Cabinet Refacing & Custom Builds in Detroit, MI

Full solid-wood cabinetry, pantry walk-ins, and high-efficiency storage solutions.

Cabinet Refacing & Custom Builds for Detroit Homes

Cabinetry is the largest single line item in most Detroit-area kitchen remodels, and it is also the element that most determines whether a kitchen feels right for the house. In a Palmer Woods or Boston-Edison Tudor, that might mean inset or partial-overlay cabinetry with period-appropriate details, a built-in hutch, and a furniture-style island. In a Troy ranch or Royal Oak bungalow, it might mean efficient full-height storage, pull-outs, and a pantry wall that make a modest footprint work harder.

Custom cabinetry and island design in older homes starts with measurement. Walls and floors in 1920s houses are rarely square or level, and plaster walls and original millwork can complicate scribing and fit. A carefully field-measured design allows fillers, scribes, and cabinet depths to be planned rather than improvised on installation day. Islands deserve particular attention: they need adequate aisle clearance, and they bring electrical, plumbing, or ventilation considerations that may trigger permits.

Because lead times for custom cabinetry can be long, we recommend finalizing selections and placing orders before demolition when possible. Cabinet refacing can be an option where existing boxes are sound and the layout works, though in many older kitchens the layout itself is the problem, which is why full custom builds are common in this market. We will tell you honestly which approach fits your kitchen and budget.

Detroit-Specific Considerations

Out-of-square plaster walls and uneven floors in pre-war homes make precise field measurement and scribing essential for tight cabinet fit.
An island that includes outlets, a sink, or a cooktop typically requires electrical or plumbing permits, and floor penetrations should be coordinated with basement framing and mechanical runs.
Michigan's wide seasonal humidity swings can move solid wood, so cabinet makers and installers should acclimate materials and choose construction details suited to the climate.
In historic districts, interior cabinetry is generally not subject to commission review, but cabinets that affect exterior windows or vents should be planned with those constraints in mind.
Custom cabinet and slab lead times often drive the schedule, so ordering before demolition helps shorten the time your kitchen is out of service.

Our Cabinet Refacing & Custom Builds Process

1. Measure and plan the layout
We field-measure the kitchen, note out-of-square conditions, and test layouts and island dimensions against clearances and appliance needs.
2. Select style, species, and finish
Cabinet style, wood species, and finish are chosen to suit the house, whether inset period detailing or a cleaner modern look, with samples reviewed in your lighting.
3. Coordinate utilities and permits
Island power, plumbing, and ventilation are planned with the trades and included in permit applications where required.
4. Fabricate and order
Cabinets are ordered and built while demolition and rough-in proceed, with delivery timed to the build sequence.
5. Install and finish
Cabinets are set, scribed, and leveled, hardware is installed, and countertops are templated once cabinets are secure.

Investment Range

Mid-range: $35,000 – $55,000
Custom high-end: $55,000 – $90,000
Luxury full gut: $95,000 – $150,000+

Neighborhoods We Serve

Related Services

Book a Free Design Consultation

Cabinet Refacing & Custom Builds FAQ — Detroit

Is cabinet refacing a good option in an older Detroit-area home?

It can be, if your existing boxes are sound and the layout works for you. Refacing replaces doors and drawer fronts and can add new hardware at lower cost than a full replacement. But if the layout is cramped, the boxes are damaged, or you want an island, a custom build usually gives a better result. We can assess which fits your kitchen.

How long do custom cabinets take?

Lead times vary by shop and complexity, and often run from several weeks to a few months from order. That is why selections should be finalized early and orders placed before demolition when feasible. Ask for a written lead-time estimate and plan your construction sequence around it.

Does an island require a permit?

It depends on what the island includes. A plain cabinet island typically does not by itself, but adding outlets, a sink, a dishwasher, or a cooktop generally involves electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work that does require permits. Your contractor should identify the permits needed and handle them with your local building department.