From Chaos to Custom Cabinets: The Lakeside Process (With a Smile)

Let’s face it — remodeling or building your dream kitchen can be a lot. Between Pinterest boards, paint swatches, and missing

tape measures, the process can feel overwhelming.

That’s why at Lakeside Cabinets & Woodworking, we’ve created a process that’s as smooth as a freshly sanded drawer front — with craftsmanship, clarity, and a little humor along the way.

Whether you’re planning a custom kitchen remodel, a bathroom vanity upgrade, or a new home build, our team makes it easy (and dare we say… fun).

Step 1: The Great Idea (a.k.a. “Let’s Do This!”)

It all starts when you call or stop by our showroom. You’ll meet one of our talented designers — part artist, part magician — who will help turn your ideas into a plan. We’ll gather your project details, discuss your goals, and create a dedicated project file. Think of it as your cabinet’s baby book — filled with all the important info that brings your space to life.

Step 2: The Tape Measure Tango

Measurements matter. If you’re confident with a tape measure, great! (Just remember: measure twice, text us once.) If not, one of our friendly designers will visit your home for a professional measurement. They’ll arrive equipped with precision tools, expert eyes, and a genuine appreciation for straight walls and level floors.

Step 3: The 3D Reveal (No Special Glasses Required)

Now comes the fun part — seeing your future space in full 3D glory. We’ll create detailed 3D renderings of your layout, complete with your chosen style and features. This step helps you visualize the flow and function of your design before we ever cut a single board. Need a few small tweaks? No problem — we’ll adjust until your vision feels just right.

Step 4: The Numbers Game (Your Custom Cabinet Estimate)

Next, we’ll send over your custom cabinetry estimate — detailed, transparent, and flexible. You can explore different materials, finishes, and design options to fit your goals and budget. Whether you want to splurge on solid wood drawers or keep it simple with painted shaker doors, we’ve got options.

Step 5: The Commitment (a.k.a. The Down Payment)

Once you’re ready to move forward, a 25% deposit gets the ball rolling. This is when we create your final CAD drawings — detailed, accurate, and ready for production. You’ll also receive one complimentary change order, because sometimes inspiration hits after that third cup of coffee.

Step 6: The Style Summit & Final Measure

Now the real design fun begins! You and your designer will meet to finalize every last detail — cabinet style, finish color, door profiles, hardware, and trim. We’ll also do a final measurement visit to ensure everything fits perfectly. We love surprises, but not when a cabinet doesn’t fit under the ceiling.

Step 7: The Production Party

Once your 50% production deposit is received, your project joins our production schedule. Every piece of your cabinetry is handcrafted by our skilled woodworkers right here in our shop. We build each project in the order it’s received, ensuring fairness and precision for every client (even the ones who bring us cookies).

Step 8: The Big Install

When your custom cabinets are ready, our trusted licensed installers step in. We coordinate delivery and installation so all you have to do is sip your coffee and watch your dream space take shape. It’s your HGTV moment — minus the dramatic background music.

Step 9: The Grand Approval

Before final production, we provide detailed drawings and written descriptions for your approval. This ensures every measurement, finish, and feature is exactly how you envisioned it. Once approved, we bring your design to life — right down to the last dovetail joint.

At Lakeside Cabinets & Woodworking, we take craftsmanship seriously — but we believe the process should be enjoyable, too. From the first sketch to the final installation, our goal is to make your custom cabinet journey easy, transparent, and even a little entertaining. Learn more about our process here.

Ready to start your project? Stop by our showroom or contact us today to schedule your free design consultation. Let’s build something beautiful — and have some fun doing it. Request a quote here.