Can They Help You?
A cabinetmaker produces high-quality wooden pieces and can create something custom for your home, from freestanding furniture to fitted cabinets. You can also hire one to come up with design solutions you might not have considered. “They can help if you don’t have a clear idea in mind,” says Florent Chevreuil of Ecosse Bespoke Carpentry.
“Cabinetmakers offer a higher level of woodwork than normal carpentry,” says Robert Ball of Robert Ball Bespoke Cabinet Maker & Joiner. “Often, the fine detail and finessing goes the extra mile and requires more patience, but the end results can be amazing for clients looking for something special.” With a custom kitchen, for example, cabinets are “built to the right size, often meaning there’s no need for infill panels.”
Find a cabinetmaker near you
What Are Cabinetmakers and How Can They Help You?
A cabinetmaker produces high-quality wooden pieces and can create something custom for your home, from freestanding furniture to fitted cabinets. You can also hire one to come up with design solutions you might not have considered. “They can help if you don’t have a clear idea in mind,” says Florent Chevreuil of Ecosse Bespoke Carpentry.
“Cabinetmakers offer a higher level of woodwork than normal carpentry,” says Robert Ball of Robert Ball Bespoke Cabinet Maker & Joiner. “Often, the fine detail and finessing goes the extra mile and requires more patience, but the end results can be amazing for clients looking for something special.” With a custom kitchen, for example, cabinets are “built to the right size, often meaning there’s no need for infill panels.”
Find a cabinetmaker near you
Michels Homes
What Kinds of Pieces Can a Cabinetmaker Create?
In addition to kitchen cabinetry, a cabinetmaker can help with general storage around the home. “Under-stair cupboards, alcove units and TV or [media] cabinets are popular, along with special designs for bedrooms, from beds to bedside cabinets,” Ball says.
Fitted or freestanding closet units also are frequent requests, he says, along with “extending or upgrading existing closets — for example, fitting sliding or space-saving bifold doors.”
The list doesn’t end there. “Interior home doors are often mass-produced,” Ball says, “but cabinetmakers can create special designs, or supply and fit from a choice of online manufactured doors. They can also manufacture or refurbish staircases, and copy a customer’s existing furniture, for example if something is an end-of-line.”
“Our main works are closets, living room alcove units, bookcases and our personal favorite — media units,” says Tim Bywater-Owens of West London Carpentry & Decoration.
What Kinds of Pieces Can a Cabinetmaker Create?
In addition to kitchen cabinetry, a cabinetmaker can help with general storage around the home. “Under-stair cupboards, alcove units and TV or [media] cabinets are popular, along with special designs for bedrooms, from beds to bedside cabinets,” Ball says.
Fitted or freestanding closet units also are frequent requests, he says, along with “extending or upgrading existing closets — for example, fitting sliding or space-saving bifold doors.”
The list doesn’t end there. “Interior home doors are often mass-produced,” Ball says, “but cabinetmakers can create special designs, or supply and fit from a choice of online manufactured doors. They can also manufacture or refurbish staircases, and copy a customer’s existing furniture, for example if something is an end-of-line.”
“Our main works are closets, living room alcove units, bookcases and our personal favorite — media units,” says Tim Bywater-Owens of West London Carpentry & Decoration.
Dichotomy Interiors
What Sorts of Materials Might Be Used?
This will vary, so ask your cabinetmaker in advance, as different materials will have different advantages and costs.
For solid wood on interior painted projects, Chevreuil uses wood with few knots that sands easily. “Where the client wants to see the grain of the wood, we generally provide samples, so they can decide what they think is most suitable for their project and what they like.” His firm makes sure to use wood and panels that are certified FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or similar from responsibly managed forests.
“We also use plywood panels for the cabinet’s interiors as making them out of solid wood would be very expensive because the raw material costs more and there’s additional work involved,” he says. “Panels are also more stable than solid wood, which is a big advantage on wide sections.
“We try to stay away from MDF and use plywood or veneered plywood instead,” he says. “It’s more eco-friendly and is better structurally speaking, which can be important for shelving.”
