Is Your Contractor Hiding These Custom Kitchen Cabinet Shortcuts?
When you invest in custom kitchen cabinets, you're expecting top-tier craftsmanship, quality materials, and lasting functionality. But what if your contractor is cutting corners behind the scenes—jeopardizing your investment without you knowing?
At Cabinet IQ of Scottsdale, we’ve seen it all: the good, the bad, and the hidden shortcuts some contractors hope homeowners never discover. Below are the most common tricks we’ve uncovered—and how to spot them before it's too late.
1. Using Stock Cabinet Boxes Instead of Fully Custom Builds
Many contractors claim to install “custom” cabinets, but actually use prefabricated cabinet boxes with only custom-facing doors and drawer fronts. This hybrid approach saves them time and money—but you end up with less durable construction and limited interior customization.
How to spot it: Ask to see the cabinet construction before installation. Fully custom cabinets should be built to your kitchen’s exact dimensions, not adapted from standard sizes.
2. Swapping Solid Wood for Veneered MDF or Particleboard
True custom kitchen cabinets often use high-quality solid hardwoods like maple, cherry, or oak. But to reduce material costs, some contractors substitute cheaper veneered MDF or particleboard—materials prone to warping, chipping, and water damage.
How to protect yourself: Confirm the cabinet’s internal components, not just the exterior finishes. Look for solid wood drawers, dovetail joints, and plywood sides, not fiberboard.
3. Skimping on Hardware and Hinges
Even if the cabinetry looks high-end, cheap hinges and drawer slides can lead to sagging doors, noisy operation, or early failure. Soft-close drawers, full-extension glides, and durable metal hardware should be standard in a premium kitchen.
What to do: Request a hardware brand list before installation. Reliable brands like Blum, Grass, or Salice are common in quality custom builds.
4. Cutting Time on Finish and Paint Quality
Painting or staining custom cabinets is a labor-intensive process. Some contractors use lower-quality finishes or rush the drying and curing stages, leading to chipping, peeling, or discoloration over time.
Watch for this: A proper finish takes multiple coats with adequate drying and sanding between layers. Ask if the finishing is done in a controlled environment, such as a professional spray booth.
5. Skipping Interior Cabinet Customizations
One hallmark of custom cabinetry is tailored storage: spice pull-outs, trash drawer systems, tray dividers, and deep drawers. If your cabinets lack these, you're likely not getting true custom value.
Avoid disappointment: Insist on seeing a 3D design rendering before approving any build. It should include interior features, not just exterior aesthetics.
Trust Scottsdale’s Custom Cabinet Experts
At Cabinet IQ of Scottsdale, we specialize in custom kitchen cabinets that never compromise. From design to delivery, our cabinets are built to order—no shortcuts, no substitutions, and no hidden agendas.
If you're planning a kitchen remodel and want cabinetry that matches your lifestyle and lasts for decades, contact our team today. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you get the quality and customization you’re paying for.
Don't let hidden shortcuts ruin your kitchen investment. Trust transparency, craftsmanship, and expertise—trust Cabinet IQ of Scottsdale.
Who We Are
Author : Nick Bowden
At Cabinet IQ in Scottsdale, Arizona, we understand that renovating your kitchen can feel overwhelming, and finding the perfect solution for your space isn't always easy. That’s why we're here to guide you through every step of the process. As custom kitchen designers and kitchen remodelers, we specialize in transforming kitchens into beautiful, functional spaces tailored to your unique style and needs. Whether you’re looking for stunning custom kitchen cabinets, expert kitchen cabinet installation, or a wide selection of granite and quartz options for kitchen countertop installation, our team of professionals is ready to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. With Cabinet IQ, you’re not just getting a kitchen renovation—you’re gaining a trusted partner dedicated to elevating your home’s style and functionality. Let us help you discover your kitchen's true potential.
Contact Us
Cabinet IQ of Scottsdale
15030 N Tatum Blvd #150, Phoenix, AZ, 85030, USA
(480) 424-4866
https://cabinetiq.com/scottsdale/
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