What To Include In Your Cabinet Door List When Requesting A Quote

Learn what to include in your door list so your cabinet door supplier can provide you with an accurate quote in less time.

A close-up image of a person filling out a cabinet door list. There are several details that are vital to include if you want an accurate quote.
At A Glance

What Should You Include In A Cabinet Door List When Requesting A Quote?

A complete cabinet door list should include finished door sizes, quantities, wood species and grade, door style, profile codes, frame width, door thickness, and any extras such as finishing, hinge drilling, or custom details. You should also include shipping information, lead-time needs, custom drawings, and the best contact person for quote questions so your supplier can quote accurately with less back-and-forth. 

You’re reviewing your cabinet drawings and getting ready to send in a cabinet door list for a quote. At this point, one of the first questions is what your supplier actually needs before they can price the job. Should you send the cabinet box sizes or the finished door sizes? Do you need to include wood species, profiles, frame width, hinge drilling, and finishing notes? 

At Cutting Edge, we quote between 5 and 10 door lists each day for cabinet makers and contractors across Canada. Because we review these lists every day, we see the same issues come up often. In fact, over 95% of our delayed door quotes are due to missing sizes or specs. That first-hand experience gives us a clear view of which details help a quote move faster and which missing details create back-and-forth. 

In this article, you’ll learn what to include in your cabinet door list before you request a door quote, including:

You’ll also learn why shipping, lead time, and drawing details matter.

Top Details You Should Include When Sending A Door List For Quoting

A door list is the main guide your supplier uses to quote your cabinet doors. It tells them what you need, how many doors you need, and which details may affect the price. When your door list is clear, your supplier can quote faster and make fewer assumptions.

A strong door list also protects you from quote errors. If the list is unclear, your supplier may quote the wrong profile, material, size, or add-on. That is why the best door lists are simple, complete, and easy to check before approval.

A complete door list helps protect your time, your schedule, and your reputation.

Include Exact Cabinet Door Sizes And Quantities In Your Door List

Your supplier needs the finished cabinet door sizes, not the cabinet box sizes. This is one of the most common points of confusion when contractors send in a door list.

For each cabinet door, include the exact width, height, and quantity. These should be the sizes you want to install on the cabinet after allowing for overlay, reveals, and gaps.

Do not assume your supplier will calculate these finished sizes from your cabinet drawings. Most suppliers quote from the sizes you provide. If those sizes are wrong, the quote may still look correct, but the doors may not fit when they arrive.

Include The Wood Species And Grade For Your Cabinet Doors

Your door quote should also include the wood species and grade. Depending on what your supplier offers, common wood options may include Maple, Red (or White) Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Hickory, Alder, MDF, or other materials.

The type of wood has a major impact on the price. However, the wood grade is equally important. 

For example, a paint-grade door is usually chosen for painted finishes, while a stain-grade door is often used when the wood grain will show. Some grades allow more colour change, knots, or natural grain. Others offer a cleaner and more consistent look.

Before sending your list, decide how the cabinet doors will be finished. Then review the grades your supplier offers and choose the one that fits the project. If you are not sure which grade is best, ask your supplier before sending over your quote.

A kitchen with Rift Cut White Oak cabinet doors under a light brown stain. Make sure you include the wood type and grade on your cabinet door list to ensure your quote is accurate.
Image provided by Hiebert Cabinets & Fine Woodwork, customer

Include The Door Style And Profile Codes In Your Door Quote Request

Most cabinet door suppliers need more than one code to quote a door. Full clarity requires the door style, inside profile, panel profile, and outside profile codes.

Each code tells your supplier something different and vital. In addition, profile codes vary from supplier to supplier. A code used by one supplier may mean something different at another shop. Because of this, our team recommends you review your supplier’s profile guide before sending your quote request.

Include The Frame Width And Door Thickness In Your Door List

Your supplier also needs to know the frame width and door thickness.

Frame width refers to the width of the rails and stiles around the centre panel. This dimension affects the look and pricing of your cabinet doors.

On the other hand, door thickness can affect the hardware, construction, and availability of the style you want. Most suppliers default to ¾” thickness.

Some suppliers have standard frame widths and thicknesses, while others offer custom options. If your project requires a specific frame width, include it on your door list so your supplier can confirm availability and price it correctly.

Include Finishing, Hinge Drilling, And Custom Cabinet Door Details

Your supplier will usually quote only what you ask for. For that reason, you must clearly list any extra work or details on your door list or quote request.

These minor details may include finishing, priming, hinge drilling, mullion frames, glass-ready frames, wide bottom rails, arched rails, matching drawer fronts, or special sizing rules. Each of these details affects the price, production time, and final product.

This step is important because small quote details can be easy to miss. At least once a week, a customer reviewing their quote notices an issue, such as the wrong profile code. Catching that before approval helps prevent bigger problems later.

What Else Should You Provide When Sending In A Door List For Quoting?

Beyond the door-specific details, there are a few supporting items your supplier needs to complete your quote accurately. These details are not tied to individual doors, but they affect freight, timing, and how smoothly your order moves forward. 

  • Start with the full shipping address. Providing the complete address helps your supplier determine accurate freight costs and avoid unexpected charges, especially if the location is residential. 
  • Ask for current lead times if your project has a firm timeline. Lead times can change, so checking the latest information helps you plan your install date with more confidence.
  • Include drawings for any custom products. Drawings help your supplier understand the size, shape, and layout, which leads to a more accurate quote.
  • Provide the best contact person (and method) for quote questions. This ensures your supplier can quickly clarify any details instead of waiting for the right person to respond.

These supporting details help your supplier finalize your quote and give you a clearer timeline. 

A kitchen with white painted cabinet doors, solid wood shelves, and butcher block countertops. Including any custom details on your cabinet door list helps ensure you receive an accurate quote.
Image provided by Zak’s HBC, customer

Common Door List Problems That Delay Cabinet Door Quotes

Most delayed door quotes come from missing sizes or missing specs. At Cutting Edge, these two issues account for over 95% of delayed quotes. Other common problems include missing quantities, profile codes, custom drawings, wood types, and wood grades. 

These mistakes are understandable. Cabinet makers and contractors like you are translating detailed drawings on a tight schedule, while handling customer changes. Even so, missing information still slows the quote down because your supplier cannot price what has not been clearly provided.

Before you send your door list, check these questions:

  • Are these finished cabinet door sizes?
  • Did I include quantities?
  • Have I specified the wood species and grade?
  • Did I include all profile codes?
  • Did I include frame width and thickness?
  • Do I need to include any custom notes and drawings?
  • Did I include shipping details? 

A final check helps reduce back-and-forth before your quote is created.

A Black man cupping his head in his hands while sitting in front of a laptop. Reviewing your cabinet door list to ensure it contains all the details you need helps you avoid delays and frustration.

A Complete Door List Leads To A Clearer Door Quote

At the end of the day, a cabinet door quote is only as clear as the door list behind it. If sizes, specs, profiles, or custom details are missing, your supplier may need to pause and ask more questions. That delay can affect your quote, your order, and your install schedule. Now that you know what to include, you can send a stronger door list and reduce back-and-forth before ordering cabinet doors.

Cutting Edge works with cabinet makers and contractors across Canada who need reliable cabinet doors and wood components. We know your supplier relationship affects your deadlines, your customer experience, and your reputation. Your next step is to learn how to reduce back-and-forth when ordering cabinet doors by using a complete door list, checking your quote, and confirming current lead times before you approve the order.

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