Contractors: How To Prep For The Cabinetry Christmas Rush
Want finished kitchens before the holidays? Learn how to prep for the cabinetry Christmas rush, avoid delays, and protect your reputation.
You’ve been here before. Your customer is asking, “Will my kitchen be ready for Christmas dinner?” However, your cabinet door supplier says they aren’t accepting new orders until January. Now you’re left scrambling, and your customer is frustrated. You start asking yourself, Can I finish this project on time? How early should I have placed that order?
At Cutting Edge, we’ve helped contractors like you navigate the Christmas rush for over 20 years. We know what it takes to deliver custom cabinet doors before the holidays, and how much pressure comes when you’re caught off guard by supplier shutdowns. Like many others in our industry, we close for the holidays, and we want to make sure that you’re never left in the lurch again.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Why the Cabinetry Christmas Rush Hits Harder Than Summer
The Christmas rush is no joke. While summer brings its own busy season, December compresses urgency into a much shorter timeline, and your customers often won’t settle for delays. They want finished kitchens for family gatherings, photo ops, and the holidays.
What makes the Christmas season trickier?
- Fewer working days. Stat holidays and staff vacations reduce the number of days your supplier is open.
- Supplier closures. Most cabinet door suppliers, including Cutting Edge, shut down completely.
- Customer pressure. Homeowners expect to entertain in their finished space. Delays could damage your reputation.
- Increased demand. Every customer wants their orders completed on time, leading to higher demand and increased lead times.
Pro Tip: Order cabinet doors early for any projects you have to complete before Christmas. The earlier, the better - don’t assume your standard lead time will apply in December.
How To Prep for the Cabinetry Christmas Rush
Even though the Christmas season brings challenges, it’s totally possible to stay on track as long as you prep early and smart. Below, we’ve pulled together all the essential strategies to help you stay productive and profitable during the holiday season.
1. Order Custom Cabinet Doors Early — Really Early
If your job wraps before the holidays, your door order needs to be in early, likely in November or sooner. Read our full guide on when to order for Christmas delivery to avoid last-minute panic.
Remember: Even if you’re ready for the rush, your supplier might not be. Orders placed too close to the holidays risk missing the cutoff, resulting in a January ship date.
2. Get Your January Orders In Early, Too
Once Christmas hits, your suppliers are closed, but your project calendar keeps ticking. Don’t wait until January to place those early-year orders. Submit the cut lists as soon as possible in December so you’re at the top of the queue when everyone returns.
Why this matters:
- January backlogs are common
- Cabinet door suppliers process orders on a first-in, first-out basis – having your orders in sooner means they’ll ship sooner
- You’ll avoid delays when everyone else is just getting back to work
3. Leverage Your Supplier Relationship
A solid supplier relationship is your secret weapon during the Christmas rush. If you’ve built a good rapport, they’re far more likely to help you prioritize your most urgent orders.
Here’s how to get the most out of that relationship:
- Communicate your project priorities: Let them know which orders have hard deadlines.
- Be transparent: Communicate changes, delays, or challenges as early as possible.
- Ask about rush order policies or cutoff extensions – some suppliers may offer flexibility if you’re proactive.
At Cutting Edge, we work hard to treat our contractors as partners, but we can only help if we know what you need. The earlier and more clearly you communicate, the more we can help you.
4. Communicate Holiday Timelines with Your Clients
Let your customers know what to expect before the holiday rush hits. This communication reduces stress and sets clear expectations.
- Mention supplier shutdowns during project planning
- Add 1 week to standard delivery times for December installs
- Explain that early orders = better outcomes
When clients understand the timelines are tight leading up to Christmas, they’re more likely to approve jobs sooner, and that gives you more time to order.
In the worst-case scenario, at least you’ve notified your customer that delays can occur.
5. Set Up a Project Priority System
Not all jobs are created equal. To help you and your team, develop a simple system to prioritize which projects you must complete before the holidays.
Then, notify your supplier. This information will help you (and your supplier) prioritize your orders.
6. Confirm All Specs & Final Measurements ASAP
Double-check that all of the specs, finishes, and measurements are confirmed before ordering. Rushed orders cause mistakes, and mistakes equal costly delays – especially when your supplier is flat-out.
If you’re unsure about a detail, ask now. Don’t wait until your supplier is closed to get answers, and don’t risk last-minute rush orders.
7. Plan for Rework or Warranty Issues
Even with perfect prep, sometimes things go wrong – a door arrives damaged or the finish is off. Place your orders early enough to leave room for potential replacements before the shutdown.
Pro Tip: Notify your customer of this potential problem. Set expectations that rework or warranty items aren’t guaranteed to arrive before the holidays.
Actions You Can Take Now To Prepare For The Cabinetry Christmas Rush
If you’re reading this in early fall, it’s the perfect time to act. These simple but powerful steps can help you stay on track and avoid costly delays:
- Prioritize your pre-Christmas projects. Decide which projects must be done before the holidays and tag them accordingly. This helps you manage production and communicate clearly with your supplier.
- Place your orders as early as possible. Use our guide above to place your orders based on install date. Don’t wait – slots fill fast, and orders submitted too late may be delayed until January.
- Lock in the final specs and measurements as soon as possible. Double-check everything before you submit your order. Rushed orders lead to mistakes, and there’s no room for error this close to shutdown.
- Communicate clearly with your clients and sub-trades. Set expectations about timelines, delivery windows, and the possibility of delays. A little transparency now can prevent headaches later.
- Submit cutlists for January orders early. Even if the install date is late- January, get your order in before the shutdown so you beat the post-holiday rush.
- Coordinate your crew’s availability. Ensure your install team and any subcontractors are available before the holidays. Schedules get tight, and labour shortages can be just as disruptive as product delays.
Taking these steps now will set you up for a smoother, stress-free holiday season for both you and your customers. With smart planning, early orders, and clear communication, you can better protect your schedule, reputation, and bottom line.
Don’t Let the Christmas Rush Derail Your Schedule
You’ve probably faced that sinking feeling before – a client asking, “Will my kitchen be ready for Christmas dinner?” while you’re still waiting on parts. The pressure is high, and your reputation is on the line. Now that you know exactly how to prepare for the holiday rush (from ordering early to coordinating your team and setting clear expectations), you’re in control. You’ve got a plan that puts you ahead of the panic, protects your schedule, and keeps your clients happy.
Now, read our guide on when to order custom cabinet doors for Christmas delivery so you can lock in your timelines, avoid the holiday backlog, and get ahead before the cutoff.
