Finding the right cabinet makers in Atlanta can be the difference between a kitchen that functions beautifully for decades and one that starts showing problems within a few years. Cabinets account for roughly 40% of a typical kitchen remodel budget, and they define the look, feel, and storage capacity of the entire room. Choosing the wrong cabinet maker — or settling for the cheapest option — is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make.
At Turan Designs, we have been selecting, specifying, and coordinating cabinet installations across Peachtree City, Tyrone, Fayetteville, Newnan, and greater Atlanta for more than 24 years. We work directly with trusted cabinet partners and have seen firsthand what separates an exceptional cabinet shop from one that delivers frustration. This guide gives you everything you need to find the right cabinet maker for your project.
What Does a Cabinet Maker Do?
A cabinet maker is a skilled craftsman who designs and builds cabinetry, typically from raw wood and sheet goods. Unlike factory-produced cabinets that come off an assembly line in standard sizes, a true cabinet maker custom fabricates each piece to fit your exact specifications — down to the fraction of an inch.
The craft of custom cabinetry involves selecting wood species, cutting and shaping components, assembling boxes using precision joinery, applying finishes, and installing hardware. A skilled cabinet maker can build anything from a simple Shaker-style kitchen to an ornate furniture-grade entertainment center with hand-applied glazes and custom moldings.
This level of craftsmanship matters because kitchens are not standard rooms. Older Atlanta homes — especially in neighborhoods like Inman Park and Druid Hills — often have uneven walls, non-square corners, and unusual ceiling heights. Custom cabinets built by a qualified cabinet maker account for these realities in ways that stock cabinets never will.
Types of Cabinet Makers in Atlanta
The Atlanta market offers several categories of cabinet makers. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right fit for your project scope and budget.
Independent Craftsmen and Small Shops
These are one- to five-person operations, often run by a master woodworker with years of bench experience. They typically build everything in their own shop, from box construction through finishing. You will find some of the highest quality work here, but capacity is limited and lead times can be long.
Best for: Homeowners who want fully bespoke cabinetry and are willing to wait 8-16 weeks for fabrication.
Large Cabinet Manufacturers
Companies like Wellborn, Medallion, and Yorktowne operate large production facilities that produce semi-custom and custom cabinets at scale. They offer extensive catalogs of door styles, finishes, and configurations. Quality is consistent, and ordering is systematized.
Best for: Mid-range to high-end projects where a wide selection of styles and faster turnaround are priorities.
Design-Build Firms with Cabinet Partnerships
Firms like Turan Designs do not manufacture cabinets in-house. Instead, we maintain long-standing relationships with vetted cabinet makers and manufacturers whose quality we trust. We handle the design, specification, ordering, and coordination so the homeowner does not have to navigate the cabinet selection process alone.
Best for: Homeowners who want expert guidance through the selection process and a single team managing the entire kitchen remodel, including cabinetry.
Big Box Store Installers
Home Depot, Lowe's, and similar retailers offer cabinet lines with installation services. The cabinets are typically stock or semi-custom, and installation is handled by subcontracted crews. Pricing can be attractive, but customization is limited and quality control varies significantly.
Best for: Budget-conscious projects where standard sizes work and extensive customization is not needed.
What to Look for in a Cabinet Maker
Not all cabinet makers deliver the same quality. Here are the specific details to evaluate before committing to a cabinet shop in Atlanta.
Materials
The material used for cabinet boxes tells you a great deal about durability. Plywood boxes are stronger, more moisture-resistant, and hold screws better over time. Particleboard is cheaper but swells when exposed to moisture and weakens at screw points after repeated use. For kitchens — where steam, spills, and humidity are constant — plywood construction is the standard we recommend.
Joinery Methods
How a cabinet is assembled determines how long it will last. Look for:
- Dovetail joints in drawer boxes — the gold standard for strength and longevity
- Mortise-and-tenon joints in face frames — resist racking and loosening over decades
- Dowel or pocket-screw construction — acceptable for mid-range cabinets but less durable than dovetail or mortise-and-tenon
Stapled or glued-only construction is a sign of the lowest quality tier and should be avoided for any kitchen that needs to perform for more than a few years.
