Just got my first custom cabinet job after 3 years of doing trim work

Been doing baseboards and casing since I started apprenticing around 2021. A buddy asked me to build some kitchen cabinets for his rental property last month. I was pretty nervous about it honestly. Used plywood boxes with solid oak doors I routed myself. Took me about 2 full weekends including the install. He just texted me a photo saying the tenant loves them. Small time thing but it feels good to branch out. Anyone else start in one area and slowly move into cabinets?

3 comments

3 Comments

charliestone10d ago

Tbh I used to think the same way about rental properties being a low bar until I saw some of the cabinets my buddy installed in his own house. I helped him fix a mess from a "professional" who bragged about doing high end kitchens but completely botched the drawer slides on a basic set of rental cabinets. That experience made me realize that mastering the simple stuff in a rental actually teaches you fundamentals that carry over to any kitchen remodel later on.

miles27910d ago

Two weekends for one set of cabinets? That's pretty quick for a first timer, so either you're good or your buddy's standards are low. Honestly, a rental property is a safe place to start since tenants usually don't care as long as the doors close right. But branching out from trim is a solid step, just don't let one happy customer make you think you're ready for a kitchen remodel yet.

sarah_mason10d ago

You mentioned "don't let one happy customer make you think you're ready for a kitchen remodel yet," but honestly that's kinda harsh. The guy clearly learned something building those cabinets, and rental properties are a legit way to practice without huge risk. Kitchen remodels are definitely a different beast than trim work but taking on cabinets is a bigger step than most people give themselves credit for.