Custom Cabinetry FAQs - Your Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about our custom cabinetry process, pricing, and craftsmanship
At Period Designs Company, we handcraft custom cabinets for kitchens, bathrooms, and built-ins using traditional joinery and solid hardwood. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive about our process, pricing, materials, and services.
Getting Started
What does Period Designs Company specialize in?
We handcraft custom cabinets for kitchens, bathrooms, and built-ins in Colonial, Primitive, Early American, Contemporary, and Vintage styles. Every cabinet is built from solid hardwood using traditional joinery methods in our West Union, Ohio workshop.
How do I start the design process?
You can reach us three ways:
Call us at (937) 515-8694 during business hours (9am-5pm EST)
Email us at sales@perioddesignscompany.com
Fill out our contact form on the website
We'll schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your project, take preliminary measurements, and walk you through our process. See our Our Process page for detailed information.
Where is Period Designs Company located?
Our workshop is located at 555 Ebrite Road, West Union, Ohio 45693—approximately 60 miles east of Cincinnati. We welcome workshop visits by appointment.
Do you work with out-of-state clients?
Yes! We serve homeowners nationwide. For distant projects, we handle the design process remotely using detailed photos and measurements you provide. We offer professional installation anywhere in the United States, or white-glove freight delivery with installation support for your local contractor.
Pricing & Timeline
How much do your custom cabinets cost?
Kitchen projects typically range from $12,000 to $100,000+ depending on size, complexity, wood species, finish selections, and hardware choices. Bathroom vanities and built-ins are priced individually based on specifications.
Since every project is custom-designed and handcrafted specifically for your space and style, we provide detailed pricing after measuring your space and understanding your requirements.
What's your typical timeline from consultation to installation?
Total timeline is typically 13-17 weeks:
2-3 weeks for design development and approvals
10-14 weeks for handcrafted manufacturing
1-2 weeks for professional installation
Rush timelines may be possible depending on our current schedule. We provide updates at key milestones throughout the build process.
What is your payment structure?
Our typical payment schedule is:
50% deposit at contract signing
40% when cabinets are complete and ready for delivery
Final 10% after installation is complete
We're flexible and can discuss payment arrangements that work for your situation.
Materials & Construction
What materials do you use?
Cabinet boxes: 3/4" maple plywood for sides, bottoms, tops, and shelves. Backs are 1/2" plywood. All components are joined with dado, glue, and screw construction.
Face frames, doors, and drawers: Solid hardwood (cherry, maple, or oak) in your choice of species. Face frames are 1" thick.
We use premium furniture-grade materials throughout—no particle board, no shortcuts.
Do you make dovetail drawer boxes?
Yes! Our standard drawer construction features 5/8" solid maple sides and backs with half-blind dovetail joints front and back. This traditional joinery method ensures drawers last for generations.
What door styles do you offer?
We offer many traditional door styles appropriate for period cabinetry, including raised panel, recessed panel (Shaker), beaded inset, and flat panel designs. We can also custom-create or match a specific style you have in mind.
Each style can be adapted to Colonial, Primitive, Contemporary, or Vintage aesthetics.
What finishes do you use?
We offer a wide range of finishes including traditional milk paint, period-accurate stains, hand-rubbed oils, and custom color matching. See our Wood Finishes page for detailed information and examples.
All finishes are hand-applied in our workshop using techniques that honor traditional methods while providing modern durability.
Design & Installation
How do you get the room measurements?
For clients local to the Cincinnati area, we come to your home to take detailed measurements. For out-of-state clients, we can work with measurements and photos you provide, or coordinate with your contractor to ensure accuracy.
We use computer-aided design software to create detailed drawings showing all dimensions and elevations.
Does Period Designs Company install the cabinets?
Yes, we install most of our cabinetry. However, you may choose to have your own contractor handle installation if you prefer. Either way, we provide comprehensive support to ensure a smooth installation process.
We offer professional installation nationwide, or white-glove freight delivery for contractor installation.
Do you deliver cabinets, or do we need to pick them up?
We offer several options:
Professional delivery and installation (most common)
White-glove freight shipping anywhere in the United States
Pickup from our West Union, Ohio workshop (by arrangement)
Can I visit your workshop during the build process?
Absolutely! We welcome workshop visits by appointment. Many local clients enjoy seeing their cabinets take shape. For distant clients, we provide photo updates at key milestones during manufacturing.
Additional Services
Do you make wood countertops?
Yes! We handcraft wood countertops using the hardwood species of your choice—cherry, maple, oak, or walnut. Wood countertops are a beautiful complement to our cabinetry, especially for Colonial, Primitive, and Early American kitchens.
What about built-ins and bathroom vanities?
In addition to kitchen cabinetry, we build custom bathroom vanities, entertainment centers, library built-ins, mudroom storage, and other custom cabinetry for any room in your home. Each piece is handcrafted with the same attention to detail as our kitchen cabinets.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Contact us to discuss your custom cabinetry project, schedule a consultation, or get answers to any questions not covered here.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
Ready to start your custom cabinetry project? Whether you're updating your kitchen, bathroom, or other spaces, we are here to help. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project.