What cabinet makers usually do
Cabinet makers and joiners build and install custom timber or board-based fittings such as kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, wardrobes, laundry units, media units, shop fit-outs, shelving, desks and storage solutions. Some cabinet makers only make the units in a workshop, while others also handle on-site measuring, delivery and installation.
For homeowners, the total job time is not just the day the cabinets go in. It usually includes:
- the initial site measure and design discussions
- drafting, confirming materials and hardware
- workshop manufacture
- delivery to site
- installation and finishing
- any follow-up adjustments once the cabinetry has settled
Because much of the work is custom-made, lead times can be longer than people expect, especially in busy periods or when imported materials are involved.
Typical timeframes for common cabinet-making jobs
The actual duration depends on the scope, but these are realistic ballpark timeframes for New Zealand homes.
| Job type | Usual workshop lead time | Typical on-site install time |
|---|---|---|
| Simple floating shelves or a small built-in unit | 1–3 weeks | Half a day to 1 day |
| Laundry cabinetry or vanities | 2–5 weeks | 1 day |
| Wardrobe fit-out | 2–6 weeks | 1–2 days |
| Standard kitchen renovation cabinetry | 4–10 weeks | 2–5 days |
| Large custom kitchen with pantry, scullery or island | 6–12+ weeks | 4–10 days |
| Full bespoke fit-out or whole-house joinery | 8–16+ weeks | 1–3+ weeks |
These are not fixed rules. A small job can still take longer if the cabinet maker is booked out, materials are delayed, or the site is not ready. Likewise, a straightforward kitchen with standard finishes may move faster than a highly customised one.
What happens during each stage
1. Measuring and planning
Most cabinet makers start with a site visit to measure the space and check for issues such as uneven floors, out-of-square walls, appliance clearances, power points, plumbing positions and access for delivery.
This stage can take:
- 1–2 hours for a simple job
- half a day or more for a larger kitchen or full-home joinery package
If the job involves a renovation, the cabinet maker may need to return after demolition or after wall lining and flooring are complete so final measurements are accurate.
2. Design and quote confirmation
For custom work, the cabinet maker will usually prepare drawings, a scope of work and a written quote. The time here depends on how many changes are needed.
Expect:
- a few days for a straightforward quote
- 1–3 weeks for a detailed design process with revisions
This is the point where delays often start, because decisions about door style, handles, benchtops, soft-close hardware, internal organisers and appliance sizing need to be locked in before manufacture begins.
3. Workshop manufacture
This is often the longest phase. Cabinet components are cut, edged, drilled, assembled and sometimes pre-finished in the workshop. If the cabinets include timber veneer, solid timber elements, painted finishes or specialised hardware, more time is needed.
Workshop time is affected by:
- the size of the job
- whether the cabinets are made from melamine, MDF, veneer or solid timber
- the complexity of joinery details
- drying or curing time for painted finishes
- supplier stock levels for hinges, runners and handles
4. Delivery and installation
Installation can be quick for a small unit, but kitchens and large joinery packages often take several days. Fitters may need to scribe cabinets to uneven walls or floors, adjust doors and drawers, and work around other trades.
On-site time is commonly extended by:
- waiting for flooring, plastering or painting to finish
- discovering walls are not straight or square
- appliances arriving late or not fitting as specified
- needing to coordinate with plumbers, electricians or stone benchtop installers
5. Final adjustments and sign-off
Once cabinets have been installed, a follow-up visit may be needed to make fine adjustments after doors and drawers have settled or after benchtops and splashbacks are fitted. This is normal, especially on larger jobs.
What causes delays
Cabinet maker work is often delayed by factors outside the tradesperson’s control. The most common are:
- Late decision-making: changing the design after the quote is accepted can reset the programme.
- Material shortages: some sheet goods, laminates, handles, hinges, drawer runners and specialist finishes may need to be ordered.
- Imported products: appliance cabinets, hardware and decorative components can be affected by shipping delays.
- Site not ready: cabinetry should usually be installed after plastering, painting prep, flooring and any rough-in plumbing or electrical work are complete.
- Out-of-square renovations: older NZ homes can have uneven floors, twisted walls and inconsistent framing, which adds time on site.
- Weather: in wetter months, transport and site access can be affected, particularly if exterior work or garage access is involved.
- Other trades running late: cabinet makers often depend on builders, plumbers, electricians, painters and stone suppliers.
- Consent or inspection timing: where a kitchen renovation or alteration is part of wider building work, council inspections or consent milestones can affect the schedule.
