01/18/2023
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 Freedman
Cheryl Freedman49 minutes ago
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.
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
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.”
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Michels Homes
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.
Dichotomy Interiors
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.”
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Daher Interior Design
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.”
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Woodshop QC
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.
Copper Sky Design + Remodel
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.”
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Morrison Interiors
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.
BEM Custom Builders
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.”
Rasmussen / Su Architects
Rasmussen / Su Architects
Tell us: Have you used a cabinetmaker? Let us know your experiences in the Comments.
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Comments (1)
PRO
D.P.Sheetz Designs
January 18, 2023
great article for custom woodwork.
