Custom Cabinetry FAQ — Sims Custom Woodwork
Are you general contractors?
No. We specialize in custom cabinetry and woodwork. We are happy to work with your contractor or recommend a trusted one.
Do you build everything from scratch?
Yes. Every project starts with your vision and is built in-house with solid hardwood components, furniture-grade plywood casework, and project-specific materials. We do not use prefabricated or semi-custom cabinet boxes. Everything is designed, cut, assembled, and finished in our shop.
What is a typical project range?
It depends on project type. Bathroom vanities typically run $3,500–$12,000. Full kitchen cabinetry starts around $8,000 and scales with size and finish. Built-ins and specialty furniture range $2,000–$15,000. We offer free estimates — contact us to get started.
Do you offer installation?
Yes. We handle delivery and installation to make sure every piece fits and functions perfectly. Our team manages site prep, precision fitting, and a final walkthrough.
Where do you work?
We serve Greater Chattanooga and communities within about 50 miles across North Georgia, Southeast Tennessee, and Northeast Alabama. Every project is designed and built in our Trenton, GA shop. That includes Trenton, Dade County, Rising Fawn, Wildwood, Cloudland, Lookout Mountain, Lookout Valley, Flintstone, Rossville, Fort Oglethorpe, Chickamauga, LaFayette, Ringgold, Tunnel Hill, Varnell, Cohutta, Dalton, Rocky Face, Chatsworth, Calhoun, Summerville, Menlo, Chattanooga, North Shore, Southside, St. Elmo, Red Bank, Hixson, Signal Mountain, East Ridge, East Brainerd, Ooltewah, Collegedale, Apison, Soddy-Daisy, Sale Creek, Harrison, Birchwood, McDonald, Cleveland, Dayton, Jasper, South Pittsburg, Dunlap, Kimball, Bridgeport, Stevenson, Scottsboro, Fort Payne, and surrounding areas.
What materials do you use?
We use solid hardwoods such as cherry, walnut, mahogany, white oak, red oak, maple, and teak for doors, face frames, furniture, and visible details. Cabinet casework uses furniture-grade plywood rather than particleboard. We help you choose the right species, grain, construction, and finish for the project.
What is the difference between custom and semi-custom cabinets?
Semi-custom cabinets start with a factory-made box and offer limited size and finish options. Fully custom cabinets — what we build — are designed from scratch to your exact dimensions, wood species, finish, and hardware. Custom cabinets fit your space precisely and use higher-quality materials and joinery.
Do you work with contractors?
Absolutely. We partner with general contractors, builders, and interior designers as a reliable cabinetry subcontractor. We coordinate directly with your project team on measurements, timelines, and installation scheduling.
Do you do commercial projects?
Yes. We build the cabinetry, casework, fixture, and built-in side of commercial millwork for offices, retail spaces, and other professional environments. Projects can include reception desks, storage walls, display fixtures, built-in workstations, and medical or dental cabinetry. We do not provide standalone trim or moulding packages, doors, stair parts, or whole-building finish-millwork packages.
How do I prepare for a consultation?
Bring inspiration photos, rough measurements if you have them, and a general idea of your budget range. We will walk through your space, discuss your goals, and take precise measurements. There is no obligation — the consultation helps us both decide if the project is a good fit.
How long does a typical project take?
Most projects take 4–8 weeks from signed estimate to completed installation. Within that schedule, a standard kitchen typically spends 2–3 weeks in the shop, while larger or more complex builds can take up to 6 weeks. Installation is usually completed in less than a week. We confirm the project-specific schedule before work begins.
What is the difference between framed and frameless cabinets?
Framed cabinets have a face frame on the front — the frame can be seen between doors and drawers if desired, and doors and drawer slides mount to the frame. They are more sturdy as a result. Frameless cabinets have no face frame — doors and drawers mount directly to the cabinet box, giving a sleek, seamless look with no visible frame between doors.
Do your cabinets have soft-close doors and drawers?
Soft-close doors are standard. Drawer hardware is specified during design; many projects include full-extension soft-close slides, while other builds use heavy-duty full-extension slides selected for the application.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, check, and credit card. Clients can also make payments over the duration of the project.
How do I pick out my paint or stain color?
Hardware and paint or stain colors can be selected during the design phase and adjusted up to a month before installation. Earlier decisions help prevent delays due to product shortages or shipping timelines.
How do I keep my cabinets looking new?
Clean with warm water and diluted dish soap when necessary. Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage the finish over time.
Is there a charge for an estimate?
No — we offer free estimates. Contact us by phone, email, or through our website to get started.
How is Sims Custom Woodwork different from big-box cabinet companies?
We are a family-owned shop that designs and builds every project to the actual space. Our cabinetry uses solid hardwood doors and face frames, furniture-grade plywood casework, durable joinery, and finishes applied in our shop — not particleboard boxes mass-produced in standard sizes. The result is a precise fit, flexible design, and cabinetry made for long-term use.