So you’re planning a home renovation or a custom build, and one of the things you will have to consider is the cabinetry. New cabinets allow you to upgrade your kitchen, bathroom or living space, and add value to your home. That being said, like all things custom, the big question usually is, What is the lead time for custom cabinetry? In this article, we will explore what lead time is, how long custom cabinets generally take to build, as well as some changes to that timeline that may or may not impact what you buy, and how soon it is available.
Understand Lead Time & Standard Lead Time For Custom Cabinetry
What is Lead Time
It is imperative to get acquainted first with what lead time is before delving into the particulars of custom cabinetry.
Lead time is the duration between the original order or request till the end of production and delivery of a good or service. In the case of custom cabinetry, the lead time encompasses the whole process; starting with the process of designing, then to the production process and finally the installation process.
You should know what lead time is to plan your remodeling. By understanding what the timeline is of having your custom cabinetry constructed, one will not be in a position to experience the last minute scramble or the creation of avoidable delays.
Standard Custom Cabinetry Lead Time
Custom cabinetry cannot have one answer that fits all. The lead time may be very different depending on a number of factors. But the lead time of custom cabinetry is an average of 6 to 12 weeks.
This may take a different time depending on the manufacturer, complexity of your project and materials used. As an illustration, a plain set of cabinets could be ready in about 6 weeks whereas a more elaborate detail would require a schedule that is more towards 12 weeks. There are instances when there are even faster services in certain companies at a premium price which can decrease the time of waiting.
It is essential to underline that 6-12 weeks is the average period, but customization is a major contributor to the time it takes to have your cabinets done.
Cabinetry Material Comparison: Lead Time, Benefits, and Cost
This comparison assists homeowners in determining the trade-offs amid various materials in the process of having their custom cabinetry project.
| Material Type | Average Lead Time (Weeks) | Benefits | Average Cost (per sq. ft.) |
| Wood | 8 | Durable, high-quality finish, customizable designs. | $15 – $30 |
| MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) | 6 | Affordable, smooth finish, good for painted finishes. | $10 – $20 |
| Plywood | 7 | Strong, water-resistant, suitable for heavy-duty use. | $20 – $35 |
| Particleboard | 5 | Economical, lightweight, ideal for basic designs. | $5 – $10 |
| Laminate | 4 | Versatile, low-maintenance, available in various colors. | $7 – $15 |
It provides transparent information about the materials that is all for them to make a decision based on their design requirements, timeline, and budget.
Factors That Can Impact Lead Time
The average lead time for custom cabinetmaking is generally 6-12 weeks, however there are a few things that can affect the time frame on your project. Some of the most common include:
Material Availability
Availability of materials is one of the most important lead time drivers. Custom cabinets tend to use exotic woods, special finishes and hardware and sometimes these are out of stock or have to be special-ordered. For example, high-demand materials such as exotic woods or custom finishes may have longer lead times.
Design Complexity
Another significant factor is the complexity in designing. If you are looking for something incredibly intricate with elaborate carvings, custom shapes or very complex configurations, you will need to give your cabinet maker more time to turn your vision into reality. In addition, specialty built-ins–such as beaded board inserts, plate racks, or ledge molding–will also increase the time.
Craftsmanship
Some good things in life can take time and attention to detail. If you are commissioning an artist or a small, high-quality cabinetry company, then it will take them longer to build your cabinets, because they take time to do great work. And though this will take a bit longer, the reward will be worth it after you see the end result.
Seasonal Demand
During times of peak, such as holiday season or summer remodeling season, it’s possible manufacturers will see an uptick in volume in their orders which may increase the lead time a bit. If you have a long queue of enquiries they make not have time to meet with you so play it safe and engage with them at least a month in advance of your tradesman needing them.
Manufacturer’s Backlog
Each of your cabinet makers have a certain set of orders they are working on. If the company is backlogged with orders, you’ll have to wait. Smaller manufacturers may take longer because of capacity, while larger companies with higher volumes might have more options.
How to Manage Lead Time Expectations
Now that we know what can affect lead time, let’s talk about managing your expectations to help reduce frustration and disappointment.
Communicate with Your Manufacturer
If you’re pressed for time, the most powerful thing you can do is let your cabinet maker or if you’re having them custom designed, your designer know upfront what your timeline and expectations are for the project. Let them know when you’d like the project to be complete and ask for a candid estimate of the cabinets’ completion date.
A cabinet maker worth his or her salt should be able to provide you with a definitive lead time according to their production schedule, and keep you posted if anything unexpected comes up that could delay your job.
Plan for Delays
When you’re dealing with custom jobs, it’s always smart to factor in the possibility of delays. There are numerous moving parts in cabinetry design and manufacturing, and even slight hiccups can occur because of the scarcity of materials or shifts in production schedules.
See if you can build some additional time into your renovation plan, so that a setback doesn’t derail your entire project.
Why It’s Worth the Wait
It might seem unnatural for most everybody in a modern construction world to have to wait over a month for something to be delivered to your home, but again, why are you considering custom cabinetry to begin with. With custom cabinets, you can customize quality and fit, something you don’t get with ready made, stock cabinetry. Custom cabinets are built to your exact specifications, so they are the optimal choice for your home.
CabinetryBuilt-Ins Custom cabinets provide a superior quality and will contribute to the value of your home, it’s worth the wait! You are, after all, buying something that you and your family members will use for many years, something that adds both function and beauty to your home.
Ways to Speed Up the Process
You have no control over some of the details of custom cabinetry, but my follow up tells you how to make the process more efficient and lead time shorter:
Pre-Designing Options
If you aren’t married to the idea of a truly original design, you might consider choosing a set of pre-designed islands that might appeal to your specific style and needs. The shelves and units can be made from dense wood such as oak or pine, or less expensive plywood, some cabinet makers have standardized designs or templates, enabling ultra-efficient replication which can shave weeks or months off a lead time.
Choosing Readily Available Materials
Speed up the process by selecting easily accessible and readily available materials. If you choose to use materials that are in stock, as opposed to specialty woods or custom finishes, your lead time for the sourcing of materials will be much shorter.
Avoiding Excessive Customization
Custom features take your cabinetry to the next level but adding those extra touches also increases your timeline. Take a look at what details you really need, like ornate carvings, specialty hardware or custom finishes. Reducing the customization level can lower the overall lead time.
Conclusion
Custom cabinetry is inspired by ordering furniture: There can be a 6- to 12-week lead time on average. But this time frame will be affected by things such as the simplicity of the design, material supply and the manufacturer’s schedule. Now that you are aware of these parameters, you have muted the expectations of your clients and have discovered a way to help ensure a smooth custom cabinetry job. It is necessary to have communication with your manufacturer to receive an accurate forecast and plan in advance.
Custom cabinetry is worth the investment for the quality, longevity and personalization it adds to your space.
Call us today at Custom Cabinetry TX to get started on your design ideas, we can give you a true lead time and schedule for your project.
FAQs
Custom cabinetry generally takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and the materials selected. Basic designs can make for quicker designs, and more complex projects may make for a longer timeline.
Design complexity, material availability and the workload of the manufacturer also play a big factor in lead time. Backorders during high demand seasons can also delay shipments.
While selecting from available materials or pre-designed templates does speed up the process somewhat. Having good dialogue with the cabinet maker and avoiding too much individual customisation will make the process of manufacture smoother.
