Frequently Asked Questions:

Custom Cabinetry and Built-ins in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA

  • Woodharmonic is a cabinet maker specializing in custom built-in cabinetry, including:

    • Custom kitchen cabinets
    • Walk-in closets
    • Built-in wardrobes
    • Media cabinets and entertainment centers
    • Home office cabinetry
    • Library shelving
    • Bathroom vanities
    • Architectural wall units

    Our projects are fully custom and built to fit each space precisely.

  • We serve Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including:

    Santa Monica

    Topanga

    Pacific Palisades

    Beverly Hills

    Malibu

    Altadena

    Pasadena

    Glendale

    La Cañada Flintridge

    Burbank

    North Hollywood

    Culver City

    Beverly Hills

    West Hollywood

    Hollywood Hills

    Calabasas

    Studio City

    El Segundo

    Redondo Beach

    Manhattan Beach

    Hermosa Beach

  • We need a clear understanding of your space and the scope of work. To get started, email us architectural drawings or rough sketches that include dimensions and specifications.

    Also photos of the existing space and a mood board are invaluable in helping us visualize your project and understand the look and feel you want to achieve.

    Based on this information, we will prepare a comprehensive pricing proposal outlining the project scope, a detailed cost breakdown, the work to be performed, specifications, and contract terms.

  • You can reach us anytime at woodharmonic@gmail.com

    We aim to respond quickly, usually within one business day.

  • Every project is different, but most full custom cabinetry projects typically start around:

    • Built-in Media Wall Units & Shelving Units : $10,000 – $18,000
    • Custom Walk-In Closets: $20,000 – $40,000
    • Custom Kitchen Cabinetry: $40,000 – $80,000

    Pricing depends on materials, finishes, design complexity, and hardware.

  • We build our cabinet boxes using 3/4" American plywood for strength and durability.

    For doors and panels we typically use:

    • Real wood veneer over MDF core (oak, walnut, maple, etc.)
    • Paint-grade MDF for lacquer finishes

    This construction method is recommended by the Architectural Woodwork Institute because it provides excellent stability and prevents warping.

  • No. We focus exclusively on built-in cabinetry and architectural millwork.

    If you're looking for a dining table, dresser or other freestanding furniture, a furniture maker would be a better fit.

  • Woodharmonic specializes in Modern, Minimalist, and Mid-Century Modern (MCM) aesthetics. We are experts in creating "clean-line" looks, including handle-less cabinets with integrated finger pulls, floating vanities, and grain-matched wood slabs.

    We offer full-overlay and inset cabinets.

  • We offer slab, classic shaker and slim shaker.

  • For slab doors, we do not recommend solid wood because it can warp with humidity changes.

    Instead, we use real wood veneer over MDF core, which keeps the door perfectly stable while still providing the look and feel of real wood.

  • We offer several finish options:

    • Solid color lacquer (matte or satin)

    • Natural wood veneer with clear lacquer.

    • Custom stains on selected wood species.

    • High end laminates.

  • Our process typically follows these steps:

    1. Initial conversation to discuss the project and budget range.

    2. On-site visit to review the space and take measurements.

    3. Shop drawings are created for approval.

    4. Final pricing is confirmed once drawings are approved.

    5. Fabrication begins.

    6. Installation.

  • Yes.

    A design fee is required during the site visit when shop drawings are commissioned.

    These drawings are precise fabrication drawings used for production, not conceptual sketches.

    If you proceed with fabrication, the design fee is credited toward the final contract price.

  • Fabrication time typically ranges between:

    8–10 weeks depending on project size and finishing requirements.

    Custom finishes and large projects may require additional time.

  • Yes. We regularly collaborate with:

    • Homeowners
    • Interior designers
    • Architects
    • Contractors and developers

  • Yes. Woodharmonic provides a full service package including fabrication, assembly, and installation.

    Installation is handled by our experienced team to ensure the final result meets our standards.

  • We typically wait until walls, flooring, and drywall are completed before confirming final measurements.

    This ensures the cabinetry fits perfectly during installation.

  • Custom cabinets are built from scratch to exact dimensions, while semi-custom cabinets are manufactured in standard sizes with limited modifications.

    Custom cabinetry allows homeowners to choose:

    • Exact cabinet sizes
    • Wood species and materials
    • Door styles and finishes
    • Hardware and interior organization

  • Many professional cabinet shops use real wood veneer over an MDF core because it is more stable than solid wood.

    Solid wood slab doors can expand and contract with humidity changes, which may cause warping. Veneered panels provide the appearance of real wood while maintaining structural stability.

    This approach is recommended by the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI).

  • Yes. Every project includes a detailed Digital Shop Drawing phase. We use advanced CAD software to provide 3D visualizations, ensuring that every integrated appliance, outlet cutout, and hardware placement is perfect before a single piece of wood is cut.

  • At Woodharmonic, our cabinets are built using a combination of precision CNC technology and traditional hand craftsmanship. We begin by creating detailed shop drawings and then use CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery to cut all cabinet components from high-quality plywood with extreme accuracy.

    This process ensures perfectly square parts, clean joinery, and consistent dimensions throughout the entire project.

    Once the components are cut, the cabinetry moves into the handcrafted stage of production. Our team assembles the cabinet boxes, applies edge banding, and carefully builds the finished pieces in our shop. Design details such as integrated finger pulls, solid wood edges, specialty panels, and custom details are crafted by hand to achieve the refined look and durability expected from high-end custom cabinetry.

    This hybrid approach allows us to combine the precision of modern technology with the attention to detail of traditional woodworking, resulting in cabinets that are both structurally precise and beautifully finished.