McKenzie Custom Built Cabinets: What to Know Before You Order

McKenzie Custom Built Cabinets makes cabinetry to order in South Carolina

McKenzie Custom Built Cabinets is a South Carolina-based cabinet maker that builds custom cabinetry for kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms in homes and businesses. Rather than selling stock cabinets off a showroom floor, they work with you to design and build cabinets that fit your space, your style, and your budget. The company handles the design, construction, and installation process.

Custom cabinetry differs from ready-made options because it's built to your exact measurements and specifications. If your kitchen has an odd corner, an unusual ceiling height, or a specific look you want to achieve, custom cabinets can be designed to solve those problems. McKenzie works with homeowners and contractors throughout South Carolina to create pieces that match the home's character and the owner's needs.

Key Takeaways

• McKenzie Custom Built Cabinets designs and builds cabinetry made to fit your specific space and style preferences.
• Custom cabinets are built to your exact measurements, which means they fit unusual spaces and architectural features that stock cabinets cannot.
• The process typically involves an initial consultation, design phase, construction, and installation by the company's team.
• You should have a clear sense of your budget, timeline, and design preferences before meeting with McKenzie to discuss your project.

How the custom cabinet process works

The first step is usually a consultation where you meet with someone from McKenzie to discuss your project. You'll talk about the room, what you need the cabinets to do, your style preferences, and your budget. Bring measurements of your space, photos of styles you like, and any existing materials or finishes you want the cabinets to coordinate with.

After the initial meeting, McKenzie's design team creates drawings and a proposal showing what the cabinets will look like and what they will cost. This is your chance to ask questions, request changes, and make sure the design matches your vision. Once you approve the design, construction begins. The timeline from approval to installation varies depending on the complexity of the project and the company's current workload.

Installation is typically handled by McKenzie's team or their trusted contractors. They'll make sure the cabinets fit properly, function smoothly, and are finished to your satisfaction. After installation, you should receive information about caring for your new cabinets and any warranty that applies.

What affects the cost and timeline

Custom cabinet pricing depends on several factors: the size of the project, the materials you choose, the complexity of the design, and any special features like soft-close hinges, interior organizers, or specialty finishes. A small bathroom vanity will cost less than a full kitchen remodel. Solid wood costs more than plywood or veneer, and hand-painted finishes take longer than stain.

Timeline also varies. A straightforward project might take six to eight weeks from approval to installation, while a complex kitchen with multiple islands or unusual features could take longer. Seasonal demand affects how quickly McKenzie can schedule your project. It's worth asking about their current timeline during your initial consultation so you can plan accordingly.

Choosing materials and finishes

McKenzie works with different wood species, including oak, maple, cherry, and hickory, as well as engineered materials like plywood with veneer. Each has different looks, durability, and price points. Solid wood shows grain and character but requires more maintenance. Veneer over plywood is more stable and often more affordable.

Finishes range from natural stain that shows the wood grain to painted finishes in any color you choose. Stain finishes tend to show wear over time and may need refinishing after years of use. Paint hides the wood but can chip or scratch and may need touch-ups. Some people choose a combination—painted cabinet boxes with stained wood doors, for example. Ask McKenzie about durability and maintenance for each option you're considering.

Working with McKenzie on your design

Bring inspiration to your consultation. Tear sheets from magazines, photos from websites, or even pictures of cabinets you've seen in person help McKenzie understand your style. Be specific about what you like—is it the hardware, the door style, the color, the layout? The more detail you provide, the better they can match your vision.

Think about how you actually use the space. If you cook a lot, you might want deep drawers for pots and pans and a layout that makes sense for your workflow. If you're storing dishes and glassware, you might prioritize shelving and glass-front doors. If the cabinet space is in a bathroom, you might need to plan around plumbing or electrical outlets. McKenzie can help you think through these practical details during the design phase.

Questions to ask before you commit

Ask McKenzie about their warranty—what does it cover and for how long? Ask about their installation process and whether the price includes installation or if that's separate. Find out what happens if you want to make changes after construction has started, and whether there are additional costs. Ask for references from past customers, especially if they've done a project similar to yours.

Understand the payment schedule. Some cabinet makers ask for a deposit upfront, a payment when construction begins, and a final payment at installation. Others have different terms. Make sure you're comfortable with the payment plan before you sign anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take from design approval to having cabinets installed?

Timeline varies based on project complexity and McKenzie's current workload, but a typical project takes six to eight weeks from approval to installation. More complex projects with special features or finishes may take longer. Ask about their current timeline during your consultation so you can plan your renovation schedule.

Can McKenzie work with my contractor or architect?

Yes, McKenzie works with contractors and architects regularly. If you're doing a larger renovation, your contractor can coordinate with McKenzie on measurements, design, and installation timing. Make sure all parties communicate clearly about deadlines and specifications to avoid delays.

What's the difference between custom cabinets and stock cabinets?

Custom cabinets are built to your exact measurements and design, which means they fit unusual spaces and can be tailored to your style. Stock cabinets come in standard sizes and finishes and may not fit your space perfectly or match your vision. Custom cabinets cost more but are built specifically for your home.

Can I see samples of McKenzie's work before I decide?

Ask McKenzie if they have a showroom or if they can show you photos of past projects. References from previous customers are also valuable—you can ask to see their cabinets in person or read about their experience working with the company.

What should I measure before my consultation?

Measure the width, depth, and height of the space where cabinets will go. Note the location of windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing. Take photos of the space from different angles. If you have existing cabinets, note their dimensions. Bring these measurements and photos to your consultation so McKenzie can start planning right away.