Can You Order Finished Dovetail Drawer Boxes From Cutting Edge?
Yes, you can order finished dovetail drawer boxes from Cutting Edge. Learn the cost, pros, cons, and when to choose raw vs. finished boxes.
If you’re a cabinet maker or contractor, your time is tight. Jobs pile up, and supplier delays cost you money and harm your reputation. So, when it comes to materials, the less finishing work you have to do on-site, the better. That’s why a common question we hear is: Can I order finished dovetail drawer boxes? If you don’t know the answer, or don’t ask the right questions, your next project could run into trouble.
At Cutting Edge, we’ve produced dovetail drawer boxes for over five years. Many contractors trust us to craft these high-quality boxes and finish them to perfection when needed. Our team understands what matters most: getting the right product, on time, every time.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Whether you can get finished dovetail drawer boxes (you can!)
- How much more they cost
- The pros and cons of choosing finished boxes
- When you should (and shouldn’t) order them
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to know if ordering finished dovetail drawer boxes is the right choice for your order.
Yes, You Can Order Finished Dovetail Drawer Boxes
Most suppliers of dovetail drawer boxes offer raw (unfinished) and finished options. But here’s the key: you must ask for finished drawer boxes. It’s not the default setting.
When you place your order through Cutting Edge, we assume you’re looking for raw dovetail boxes unless you tell us otherwise. This helps keep our lead times short and prices lower for most customers. But if you want your drawer boxes prefinished, we’ve got you covered.
Why isn’t finishing the default? Because every shop uses different stains, paints, and finishes. Leaving the boxes raw gives you more flexibility. But if time is tight, or your finishing setup is already at full capacity, we’re ready to do it for you.
Finished Dovetail Drawer Boxes Cost More Than Raw Drawer Boxes
Ordering finished drawer boxes is a great way to save time, but it will increase your cost. Because most suppliers don’t publish pricing online, it’s impossible to guess how much the price will increase.
However, at Cutting Edge, finishing adds at least $12 per drawer box. That amount can go up based on:
- The size of the drawer box
- The type of finish (e.g., clear coat vs. stained)
- Any special prep or handling needed
For example, finishing a large drawer box with a stain and lacquer finish might cost closer to $25 extra. But $12 per box is a good ballpark figure for a standard-sized box with a clear finish.
Keep in mind that pricing varies based on quantity and specific requirements. If you’re unsure, ask for a quote before placing your order.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Finished Dovetail Drawer Boxes?
Like most choices in cabinet-making, ordering finished drawer boxes has advantages and trade-offs. Let’s break those down, starting with the pros.
Pros of Finished Dovetail Drawer Boxes
✔ Save Time
You don’t need to set up a finishing booth, wait for drying time, or worry about fumes or dust. We do the work, and you install the finished product.
✔ Consistent Quality
Our team finishes boxes in a controlled environment. That means no runs, streaks, or uneven sheen. And if something goes wrong, we’ll make it right.
✔ Cleaner Workflow
Skip the mess. Finished boxes arrive ready to go, so your shop stays cleaner and more organized.
✔ Faster Installation
If you’re tight on schedule, finished drawer boxes can help you hit deadlines with less stress.
Cons of Finished Dovetail Drawer Boxes
✘ Higher Cost
You’re paying for convenience. Adding finishing increases the price by at least $12 per box.
✘ Less Customization
Once they’re finished, they’re locked in. No more tweaking the stain or adjusting the tone on site.
✘ Extended Lead Time
Finishing adds time to your order. While raw drawer boxes may be ready in days, finished ones may take an extra week or more, depending on complexity.
✘ Potential for Damage in Transit
Although we take care with packaging, finished surfaces can scratch if mishandled during delivery.
When Should You Order Finished Dovetail Drawer Boxes?
There are times when ordering finished dovetail drawer boxes makes sense. If your schedule is tight or your shop is already swamped with work, getting boxes that are ready to install can save you hours or even days. Finished drawer boxes are especially helpful if you don’t have a spray booth, don’t want to deal with fumes or dust, or want a professional, consistent look without the hassle of doing it yourself. Many contractors also choose this option when outsourcing more tasks so they can focus on installations, sales, or growing their business.
Here’s a quick recap of when to consider finished drawer boxes:
- You’re short on time and need parts ready to install
- Your shop doesn’t have finishing equipment
- You’re outsourcing more work to focus on higher-value tasks
- You want less cleanup and mess in your workspace
Finished boxes give you speed, cleanliness, and a polished result without slowing down your workflow. However, they aren’t always the right choice.
When Should You Order Unfinished Dovetail Drawer Boxes?
Unfinished dovetail drawer boxes are the better choice when you want full control over the final look or need to match a specific stain or paint. If your shop already has a finishing setup, like a spray booth or staining area, you can likely complete the finishing work faster and at a lower cost. This option also gives you more flexibility for last-minute changes, which can be a lifesaver on custom jobs. Many contractors also choose unfinished boxes when working within a tighter budget or when finish quality needs to match other custom elements on site.
Here’s a quick recap of when to stick with unfinished drawer boxes:
- You need to match a custom stain or paint
- You already have finishing tools and space in your shop
- You’re working within a tighter budget
- You want flexibility for project-specific customizations
Ordering raw boxes gives you more control, saves money, and fits well into a fully equipped shop environment.
Learn How Much Dovetail Drawer Boxes Cost
In the past, you may have found yourself scrambling to finish a project, stuck waiting on stained boxes, or spending your evenings in a spray booth. That stress adds up fast.
Now, you’ve learned that yes, you can order finished dovetail drawer boxes from Cutting Edge. While they cost a bit more and take a little longer, they can save you serious time and headaches on-site.
So what’s next? Learn how much dovetail drawer boxes cost to help you plan your project and your profits better.
