This months journal, addresses some of the questions that repeatedly come up when speaking to our clients. So we decided to utilise this space to address some of our most commonly asked questions. From samples to our product, so let's get started.
Do we provide samples and are they free?
Yes we provide samples of our finishes, but there is a charge of £10.00 each and are available from the main web page. We also offer a sample Trade Pack for £35.00. If you proceed to purchasing our product, then we reduce the cost of your samples from your bill. As all our samples are hand made at our workshop, we say that they will be delivered to you within 14 working days. Purchase our samples here.
Should I order a sample if I already know what I want?
Yes, due to the nature of the product we would always recommend that you order a sample in first. The materials that we work with are beautiful, unique, luxurious and certainly don't make your everyday kitchen fronts. We would always recommend a sample to ensure it is the product that works for you. Please note that as the wood veneers and bamboo are natural, unlike the majority of kitchen fronts that use laminates or vinyl wraps, the samples should only be taken as a guide as the colour, tone and grain of real wood and bamboo can vary considerably - this is an inherent part of it's beauty and why every Custom Fronts Kitchen is as unique as you. Even then it's worth noting that as the finishing process is slightly different to the actual fronts it doesn't do full justice to the beauty of the finished fronts.
Which cabinet systems do Custom Fronts doors accessorise?
We make doors, drawers, panels & plinths to suit IKEA/Howdens cabinets.
I’ve planned my kitchen what should I do next?
Send us your plans! Once your plan is complete, email them to us and we will provided an estimate for you. Please ensure that you have included sizes for fronts and panels on your plan which you can then remove once your order is finalised. This saves any confusion and saves repeating conversations that you will have had with the kitchen designers.
What should I get from my Cabinetry Suppler?
Hinges and drawer runners and any additional internal fittings such as pull out larders etc. Fittings for integrated appliances should all be supplied by the appliance manufacturer. Please contact us if you need any further information or recommendations.
What is your lead time?
It varies according to the finish, our workshop schedules and exterior events over which we have no control. Please contact us for current lead times. We would always recommend allowing contingency times on any building project as this leads to an easier and less stressful experience. It's important to note that as each order is a bespoke order the lead times start from when the order is finalised, confirmed and paid for - all three elements must be in place before we can actually start to process your project.
Do you have a minimum order?
Yes, but this depends on your chosen material. Please get in touch so we can advise you in relation to your specific order.
Can I change my order?
From receipt of payment, you are allotted 1 day to make changes which we are happy to process subject to card processing fees and additional payments if the value of the order changes. Please state clearly on email what changes you require and send them to sales@customfronts.co.uk
We cannot guarantee that the changes can be made to your order after this 1 day period. It's important to note that any subsequent order may require new material from a different batch which will mean different grain, colour and tone.
Where do you deliver?
We can deliver throughout the UK but focus on London and the South East. Delivery to non-mainland UK can be arranged but will incur additional charges. We have previously worked with many European clients but due to issues that have arisen due to Brexit, whilst we are delighted to work with European clients we can't currently arrange deliveries into the EU.
We can either prepare your kitchen for your preferred delivery company to collect from us or alternatively deliver your fronts to a port of your choice in mainland GB, it would then be at your discretion what happens from this point forward and to deal with customs, import duties, shipping etc as required. If you are struggling to arrange deliveries please contact us and we will try to help.
Can you make J Groove handles?
No - we generally would recommend against this for a variety of reasons. Please contact us as we are always happy to discuss kitchens and design.
Can you make spacer panels and deco strips?
Yes!
What thickness are the doors, drawers and panels?
Our wood veneer finishes are 18mm, Fenix and Bamboo are 19mm and Forbo is 20mm. Please be aware though that these are nominal sizes and are +/- 2mm in reality.
Do you offer edge banding? What is edge banding?
Edge banding is the practise of using a narrow strip of material to finish cut edges of sheet material.
Edge banding is used to cover the exposed sides of materials such as plywood, chip board or MDF increasing durability and giving the appearance of a solid or more valuable material. Edge banding can be made of different materials including PVC, ABS, acrylic, melamine, wood or wood veneer.
We don't edge band. Edge banding is used to cover material that is aesthetically or functionally undesirable whereas the birch plywood and bamboo that we use for our fronts is strong enough not to need covering, is beautiful to look at and we believe in the idea of truth to materials. As a material Birch plywood is so well regarded as a sign of quality that some manufacturers edge band cheaper and inferior materials such MDF and chipboard to appear as birch ply! Edge banding is always a weak point on a front - as soon as it is damaged, which is easy to do, it reveals the core that the maker was trying to hide. We also feel that aside from these issues the nature of edge banding where you will always end up with the grain running in the wrong direction on two edges is aesthetically jarring and incompatible with a quality product.
Do you offer worktops?
Yes we do! We have a carefully curated range with beautiful and unique properties. We can supply luxurious Natural Stone, Quartz, Composite Stone and Ceramic, We can supply the beautiful and unique Durat and Richlite surfaces. Please speak to us for more details.
Do you have a showroom?
Our showroom at our workshop is currently under renovation but we are always happy to receive visitors - please bear in mind it's a work in progress and we always prioritise clients projects above all. Our workshop in Sussex is where we produce all of our products - not simply a warehouse - so please bear in mind it is often noisy and busy!
Do you offer custom colours?
We offer the complete range of Fenix and Forbo colours alongside other sustainable, soft touch, Ultra Matt Laminate finishes. You can order samples from our sample page but not every option is listed so feel free to contact us if you need a sample of a colour that isn't there.
How should I clean my fronts?
Our finishes are strong and durable but should be treated with care for best results.
When cleaning is required it varies according to finish. For laminates we recommend a soft, damp cloth and water. “E” cloths are very useful. We always supply the manufacturers recommended cleaning instructions.
For our oiled, real wood veneer fronts we recommend following the care guides from Osmo (Very simple!) We are able to supply a care package to cover this and you can order future maintenance products from us.
Do you work with other architects or other designers?
Yes! We work with both trade and non-trade clients.
What if something arrives damaged?
The only thing more important than getting your order right is making sure it arrives in perfect condition. We take great pride in our work, and take great care with package to ensure your kitchen arrives safely.
In the unlikely event we have made a mistake, we'll accept responsibility and make it right for you to the best of our ability.