What To Expect When Working With A Cabinet Maker

Alstonville Kitchens • September 29, 2025

Engaging a cabinet maker is one of the most important steps in any kitchen or interior renovation. It’s not just about selecting finishes or deciding between drawers and cupboards—it’s about collaboration, functionality and craftsmanship that lasts. Whether you're updating an outdated kitchen or building a custom storage solution, working with a professional cabinet maker ensures each element is tailored to your space, lifestyle and practical needs.

From the first consultation to aftercare, this guide walks you through what to expect when working with cabinet makers in Ballina.

From Vision to Blueprint: Your Initial Cabinet Design Consultation

Before your cabinetry arrives, cabinet makers complete detailed behind-the-scenes work. Using precise measurements and computer-aided design, every piece is carefully mapped out. Once finalised, the workshop phase begins—panels are cut, edges finished, and hardware fitted accurately.



Key activities during this consultation include:

  • Discussing how you use your kitchen or space: storage pain points, traffic flow, cooking habits
  • Reviewing mood boards or inspiration images to define your design preferences
  • Measuring existing walls, windows, floors and architectural features
  • Identifying plumbing, electrical and appliance constraints
  • Outlining budget parameters, material preferences and timeline expectations

What Does a Cabinet Maker Do? Understanding Their Craft

Cabinet making is a specialised trade that blends technical precision with creative design. A cabinet maker doesn’t just build boxes—they engineer storage, enhance functionality, and bring structure to your interiors. Their role covers every process step, from initial design and material selection to fabrication, finishing and installation.



Key responsibilities of a cabinet maker include:

  • Designing custom cabinetry based on site conditions and client requirements
  • Sourcing suitable materials and hardware for the intended application
  • Cutting, joining and assembling panels with high precision
  • Applying finishes such as laminates, veneers, or paint
  • Installing cabinetry on-site, ensuring accurate alignment and adjustments
  • Coordinating with electricians, plumbers or builders during renovations
  • Guiding care, maintenance and future upgrades

Choosing the Right Materials for Style & Longevity

Material selection is a key area where your cabinet maker adds value. Choosing the wrong materials—especially in humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms—can lead to swelling, warping or premature wear. A cabinet maker helps you assess each option based on function, durability and your preferred style.



Typical materials and options you’ll encounter include:

  • Moisture-resistant particleboard or MDF for internal carcasses in wet zones
  • Plywood or marine ply for added strength and stability
  • Decorative laminates and vinyl wrap for durable, low-maintenance finishes
  • Timber veneer or solid timber for warmth and a natural finish
  • Engineered stone, laminate or solid surface benchtops for durability and appearance
  • High-quality hardware such as soft-close hinges, drawer runners and lift mechanisms

Tailored to Fit: The Benefits of Custom Cabinetry

One of the main reasons to engage a cabinet maker rather than opt for flat-pack or pre-fabricated units is the ability to customise. Custom cabinetry allows you to fully optimise the available space, achieve visual consistency throughout the home, and integrate cabinetry with unusual architectural features.



Benefits of custom cabinetry include:

  • Made-to-measure pieces that perfectly fit the layout and existing walls
  • Storage solutions tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle
  • Integration with built-in appliances, lighting, and smart home features
  • Ability to match existing joinery or architectural styles
  • Greater freedom with colour, texture, handles, and door profiles
  • Improved long-term durability due to tailored construction methods

Behind the Scenes: How Cabinet Makers Prepare for Installation

Before anything reaches your home, cabinet makers carry out extensive behind-the-scenes preparation. Using detailed measurements and computer-aided design, each piece is carefully planned. Once approved, the workshop process begins—cutting panels, finishing edges and fitting hardware with precision.



Typical pre-installation tasks include:

  • Rechecking final measurements against the site to confirm accuracy
  • Generating shop drawings for every cabinet, panel, and benchtop
  • Pre-cutting components using CNC routers or panel saws
  • Pre-drilling for handles, hinges, and fittings to speed up on-site assembly
  • Laminating or painting components in a dust-free environment
  • Performing a full quality check before packaging and delivery

Seamless Cabinet Installation: What Happens on Installation Day?

On installation day, your vision begins to take shape. The cabinet maker’s team arrives on-site to position and secure each unit. Since walls and floors are rarely perfect, they use levelling, trimming and shimming to ensure everything fits cleanly and functions smoothly.



Here’s what typically happens on installation day:

  • Protective coverings are laid to protect your floors and other surfaces
  • Cabinets are unloaded and staged near their installation locations
  • Carcasses are fixed to the wall or floor structure using concealed hardware
  • Doors, drawers, panels, and kickboards are added and aligned for consistency
  • Handles, soft-close runners, and lighting are fitted and tested
  • Silicone, caulking or gap fillers are used for a seamless finish
  • A final check is completed to ensure everything functions properly

Managing Kitchen Renovations with a Cabinet Maker by Your Side

If your cabinetry project is part of a larger kitchen renovation, your cabinet maker will often liaise with other trades to coordinate timelines and dependencies. This includes working alongside electricians, plumbers, tilers and builders to ensure each phase progresses correctly and nothing gets missed.



Common renovation tasks cabinet makers help coordinate:

  • Scheduling cabinet installation after rough-in plumbing and wiring
  • Making sure appliances like dishwashers or ovens are correctly positioned
  • Working with benchtop fabricators to ensure templating and fitment
  • Ensuring space is left for splashbacks or tiled surfaces
  • Adjusting cabinets on-site if site conditions differ from plans
  • Facilitating final plumbing or electrical connections once cabinetry is installed

Aftercare & Maintenance: Keeping Your Cabinets Looking New

Once your cabinetry is installed, regular maintenance helps preserve its look and function. Most cabinet makers provide care instructions and warranty details to guide you. Following these will keep finishes looking fresh, doors aligned, and hardware working as intended.


Essential aftercare tips for cabinetry:

  • Wipe surfaces regularly using a soft cloth and mild detergent
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners, ammonia or solvents that can damage finishes
  • Use damp—not soaking—cloths around joins or edges to prevent swelling
  • Re-tighten loose hinges or handles as needed over time
  • Apply silicone spray to runners or hinges if they become stiff
  • Keep cabinetry well-ventilated in high-moisture zones like laundries or bathrooms
  • Report any defects within the warranty period for prompt attention

Ready to Start Your Cabinetry Project?

If you're considering a kitchen renovation, custom wardrobe, or new laundry fit-out, working with a professional cabinet maker makes all the difference. Our cabinet makers in Ballina offer tailored, end-to-end cabinetry solutions that combine smart design, high-quality materials, and precision workmanship. Contact us at Alstonville Kitchens to learn more.