Kitchen Cabinet Renovation: 5 Must-Ask Questions for Your Cabinet Maker (Before You Sign Anything)

How to avoid the small cabinet details that turn into big regrets

A kitchen cabinet renovation is one of the biggest investments in any remodel. Cabinets eat up a huge portion of your budget, set the tone for your kitchen’s design, and determine how functional your space feels every single day. 

But here’s what most homeowners don’t realize: the cabinet quote you get doesn’t always tell you the full story.

I’ve seen it too many times. A client falls in love with a bid that looks great on paper, only to discover halfway through the install that the cabinet boxes are made of particle board, the crown molding wasn’t included, or the exposed cabinets weren’t finished inside. Cue frustration, budget overages, and the kind of late-night “why didn’t anyone tell me this?” moment I try to help people avoid.

The good news? You don’t need to be a cabinetry expert to protect yourself. You just need to know what to ask. Here are the five questions I always recommend before you sign anything, whether you’re planning a custom build, a kitchen cupboard renovation, or simply upgrading your existing space.

1. Framed or Frameless? (And Why It Matters)

The first question to ask is whether your cabinet maker offers framed, frameless, or both.

What’s the difference?

• Framed cabinets have a face frame attached to the front, which gives them a more traditional or inset look. They can feel sturdy and classic, but they eat up a little interior space.

• Frameless cabinets skip the frame, offering a sleek, modern, European-inspired style. They’ve become the standard in many parts of the U.S. because they maximize storage and give cleaner lines.

DESIGN TIP

If you’re set on inset doors (the ones that sit flush with the frame), you’ll need framed cabinetry. But if you want more interior space and a streamlined look, frameless might be the better fit. Always confirm what your supplier actually offers. Don’t assume both options are on the table.

2. What Are the Cabinet Boxes Made Of?

Not all cabinet boxes are created equal. And this is where “budget-friendly” can quickly turn into “cheap.”

Common options you’ll hear:

• Plywood: My go-to recommendation. Strong, durable, and resistant to warping.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): Smooth and good for painted finishes, but not as durable in high-moisture areas.

• Particle board: The least expensive option, but also the least durable. It’s prone to sagging and swelling if exposed to water.

When you’re designing kitchen cabinets, the box material is just as important as the door style or finish. Ask upfront what’s included in your bid so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

📖 RELATED: If you want a deeper breakdown of how different woods perform and how stain shows up on each, check out Good Wood for Cabinets: A Simple Breakdown of What to Know Before You Choose. It’s a great side-by-side look at what you can expect from alder, maple, oak, cherry, and walnut.

3. Joinery and Hardware: Don’t Skimp Here

Think of this as the “engine” of your cabinetry. Drawer boxes and hardware determine how your cabinets feel every single time you open them.

What to look for:

• Dovetail joinery for drawer boxes (stronger, sturdier, and longer lasting than staples or glue).

• Soft-close hinges and under-mount glides for smooth, quiet function.

• Full-extension drawers so you can actually reach the back instead of losing half your storage space.

Cabinet hardware is the kind of detail you’ll interact with 20 times a day, so this is not the spot to cut corners in your kitchen cabinet renovation.

4. How Are Exposed or Glass Cabinets Finished?

This is one most homeowners don’t think to ask. If you’re including glass-front cabinets or open shelving, you’ll see the interior of the cabinet.

Here’s the pitfall:

Many cabinet makers don’t automatically finish the inside of those boxes to match the exterior. Imagine ordering rich walnut cabinetry, only to open the glass door and see a pale maple interior staring back at you. Not good.

The fix:

Always confirm that interiors of exposed or glass cabinets will be finished to match the exterior. This small detail makes a huge impact on the final look of your kitchen cupboard renovation.

5. What’s Actually Included in the Bid?

This is the big one. Cabinet quotes can be surprisingly vague, and the line items matter more than you think.

Ask specifically about:

• Toe kicks (the pretty finished pieces, not just the structural boards hidden underneath).

• Crown molding (is it included, and if so, what type? Single piece or stacked?).

• Panels and trim (will the visible cabinet sides be finished, or will you see raw edges?).

The goal is to know exactly what you’re getting so you don’t get blindsided mid-install. A bid that looks “cheaper” might actually be missing half the finishing details that make your kitchen look polished and complete.

📖 RELATED: And since finish is such a huge part of how cabinets look and last, you may want to read Kitchen Cabinet Finish Tips from a Designer: Why I Use Factory-Finished in Every Project. It explains why the right finish makes all the difference for durability and long-term beauty.

Wrapping It Up: Kitchen Cabinet Renovation Without Regrets

The truth is, cabinets are one of the most complex (and costly) parts of a remodel. A beautiful door style means nothing if the boxes are particle board. A sleek frameless layout won’t feel right if your installer didn’t spec soft-close glides. And a low bid doesn’t stay low if you end up adding crown molding, finished sides, and toe kicks later.

Asking these five questions before you sign can save you from surprises and give you peace of mind in your kitchen cabinet renovation. Whether you’re working through a full remodel or a kitchen renovation on a budget, clarity upfront is your best protection against stress and overspending.

BONUS RESOURCE: Don’t Let Cabinets Wreck Your Workflow

Picture this: you’ve picked the perfect backsplash, the prettiest hardware, the range hood that makes you smile every time you walk in… and then your cabinet drawers slam into each other every time you open them. Or your “pantry” feels like a black hole where snacks disappear forever.

These are the kinds of daily frustrations that can undo an otherwise gorgeous kitchen—and they almost always trace back to decisions made before the order was placed.

⭐ That’s why I created a FREE guide→ Kitchen Renovation on a Budget: Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

It’s packed with the things most suppliers won’t tell you but you’ll wish you knew, like:

• The one detail that makes or breaks your storage layout

• How to avoid sneaky upcharges that balloon your bid

• Why the “cheapest” option often costs you more in the long run

You’ll want to grab this guide before you sign off on anything. Trust me, your future self (and your sanity) will thank you every time you open a drawer that actually works.