"MiamiCuse" wrote in message
...
Thank Todd. I think you are right that he farms out the doors. He told
me I can spec any width cabinets so I asked him if it's ok to make a
cabinet width of 34-3/4" and he said sure, any width is fine. However
that also changes the door width he farms out so this means whoever he
works with can make any width door. If that's the case they should be
able to make any width rail.

Not really. Places that make the doors mass-produce the rails and stiles
for the doors. Yes, they can cut them to any length, but doing a different
width is a whole different ballgame. These door places make their money by
being efficient, and setting up to cut a special rail and stile width
doesn't fall along those lines.

As far as samples I would like to see a sample of the door with the wood
species and color applied just so there is no misunderstanding. I don't
even mind paying for it. I also need to know if the drawers are
constructed dove tailed, nailed or stapled, what the drawer bottom is made
of, how far out the door swings (hinges) etc...so just a door is not
really sufficient.

I went to Lowes and chose the top of the line cabinet and asked for the
most premium options with solid wood drawers, and still he is more than
twice the $ of the Lowes estimate. So I think I should be able to get a
more custom door.

MC

After reading your comments, I would suggest one of two things. Either a)
find yourself a *big* custom cabinet shop. They will likely have all kinds
of samples so you can look at their work to your heart's content. Be
prepared to pay 150-200% of the custom number you have now. Or b) go back
to Lowes. If you're dead set on getting cabinets that are not in 3-inch
increments, ask Lowes if you can order a custom width cabinet. I don't know
your kitchen layout, but if you were just going in between two wall, for
example, you would only need one custom base and one custom wall
cabinet...the rest could be standard. If you can get a custom width from
Lowes, it will obviously be more expensive, but it will be much less
expensive than your current quote.

todd