A SMART SHOPPING ORDER FOR YOUR KITCHEN RENOVATION

CABINETRY

Cabinetry is one of the most important and time-sensitive parts of a kitchen renovation. Custom and semi-custom cabinets often have lead times of 6 to 22 weeks, so this is one of the earliest decisions you’ll need to make.

Why Timing Matters:

Cabinet layout drives many other decisions—like countertop dimensions, appliance fit, lighting placement, and even flooring transitions. But you should not finalize your cabinet order until your appliance selections are locked in. The two are directly connected. A shift in appliance size—even by a few inches—can throw off your cabinet design and delay production.

Lead Time Tip:

If your appliances have very long lead times (like a specialty range or panel-ready fridge), you may choose to order those first. That’s fine—just make sure your cabinetmaker has the appliance specs before finalizing the design or placing the cabinet order.

Pro Tips:

• Always have your cabinet supplier return to the site after framing to do a final field measure.
• Review trim and crown details early—cabinet crown often needs to match the room crown for a seamless finish.
• Confirm who is responsible for ordering, receiving, and installing the cabinetry—and how that affects the warranty.
• Review seam location of cabinetry
• Confirm larger cabinets can make into into the house, fit in doorways, and down hallways.

PRE-PURCHASE CABINETRY CHECKLIST

Before approving final cabinet drawings and placing your order, walk through this list with your designer, cabinetmaker, or contractor:

• Appliance Coordination
  • Are all appliance specs (fridge, range, dishwasher, microwave, etc.) confirmed and accounted for?
  • If using panel-ready appliances, are the panels included in the cabinet order?
  • Is there adequate clearance and ventilation for each appliance?
• Lighting & Electrical
  • Have you planned for under-cabinet lighting (space, wiring, transformer)?
  • Are switches and outlets clear of any cabinet interference?
  • Do you need power in an island or appliance garage?
• Crown, Trim, and Base Details
  • How will crown molding transition into the room's ceiling or crown?
  • Is the toe kick consistent across the cabinetry and integrated with the room's base trim?
  • Have you coordinated any dropped beams or ceiling height changes that affect upper cabinets?
• Paneling & Finished Sides
  • Will any exposed cabinet sides be paneled or left flat?
  • Do you want furniture-style details like decorative end panels or feet?