Shop for cabinet hardware on Houzz
What Sorts of Materials Might Be Used?
This will vary, so ask your cabinetmaker in advance, as different materials will have different advantages and costs.
For solid wood on interior painted projects, Chevreuil uses wood with few knots that sands easily. “Where the client wants to see the grain of the wood, we generally provide samples, so they can decide what they think is most suitable for their project and what they like.” His firm makes sure to use wood and panels that are certified FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or similar from responsibly managed forests.
“We also use plywood panels for the cabinet’s interiors as making them out of solid wood would be very expensive because the raw material costs more and there’s additional work involved,” he says. “Panels are also more stable than solid wood, which is a big advantage on wide sections.
“We try to stay away from MDF and use plywood or veneered plywood instead,” he says. “It’s more eco-friendly and is better structurally speaking, which can be important for shelving.”
Shop for cabinet hardware on Houzz
Daher Interior Design
What Are the Advantages of Handmade Pieces Over Generic Systems?
A cabinetmaker can create a piece of furniture designed to fit exactly into a tricky corner or awkward recess in your home. “Space is often very important, so having the ability to make things in a size that suits the space better is definitely a big plus,” Chevreuil says.
“They can [also] copy the designs of other items in the room and create the right color or finish, so the new piece will blend in far better,” Ball says. “They can build it so it’s stronger and longer-lasting compared to an off-the-shelf solution too.”
Which Home Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
What Are the Advantages of Handmade Pieces Over Generic Systems?
A cabinetmaker can create a piece of furniture designed to fit exactly into a tricky corner or awkward recess in your home. “Space is often very important, so having the ability to make things in a size that suits the space better is definitely a big plus,” Chevreuil says.
“They can [also] copy the designs of other items in the room and create the right color or finish, so the new piece will blend in far better,” Ball says. “They can build it so it’s stronger and longer-lasting compared to an off-the-shelf solution too.”
Which Home Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
Woodshop QC
Above all, you’ll have something unique, custom to your taste and needs, and hopefully can appreciate forever.
“You’ll get a piece of furniture you love and will be proud to show to your friends,” Chevreuil says. “We can tailor-make pieces to the smallest detail, so they suit your home. For instance, we had a customer a few years back who wanted a door made, and we inserted a stained-glass medallion that had been given to them on their wedding day.
“We can also copy, and scale if necessary, any moldings from other woodwork already in your house,” he adds.
Above all, you’ll have something unique, custom to your taste and needs, and hopefully can appreciate forever.
“You’ll get a piece of furniture you love and will be proud to show to your friends,” Chevreuil says. “We can tailor-make pieces to the smallest detail, so they suit your home. For instance, we had a customer a few years back who wanted a door made, and we inserted a stained-glass medallion that had been given to them on their wedding day.
“We can also copy, and scale if necessary, any moldings from other woodwork already in your house,” he adds.
Copper Sky Design + Remodel
Having something that’s built to your home’s specific dimensions means otherwise dead areas can be utilized. “For instance, we made a bespoke kitchen for a customer who originally had an off-the-shelf one,” Chevreuil says. “They had a stone wall protruding within the kitchen that had previously been sectioned off with a fixed panel. We had the space to make a shallow unit to go in front of it, so we designed a spice rack to slot into this unusual nook and they gained extra storage.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Having something that’s built to your home’s specific dimensions means otherwise dead areas can be utilized. “For instance, we made a bespoke kitchen for a customer who originally had an off-the-shelf one,” Chevreuil says. “They had a stone wall protruding within the kitchen that had previously been sectioned off with a fixed panel. We had the space to make a shallow unit to go in front of it, so we designed a spice rack to slot into this unusual nook and they gained extra storage.”
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Morrison Interiors
What Should You Know When Choosing a Cabinetmaker?
A traditional cabinetmaker is a skilled craftsperson, Ball says, and you can check out their training and history, as well as previous work. If they’re on Houzz, you can look at the photos and reviews on their profile.
“A cabinetmaker should have completed a trade apprenticeship and be happy to explain when they did this, for how long and who with,” Ball says.
