How to Choose a Cabinet-maker
Why use a cabinet-maker and what should you know about choosing one? Professionals answer the key questions
Cabinets that are designed to fit the exact dimensions and style of your home can be a thing of beauty, as well as being highly practical. Here’s why it might be a good idea to hire a skilled cabinet-maker to build bespoke kitchen cupboards, wardrobes and other pieces of furniture.
Professional advice from: Florent Chevreuil of Ecosse Bespoke Carpentry; Tim Bywater-Owens of West London Carpentry & Decoration; Robert Ball of Robert Ball Bespoke Cabinet Maker & Joiner
Also in this series: How to Choose an Interior Designer l How to Choose a Tiler l How to Choose an Architect l How to Choose an Electrician l How to Choose a Kitchen Designer l How to Choose a Plumber
Professional advice from: Florent Chevreuil of Ecosse Bespoke Carpentry; Tim Bywater-Owens of West London Carpentry & Decoration; Robert Ball of Robert Ball Bespoke Cabinet Maker & Joiner
Also in this series: How to Choose an Interior Designer l How to Choose a Tiler l How to Choose an Architect l How to Choose an Electrician l How to Choose a Kitchen Designer l How to Choose a Plumber
What kinds of pieces can a cabinet-maker create?
As well as kitchen units, a cabinet-maker can help with general storage around the home. “Understairs cupboards, alcove units and TV or [media] cabinets are popular, along with special designs for bedrooms, from beds to bedside cabinets,” Robert says.
Fitted or freestanding wardrobes are also frequent requests, he continues, along with “extending or upgrading existing wardrobes – for example, fitting sliding or space-saving bifold doors”.
The list doesn’t end there. “Internal home doors are often mass- produced,” Robert explains, “but cabinet-makers 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 wardrobes, living room alcove units, bookcases and our personal favourite – media units,” Tim Bywater-Owens says.
More: 23 Media Units That Create a Stylish Focal Point
As well as kitchen units, a cabinet-maker can help with general storage around the home. “Understairs cupboards, alcove units and TV or [media] cabinets are popular, along with special designs for bedrooms, from beds to bedside cabinets,” Robert says.
Fitted or freestanding wardrobes are also frequent requests, he continues, along with “extending or upgrading existing wardrobes – for example, fitting sliding or space-saving bifold doors”.
The list doesn’t end there. “Internal home doors are often mass- produced,” Robert explains, “but cabinet-makers 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 wardrobes, living room alcove units, bookcases and our personal favourite – media units,” Tim Bywater-Owens says.
More: 23 Media Units That Create a Stylish Focal Point
What sorts of materials might be used?
This will vary, so ask your cabinet-maker in advance, as different materials will have different advantages and price points.
“For solid wood on internal painted projects, we’d typically use poplar, as there are very few knots in it and it sands very easily,” Florent says. “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. We make sure we use wood and panels that are certified FSC or PEFC, from responsibly managed forests.
“We also use plywood panels for the cabinet’s interiors,” he continues, “as making them out of solid wood would be very expensive, because the raw material costs more and there’s additional work involved. 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 adds. “It’s more ecofriendly and is better structurally speaking, which can be important for shelving.”
This will vary, so ask your cabinet-maker in advance, as different materials will have different advantages and price points.
“For solid wood on internal painted projects, we’d typically use poplar, as there are very few knots in it and it sands very easily,” Florent says. “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. We make sure we use wood and panels that are certified FSC or PEFC, from responsibly managed forests.
“We also use plywood panels for the cabinet’s interiors,” he continues, “as making them out of solid wood would be very expensive, because the raw material costs more and there’s additional work involved. 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 adds. “It’s more ecofriendly and is better structurally speaking, which can be important for shelving.”
What are the advantages of handmade pieces over generic systems?
A cabinet-maker 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,” Florent says.
“They can [also] copy the designs of other items in the room and create the right colour or finish, so the new piece will blend in far better,” Robert says. “They can build it so it’s stronger and longer-lasting compared to an off-the-peg solution, too.”
A cabinet-maker 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,” Florent says.
“They can [also] copy the designs of other items in the room and create the right colour or finish, so the new piece will blend in far better,” Robert says. “They can build it so it’s stronger and longer-lasting compared to an off-the-peg solution, too.”
Above all, you’ll have something unique, bespoke to your taste and needs, and that hopefully you’ll appreciate forever.
“You’ll get a piece of furniture you love and will be proud to show to your friends,” Florent 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 mouldings from other woodwork already in your house,” he adds.
“You’ll get a piece of furniture you love and will be proud to show to your friends,” Florent 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 mouldings from other woodwork already in your house,” he adds.
Having something that’s built to your home’s specific dimensions means otherwise dead areas can be utilised. “For instance, we made a bespoke kitchen for a customer who originally had an off-the-shelf one,” Florent 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 designed a spice rack to slot into this unusual nook and they gained extra storage.”
What should you know when choosing a cabinet-maker?
A traditional cabinet-maker is a skilled craftsperson, Robert says, and you can check out their training and history, as well as previous work. If they’re on Houzz, take a look at the photos on their profile.
“A cabinet-maker should have completed a trade apprenticeship, and be happy to explain when they did this, for how long and who with,” Robert says. “Old-school cabinet-makers would have completed a five-year apprenticeship, and be up to date with health and safety and also the theory side of woodwork.”
A traditional cabinet-maker is a skilled craftsperson, Robert says, and you can check out their training and history, as well as previous work. If they’re on Houzz, take a look at the photos on their profile.
“A cabinet-maker should have completed a trade apprenticeship, and be happy to explain when they did this, for how long and who with,” Robert says. “Old-school cabinet-makers would have completed a five-year apprenticeship, and be up to date with health and safety and also the theory side of woodwork.”
What other questions should you ask?
Tim 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 favourite 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,” Tim 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.”
Tell us…
Have you used a cabinet-maker in your home? Let us know your experiences in the Comments.
Tim 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 favourite 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,” Tim 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.”
Tell us…
Have you used a cabinet-maker in your home? Let us know your experiences in the Comments.
A cabinet-maker produces high-quality wooden pieces and can create something bespoke 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,” Florent Chevreuil says.
“Cabinet-makers offer a higher level of woodwork than normal carpentry,” Robert Ball says. “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 bespoke kitchen, for example, cabinets are “built to the right size, often meaning there’s no need for infill panels”.
Search cabinet-makers in your area on Houzz and read reviews from previous clients.