At Frontier Craftsmen, we aim to make the process as seamless as possible. To help, we’ve created a checklist of the key decisions you’ll need to make for your cabinetry. Coming to meetings with some of these choices already made will help streamline the process and reduce the stress of making decisions on the spot.
Things to Consider When Buying Cabinetry
1. Define Your Style & Aesthetic
Cabinet Style: Traditional, Contemporary, Rustic, Modern, European, Framed 1/2Overlay, Full Overlay, Inset, Frameless
Finish Options: Stained, Painted, Matte, Satin, Glossy, Natural Wood, Two-tone
Door Style: Shaker, Raised Panel, Flat Panel, Glass, Slab
Hardware Preferences: Handles, Knobs, Pulls, Tabs, Combination
Crown Preference: Classic, Cove, Beaded, Batten, Shaker, Corbel, Stacked
2. Cabinet Layout & Functionality
What room(s) will the cabinetry be in? Kitchen, Bathroom, Home Office, Living Room, Laundry Room, Dining Room, Basement, Garage, Mudroom, Closets
Do you want any specialized storage or features? Pull-Out Drawers, Spice Racks, Lazy-Susans, Drawer Organizers, Pocket Doors, Refrigerator Panels, Utensil Organizer, Pots/Pans Holder, Garbage Pullout
Are there any appliances or items you’d like to incorporate into the design? Microwave, Oven/Single or Double, Beverage Fridge, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Stove Range, Washer/Dryer, Farmhouse Sink
3. Materials & Finish Preferences
Wood Type: Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Cherry, Hickory, Walnut, Birch
Countertops: Granite, Quartz, Quartzite, Butcher Block, Laminate
4. Color Preferences
Base Color: Neutral (White, Gray, Beige etc.), Bold (Navy, Green Etc.)
Accent Color: Backsplashes, Wall Color, Flooring, Existing Wood Tones, Countertops, Existing Furniture Piece
5. Budget & Timeline
Estimated Budget Range?
This helps us offer options that best fit your budget
Timeline: What is your ideal time frame for project completion?
Do you have specific deadlines, such as an upcoming event or renovation deadline?
6. Inspiration & Examples: Please upload or provide links to inspirational photos or ideas that reflect the style, functionality, or features you envision for your cabinetry. These can include Pinterest boards or images from other homes.
How many hours are required to design and build a custom
kitchen from start to finish?
Design and Planning (10-30 hours): This involves creating the custom designs, selecting materials, making revisions, and preparing the layout.
Material Selection and Procurement (10-20 hours): Time spent selecting, sourcing, and preparing wood, hardware, and other materials.
Cutting and Assembly (80-150 hours): This is the labor-intensive phase, where wood pieces are cut, shaped, and assembled into cabinets, doors, and drawers.
Finishing (30-60 hours): Sanding, staining, painting, and finishing the cabinets to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Installation (30-50 hours): The final step involves delivering and installing the cabinets in the kitchen, ensuring everything fits properly and functions as designed.
