How is the cabinet built?
Start with construction, because it’s where the biggest quality differences hide and where they’re easiest to gloss over. Ask what the cabinet boxes are made of — plywood cases are a step up from particleboard — how the drawer boxes are built (dovetailed solid wood is the mark of quality), and whether the construction is framed or frameless. Ask about the door and panel materials too. A maker who builds well will answer these plainly; vague answers are themselves informative.
- What are the cases made of — plywood or particleboard?
- How are the drawer boxes built — dovetailed solid wood?
- Framed or frameless, and inset or overlay?
- What hardware — full-extension, soft-close slides and hinges?
How and where is it finished?
Finishing determines how cabinetry wears, so ask what finish is used and where it’s applied. A catalyzed finish like conversion varnish is durable and shop-applied under controlled conditions; ask whether finishing happens in the shop or on site, since shop finishing is generally higher quality. For painted work, ask what the center panels are — MDF gives a smoother, more stable painted surface than solid wood. These questions reveal whether you’re getting a finish built to last.
Who is accountable, and what’s the timeline?
Ask who actually designs, builds, and installs the cabinetry. When one shop handles all three — as a vertically integrated maker does — there’s a single point of accountability rather than hand-offs between a designer, a distant factory, and a separate installer. Ask about lead time realistically, since custom is built to order and takes time, and about what happens if something doesn’t fit on install day. The answer tells you whether one team owns the outcome. It’s also fair to confirm the maker is a licensed contractor for the work involved.
Can I see the work and the drawings?
Finally, ask to see the maker’s actual work and to understand the process. Will you get detailed shop drawings to approve before anything is built? Can you see samples of the construction, the finish, and the door styles in person? A confident custom shop welcomes these questions and shows you real cabinetry and real drawings. The goal isn’t to interrogate anyone — it’s to make sure that when you compare two quotes, you’re comparing the same level of construction, finish, and accountability rather than a number alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important thing to ask a cabinet maker?
How the cabinet is built — what the cases and drawer boxes are made of, and what hardware and finish are used. Construction and finishing are where quality differences hide and where two similar-looking quotes actually diverge.
Why does it matter who installs the cabinetry?
When one shop designs, builds, and installs, there’s a single point of accountability, and any site surprise can be resolved on the spot rather than routed back through a separate factory. Hand-offs between three parties are where responsibility gets lost.
Building or remodeling in the Treasure Valley?
Alderwood designs, builds, and installs custom cabinetry in-house across Idaho’s Treasure Valley. Tell us about your project and we’ll start with a design conversation.
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