Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing Custom Woodwork or Cabinetry
Designing a custom kitchen, built-in, or specialty woodwork project in your home is an exciting investment—but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many options for layout, materials, finishes, and contractors, homeowners often wonder where to even begin.
At Culbertson Woodworking, we’ve spent more than 30 years crafting high-end custom cabinetry and fine carpentry for historic homes, coastal residences, and luxury remodels across West Newbury, Newburyport, the North Shore of Massachusetts, Rye and Portsmouth NH, and York, Maine and Nantucket. We understand that choosing a custom woodworker isn’t just about beautiful results—it’s about trust, communication, and getting it right the first time.
To help you feel confident and informed, we’re answering the top 10 most common questions homeowners ask when planning custom cabinetry or woodwork. Let’s dive in.
1. How much does custom woodwork or cabinetry cost?
Cost is always the first question—and it should be.
Custom cabinetry is an investment, but it offers exceptional long-term value when done right.
What impacts cost?
Type of wood (cherry vs. maple vs. white oak, etc.)
Level of customization (fully custom vs. modified standard)
Design complexity (panel style, crown detail, inset vs. overlay)
Finish type (paint, stain, glaze, specialty finishes)
Hardware and interior accessories
Installation and site conditions
Why custom is worth it:
Unlike stock cabinets that force you to work around fillers and wasted space, custom allows us to build precisely for your home’s layout, style, and needs. The result is furniture-grade quality that lasts decades—not years—and increases your home’s value.
We always provide detailed quotes and help you prioritize where to invest for maximum impact.
2. How long will the process take from start to finish?
A well-planned project avoids surprises and delays. The timeline can vary depending on the size and scope of the project, but here is a general breakdown:
Typical timeline:
Initial consultation & measurements: 1–2 weeks
Design & revisions: 2–4 weeks
Material selection & approvals: 1–2 weeks
Build & finishing: 6–10+ weeks (fully custom takes time to do correctly)
Installation: A few days to several weeks depending on project size
Planning ahead is key.
If you have a specific deadline—such as a kitchen remodel, new home construction, or holiday hosting—let us know early. We build realistic timelines and coordinate with general contractors to ensure everything flows smoothly.
3. What type of wood is best for my project?
This is one of the most important decisions—especially in New England where humidity, temperature changes, and historic homes demand stable, well-crafted materials.
Most common wood species we use and recommend:
Maple – Strong, smooth, and ideal for high-quality painted finishes.
Poplar – A cost-effective option for painted projects. It’s stable, easy to work with, and provides an excellent surface for paint. Many homeowners choose poplar when they want the look of custom painted cabinetry without the higher cost of premium hardwoods.
Cherry – Warm, rich color that deepens with age, perfect for timeless, elegant spaces.
White Oak – Extremely durable and stable, beautiful grain, excellent for both modern and coastal styles.
Walnut – A luxury wood with deep, sophisticated tones—often used for accent pieces or statement cabinetry.
Quarter-sawn cuts (oak, maple, etc.) – Provide extra stability and a stunning linear grain, ideal for historic and coastal environments.
But here’s the key…
Even the best wood can fail if it’s not handled properly.
With over 30 years of experience, we know:
How to select the highest quality boards
How to properly acclimate wood to your home’s environment
How to build in a way that prevents warping, cracking, or separation over time
We don’t just choose the wood—we choose the right wood for YOUR home, style, and budget.
Whether you want luxury hardwoods or smart cost-effective solutions like painted poplar, we guide you through every choice so the final result is both beautiful and built to last.
4. What finishes or paint options do I have—and which last the longest?
Finish is both a visual and practical decision.
We offer:
Stained finishes (show off wood grain)
Painted finishes (classic or modern look)
Natural clear coats (for a clean, organic feel)
Durability differences:
Factory-quality sprayed finishes provide the smoothest, most durable surface.
Hand-applied techniques offer unique character and depth.
We can color-match existing cabinetry, trim, or furniture.
We don’t cut corners on finish quality—it’s often the difference between cabinets that last 5 years and those that still look stunning after 20.
5. How will my cabinetry function for how I actually live?
This is where true custom work shines. It’s not just about the look—it’s about how your home flows and functions.
We design every detail around your lifestyle:
In the kitchen:
Storage for large pots, appliances, baking items
Custom inserts (spice pull-outs, tray dividers, hidden trash/recycling)
Drawer organization
Space planning for cooking, entertaining, or family life
Traffic flow and work zones
In living spaces:
Built-ins that hide clutter or showcase collections
Media centers that hide wires and electronics
Window seats for charm and storage
Reading nooks, mudrooms, laundry stations—whatever you need
For historic homes:
We specialize in older homes where walls aren’t square and standard cabinets don’t fit. Custom allows us to work with the house, not against it—maintaining charm while adding functionality.
