Architectural Millwork, Built-In Cabinetry, Custom Wood Cabinets, Residential Custom Cabinetry
What is your process for ordering custom wood cabinets and built-ins?
Are you in the market for custom wood cabinets and built-ins for your home or business? Look no further than the experts in Boston. When you choose a reputable cabinet maker, you can trust that you’ll get quality craftsmanship and materials that will last for years to come.
At Grain Architectural Millwork, the ordering process we use with our custom cabinetry customers is easy and stress-free:
Understanding Your idea
It is important that we understand your vision and ideas on how you want to change an area of your home. The first step is for you to complete the project questionnaire, and provide us with some basic information about your project. We will get back to you within 24 hours to ask questions and obtain more specifics about your project. This will help us better understand the scope of the project. If you agree to move forward, we’ll schedule an initial consultation in your home to discuss your needs and project goals. We’ll review the space, take measurements, and go over potential design elements, such as materials, size, finishes, and accessories as well as any other features you might want.
Price Quotation
Once we’ve gathered all of your project information including measurements, we’ll create a detailed estimate of the project. The total cost will be based on the materials, labor, delivery and installation. You can expect to receive a written estimate within about 2 weeks after our meeting. If you decide to proceed with the project, we require an initial deposit of 50% to begin the work.
You can get started now with our project request form. We will respond within 24 hours of receiving your inquiry.
Shop Fabrication
Our engineering department will generate a set of design drawings which will include detailed measurements of all cabinets and built-in units. It will also include the type of doors, drawers, hardware to be used and any accessories. We will send you a copy of the drawings and schedule a call to review and make any updates. Your final signed approval is required before we proceed. Our draftsmen use AutoCad software (the industry standard) which allows for easy changes.
We do as much work as possible in our shop, so that installation can be completed quickly with minimum disruption to your home. Once the final design drawings are approved, we will order the various materials and schedule fabrication dates in our shop. Depending on the scope of the project, fabrication and finishing will generally take between three and five weeks. We will send periodic photos of work in progress, so you can see the work proceeding.
Delivery & Installation
Once fabrication is completed, we will call to schedule a convenient time for delivery and installation. Our goal is to minimize the time spent in your home and complete the installation in a timely manner. All furniture is covered with plastic sheeting and floors covered with drop cloths. We use HEPA filtered vacuums to clean up and aim to leave your home cleaner than we found it. The average cabinet / built-in project takes about two days to complete the installation; although, this will vary depending on the scope of the project. Larger projects may take 4 or 5 days. The remaining balance is due once installation is completed. Grain provides a 100% guarantee.
Grain Architectural Millwork is a residential custom wood cabinetry and commercial architectural millwork shop in the Boston Harbor Shipyard.
Architectural Millwork, Built-In Cabinetry, Custom Wood Cabinets, Residential Custom Cabinetry
So, how do you find a good contractor for custom cabinet work in Boston?
You want a contractor to deliver on a project matching your expectations. You want the project to go smoothly and be completed within a timely manner. You expect high quality materials and craftsmanship. These are reasonable expectations. Here are some things to check out when looking for the right contractor.
Finding a contractor – Certainly, the internet is a good source – visiting the contractors website and social media posts. However, there is nothing like getting a referral from a friend, neighbor or an associate.
Strong communication skills – This is #1 on Brandon’s list because there are a lot of details that need to be worked through in a project. Does the contractor have a good understanding of what you are trying to achieve with the project and the details? Does the contractor “stay connected” with you, keeping you informed as work progresses and any issues that may arise.
Relevant experience – You will want a contractor that has experience doing similar work. This means they have the experience of knowing what historically has worked well. Are they a general contractor – hiring out subcontractors to do all the work or is the contractor a professional cabinet shop? Check out the contractor’s past work on their website and social media posts. This allows you to see the capabilities of the contractor and their work.
Doing the work – Does the contractor do all the work or do they subcontract out the work? Generally a cabinet shop that does all or most of the work is the best unless they have strong subcontractors.
Easy to work with – After talking to the contractor through the design phase, ask yourself if you are comfortable with working with him or her. A good cabinet maker will work with you through the design phase and discuss various options and make suggestions. A project will take weeks or months; so, you need to have a good working relationship
Trust your instincts – After you have done your due diligence and checked out the contractor, you will either get good vibes or bad vibes. Go with your instincts!
Hopefully, this was informative. Good luck on your search for a reputable cabinet maker.
Grain Architectural Millwork is a residential custom wood cabinetry and commercial architectural millwork shop in the Boston Harbor Shipyard.
Architectural Millwork, Built-In Cabinetry, Custom Wood Cabinets, Residential Custom Cabinetry, Semi-Custom Cabinets
What is the cost of custom wood cabinets and built-ins?
When designing custom wood cabinetry, you will, most likely, have a vision and want to achieve a certain look and feel and achieve the greatest functionality. Engaging a quality cabinet shop will give you a high level of craftsmanship and peace of mind. They use quality materials and the latest technology and fabrication techniques. You can expect to pay more for custom wood cabinetry due to the nature of the work.
