Custom Fronts FAQs

How It Works?

Please see our page here.

Where do you deliver?

We deliver to London, Sussex and surrounding counties. We have learned how important a personal touch and localism is so apart from special projects which align with our environmental principles, we choose to stay local.

 

Do you have a showroom?

Our showroom is currently closed for refurbishment. You are welcome to come and see samples in our workshop and talk to us whilst we are in the process of reopening our showroom. Please contact us for details - please bear in mind we will be busy making fronts and that this is a working environment.

Do you work with other architects or other designers?

Yes, get in touch.

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 check these over. Please ensure that your kitchen planner has  left the fronts and panels on the plans which can then be removed once you place your cabinet order with IKEA/Howdens.

Please send the entire design rather than just a list of parts as we can double check to minimise any issues.

Do you provide samples?

We are happy to offer samples of any of our finishes. Lead times can be 14 working days. You can purchase our most popular finishes in our sample shop 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.

Which cabinet systems do Custom Fronts doors accessorise?

We make doors, drawer fronts and panels precision cut to fit the IKEA/Howdens kitchen cabinet systems.

What should I get from my Cabinetry Supplier?

Any 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. We recommend you check with your kitchen planner to ensure you have everything that you need ready to install our fronts and panels to transform your kitchen.

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. Currently many issues that arose through the global CoVid pandemic are still working through the supply chain and having knocking on effects but we will always aim to give you as accurate an idea as possible. We would always recommend allowing contingency times on any building project as this leads to an easier and less stressful experience. 

Do you have a minimum order?

Yes, but this depends on stock in the showroom, and materials chosen, 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.

Do you make cabinets?

No as we believe that the IKEA/Howdens are high quality, standard cabinets which both offer a long warranty, can be purchased alone without the fronts and both offer a free kitchen planning service.

Can you make bespoke items, shelves, panels etc for our kitchen?

We offer our own box shelves. 

If you need a bespoke piece e.g a non standard size door for a boiler, shelving  or panel for an awkward spot for example then let us know. Kitchen Islands can also be created from standard cabinets and panels. Simply send us the precise measurements of what you require and we can cut.

Can you do spacer panels and deco strips?

Yes!

Can you make J Groove handles?

No - we generally would recommend against this for a variety of reasons.

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 and Ceramic as well as the beautiful and unique Durat and Richlite surfaces. Please speak to us for more details.

Do you offer custom colours?

We offer the complete range of Fenix and Forbo colours as well as our sustainable, soft touch laminates. We have a carefully curated range and you can order samples from our sample page but 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. If a detergent is needed it should be a mild one like soap or washing-up liquid. Always avoid using detergents that contain alcohol and ammonia or which have an abrasive or bleaching effect and/or which cut through oil. Be sure to wipe off any water on the fronts/edges.

For our oiled, real wood veneer fronts we recommend following the care guides from Osmo. We are able to supply a care package to cover this.

 

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. 

 

What are your Terms and Conditions?

Our full terms and conditions are here.