What to Expect When Working With a Custom Cabinet Maker

Khrystina Shivers • 17 December 2025

Working with a custom cabinet maker is exciting. It’s your chance to create cabinets that fit your space, style, and lifestyle perfectly. But it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Knowing the steps ahead of time makes the process smoother, helps avoid surprises, and ensures your final cabinets look and function exactly as you imagined.

At Shivers Custom Woodwork, a custom cabinet maker in Katy, Texas, we follow a clear process for every project. From the first consultation to the final installation, we guide homeowners through each step to deliver custom cabinetry that combines beauty, durability, and functionality. Here’s what you can expect when you work with a professional cabinet maker like us.

1. Consultation

Every project starts with a consultation. This is where we get to know your vision, assess your space, and discuss what you want from your cabinets. Are you looking for more storage, a specific style, or unique features like hidden compartments? Sharing your ideas helps us create a plan that fits your home and your lifestyle.

2. Design

Once we understand your goals, the creative process begins. Here, we create layouts, choose materials, and plan features that match your style. We focus on balancing function with aesthetics so that your cabinets not only look great but also work well in everyday life. Clear communication at this stage ensures the finished cabinets match your expectations.

Creative Process

3. Approve 3D Rendering

We provide a detailed 3D rendering of your cabinetry before any work starts. This allows you to see your cabinets in your space and make adjustments. Approving the design ensures that everything, from dimensions to finishes, is exactly how you want it. This step gives peace of mind before construction begins.


4. Approve Estimate

Next, we provide a transparent estimate covering materials, labor, and any special features. Having a clear estimate helps you understand costs upfront and avoid surprises. It also gives you confidence that your project fits your budget.

5. Pay Deposit

A deposit, usually 50%, secures your spot in the production schedule. It also allows us to start sourcing high-quality materials for your project. This step shows commitment on both sides and helps keep the project on track.

6. The Details

During this phase, we finalize paint or stain colors, hardware, and small custom features. Every decision contributes to the overall look and quality of your cabinets. Paying attention to these details ensures the finished product is cohesive, functional, and beautiful.

7. Installation

Installation is when your cabinets come to life. Our team carefully aligns, secures, and sets up each cabinet. We protect your home throughout the process and ensure the installation is smooth and stress-free. Professional installation ensures proper fit, stability, and a polished look.

Installation


8. Masterpiece

Finally, your cabinets are complete. This is when you see the result of every step: your vision brought to life through craftsmanship and care. The finished product is functional, beautiful, and built to last, creating a space you can enjoy for years.


Final Thoughts

Knowing what to expect when working with a custom cabinet maker makes the process easier and more enjoyable. From consultation to the final masterpiece, following a clear process ensures your cabinets meet your style, space, and functionality needs. With the right cabinet maker, like Shivers Custom Woodwork, your home can get cabinets that are both practical and stunning.


Ready to Start Your Custom Cabinet Project?

Creating cabinets that are both beautiful and functional begins with the right process. Schedule a consultation with Shivers Custom Woodwork today and see how our step-by-step approach can bring your vision to life in your home.


FAQs


What should I bring to my initial consultation?

Photos of your space, inspiration images, a list of must-have features, and any measurements you have. This helps the cabinet maker understand your vision quickly.


How do I know if a cabinet maker is reliable?

Ask for references, reviews, and photos of past projects. A trustworthy cabinet maker will also provide a clear estimate, timeline, and contract before starting.


Do custom cabinets increase home value?

Yes. High-quality custom cabinetry can enhance the look, functionality, and overall value of your home, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and closets.


Will the cabinet maker handle installation?

Yes. At Shivers, our team handles the installation from start to finish. We make sure every cabinet is perfectly aligned, secure, and polished. We also protect your home during the process, so installation is smooth and worry-free.