The cost of custom wood cabinets and built-in units will vary depending on the scope, size, materials and complexity of the project. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few thousand dollars to several thousand dollars for a custom wood cabinet / built-in project. Most of our projects start at $15K.
Fill out our request an estimate form to begin a quote from our team.
We use the term “cabinetry” to include not only traditional cabinets but also built-in projects, like a home office, an entertainment center, fireplace surround or bathroom vanities. There are many components that go into making custom cabinetry; and, it helps to know what they are. Once you have a better understanding, you will be able to make a more informed decision.
Materials
With custom cabinetry you have a wide variety of materials from which to choose. We use high-quality wood materials which will last for decades. The cabinet boxes are constructed using engineered plywood because it’s one of the most reliable materials.
Door and drawer fronts are constructed with solid hardwoods, generally hard maple, or have real wood veneers instead of plastic laminates
Hardware
Design is important; so, choosing the right style and color for door and drawer pulls makes a difference. We use only the top brands of hardware and have access to an unlimited selection of hardware from Richelieu America. All drawers are installed using high-quality BlueMotion soft close slides.
Fabrication
Highly skilled craftsmen use a combination of manual and machine work to build your custom cabinetry. All wood materials are cut to the plans and dimensions you approve. All cabinet boxes, doors and drawers are hand assembled, using wood glue, screws and pressure. Drawer fronts are made of hard maple with dovetail joints. We do not use any pre-manufactured cabinets.
Finishing
Grain has a state-of-the-art finishing room which is temperature controlled and uses a high-powered exhaust system. You can be assured that most of the finishing in our shop. This is important because we professionally spray finishes; so that it matches the color and sheen of your choice.
Installation
We use our own installers who have many years of experience in both commercial and residential work. The finished cabinetry product will incorporate the same base and ceiling moldings you currently and fit perfectly in the room. Our work is 100% guaranteed.
Recent Project Cost
We recently completed “fireplace surround” projects for three customers. Grain fabricated and installed built-in units on both sides of the fireplace / TV wall. All three projects extended from the floor to the ceiling with cabinets / drawers as base units and open shelving above. All projects were finished with Benjamin Moore paint or conversion varnish and we installed various moldings to match the existing room moldings.
However, each project varied in the number of drawers, cabinets, shelves and the overall dimensions (width and ceiling height), accessories, such as adding lighting.
The price ranged from $1,350 to $1,950 per linear foot for these projects. Some projects will cost less and some will cost more, depending on the scope of the project.
Grain Architectural Millwork is a residential custom wood cabinetry and commercial architectural millwork shop in the Boston Harbor Shipyard.
Architectural Millwork, Built-In Cabinetry, Custom Wood Cabinets, Residential Custom Cabinetry, Semi-Custom Cabinets
Many homeowners may not be aware of the types of wood cabinets available on the market today. In addition to the kitchen and bathroom, other areas of the home will benefit from built-ins and cabinets such as living or family rooms, entertainment centers, home offices, and libraries. The three types of wooden cabinets available include stock, semi-custom and custom.
Stock Cabinets
Stock cabinets are mass-produced and are supplied as pre-assembled or ready-to-assemble from the manufacturer. Stock cabinets come in standard sizes and finishes and are readily available. Many developers will choose stock cabinets in new home construction to keep the cost down and install quickly.
The cabinet boxes, doors and drawers are constructed using particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF) or a veneer layer over plywood. These are considered sub-standard or low quality materials and will not hold up over time. Assembly of the various pieces will be with wire staples; therefore, durability is compromised. Grain uses a high quality glue, wood screws and clamps to assemble our cabinets.
Homeowners will generally choose to go with stock cabinets because of the lower cost and quick availability. Many of these products are from IKEA, Wayfair and other vendors. If you are in the market for wooden cabinets, pay attention to the materials used and construction techniques as you compare pricing
Semi-Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets offer an option between stock and custom cabinets. Like stock cabinets, these cabinets come in standard sizes but you have various options to add custom accents and accessories. Some of the options include door and drawer styles, custom paint or finishes, drawer and door pulls, door hinges, drawer inserts, and sliding shelves. Lead times are longer than stock cabinets due to the add-ons and options available.
Many people find semi-custom cabinets to be a good choice because of various options available and a cost between stock and custom cabinets.
Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets allow for greater design flexibility and will give you a unique feel and style. The design and dimensions of the cabinets will accommodate the space and provide maximize functionality. There is no limit to the number of options available including cabinet size, wood type, hardware and finishes. It will take longer to build the cabinets but you will get what you want. Custom cabinets are fabricated based on your design, preferences and specifications and fit the space available.
All cabinetry is fabricated using high quality materials by skilled craftsmen and craftswomen. All fabrication work is done in a professional cabinet shop. Solid hardwoods are used for door and drawer fronts because of its lifetime durability.
Custom cabinets come at a higher price than semi-custom cabinets. Many homeowners select this option because of the high quality and they get exactly the customization they desire.
Grain Architectural Millwork is a residential custom wood cabinetry and commercial architectural millwork shop in the Boston Harbor Shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts with CNC Machining capabilities.