Our goal is always the same: Make every inch beautiful AND useful.
6. What is the design process like—and how involved do I need to be?
Every project starts with a conversation. We don’t believe in “cookie-cutter” anything—so our design process is highly collaborative and tailored to you.
Here’s what working with Culbertson Woodworking looks like:
1. Initial Consultation
We meet in your home to understand how you use the space, your style, your goals, and any challenges (especially in older or uniquely shaped rooms).
2. Measurements & Concept Development
We take precise measurements and begin exploring layout and design ideas that maximize both beauty and function.
3. Detailed Design
We provide drawings or renderings so you can visualize the final result. This gives you peace of mind and allows for refinements before anything is built.
4. Material & Finish Selection
We help you choose the best woods, finishes, and hardware for your taste, budget, and lifestyle.
5. Custom Build & Fine Craftsmanship
This is where our 30+ years of experience truly shines. Every piece is handcrafted, fitted, and finished to furniture-grade standards.
6. Professional Installation
We handle installation with precision, protecting your home and ensuring everything looks seamless and built-in—not “added on.”
You’re involved in the fun decisions—we handle the complexity.
Our goal is to make the process smooth, clear, and enjoyable from start to finish.
7. Can I see examples of your past work or get a sense of the quality?
Absolutely—and we believe seeing our work is one of the best ways to understand the difference custom craftsmanship makes.
With over 30 years of high-end projects across coastal and historic New England, we have an extensive portfolio of finished kitchens, built-ins, and specialty woodwork that you can explore right on our website.
What we provide:
A detailed online gallery showcasing a wide range of styles and spaces
Close-up photos of craftsmanship, finishes, and custom details
Examples of projects in historic homes, coastal properties, and luxury remodels
Before-and-after transformations when available
Highlights of recent kitchen renovations, built-ins, mudrooms, vanities, and more
If you’re looking for something specific—such as inset cabinetry, custom storage solutions, or period-style millwork—we can share examples of similar projects we’ve completed.
While we don’t typically bring clients into other homeowners’ homes (to respect their privacy), our portfolio reflects real, lived-in spaces and the level of detail, fit, and finish you can expect from Culbertson Woodworking.
Our work speaks for itself—and we’re proud to show it. Visit our gallery here.
8. How is custom cabinetry different from stock or semi-custom?
This is where most homeowners have their “aha!” moment.
Custom isn’t just “nicer”—it solves problems prefab can’t.
In older New England homes where walls aren’t square and space is too valuable to waste, custom work is often the only way to get a truly beautiful and functional result.
9. What kind of maintenance does custom cabinetry require?
Good news—very little, if it’s built and finished properly.
Basic care tips:
Wipe with a soft cloth and mild soap—no harsh chemicals.
Avoid letting water sit near sinks or dishwashers.
Use hardware (handles/knobs) to protect the finish.
Keep humidity levels consistent when possible (especially in historic homes).
Our finishes are designed to last.
We use high-quality, professional-grade finishes that resist wear, stains, and moisture far better than big-box options.
In most cases, your cabinetry will look beautiful for decades with minimal upkeep.
10. What happens if something gets damaged later? Do you offer service or warranty?
This is one of the biggest fears homeowners have—and one of the biggest differences between working with a true craftsman vs. a large cabinet company.
With Culbertson Woodworking:
We stand behind our work.
If something needs attention, you can call us directly.
We know your project, your materials, your finish, and how to repair or touch up seamlessly—whether it’s months or years later.
Because we build everything ourselves (not ordered from a catalog), we can recreate or repair components without you having to replace entire sections.
We’re local. We’re accountable. And we treat every project as if it were our own home.
Final Thought: The Real Question Homeowners Are Asking…
“Can I trust you to deliver exactly what I envision—beautifully, on time, and with no surprises?”
With Culbertson Woodworking, the answer is yes.
For over 30 years, homeowners across coastal and historic New England have trusted us to transform their spaces with timeless, high-end custom woodwork and cabinetry.
We combine:
✅ Artistry
✅ Precision craftsmanship
✅ Deep knowledge of historic and coastal homes
✅ Clear communication
✅ A genuine commitment to your vision
When you work with us, you don’t just get cabinets,
you get a space that feels like it was always meant to be there.
Ready to Start a Custom Project? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re designing a new kitchen, adding built-ins to a living space, or bringing storage and style to a historic home, we’d love to help.
👉 Contact Culbertson Woodworking to schedule a consultation.
Let’s create something beautiful—built just for you.
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