Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Ordering Inset Cabinets

Inset cabinetry is stunning, but it requires the right planning and execution. Many homeowners fall into common traps that lead to frustration or disappointment. Here are the top mistakes to avoid and how to ensure your investment is protected.

1. Choosing the Wrong Builder

Most builders push semi-custom overlay cabinets because they’re profitable and easy to install. Inset requires precision, and not every shop can deliver it. If your contractor isn’t a specialist, you won’t get real inset just marketing spin.

2. Ignoring Climate Needs

In Florida’s humidity, cabinetry needs climate control. Without steady A/C, wood can swell and doors can stick. Semi-custom cabinets with wide overlays may hide these issues, but inset demands proper home conditions.

3. Expecting Speed

Inset cabinetry takes more time because it’s handmade and finely adjusted. If someone promises inset on an RTA timeline, it isn’t true inset. Quality takes patience.

4. Skimping on Materials

Real inset cabinetry is built with hardwoods and durable finishes. Many semi-custom cabinets use thin panels, MDF, or particleboard. Don’t undermine a high-end design with cheap materials.

5. Misaligning Style and Lifestyle

Inset is timeless and elegant, ideal for traditional and transitional designs. Frameless works best for sleek modern spaces. Overlay, on the other hand, is best left for rental properties or budget projects. Choose the right style for your home and long-term goals.

How to Avoid These Mistakes

Work with a shop that specializes in inset cabinetry. At SWFL Custom Cabinetry, we build everything in our Naples facility, ensuring quality from start to finish. Our process, materials, and craftsmanship guarantee your cabinetry will stand the test of time.