Planning around cabinet maker work
If you want the job to stay on track, the biggest factor is preparation. Before the cabinet maker starts, make sure the following are sorted:
- final measurements or a clear instruction to proceed from confirmed plans
- appliance specifications, including exact model numbers
- sink, tap, hob, oven and rangehood details
- benchtop material and thickness
- handle style and finish
- any internal accessories such as pull-out pantries or recycling bins
- paint colours, splashback requirements and flooring heights
For renovations, try to have these trades and tasks finished before install day:
- demolition and waste removal
- framing, gib stopping and plaster finishing
- plumbing rough-in
- electrical rough-in
- floor coverings, if they affect cabinet heights
- wall painting or at least the prep stage
It also helps to leave a buffer in your programme. For example, if the job is estimated at six weeks, do not book kitchen appliance delivery, stone templating or move-in dates too tightly around that estimate.
Do cabinet maker jobs need consent or licensed trades?
Cabinet making itself is usually not licensed under a specific New Zealand authority in the way electrical or plumbing work is. However, the broader project may involve work that does require licensed trades or council approval.
Keep these NZ rules in mind:
- Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). A licensed practitioner must do this work.
- Electrical work is regulated by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Fixed wiring, new sockets, lighting changes and some appliance connections must be done by the right licensed person.
- Building work may need a building consent from the local council, especially if walls are moved, structural changes are made, waterproofing is altered, or the project affects compliance with the Building Code.
A cabinet maker may coordinate with these trades, but homeowners should check who is responsible for each part of the job and who will issue the required documentation.
How to compare quotes and avoid surprises
For best results, get at least two or three written quotes. A good quote should clearly set out:
- what is included and excluded
- materials and finishes
- hardware brands or quality level
- delivery and installation
- how many design revisions are included
- estimated lead time and install duration
- payment schedule and deposit terms
- who handles removals, rubbish and final clean-up
Be wary of quotes that are vague on materials or do not mention installation conditions. A cheaper quote may end up costing more if it excludes hardware, delivery, site adjustments or removal of old cabinetry.
It is also sensible to ask for:
- examples of similar jobs
- current references or recent project photos
- details of any warranty on workmanship and hardware
- confirmation that they carry appropriate insurance
How to schedule a kitchen or joinery project
If you are renovating a kitchen or adding custom storage, timing matters. A practical NZ schedule often looks like this:
- Budget and brief: decide what you need and what you can spend.
- Measure and quote: allow time for design changes and price comparisons.
- Confirm final plans: lock in appliances and finishes before ordering.
- Prepare the site: complete demolition and rough-ins first.
- Manufacture: allow for workshop lead time, especially in busy seasons.
- Install: book time for fitting, adjustments and any follow-up visit.
- Finish other trades: benchtops, splashbacks, painting touch-ups and final plumbing/electrical fit-off.
For many New Zealand homeowners, the most common mistake is trying to compress all these steps into a short window. Cabinetry is one of the last things to go in, but one of the first things people want to use, so planning backwards from your desired finish date is important.
Seasonal and market factors in New Zealand
Cabinet maker lead times can stretch in spring and summer because these are busy renovation seasons. Many homeowners want projects completed before Christmas, over school holidays or ahead of summer entertaining, so trades are often booked out earlier.
In winter, some projects slow down because wet weather affects access, site drying times and coordination with other trades. On the other hand, some cabinet makers have slightly better availability outside the busiest periods.
New Zealand supply chains can also affect timing. If a job depends on imported hardware, specialty finishes or a particular appliance size, order early and check stock before committing to a programme.
What to ask before you book
Before you hire a cabinet maker, ask:
- How long is your current lead time?
- How long will design, manufacture and installation each take?
- What needs to be ready on site before you start?
- Which parts of the job are included in your quote?
- What happens if we change the design after approval?
- Do you coordinate with plumbers, electricians or stone suppliers, or do I need to organise them?
- What are your payment milestones?
The answers will tell you not only how long the job will take, but how organised the process is likely to be.
The bottom line
Most cabinet maker work takes anywhere from a few days on site to several months overall, depending on the size and complexity of the job. Small fitted items can be turned around quickly, while kitchens and full custom joinery packages often need weeks of workshop time plus several days of installation.
The best way to avoid delays is to finalise your design early, make sure the site is ready, confirm appliance and hardware details, and choose a cabinet maker who provides a clear written quote and realistic programme. For larger renovations, build in extra time for other trades, council requirements and supply delays so the work can be completed properly rather than rushed.
