FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions about our cabinet design process all the time, and here are some answers to some of the most common ones. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Give us a call at 507.451.8160. We love talking about our work, and are happy to discuss whatever you want to know, from what woods are best suited for particular environments to the merits of soft-close drawers.

Q: What are your hours?

A: Our office and showroom are open weekdays Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm, Friday 8am - 4pm. Closed Saturdays and Sundays. Open Saturday by appointment only, 9 a.m.  - 4 p.m.   

Q: Do you make countertops?

A: While we don’t fabricate countertops here in our shop, we can easily include them in our design and bid.

Q: I already have a contractor…should I work with you directly or go through my contractor?

A: We’re happy to work directly with homeowners or with contractors and interior designers. Clients who have a contractor generally find that once is the design is established, it’s easier to simply have us coordinate delivery and installation through the contractor.

Q: What kind of wood cabinets are available?

A: We use a variety of woods for our cabinets, from beautifully grained woods like alder and oak to clear maple, richly toned cherry and others.

Q: I saw something I liked in a magazine…can you copy it?

A: We often get this request and are happy to accommodate your cabinet design ideas. Most projects require some ‘tweaking’ of the original inspiration or design to fit your home’s unique measurements and parameters. For more information, talk with one of our designers at 507.451.8160.

Q: Can I get references?

A: We’re happy to provide references; just ask your salesperson.

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Custom Design

Design: where every great cabinet begins.

Smart design is the cornerstone of a project. Our ability to create a beautiful, custom cabinet designs for your space ensures that your cabinets do what you need them to do, and become an integral and beautiful part of the room.

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Why build custom cabinets?

It’s easy enough to buy off-the-shelf bookcases or armoires, and big box stores sell kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities in a wide array of styles and finishes. But cookie-cutter solutions aren’t usually the best solutions. And as a custom cabinet maker with more than 45 years of experience, we're all about creating the cabinet design, function and beauty you need and want.

Make the most of your space

Custom cabinet design gives you the freedom to create the exact home storage solutions you and your family require, with exactly the look you want. Whether you need to keep 48 different spices at hand in your kitchen, showcase a collection or outfit a home office, we’ll find just the right way to do it. 

Add value to your home

Every real estate professional knows that storage sells homes, as do charming built-in buffets, shelves and cabinetry. These are pieces that become part of the house, outlasting trends and creating a home that feels unique, warm and lived-in.

How do you get from here to there?

We work with homeowners, contractors and interior design professionals to envision and make beautiful custom, handcrafted cabinetry that both maximizes storage and space, and adds value to your home. We have over 45 years of experience and we can take your design ideas from a simple vision to a gorgeous reality.

Our process:

Every project goes through a set of steps that ensure a great result. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. First, we’ll talk with you to understand your needs and what you want to accomplish with your project.
  2. Once we’ve established objectives, one of our talented designers will create schematic, to-scale CAD drawings of your project.
  3. Together we review the cabinet design…then you’ll make final selections of wood, door style and/or other trim details, and hardware.
  4. We deliver final drawings, and a contract with pricing and schedule, for your signature.
  5. Work begins as we construct your cabinets in our Owatonna, MN workshop.
  6. We deliver your new cabinets for installation by us or your contractor.

For a little inspiration and cabinet design ideas, take a look at one of our beautiful galleries.

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Craftsmanship

We’re artisans by nature.

It takes more than beautiful raw materials to make beautiful cabinets. It takes particular skills. Sophisticated equipment. And the level of craftsmanship that comes with doing things ‘the right way’ for over 45 years. We're not just a custom cabinet maker, we're artisans who want to give our customers exactly what they desire.

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We pay attention to all the details when building our custom cabinetry creations.

Cabinet construction

  • Hardwoods are hand-selected for straightness and grain

Drawer construction

  • Solid hardwood is used for the entire drawer.
  • Dovetail joints: this time-honored construction technique creates a joint that will last a lifetime.
  • Superior track system with steel ball bearings produce a smooth glide even when heavily weighted.
  • Soft-close mechanism uses an air-damper technology to close fully yet quietly every time.

Finishes

The quality of a finish depends on the depth and evenness of application. We hand-spray or hand-apply our finishes in a multi-step process that ensures long-lasting beauty and performance.

 

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Our Services

Our services: ready to help with projects large or small.

 
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Capabilities

Our capabilities run from helping clients design a room’s cabinetry to producing blueprints and spec sheets to build-out, delivery and installation.

We work directly with clients as well as with builders and contractors of all sizes. Our smooth and seamless process ensures a great experience all around.

Rooms

Truth be told, there are few rooms in a home that can’t be improved with custom cabinets.

Organize, de-clutter and add function with cabinetry that is designed precisely for your room, your family, your needs.

Christian Brothers Cabinets' artisans make all the handcrafted cabinetry pieces at the company's state-of-the-art workshop in Owatonna, MN.

 

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