Cabinetry Articles & Guides
Understand cost breakdowns, how to choose the perfect bathroom vanity, the latest kitchen trends and more.
Table of Contents - Understanding Custom Cabinet Timelines
If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, one of the first concerns you may have is timing. And it’s a fair question:
Are Custom Cabinets Too Slow for My Remodel Timeline?
You may have heard that custom cabinets take months, delay projects, or hold up contractors. In some cases, that’s true. In others, it’s a misconception. For clarity, we work with semi-custom cabinetry with gives you the design flexibility of custom cabinetry without the inconvenience of being painted/stained and finished on-site.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- How long custom cabinets actually take
- Why they take longer than stock cabinets
- When custom cabinets are not a good fit
- When they’re absolutely worth the wait
- How to decide what’s right for your timeline
Let’s be honest and clear—so you can make the best decision for your remodel.
How Long Do Custom Cabinets Really Take?
On average, custom cabinets take 8–12 weeks from design approval to installation. Typically we try to provide a very short turnaround time on design and revisions, but realistically our clients are busy and often need this time to review their selections. This is just an average timeframe, but we have many projects that move much quicker or much slower, depending on our clients timeline needs.
Here’s a typical breakdown:
- Design & approvals: 2–4 weeks
- Material production production: 4-6 weeks
- Installation: 1 weeks
- Finishing Touches: 1–2 weeks depending on completion of work with other trades
This timeline can vary depending on:
- Complexity of the design
- Amount of revisions needed
- Custom features (inset doors, specialty storage that needs to be sourced)
- Local vs. out-of-state manufacturing
- Time of year (spring and summer are busiest)
Compared to our design ready standard cabinets which can sometimes be delivered in 2-4 weeks, custom or semi-custom cabinets clearly require more time and planning.
Why Do Custom Cabinets Take Longer?
Custom cabinets aren’t pulled from a warehouse—they’re built specifically for your home.
Here’s why that matters:
- Cabinets are built to exact measurements (not standard sizes)
- Materials are selected and milled per project
- Finishes can be custom, applied using industrial-grade techniques and cured
- Quality control happens at multiple stages
In short, custom cabinets are furniture-grade, not mass-produced products. The additional time is what allows for better fit, durability, and design flexibility.
When Custom Cabinets Are Too Slow for a Remodel
Let’s be clear: custom cabinets are not always the right choice.
Custom cabinets may not be a good fit if:
- You have a hard deadline (hosting an event, selling a home quickly, moving in by a fixed date)
- Your remodel must be completed in under 6–8 weeks
- Your project scope is simple and standard
- Budget and speed matter more than specialty finishes or features
In these cases, stock or semi-custom cabinets may be a better solution—and a reputable cabinet company should tell you that upfront.
When Custom Cabinets Are Worth the Wait
Custom cabinets are often the best choice if:
- Your space has non-standard dimensions
- You want to maximize storage and functionality
- You’re remodeling a forever home
- Your home is worth more than $500K
- You want features stock cabinets can’t offer
Many homeowners find that waiting a few extra weeks saves them from:
- Filler panels
- Wasted space
- Limited storage
- Compromising on door styles and colors/stains
In other words, a longer upfront timeline can give you the confidence to get the perfect design you have in mind.
Can Custom Cabinets Still Work on a Tight Timeline?
Sometimes, yes—with proper planning.
A professional cabinet company can help by:
- Starting cabinet design early, even before demolition
- Coordinating with your contractor’s schedule
- Using phased installation strategies
- Offering semi-custom alternatives where appropriate
- Identifying potential delays before they become problems
The biggest delays often come from late decisions, not the cabinets themselves.
Final Thoughts: The Right Cabinets Match Your Goals
If your remodel is rushed, custom cabinets may not be the right fit—and that’s okay.
If your goal is a space that looks more elevated in design, functions better, and lasts decades, custom cabinets are often worth the wait.
The key is honest expectations, early planning, and expert guidance. Design ready and standard cabinetry can be a great alternative option, and our clients who use those option end up with beautiful, functional kitchens that will last for years to come. It really comes down to your design preferences and whether you have a very specific vision you are trying to achieve for your space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Can custom cabinets delay my entire remodel?
Yes, they can—but only if they’re not planned correctly. Custom cabinets often have longer lead times, which means design decisions need to be made early. When cabinet design starts before demolition and is coordinated with your contractor, custom cabinets usually do not delay the overall project. Most delays come from late approvals or last-minute changes, not the cabinetry itself.
FAQ 2: Are semi-custom cabinets different than fully custom cabinets?
Generally, yes. Semi-custom cabinets are built using standard cabinet boxes but with so much customization, which typically results a custom cabinetry look without the on-site mess and finishing work.
For most homeowners balancing speed and personalization, semi-custom cabinets are the strong middle-ground option.
FAQ 3: What’s the fastest cabinet option if I’m on a tight deadline?
Design ready or standard cabinets are usually the fastest option and can sometimes be delivered in just a few weeks. That said, they come in fixed sizes and limited styles, which may require filler panels or design compromises. If speed is your top priority, stock cabinets may work—but it’s important to understand the trade-offs in fit, function, and longevity.
FAQ 4: How can I avoid cabinet-related delays in my remodel?
The best way to avoid delays is to start the cabinet design process as early as possible. Finalizing layouts, materials, and finishes early allows cabinets to be ordered while other work is happening. Working with an experienced cabinet company that coordinates closely with your contractor also helps identify potential issues early—before they impact your timeline.
Get Started with a Free Design Consultation
What will you dream up for your kitchen space?
to the Design Studio
Schedule a discovery call with our design team and see if we’re the right fit to bring your cabinetry vision to life.
During your visit to our design offices, you’ll get hands-on with materials, explore styles, and talk through your ideas with our cabinetry experts. Located in Mt. Juliet, TN.
