Homeowner's resource

The complete homeowner's guide to custom cabinetry

Everything you need to know before meeting with a builder — cabinet types, door styles, hardware, finishes, and the questions to ask.

01

Cabinet types

Not all cabinets are built the same. Understanding the basic construction types helps you know what you're getting — and what questions to ask.

Frameless (European)
No face frame — doors attach directly to the box. Maximizes interior space and gives a clean, contemporary look. Most common in modern kitchens.
Modern / Contemporary
Face Frame
A solid wood frame is attached to the front of the cabinet box. More traditional look, very sturdy. Doors either overlay or sit inside (inset) the frame.
Traditional / Transitional
Base Cabinets
Sit on the floor, typically 34.5" tall. Support countertops. Can include drawers, pull-outs, doors, or open shelves depending on your storage needs.
Wall Cabinets
Mounted on the wall above counters or appliances. Heights range from 12" to 42". Taller wall cabinets reach the ceiling for maximum storage — a common upgrade in custom builds.
Tall / Pantry Cabinets
Floor-to-ceiling units used for pantry storage, integrated appliances (like a fridge surround), or decorative display. A signature element of custom kitchens.
High impact
Floating / Wall-Mount
Cabinets that appear to float off the floor — most common for bathroom vanities. Creates a light, airy feel and makes cleaning easier. Requires solid wall blocking.
Pro tip

In a custom build, there's no standard size constraint. Cabinets are built to exactly fill your space — no filler strips, no awkward gaps. This is one of the biggest advantages over semi-custom or stock cabinets.

02

Wood species

The wood you choose affects appearance, durability, and price. Each species has a distinct grain pattern and reacts differently to stain and finish.

Walnut
Rich chocolate tones with bold grain. The premium choice for modern and mid-century kitchens. Takes a natural oil finish beautifully.
Premium · Dark
Maple
Fine, consistent grain with a light, creamy tone. Ideal for painted or stained finishes. Very hard and durable — a popular all-around choice.
Versatile · Light
White Oak
Prominent straight grain with warm golden tones. Trending in modern and transitional kitchens. Takes wire-brushing and cerusing well for texture effects.
Trending · Warm
Cherry
Starts light pink-red and deepens to a rich reddish-brown over time with light exposure. Classic choice for traditional and formal kitchens.
Traditional · Ages beautifully
Alder
Softer wood with subtle grain. Takes paint and stain very evenly. A more affordable option that works well in painted cabinetry.
Budget-friendly
MDF (painted)
Medium-density fiberboard is ideal for painted doors — no grain telegraphing through paint. Stable, smooth finish. Not recommended for natural stain.
Paint only
Pro tip

Mixing species is a strong design move — walnut lowers with painted maple uppers, for example, adds visual depth without feeling busy. Ask your builder about two-tone combinations.

03

Door styles

The door profile sets the tone for the whole kitchen. Here are the most common styles and what they communicate.

Slab / Flat Panel
A single flat piece — no frame, no detail. The cleanest, most modern look. Works best with frameless construction and handleless hardware.
Modern / Minimalist
Shaker
A recessed center panel with a simple frame. The most versatile door style — works in modern, transitional, and traditional settings. Timeless.
Transitional · Most popular
Raised Panel
The center panel is raised above the frame. More formal and ornate. A classic choice for traditional kitchens with detailed crown molding.
Traditional / Formal
Beadboard
Vertical grooves run through the door panel, referencing cottage and farmhouse architecture. Often used as an accent rather than throughout the whole kitchen.
Farmhouse / Cottage
Inset
The door sits flush inside the cabinet frame — no overlay. The most precise, furniture-quality look. Requires tight tolerances and is a hallmark of premium custom work.
Premium · Furniture-grade
Louvered
Horizontal slats allow airflow — traditionally used for pantry cabinets, laundry areas, or as decorative accents. Adds texture and visual interest.
Accent / Specialty
04

Glass inserts

Glass doors break up solid cabinetry, add visual lightness, and give you a place to display dishware or collectibles. Choosing the right glass type depends on how much you want to reveal.

