FAQs

Getting Started

What does Classic Cabinetry specialize in?
Classic Cabinetry specializes in semi-custom and full-custom residential cabinetry designed and built specifically for each home, whether remodel or new construction, all throughout the greater Chattanooga area. Our work includes kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, closets, bars, built-ins, and other interior cabinetry where craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and long-term quality matter.

Do you provide design consultations?
Yes. We offer free personalized design consultations in our showroom with an experienced Kitchen & Bath Designer, in order to understand your vision and help you create a functional, well-designed space.

How can I request a free consultation?
You can request an appointment for an in-showroom consultation with Kitchen & Bath Designer by contacting us through our website or by phone. Once we receive your inquiry, we’ll follow up to learn more about your project and schedule an in-person appointment to discuss your space, goals, and timeline.

What should I expect during the initial consultation?
The initial consultation in our showroom is with a member of our design team, and generally takes about thirty minutes to an hour.  During the consultation, we will give you an overview of the different cabinet manufacturers and lines that we offer, show you the various door styles, wood species and finishes that are available, and discuss general design and layout ideas, lead times, project budget, etc.  It is helpful if you can bring with you, or send ahead of time, some rough measurements, existing space photos, and any design inspiration photos you may have.

Do I need measurements, photos, or plans before scheduling a consultation?
Not necessarily. While photos, inspiration images, or plans can be helpful, they are not required. Many clients begin the process with general ideas, and details are refined as the design progresses.

How involved am I in the design process?
Clients are involved throughout the design process at a level that feels comfortable to them. We guide you through layout decisions, material selections, finishes, and functional details while handling the technical aspects. Final designs are reviewed and approved before fabrication begins.

How is project pricing determined?
Pricing is based on several factors, including manufacturer selection, cabinet construction type, quantity of cabinets, material, species, and finish selections, design complexity, and installation requirements. Because our cabinetry is custom-designed and built for each room individually, each project is priced specifically based on its unique scope and selections.

Can I receive a ballpark estimate before scheduling a consultation?
In many cases, we can provide a general budget range based on project size and scope, as well as some high-level selections. A detailed and accurate estimate is provided after the consultation and design review, once materials and layout details are defined.

What is the lead time for a custom cabinetry project?
Lead times vary depending on project scope, material selections, and current production scheduling for the manufacturer(s) selected. After the design is finalized and contract is signed, cabinet production can take anywhere from as little as 4-6 weeks, or as much as 12-16 weeks, depending on the manufacturer’s current lead times. Once cabinetry is received to our warehouse, depending on job site readiness, delivery and installation is typically scheduled within two to three weeks. We provide a clear timeline early in the process.

Do you handle installation?
Yes. Installation is completed by experienced professionals familiar with all of our cabinetry lines to ensure proper fit and finish.

Do you offer warranties for cabinets and installation?
Yes. Our cabinetry includes warranties covering workmanship and materials. Specific details are provided with your project documentation.

Cabinetry Options & Customization

What is the difference between semi-custom and full-custom cabinetry?
Semi-custom cabinets start with standard cabinetry sizes, but allow a number of different modifications within a manufacturer’s limits in order to customize each cabinet to fit you specific space and design. They are often considered the ideal balance between cost and personalization. Full-custom cabinets are designed and built specifically for your space from the ground up and offer unlimited flexibility.

Can cabinetry include special storage features?
Yes. Custom cabinetry can include features such as pull-out pantries, appliance garages, spice storage, drawer organizers, trash and recycling pull-outs, drying racks, folding stations, and endless more options available to choose from.

What cabinet manufacturers do you carry?
Classic Cabinetry partners with several American-made cabinetry manufacturers offering different levels of customization, construction styles, and finish options, including Plato, Medallion, Smithport, and Kith Kitchens.

What is cabinet construction & what are the different types?
Cabinet construction refers to how the cabinet box is built and how the doors attach. It forms the structural foundation of your cabinetry and affects both the appearance and functionality. The most common types include frameless, full overlay, and inset. Frameless cabinets remove the face frame for a sleek, modern look. Full overlay cabinets include a face frame with doors that cover it with a minimal reveal around the edges. Inset cabinets have doors that sit flush inside the frame for a more tailored appearance.

Why do designers choose different cabinet constructions?
Each construction style offers different benefits. Frameless cabinets maximize interior space and create a contemporary look, full overlay cabinets offer durability and a classic appearance, and inset cabinetry provides a more furniture-like, refined aesthetic.

What is cabinet door construction & what are the main types?
Cabinet door construction refers to how the door itself is built. Most doors use a five-piece construction consisting of rails, stiles, and a center panel. Common types include slab, flat panel, raised panel, and reverse raised panel, each offering different visual styles and levels of detail.

What is the difference between cabinet door construction and door style?
Door construction refers to the structural build of the door, while door style refers to the decorative design, cutouts, reveals, and trim applied to the front, such as shaker, micro shaker, or reeded panels, which are dependent on the manufacturer that you choose.