What Should You Know When Choosing a Cabinetmaker?
A traditional cabinetmaker is a skilled craftsperson, Ball says, and you can check out their training and history, as well as previous work. If they’re on Houzz, you can look at the photos and reviews on their profile.
“A cabinetmaker should have completed a trade apprenticeship and be happy to explain when they did this, for how long and who with,” Ball says.
BEM Custom Builders
What Other Questions Should You Ask?
Bywater-Owens suggests it’s a good idea to ask about finishes. “The trend for the past few years has been for an eggshell finish,” as low sheen as possible, he says. His firm has a favorite paint brand, but they’re happy to be flexible if clients have a particular paint in mind.
Also think about handles. “These really can make a huge difference overall,” Bywater-Owens says. “As there’s so much choice out there, we usually send a few links out for us to meet the client’s personal choice.”
What Other Questions Should You Ask?
Bywater-Owens suggests it’s a good idea to ask about finishes. “The trend for the past few years has been for an eggshell finish,” as low sheen as possible, he says. His firm has a favorite paint brand, but they’re happy to be flexible if clients have a particular paint in mind.
Also think about handles. “These really can make a huge difference overall,” Bywater-Owens says. “As there’s so much choice out there, we usually send a few links out for us to meet the client’s personal choice.”
Rasmussen / Su Architects
Tell us: Have you used a cabinetmaker? Let us know your experiences in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about working with pros
Browse millions of photos for inspiration
Find a home professional
Shop for products
Tell us: Have you used a cabinetmaker? Let us know your experiences in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about working with pros
Browse millions of photos for inspiration
Find a home professional
Shop for products
KA Builders is a dedicated and innovative remodeling company based in the heart of your city. With our years of... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
Related Stories
Remodeling Guides
Which Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
Find out whether you need a contractor, an architect, an interior designer or another professional for the job
Full Story
Architecture
6 Reasons to Hire a Home Design Professional
Doing a construction project without an architect, a designer or a design-build pro can be a missed opportunity
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors
Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about topics that go beyond the basics
Full Story
Fun Houzz
3D Room Designs Inspired by 5 Emmy-Nominated TV Shows
Step inside 3D-reimagined rooms based on ‘The Bear,’ ‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘The White Lotus,’ ‘Succession’ and ‘Wednesday’
Full Story
Contractor Tips
Your Complete Guide to Building Permits
By Matt Clawson
Learn about permit requirements, the submittal process, final inspection and more
Full Story
Landscape Design
Start Your Landscape Renovation Right With a Master Plan
Landscape design professionals share why putting a plan in place before you dig is key to a successful outcome
Full Story
Landscape Design
What to Expect From a Landscape Design Consultation
Pros share their advice for getting the most out of this meeting, including how to prepare and what questions to ask
Full Story
Working With Pros
8 Pros You Need on Your Team for a Well-Maintained Home
Do you have a painter, plumber and gardener you can trust? Find out the essential home service pros to know
Full Story
Landscape Design
Where to Invest and Save on a New Patio
Learn how different choices can give you a patio you’ll love that also suits your needs and means
Full Story
Kitchen Design
How a Kitchen Designer Can Be the Key to a Smooth Remodel
Find out 6 ways a kitchen designer can keep your renovation on track and on budget
Full Story
Our kitchen is fairly tiny, so we decided to take advantage of the high ceilings to make it seem bigger. The second tier of cabinets we added to existing cabinets and draw the eye up while providing storage for seldom-used and seasonal dishes. We found our cabinet maker on Houzz. He did a thoroughly professional job and finished in a timely manner. In real life, the wood match is much closer., and in time, we expect the match to be even closer.
I can’t stand furniture with weak and cheap backs. Also every piece of furniture should have the option of adding small hidden wheels. mY furniture mostly now have these , put on by me. Especially for the elderly and infirm. My wife calls my cellar work and other areas, dolly land.
When it comes to cabinet design, we often share the pros and cons of ideas that are brought to us. Having been in the business for over 40 years, we can do almost anything but we know what works and what doesn't. Whether form follows function, in the end, is up to the client.