How to Choose a Custom Cabinet Builder: Your Go-To Checklist for Avoiding Box-Built Cabinets

Samantha Sanchez • Sep 21, 2024

Shopping for custom cabinets can be overwhelming, especially when many companies claim to offer “custom” cabinets, but the reality is something entirely different. It’s not uncommon to encounter builders or retailers that mislead customers by calling their products custom when, in fact, they’re offering mass-produced, box-built cabinetry that is far from unique.

At GLR Kitchen and Bath, we know how deceiving this can be. True custom cabinets should be crafted to fit your space and vision perfectly, with no limitations on size, color, or style. But how can you tell whether you're getting the real deal?

To make things easier, we’ve created a short list of key questions that will help you quickly separate fully custom cabinet builders from those offering box-built products. These questions ensure you’re getting the quality and craftsmanship you deserve, not just a marketing pitch.

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Key signs to look for : 


When builders aren’t honest about their products, you may hear terms like "semi-custom" or "custom-like," but what they’re really offering is mass-produced cabinetry with limited options. One major red flag? Cabinets built in 3” increments. This is a dead giveaway that you’re looking at box-built cabinets. These pre-set sizes are a telltale sign of mass production, not true customization.

True custom cabinets should be made to fit your space—whether that means building to a specific width, height, or depth to match your kitchen design without wasting space. And that’s just the beginning.


Here’s Your Checklist to Spot Real Custom Cabinetry



We’ve included all the must-ask questions in our Custom Cabinet Checklist to help you avoid the disappointment of ending up with box-built cabinets. By asking the right questions, you can confidently choose a builder who delivers quality craftsmanship, premium materials, and fully customizable options.


Download Checklist

A Look into Our Cabinet Shop 

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Rowan County Manufacturing Week

By Samantha Sanchez • 20 Oct, 2024
We gave students hands-on demonstrations of various aspects of custom cabinetry and fine carpentry. From building a dovetail drawer box to crafting a shaker door, they got a firsthand look at the intricate craftsmanship involved in each project. We also explained the differences between various lumber species and took them through the steps of painting a door in our professional paint booth. Beyond the technical skills, we walked the students through our design process, showing how we work closely with clients to create custom solutions tailored to their spaces. We discussed the range of services we offer, from initial design meetings to our hand-built custom cabinetry.

How to Choose a Custom Cabinet Builder: Your Go-To Checklist for Avoiding Box-Built Cabinets

By Samantha Sanchez • 21 Sep, 2024
Key signs to look for : When builders aren’t honest about their products, you may hear terms like "semi-custom" or "custom-like," but what they’re really offering is mass-produced cabinetry with limited options. One major red flag? Cabinets built in 3” increments. This is a dead giveaway that you’re looking at box-built cabinets. These pre-set sizes are a telltale sign of mass production, not true customization. True custom cabinets should be made to fit your space—whether that means building to a specific width, height, or depth to match your kitchen design without wasting space. And that’s just the beginning. Here’s Your Checklist to Spot Real Custom Cabinetry  We’ve included all the must-ask questions in our Custom Cabinet Checklist to help you avoid the disappointment of ending up with box-built cabinets. By asking the right questions, you can confidently choose a builder who delivers quality craftsmanship, premium materials, and fully customizable options.

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