Custom Cabinet Doors: How Far In Advance Should You Order?
Avoid project delays by ordering custom cabinet doors 4-6 weeks in advance, especially around Christmas holiday shutdowns and busy seasons.
If you’re a contractor or cabinet maker, you know the holiday season brings a whirlwind of activity. Customers want their kitchen remodels ready for holiday gatherings. But there’s a challenge: getting custom cabinet doors on time can be hard, especially with the Christmas shutdown. The last thing you want is frustrated clients or a bad reputation because of delays.
At Cutting Edge, we have produced custom cabinet doors for over 20 years. Our experience means we understand the intricacies of lead times and holiday shutdowns. We know that your reputation depends on keeping your customers happy, which depends on completing your projects on time.
Here’s what you need to know to place orders on time, keep projects moving, and protect your reputation.
Why You Should Order Custom Cabinet Doors 4+ Weeks Early
Ordering custom cabinet doors isn’t like picking up materials off the shelf. Your cabinet door supplier produces each component to your specifications. This means you’ll need to plan ahead. As a general rule, aim to place your orders at least four weeks ahead. For complex custom doors, you might need six to eight weeks. Here’s why:
- Quality Control and Customization. Custom cabinet doors require careful craftsmanship. Rushing an order to meet upcoming deadlines can lead to mistakes or the need for rework.
- Workload and Seasonal Demand. The holiday season is busy. Many clients want their spaces ready for holiday gatherings, so suppliers like Cutting Edge receive more orders. This increase can impact production schedules.
- Avoiding Delays and Added Costs. Ordering early helps avoid rush charges, which can add to project costs and impact client budgets.
Ordering in advance is vital coming up to the Christmas season. Many cabinet door suppliers temporarily pause production for a Christmas shutdown. Missing the ordering window in November and early December can cause project delays.
Protect Your Reputation by Ordering Custom Doors Early
Ordering in advance protects not only your schedule but also your reputation. Here’s how planning can make a big difference for you and your clients:
- Keeps Your Projects On Schedule. Last-minute orders are more likely to face delays. Waiting until the last minute means you risk getting stuck in production backlogs.
- Protects Your Client Relationships. Delivering on time leads to happier clients and more recommendations. On the other hand, delays can lead to unhappy clients, affecting future referrals.
- Reduces Stress for You and Your Team. Without last-minute pressure, your team can work more efficiently, reducing the chance of errors.
If you miss the Christmas cut-off and delays occur, you might face extra costs, like rush production fees or penalties for late completion. With good planning, you can avoid these costs and keep your projects on track.
Some Custom Cabinet Doors Take Less Time; Others Take More Time
The production time for custom cabinet doors varies depending on the level of customization and finishing requirements. While some cabinet doors take less time, others take longer.
Custom Cabinet Doors That Require Less Time
Basic, unfinished cabinet doors, such as raw plywood panel doors or NEXGEN doors, generally take less time to produce. Ordering two to three weeks in advance may suffice if you’re only customizing the size and don’t require your supplier to finish the doors.
Custom Products That Require More Time
On the other hand, highly custom products, like range hoods or decorative panels, require more labour. You should order these products at least four to six weeks in advance.
Finished products also take longer to make. Place your order at least six weeks in advance if you need your order painted or stained. Allowing this much time helps your supplier ensure the quality of your order and prevent delays.
And finally, if you need a door with a custom finish that matches existing cabinetry, plan on ordering seven to eight weeks in advance. Your cabinet door supplier must match the finish and produce a sample for approval.
When planning, remember that the complexity of the design and finishing needs affect how long production will take. Always check these factors to set the right ordering schedule.
Does this feel like a lot of information? Here’s a chart to help make lead times easier to understand.
| Product Category | Ordering Custom Sizes Only | Ordering Custom Pieces & Accessories | Ordering A Finish | Ordering A Custom Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Piece Wood Doors | Order 2-3 weeks in advance | Order 3-4 weeks in advance | Order 6 weeks in advance | Order 7-8 weeks in advance |
| NEXGEN Cabinet Doors | Order 2-3 weeks in advance | Order 4-6 weeks in advance | N/A (no finishing options) | N/A (no finishing options) |
| Thermofoil Cabinet Doors | Order 3-4 weeks in advance | Order 4-6 weeks in advance | N/A (no finishing options) | N/A (no finishing options) |
| Dovetail Drawer Boxes | Order 3-4 weeks in advance | Order 4-5 weeks in advance | Order 4-6 weeks in advance | Order 7-8 weeks in advance |
| Accessories | Order 2-3 weeks in advance | Order 4-6 weeks in advance | Order 4-6 weeks in advance | Order 7-8 weeks in advance |
What Happens If You Don’t Order Custom Cabinet Doors Soon Enough?
Failing to order in time can result in significant setbacks. Here’s what to expect if you miss the recommended ordering window:
- Potential Rush Charges. Some suppliers offer rush options, but they cost more. Rush fees can impact your budget, making early planning the better choice.
- Delayed Delivery Due to Christmas Shutdown. The Christmas shutdown is when many suppliers pause work. This helps avoid quality issues from wood shifting during idle periods. At Cutting Edge, we stop taking new orders at a certain point in December to ensure we complete existing projects before shutting down. This reduces the risk of costly remakes and helps maintain quality.
- Possible Delays into the New Year. If your supplier can’t complete your order before the shutdown, you might not receive your doors until two to six weeks into the new year. This delay can throw off your entire project schedule, putting you at risk of missing client deadlines.
To avoid these problems, order early, especially in busy seasons like Christmas. Knowing your project needs and planning ahead will help you navigate these challenges and keep projects on track.
Order Your Custom Cabinet Orders Now to Avoid Holiday Headaches
With the holiday season approaching, planning ahead for custom cabinet doors can save you time, money, and stress. To avoid last-minute rushes, project delays, and unhappy clients, remember to:
- Place standard orders at least four to six weeks in advance.
- Allow six to eight weeks for highly customized or finished doors, especially during peak seasons like Christmas.
- Reach out to your supplier as soon as you know your project scope to ensure you have enough time to complete it smoothly.
Now that Cutting Edge has helped you navigate the busy season and avoid these pitfalls, it’s time to take the next step. Learn how to order cabinet doors online to get your order in production as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute – planning ahead will keep your projects running smoothly and your clients satisfied.