Clear Glass
Fully transparent. Shows everything inside. Best for neat, curated displays. Pairs well with interior cabinet lighting.
Seeded / Antique
Small air bubbles in the glass give it a vintage, artisan feel. Slightly obscures contents while still showing color and shape.
Traditional / Farmhouse
Reeded / Fluted
Vertical ridges in the glass create a textured, warm effect. Very on-trend in contemporary kitchens. Obscures contents while looking beautiful lit from inside.
Trending
Frosted / Sandblasted
Fully obscures contents. Good for storing items you don't want on display. Creates a diffused glow with interior lighting.
Wire Glass / Chicken Wire
A grid of wire embedded in the glass. Vintage look often used in farmhouse or cottage kitchens as an accent on a few upper doors.
Farmhouse / Accent
Leaded / Stained
Custom decorative glass with lead came or colored glass. Highly traditional. Common in formal dining room hutches or butler's pantries.
Traditional / Formal
Pro tip

Add interior LED strip lighting behind glass doors — it transforms a standard cabinet into a feature piece and dramatically improves the overall feel of the kitchen at night.

05

Hardware

Hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen. It's one of the last decisions but one of the most visible. Finish, shape, and size all matter.

Pulls
Elongated bar or cup-shaped hardware, typically 3"–18" long. The most common choice. Bar pulls in brushed brass or matte black are current favorites.
Knobs
Single-screw hardware. Classic on traditional shaker-style cabinets. Often used on doors while pulls are used on drawers.
Handleless / Integrated
No visible hardware — doors have a built-in finger pull recess or use a push-to-open mechanism. The cleanest possible look for modern slab-door kitchens.
Modern / Minimalist
Hinges
Concealed European hinges are standard in custom work — invisible when doors are closed, fully adjustable, and soft-close is nearly always included.
Pro tip

Popular finishes right now: brushed brass (warm, elevated), matte black (graphic, modern), satin nickel (timeless, neutral), and unlacquered brass (develops a natural patina over time). Mix metals intentionally — faucet in brass, hardware in matte black is a common and effective combination.

06

Finishes & paint

How your cabinets are finished affects durability, sheen, and how they'll look in 10 years.

Natural Oil / Hardwax Oil
Penetrates the wood rather than sitting on top. Gives a matte, natural feel and is easy to spot-repair. The best choice for walnut and white oak that you want to look like real wood.
Natural wood look
Conversion Varnish
A catalyzed finish applied in a spray booth. Very durable, moisture-resistant, available in any sheen level. The industry standard for painted cabinets.
Most durable
Stain + Lacquer
A stain tones the wood to your desired color, then lacquer seals and protects it. Allows you to customize tone while keeping natural grain visible.
Two-Tone / Accent
Upper cabinets in one color, lowers in another — or island in a contrasting tone. Adds depth and visual interest. One of the most popular design moves in current kitchens.
Trending
07

Layout planning

Great cabinetry starts with a great layout. Understanding the basic principles helps you get more out of your design consultation.

The Work Triangle
The classic layout principle: refrigerator, sink, and range should form a triangle with each leg between 4–9 feet. Minimizes unnecessary movement while cooking.
Zone Planning
Modern approach: organize storage by activity zone — prep zone, cooking zone, cleanup zone, pantry zone. Drawers near the range for pots, wraps near the prep area, etc.
Recommended
Drawer vs. Door
Full-height drawers are more functional than base doors with shelves — easier access, better organization. A rule of thumb: maximize drawers in base cabinets wherever possible.
Pro move
Ceiling Height
In custom work, cabinets can go all the way to the ceiling — eliminating the dust-collecting gap above upper cabinets and making the room feel taller. Highly recommended when ceilings allow.
08

Questions to ask your builder

Before you sign a contract, make sure you have clear answers to these.

Is this truly custom or semi-custom?
True custom means built to your dimensions from scratch. Semi-custom uses standard sizes with modification options. The difference is significant in price and fit.
What's the box construction — plywood or particleboard?
Plywood boxes are stronger, more moisture-resistant, and hold screws better. Particleboard is cheaper but less durable. All Urban Grain cabinets use plywood construction.
Are soft-close hinges and drawer slides included?
Soft-close should be standard in any quality build. Full-extension drawer slides (so you can see the full contents) are also worth confirming.
Who does the installation — the builder or a subcontractor?
In-house installation typically means better quality control and accountability. Ask who installs and how long the warranty covers both the product and the install.
What's the lead time from deposit to installation?
Custom cabinetry typically takes 6–12 weeks to build after designs are finalized. Plan your project timeline accordingly — especially if coordinating with countertop installers or contractors.

Ready to talk about your project?

Free on-site estimate. Serving Denver Metro — Longmont to Castle Rock.

(720) 499-3142