What Are Finished Cabinet Doors?
Finished cabinet doors simplify installation and save time – learn how to decide if they’re the best choice for your project.
In cabinetry, understanding the terminology is key. Words like finished cabinet doors can sometimes leave you wondering what your supplier means. Knowing the difference between finished and unfinished cabinet doors is vital as you work to become a trusted installer. It affects how you plan your work and manage costs. Plus, it helps you to avoid risking your reputation with unclear order details.
At Cutting Edge, we’ve helped contractors like you for over 20 years by delivering quality cabinetry products on time, every time. We understand the challenges you face: tight schedules, unreliable suppliers, and the pressure to uphold your reputation. This guide will give you all the details you need to make the correct choice every time.
What you’ll learn in this article:
Finished Cabinet Doors: Already Painted, Stained or Lacquered
When you choose finished cabinet doors, you’re opting for ease and efficiency. These doors arrive at your site prefinished by the supplier, meaning your supplier has applied paint, stain, or lacquer. All that’s left for you to do is attach the hardware, mount the hinges, and install them. This option removes the need for finishing, making it a great way to save time and simplify your process.
Time-saving is a major benefit of finished doors. Since they come prepared, you avoid the lengthy steps of sanding, staining, or painting. This is particularly helpful for large-scale projects or tight deadlines. Additionally, finished cabinet doors are convenient because they don’t require you to set up a finishing space or hire skilled labour. If you lack the tools or space to handle finishing, these prefinished doors keep your project on schedule with minimal hassle.
Unfinished cabinet doors are the other option.
Unfinished Doors Are Raw and Ready for You to Finish
Unfinished cabinet doors are ready for finishing when they arrive at your workshop or project site. However, unlike finished doors, they do not have a pre-applied coat of finish. The lack of finish means you can tailor them to meet your project’s needs, providing unmatched flexibility and adaptability.
One major advantage of unfinished doors is their greater customization potential. Since they arrive raw, you can choose the exact paint colour, stain shade, or lacquer finish. This flexibility makes them ideal for customers who need precise colour matching or unique finishes. Additionally, working with a local finishing company can further enhance your efficiency.
Depending on your resources and expertise, unfinished cabinet doors may also help you reduce costs. If you have the tools and skills needed for finishing, you can save on the premium associated with prefinished doors. Furthermore, controlling the finishing process allows for last-minute adjustments. This control allows you to ensure the final product aligns with client expectations. That’s why unfinished cabinet doors are popular for those who prefer full control over the result.
But, if you order finished doors, you will likely choose one of the three common options.
Three Common Types of Finished Cabinet Doors
Many projects call for one of the three standard finish types: clear lacquer, stain and lacquer, or paint.
- Clear Lacquer – A transparent, protective coating that highlights the natural beauty of the wood grain. Ideal for minimalist designs or rustic aesthetics.
- Stain and Lacquer – This option combines a coloured stain for added depth and character with a sealing lacquer. There are two types of stains; wiping stains and spray stains.
- Paint – Painted finishes provide vibrant or neutral colours, suiting modern trends. These doors have primer underneath the paint for long-lasting durability.
But how do you know when ordering finished doors is the correct choice?
When Should You Order Finished Cabinet Doors?
Choosing finished cabinet doors depends on your specific circumstances. It may be a good option for you:
- If You Aren’t Set Up for Finishing – Finishing requires specialized equipment and space, which not all contractors have. Finished cabinet doors simplify your process.
- If You Lack Access to a Local Finishing Company – Remote locations may not have nearby finishing companies. This lack of options makes prefinished doors a convenient alternative.
- If You Want to Streamline Your Workflow – Working with one supplier eliminates the complexities of coordinating with multiple vendors. Having fewer suppliers reduces delays and warranty disputes.
But these aren’t the only things you should consider.
Other Things to Consider Before Ordering Finished Doors
Before committing to finished doors, consider these factors:
- Cost – Due to the additional labour and materials required, prefinished doors cost more than unfinished options.
- Lead Time – Finishing adds production time, so plan for an extended lead time to avoid delays.
- Warranty and Replacements – Damaged or defective finished doors may take longer to replace. Confirm your supplier’s warranty policies and replacement timelines.
- Custom Finishes – If you require a non-standard colour or finish, expect additional costs and extended timelines. Choose from the supplier’s standard offerings when possible to simplify the process.
When you’re clear on these details, you’re better equipped to place an order that aligns with your project needs and timeline.
Discover How Much Finished Cabinet Doors Cost
Understanding the difference between finished and unfinished cabinet doors is crucial to making the right choice for your projects. Finished cabinet doors can save you time and reduce hassle, especially if you lack the setup or nearby resources for finishing. While unfinished doors offer flexibility, they may need you to coordinate with local finishers. Knowing when to order which type ensures you stay on budget and schedule while delivering quality results to your clients.
At Cutting Edge, we’re committed to providing clear, reliable solutions so you can complete every job with confidence. Ready to take the next step? Learn how much finished cabinet doors cost and explore whether they’re the best fit for your next project.
