Custom Fronts FAQs
How It Works?
Where do you deliver?
We deliver mainland UK wide, although most of our customers live in London, Sussex and surrounding counties.
Do you offer a guarantee?
- Yes, we offer a lifetime guarantee. See details here
Do you have a showroom?
Our showroom is currently closed for refurbishment. You are welcome to come and see samples in our workshop (BN8 5BX) by appointment and talk to us whilst we are in the process of reopening our showroom. Please book an appointment - please bear in mind we will be busy making fronts and that this is a working environment but we'd love to meet you.
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 us the link or give us your log in details for an Estimate. 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.
Please send the entire design rather than just a list of parts.
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 natural, beautiful and luxurious and 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 its beauty and one we try to accentuate, which is why every Custom Fronts Kitchen is unique to you.
Which cabinet systems do Custom Fronts doors accessorise?
We make doors, drawer fronts and panels precision cut to fit the IKEA 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 at IKEA 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 and our workshop schedules. We have a limited number of maker slots each month.
Do you have a minimum order?
Yes, but this depends on materials chosen, so we can advise you in relation to your specific order. Generally this is £3,000.(ex VAT)
Can I change my order?
We understand that changes can occur so 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 by email which changes you require and send them to info@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. IKEA cabinets are a simple and quality modular foundation, offering a long warranty and can be purchased alone without the fronts. They also 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?
- Yes
What thickness are the doors, drawers and panels?
Our wood faced birch plywood finishes are 18mm, Fenix/Arpa faced birch plywood and Bamboo are 19mm and Linoleum faced birch plywood 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?
No Edge Banding – Because Our Materials Deserve to Be Seen
Edge banding is often used to cover the exposed edges of sheet materials like MDF, chipboard, or lower-grade plywood—materials that need disguising. While it serves a functional purpose, it’s ultimately a way to hide something less desirable.
We don’t edge band—because we don’t need to. We use premium quality birch plywood, a material that’s not only structurally strong but also naturally beautiful. Instead of covering it up, we celebrate it. The exposed edges of our plywood fronts are a hallmark of craftsmanship and authenticity, showcasing the precision layering that makes this material so durable and sought after.
In fact, birch plywood is such a recognised mark of quality that some less high-end manufacturers edge band cheaper materials like MDF and chipboard to fake the look of ply! But edge banding has its drawbacks—it’s a weak point in any design, easily damaged and quick to expose what’s underneath.
Beyond that, edge banding disrupts the natural flow of the material. On two edges, the grain will always run in the wrong direction, creating a jarring contrast that we believe has no place in a truly high-quality product.
With our plywood fronts, what you see is real, honest, and built to last—no shortcuts, no disguises, just exceptional materials, beautifully crafted.
Do you offer worktops?
Do you offer custom colours?
No. We offer the complete range of Fenix, Arpa and Forbo colours. 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 one of their colours 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. Damaged products must be reported to us with photographs within 24 hours of delivery.
What are your Terms and Conditions?
Our full terms and conditions are here.