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by Khrystina Shivers 5 December 2024
At Shivers Custom Woodwork, we’re dedicated to creating high-quality, custom designs that elevate your space. To ensure every client gets the exceptional craftsmanship and service they deserve, we require a 90-day minimum timeline for all projects. We are a small business, living the American dream, bringing back real wood handmade crafts. Here’s why this timeline is crucial and what goes into each step: Step 1: Initial Consultation and Design After your inquiry and deposit, we schedule a design consultation to understand your vision, preferences, and needs. This is done 30 days after your 50% retainer is paid. Together, we finalize: Paint and Stain Picking countertops and door styles Project details and timeline Why it takes time: Every project is unique. We dedicate this phase to planning and perfecting your design before moving forward to prevent mistakes. Step 2: Material Procurement an Preparation Once the design consult is completed, we order premium materials tailored to your specifications. Materials are inspected and prepared to ensure they meet our high standards. Why it takes time: High-quality, custom materials often require special ordering. This ensures your project is built to last. Step 3: Build Phase Our skilled craftsmen meticulously build your piece, incorporating custom features and finishes to match your vision. Why it takes time: Craftsmanship is an art. Precision, attention to detail, and time are essential to deliver your expected quality. Everything we do is done by hand. Step 4: Final Inspection and Installation Scheduling After the build, your painted or stained project. We thoroughly inspect to ensure quality and durability. We then schedule installation, working around your availability to provide a seamless experience. Why it takes time: We prioritize perfection. No project leaves our workshop until it meets our exacting standards.  Why We Have a 90-Day Minimum Scheduled Clients: We carefully manage a queue of already scheduled projects. Each client deserves undivided attention, and we maintain this standard by planning timelines carefully. Quality Matters: The 90-day timeline allows us to focus on superior craftsmanship and detail without cutting corners. Personalized Process: Every project is unique, and each step—consultation, sourcing, building, and installation—requires time and care.
by Khrystina Shivers 5 December 2024
Dear Valued Clients and Woodwork Enthusiasts, Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Shivers Custom Woodwork newsletter! As a veteran family-operated and woman-owned business based in Katy, Texas, we are dedicated to transforming your spaces with 100% custom, real-wood, handcrafted cabinets and built-ins. Our mission is to infuse beauty, functionality, and equity into your home, ensuring each piece reflects your unique vision. In this newsletter, we will: Showcase Our Craftsmanship: Explore our latest projects, from exquisite kitchen cabinets to bespoke office built-ins, all meticulously crafted to elevate your living spaces. Share Expert Insights: Gain valuable tips and inspiration for your next home upgrade, including design trends and maintenance advice to keep your woodwork looking pristine. Highlight Community Engagement: Learn about our involvement in the Katy community and how we collaborate with local vendors to support and enrich our shared environment. We invite you to embark on this journey with us, discovering the artistry and dedication that define Shivers Custom Woodwork. Whether you're considering a new project or seeking inspiration, our team is here to bring your vision to life with unparalleled craftsmanship and personalized service. Thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to creating something beautiful together. Warm regards, Khrystina and AJ Shivers and The Shivers Custom Woodwork Team www.shiverscustomwoodwork.com - 281.644.9205
A man is sanding a piece of wood in a workshop.
22 July 2024
Hey there, woodworking enthusiasts! At Shivers Custom Woodwork, our passion for craftsmanship drives everything we do. One of our secret weapons in the workshop is the trusty router table. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your woodworking journey, understanding how a router table works can make a world of difference in your projects. What is a Router Table? In simple terms, a router table is a game-changer. It’s a stationary tool that lets us use a handheld router more effectively. By mounting the router upside down on the table, with the bit sticking out through an opening, we gain better control and stability. This setup helps us achieve those precise cuts, intricate designs, and smooth edges that Shivers Custom Woodwork is known for. Key Components of a Router Table 1. Tabletop: The flat surface where all the magic happens. It’s usually made of durable materials like MDF or phenolic resin to handle all the action. 2. Router Base Plate: This is where the router gets mounted. It’s got to be sturdy and perfectly aligned to ensure the router bit is right where it needs to be. 3. Fence: Think of this as your guide. It helps direct the wood through the router bit and can be adjusted for different widths and angles. 4. Router Bit: The star of the show! There are all sorts of bits for different tasks—straight bits, round-over bits, chamfer bits—you name it. 5. Feather boards: These are your safety buddies. They hold the wood against the fence and tabletop, preventing kickback and keeping everything steady. 6. Dust Collection Port: This keeps your workspace clean by connecting to a vacuum system to suck up all the sawdust. How to Use a Router Table 1. Setup: Start by mounting your router securely to the base plate and installing the bit properly. Adjust the bit height so it sticks out the right amount through the tabletop. 2. Adjust the Fence: Position the fence parallel to the bit, and set it at the desired distance from the bit. Lock it in place to avoid any unwanted movement. 3. Safety First: Always wear safety goggles and hearing protection. Use featherboards to hold the wood securely. Keep your hands clear of the bit and use push sticks if needed. 4. Feed the Workpiece: With the router turned on, gently feed the wood into the bit, moving it from right to left. Keep a steady, even pressure to get a smooth cut. For intricate designs, go slow to avoid any tear-out and ensure precision. 5. Multiple Passes: For deeper cuts, make multiple passes, adjusting the bit height or the fence slightly each time. This helps avoid overloading the router and ensures a cleaner finish. Tips for Optimal Results Bit Selection: Pick the right router bit for your project. Use a straight bit for grooves and dadoes, a round-over bit for smooth edges, and a chamfer bit for angled cuts. Test Cuts: Always do a test cut on a scrap piece of wood to make sure your settings are spot on before working on your actual project. Maintenance: Keep your router table, bits, and dust collection system clean for optimal performance and longevity. Conclusion Getting the hang of a router table can really open up a world of possibilities for your woodworking projects. At Shivers Custom Woodwork, we use this versatile tool to create stunning, precise pieces for our clients. By understanding its components and operation, you can also harness the power of the router table to take your woodworking skills to the next level. Thanks for stopping by our blog! If you have any questions or need custom woodworking, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help. Visit us at 5120 Franz Road #100, Katy, TX 77493, or give us a call at 281-644-9205. Happy woodworking!
13 February 2024
Crafting Functional Elegance for Your Home
13 February 2024
Crafting Functional Elegance for Your Home