Materials, Finishes & Hardware

What cabinet paint and stain options are available?
Cabinet finishes are highly customizable, with most manufacturers offering countless paint and stain options to suit virtually any design.

What is the difference between painted and stained cabinets?
Paint creates a smooth, uniform color and is often chosen when cabinetry plays a strong role in the room’s color palette. Stain enhances the natural grain and character of the wood, creating a warmer and more organic appearance. Many kitchens combine painted and stained cabinetry to add visual contrast.

What materials are used for painted cabinets?
MDF and maple are commonly used for painted cabinets because they provide a light-colored surface and smooth texture that holds paint well. MDF is an engineered wood product that resists warping and provides a consistent paint finish, while maple is a durable hardwood with a fine, subtle grain.

What wood species are commonly used for stained cabinets?
Wood species such as walnut, oak, cherry, hickory, and alder are commonly used for stained cabinetry. These species are chosen for their distinctive grain patterns and natural color variations, which add warmth and character to the cabinetry.

What are glazing, antiquing, and specialty finishes in cabinetry?
These finishing techniques enhance cabinetry by adding depth, texture, and character. Glazing highlights details, antiquing creates an aged look, and specialty finishes include techniques like distressing or wire brushing.

How do designers select cabinet hardware?
Hardware is selected to complement the cabinet style and overall design, often coordinating with lighting and plumbing finishes throughout the space.

Should I choose knobs or pulls?
Both knobs and pulls can work well depending on the design. Many kitchens use a combination of knobs on cabinet doors and pulls on drawers because pulls provide a more comfortable grip for larger drawers, however it is not uncommon to use only pulls in a kitchen, while just varying the size of pull in certain locations.

What materials and finishes are available for hardware?
Hardware is available in materials such as steel, brass, pewter, and bronze, with many finishes including chrome, satin nickel, polished nickel, brushed gold, oil-rubbed bronze, natural bronze, polished and unlacquered brass, and matte black. Your hardware and finish options will vary based on the manufacturer and style selected.

What hardware brands do you carry?
We offer selections from Ashley Norton, Top Knobs, Atlas Homewares, Amerock, Richelieu, Colonial Bronze, RK International, and Jeffrey Alexander by Hardware Resources.

Room-Specific Cabinetry FAQs

Kitchens

Do you offer custom kitchen cabinet designs?
Yes. We specialize in fully custom kitchen cabinetry tailored to your space, style, and storage needs.

Can you help with complete kitchen remodels?
Yes. We assist with full kitchen redesigns, including cabinetry, islands, and layout optimization.

Do you design walk-in or cabinet-style pantries?
Yes. We design both walk-in pantries, butler’s pantries, and built-in pantry cabinetry customized to your space.

Will pantry cabinetry match my kitchen design?
Yes. We coordinate finishes, door styles, and hardware for a cohesive look.

Can you design pantries for small spaces?
Yes. We specialize in maximizing storage and functionality in compact layouts.

Can you design custom bathroom vanities?
Yes. We create custom bathroom vanities tailored to your space and style.

Do you offer bathroom storage solutions?
Yes. We design cabinetry that maximizes storage while maintaining a cohesive design.



Are your bathroom cabinets moisture-resistant?
Yes. Our cabinetry is built to withstand humidity and moisture typical in bathroom environments.

Can you design custom home bars?
Yes. We create custom home bars tailored to your space and entertaining needs.

Do you offer wet and dry bar designs?
Yes. We design both wet and dry bar configurations.

What features can be included in a custom bar?
Features can include wine storage, built-in coffee makers, stemware holders, refrigeration space, drawers, and custom shelving.

Can bar cabinetry match existing finishes?
Yes. We design bar cabinetry to complement your home’s existing style and finishes.

Can you incorporate lighting or specialty hardware?
Yes. We can integrate lighting, glass-front cabinets, and premium hardware.

Do you offer custom cabinetry for laundry rooms?
Yes. We design and install cabinetry tailored to your laundry space.

Can you incorporate drying racks or folding stations?
Yes. We can integrate functional features to improve usability.

Do you provide solutions for small laundry spaces?
es. We specialize in maximizing functionality in compact areas.

Do you design custom closets for any room size?
Yes. We design closets ranging from reach-in to large walk-in spaces.

Can closet cabinetry match my home’s design?
Yes. We coordinate finishes and materials for a cohesive look.

What features can be included in a custom closet?
Features can include drawers, adjustable shelving, shoe storage, and specialty organizers.

Do you design closets for shared spaces?
Yes. We can create customized layouts for shared or his-and-hers configurations.

Do you offer built-in cabinetry for living spaces?
Yes. We design and install built-ins that enhance both function and aesthetics.



What types of built-ins do you design?
We design entertainment centers, mudroom storage, office cabinetry, bookshelves, and display units.

Can built-ins be customized for unique spaces?
Yes. All cabinetry is custom-designed to fit your space, including challenging layouts.

Can built-ins match existing décor?
Yes. We tailor designs to complement your home’s style.

Can you incorporate lighting or decorative accents?
Yes. We can integrate lighting, glass elements, and decorative details.