What To Expect: Ordering Finished Cabinet Doors From Cutting Edge
Ordering finished cabinet doors? Learn what to expect, what’s included, and how to avoid project delays with this complete guide.
You’re here because you need to order finished cabinet doors. Maybe you’re a cabinet maker swamped with projects. Or a contractor with a schedule that can’t afford mistakes. You’re probably asking yourself, Will these doors arrive ready to install? What does finishing include? How soon will the doors arrive?
If you don’t know what to expect, you could end up with doors that don’t match your vision or deadline. And that hurts your bottom line and reputation.
At Cutting Edge, we’ve produced finished cabinet doors for over 20 years. We’ve produced thousands of finished doors for hundreds of contractors and cabinet shops who need finished cabinet doors. We know every supplier does things differently, so we’re here to make your expectations crystal clear from day one.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What finished cabinet doors actually are
- Key things to expect when ordering finished cabinet doors
- How to make sure you always get what you need, regardless of who you order from
Let’s break it down.
Finished Cabinet Doors Are Ideal For Busy Contractors
So what exactly are finished cabinet doors?
These are cabinet doors that are manufactured, sanded, painted or stained, and ready for installation. Unlike raw or unfinished doors, finished cabinet doors save you time by skipping the steps of prepping, painting, or sealing them yourself.
Finished cabinet doors are ideal if:
- You don’t have a spray booth or finishing area
- Your team focuses on installations, not finishing
- You have limited staff
- You’re on a tight timeline
At Cutting Edge, our finished doors come in a variety of styles, wood types, and sheens to match your design or project needs. Because they arrive ready to install, you don’t need to factor in additional shop time for painting, drying, or sanding.
This assistance lets you focus on what matters: getting the job done right, on time.
What To Expect When Ordering Finished Cabinet Doors
Whether you’re ordering from us or someone else, here’s what finished cabinet doors should include, and what you need to know.
Finished Cabinet Doors Arrive Ready To Install
Your finished doors will arrive completely sanded, painted or stained, and ready to install. The front, back, and all edges will be sealed and smooth. You can specify whether you want hinge boring or leave them blank.
Always ask if your supplier includes hinge drilling and if the pattern matches your hardware.
Finished Doors Are Sprayed Vertically – You’ll See Small Holes
To get a flawless finish, we spray doors vertically. That requires temporary brackets, which we screw into the back or edges.
This means your doors will have small screw holes, but don’t worry – we position them where the drawer boxes, cabinet boxes, or hinges will hide them. Notify our team where not to put them when you order.
Finished Cabinet Doors Are ¾” Thick
This thickness is the industry standard, and it suits most cabinet builds.
But:
- Some slim shaker or mitred styles may come thicker
- Custom thicknesses are available
Be sure to check the thickness if you’re mixing styles or replacing old doors.
Oversized Doors May Have Centre Rails or Stiles
Depending on the door style, doors over 30” wide or 43” tall may be unstable without added support. We may insert a centre rail or stile for strength.
- Solid wood doors usually have an extra panel for stability
- MDF or mitred doors may not be compatible with additional stiles and rails
This is one of those things where every manufacturer is different. Always ask how they handle large doors.
Finished Cabinet Doors Have a Flat Finish (10° Sheen)
All cabinet door suppliers have a standard finish sheen. At Cutting Edge, our standard is a 10° sheen, which gives a smooth, flat look.
You can request:
- 20° sheen
- 35° sheen
However, flat is the default unless you ask.
This low-sheen finish hides fingerprints, softens reflections, and gives your cabinets a more modern look.
Finished Cabinet Doors Ship Within 4-6 Weeks
Once you confirm your order and make payment, our team gets to work. Most finished cabinet doors ship in 4 to 6 weeks.
This time frame doesn’t include:
- Weekends
- Holidays
- Transit time
Custom pieces or special finishes may extend this timeline.
You’ll Need To Approve and Pay Before We Begin
Your order won’t enter production until you have:
- Approved your order
- Paid a 50% deposit
This ensures you have complete control over your order. You say when we get started, and nothing will happen until you’re ready.
Ask if you’re unsure about what’s included. We’re here to walk you through the process so you feel confident in every order.
How To Learn What To Expect When Ordering Finished Cabinet Doors
Regardless of where you buy your finished cabinet doors, knowing what to expect is key to avoiding delays, damage, or costly surprises. At Cutting Edge, we’ve worked with contractors and cabinet makers for over 20 years. We’ve seen how easily things can go wrong when the supplier isn’t clear or when the buyer doesn’t ask the right questions.
We’re here to help you make smart, informed decisions, whether you order from us or someone else. This section will guide you through the most important questions to ask any cabinet door supplier, so you can feel confident about what’s coming and when.
Ask Your Cabinet Door Supplier Questions About Finished Doors
Here are seven key questions to ask when ordering finished cabinet doors:
- What does finishing include? Some suppliers may leave edges or backs raw. Ensure every surface is sealed, especially in humid spaces.
- Are hinge holes included, and what’s the pattern? Don’t assume hinge boring is standard. Ask if it’s included and confirm the spacing and depth match your hardware.
- Will there be spray bracket holes? Some shops spray vertically using brackets, which leave tiny holes. Ask where they’ll be located and if they’ll be hidden in the final install.
- What’s the door thickness? Standard is ¾”, but styles like slim shaker may be thicker. Always confirm the exact thickness to avoid alignment issues.
- How are large doors reinforced? Doors over 30” wide or 43” tall may need a centre rail or stile. Not all materials (like MDF) allow this by default, so ask.
- What is the standard sheen? Most suppliers use a satin sheen (25°), but you may want flat or semi-gloss. Clarify what’s included and request a sample if needed.
- When does production start, and how long will it take? Some lead times only begin after payment or approval. Know exactly when your clock starts and what delays might happen.
Asking these questions upfront can save you hours (or even days) on the jobsite. It also reduces stress, because you’ll know exactly what’s coming, when, and how it will look.
And if you ever get vague answers, delays without warning, or doors that don’t meet your specs, that’s a red flag. You deserve better.
Learn How To Price Out Finished Cabinet Doors Online
You came here to understand what to expect when ordering finished cabinet doors. Now, you know the key details to ask about, from the sheen and thickness to spray holes and timelines. These are the details that can make or break your project. When you’re clear on what’s included, you can protect your deadlines, your reputation, and your bottom line.
At Cutting Edge, we’ve helped thousands of contractors avoid delays, mistakes, and costly surprises. Now that you know what to look for, your next step is simple: learn how to price out your finished cabinet doors online. We’re here when you’re ready, with the support and clarity you’ve been looking for.