Finish Quality
Run your hand across a cabinet door sample. The finish should be smooth, even, and free of drips, orange peel texture, or dust nibs. Ask whether the shop uses catalyzed conversion varnish (the most durable option), lacquer, or paint. A quality cabinet maker will be able to explain their finishing process in detail.
Hardware Options
Hinges and drawer slides affect how cabinets feel every single day. Soft-close hinges and full-extension, undermount drawer slides from manufacturers like Blum or Hettich are the current standard for quality cabinetry. Avoid cabinet makers who use inexpensive, surface-mounted hinges or partial-extension slides.
Customization Range
A capable cabinet maker should be able to accommodate non-standard dimensions, specialized storage inserts (spice pullouts, tray dividers, appliance garages), and unique design features. If a shop tells you they can only build standard sizes, they may not be the right fit for a custom kitchen project.
Stock vs Semi-Custom vs Custom Cabinets
This is one of the most important decisions in any kitchen remodel. Here is a brief comparison:
| Feature | Stock | Semi-Custom | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sizing | Standard increments (3-inch) | Standard increments with fillers | Any size to 1/16 inch |
| Door styles | 5-15 options | 30-75 options | Unlimited |
| Finish options | Limited | Moderate | Unlimited |
| Interior accessories | Basic | Moderate selection | Fully customizable |
| Lead time | 1-2 weeks | 4-8 weeks | 8-16 weeks |
| Quality of construction | Particleboard, stapled | Plywood or particleboard, doweled | Plywood, dovetailed |
Each tier serves a different homeowner and a different budget. We explore the differences between semi-custom and custom cabinets in much greater depth in our upcoming guide to semi-custom vs custom kitchen cabinets, which will help you determine exactly which tier is right for your project.
How Much Do Custom Cabinets Cost in Atlanta?
Cabinet pricing in the Atlanta metro area depends on the tier you choose, the size of your kitchen, and the level of customization involved. Here are realistic 2026 ranges for a standard 10x12 kitchen with approximately 20-25 linear feet of cabinetry:
| Cabinet Type | Price Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | $5,000-$10,000 | Basic styles, standard sizes, particleboard construction, limited finishes |
| Semi-Custom | $10,000-$20,000 | More door styles, better materials, some sizing flexibility, soft-close hardware |
| Custom | $20,000-$50,000+ | Exact-fit sizing, any wood species, hand-applied finishes, premium hardware, specialized storage |
Factors That Affect Cost
- Kitchen size and layout: More cabinets and complex layouts (L-shape, U-shape, islands) increase cost proportionally.
- Wood species: Maple and cherry cost more than birch or oak. Walnut and quarter-sawn white oak sit at the premium end.
- Finish type: Painted finishes generally cost more than stained because they require more prep and multiple coats. Hand-applied glazes and distressing add further cost.
- Interior accessories: Pullout shelves, lazy Susans, drawer inserts, and built-in organizers each add $100-$500 per unit.
- Hardware: Quality soft-close hinges and undermount slides are standard on custom cabinets but may be upcharged on stock or semi-custom lines.
For a comprehensive view of how cabinetry fits into your total kitchen remodel budget, see our 2026 kitchen remodel cost guide for Peachtree City. You can also use our free renovation cost calculator to get a quick estimate based on your specific project.
Questions to Ask a Cabinet Maker
Before signing with any cabinet shop in Atlanta, ask these questions:
- What is your current lead time from order to delivery? Lead times in 2026 range from 4-16 weeks depending on the cabinet tier and shop workload. Get this in writing.
- What wood species do you offer, and can I see samples? A reputable shop will have physical samples of every species and finish they offer.
- What finish system do you use? Catalyzed conversion varnish is the most durable. Lacquer is acceptable. Ask how many coats are applied.
- Do you offer a warranty, and what does it cover? Look for a minimum one-year warranty on construction and finish. Premium shops offer five years or more.
- Is installation included in your quote, or is that separate? Some shops build cabinets but do not install them. If installation is separate, you need to coordinate an installer — or work with a design-build firm that handles this for you.
- Can you provide references from recent kitchen projects in the Atlanta area? Speak with at least two past clients and ask specifically about quality, communication, and whether the project was delivered on time.
