Standard Specifications For Finished Cabinet Doors From Cutting Edge
Updated September 26, 2025
Learn the standard specs for finished cabinet doors so you can avoid delays, reduce mistakes, and finish your projects on time.
Trusting that your supplier’s standard specifications for finished cabinet doors will match your expectations is risky. Misunderstandings about finishes, sheen, or lead times can lead to costly mistakes. If doors arrive unfinished when you expected them to come painted, or if lead times stretch longer than you planned, the whole project suffers. That can damage your reputation, delay payments, and frustrate both you and your clients.
At Cutting Edge, we believe you should never have to wonder what your supplier means by finished. That’s why we publish our standard specifications for every finished cabinet door and drawer front we produce. In the past year alone, we shipped over 5,800 finished cabinet doors and drawer fronts to contractors, cabinetmakers, and homeowners across Canada.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what you can expect when ordering finished cabinet doors from Cutting Edge, including:
- The standard specifications for finished cabinet doors
- When those specifications apply (and when they don’t)
- Why you should understand these standards before you order
By the end, you’ll have the clarity you need to avoid delays, set the right expectations, and keep your projects on track.
What Are the Standard Specifications for Finished Cabinet Doors?
When you’re ordering finished cabinet doors, clarity matters. You need to know exactly what you’re getting, how it’s made, and what to expect. At Cutting Edge, we follow a proven set of standard specifications designed to keep your projects running smoothly. These apply unless you ask for something different.
Ready? Let’s dive into the standard specs for finished cabinet doors.
Doors Come Raw Unless Requested Otherwise
First, all cabinet doors and drawer fronts arrive raw and unfinished unless you request otherwise. That means they’re sanded and ready for finishing, but no primer, paint, stain, or clear coat is applied. If you require finishing, please notify our team when placing your order. This clarity helps our team avoid confusion, delays, and extra charges on your order. Always double-check your quote and confirm the finish option before production starts.
Four Standard Finish Options For Finished Cabinet Doors
You can select from four clear finishing options to match your project needs:
- Primer only – ideal if you want to save some time while maintaining control over the finished result
- Clear lacquer – protects the wood and highlights its natural grain
- Stain and lacquer – adds colour and protection
- Painted – finished in your chosen Benjamin Moore colour
Each of these options is available as standard; confirm your preference when placing your order.
Stained Finishes - Selection of 24 Colours
If you choose a stained finish, we offer a selection of standard stain colours. These stains come with a protective clear lacquer. You get a rich, natural look that highlights the grain while providing long-lasting durability.
Painted Finishes - Benjamin Moore Colours
You can choose from any Benjamin Moore paint colour for your painted cabinet doors. Their wide selection lets you create a seamless look that ties in with existing trim, walls, or design elements. Using professional spray finishing ensures consistent colour and coverage across every surface.
Custom Finishes Available on Request
Custom finished options are available if you need something beyond the standard. These include:
- Custom stain matching
- Stain and glaze
- Paint and glaze
These finishes are ideal for heritage homes, unique design projects, or matching existing cabinetry. Custom options typically extend the lead time and increase the cost.
Finishing Process For Finished Cabinet Doors
Each finished door goes through a multi-stage finishing process designed to ensure durability, consistency, and a smooth, professional finish. Your cabinet doors are:
- Sprayed vertically
- Sealed with a clear sealer or primer, depending on the final coat
- Sanded between coats to ensure smoothness
- Sprayed with a final topcoat
- Dried in a temperature-controlled environment
This process gives you a consistent sheen and even coverage across every part of the door.
Standard Sheen: 10° Flat Finish For Finished Cabinet Doors
The default finish sheen for your orders from Cutting Edge is 10°, which provides a matte, low-reflection finish. This is commonly used for modern and transitional design styles. Higher sheen options (such as satin or semi-gloss) are available on request. Be sure to confirm the sheen when placing your order if you want a different sheen.
The Spraying System For Finished Cabinet Doors Requires Drilling
At Cutting Edge, we spray doors and drawer fronts using a vertical hanging system provided by Guffey Systems. For this process to work, each piece must be pre-drilled to hang correctly.
Once you’ve placed your order, our team will walk you through the guidelines. In the meantime, here is some general information:
- Doors have brackets placed where the hinge holes are (or will be)
- Drawer front brackets are placed 1” up from the bottom, centred across the width
- Panel brackets are placed on one edge, so the pieces have two good faces
Lead Time: 4–6 Weeks Standard For Finished Cabinet Doors
The typical lead time for finished cabinet doors is 4 to 6 weeks, depending on volume and complexity. Custom finishes or colour matching may increase production time. We provide an estimated ship date once you confirm your order to help you plan your schedule.
When Do the Standard Specifications for Finished Cabinet Doors Apply?
The standard specifications apply to every finished cabinet door or drawer front unless otherwise requested. For example, if you request painted doors, they’ll be colour-matched to a Benjamin Moore colour, sprayed with a 10° flat sheen, and finished using our vertical system with pre-drilled parts.
These details are built into how your order is quoted, priced, and produced.
However, not every project follows the standard. You may need a higher sheen, a custom stain, or paint with glaze. In those cases, you must specify your preferences before your order enters production. If you don’t make any special requests, your order will follow the defaults listed above.
This clarity reduces rework and prevents minor details from becoming major problems. Understanding when the standards apply (and when they don’t) helps you avoid unexpected costs, missed timelines, and frustrated clients.
Why Should You Understand the Standards for Finished Cabinet Doors?
When you fully understand the standard specs, you’re in control. You can price your project accurately, avoid delays, and make sure every finished product meets your (and your client’s) expectations.
Unclear details cause most problems. A door arrives raw when you wanted it painted. The finish has too high (or too low) a sheen. A custom colour wasn’t approved. All of these issues are preventable with the right information up front.
Knowing what’s considered “standard” helps you:
- Communicate clearly with your team and clients
- Plan better for lead times and delivery
- Reduce change orders, mistakes, and frustration
- Deliver a final product that matches your vision
If you’re managing multiple jobs or outsourcing your cabinet doors to stay on schedule, clear specs give you confidence that the product arriving on-site is exactly what was promised.
Learn How To Price Out Finished Cabinet Doors Online
Understanding the standard specifications for finished cabinet doors removes the guesswork. You now know exactly what’s included, and when to ask for something custom. Earlier, we talked about how costly delays and rework can damage your reputation. These problems often arise from unclear or unstated expectations around finishing.
Now that you know the specs, your next move is to learn how to price out your finished cabinet doors online. You’ll see how your choices (finish, colour, sheen, and more) affect cost so you can plan smarter. At Cutting Edge, we’re here to make your job easier. Whether you’re building a kitchen, outfitting a bathroom, or supplying a full home, our finished cabinet doors come with clear standards, proven processes, and on-time delivery you can count on.