- How do you handle damage or defects discovered at installation? The answer tells you everything about how a shop stands behind its work.
How a Design-Build Firm Works with Cabinet Makers
Many homeowners assume they need to find a cabinet maker on their own, visit showrooms, compare quotes, and manage the ordering process themselves. That approach works, but it requires significant time and expertise to get right.
At Turan Designs, cabinetry is one of the most important components of every kitchen we design. Here is how our approach works:
We design with cabinetry in mind from day one. During our initial design consultation, we consider how cabinets will integrate with your layout, appliances, countertops, and lighting. Cabinets are not an afterthought — they drive the design.
We specify every detail. Our designer selects the cabinet line, door style, finish, hardware, and interior accessories that match your vision and budget. You receive a detailed cabinet specification before anything is ordered, so there are no surprises.
We coordinate with trusted cabinet partners. Over 24 years, we have built relationships with cabinet makers and manufacturers whose quality, reliability, and customer service meet our standards. We place the order, track production, coordinate delivery, and manage installation.
We ensure fit with the overall design. Because we handle the entire design-build process, your cabinets integrate seamlessly with countertops, backsplash, flooring, and hardware selections. A standalone cabinet maker cannot guarantee that level of coordination.
This approach is one reason homeowners in Peachtree City, Fayette County, and across greater Atlanta choose to work with a design-build firm rather than managing individual tradespeople. If you are still weighing your options for how to structure your remodel, our guide on how to choose a kitchen contractor in Atlanta covers the full decision-making process.
Red Flags When Choosing a Cabinet Maker
Avoid any cabinet maker who:
- Has no showroom or physical samples. You should be able to see and touch door samples, finish samples, and hardware before ordering. A shop that only shows you photos or digital renderings may not deliver what you expect.
- Cannot give you a clear lead time. Vague answers like "a few weeks" or "it depends" suggest poor production management or overcommitted capacity.
- Offers no warranty. Any reputable cabinet maker stands behind their work. No warranty means no accountability.
- Will not provide references. If a shop cannot connect you with satisfied recent customers, ask yourself why.
- Quotes a price significantly below market. If a custom cabinet quote comes in at stock-cabinet pricing, the shop is likely cutting corners on materials, construction methods, or finish quality.
- Uses only particleboard for box construction. For kitchen cabinets that need to withstand daily use, moisture, and weight, plywood is the minimum acceptable material for the cabinet box.
Where to Find Cabinet Makers in Atlanta
Start your search with these resources:
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA): NKBA members have demonstrated professional commitment to the kitchen and bath industry. Turan Designs is a proud NKBA member.
- Houzz: Browse portfolios, read verified reviews, and see photos of completed cabinetry projects in the Atlanta area.
- Local cabinet showrooms: Visit showrooms in person to see construction quality, finish options, and hardware up close. Nothing replaces hands-on evaluation.
- Design-build firms: Firms like Turan Designs have already vetted cabinet makers on your behalf. Working with a design-build firm gives you access to established cabinet partnerships without the legwork.
- Top local designers: Our guide to top kitchen designers in Peachtree City highlights professionals who work closely with trusted cabinet partners and can guide your selection.
We explore cabinet styles and materials in depth in our upcoming guide to custom cabinetry in Atlanta, which will cover everything from wood species and door profiles to trending finishes across the Peachtree City and Fayette County market.
You can also browse our portfolio to see how custom cabinetry comes together in completed kitchen projects across the Atlanta area.
Ready to Find the Right Cabinets for Your Kitchen?
The right cabinets transform a kitchen remodel from a simple update into a space that works harder, looks better, and lasts longer. Whether you are considering stock cabinets for a rental property or fully custom cabinetry for your forever home, the cabinet maker you choose will define the quality of the finished product.
At Turan Designs, we have spent more than 24 years helping homeowners across Peachtree City, Tyrone, Fayetteville, Newnan, and greater Atlanta select the perfect cabinetry for their kitchens. As a design-build firm, we handle every detail — from design and cabinet specification through installation and final walkthrough.
Use our free renovation cost calculator to start estimating your project, or contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call us at (404) 394-2038 or visit our showroom at 125 Howell Road, Tyrone, GA 30290.