How do you source custom cabinetry from China?
Reviewed by Bo, Project Manager at NOVARTE · Updated
A practical starting point for kitchens, wardrobes and fitted joinery: define the scope, approve site information and plan local installation before production.
The practical answer
Start with a defined cabinetry package, dependable site measurements and an agreed local installation plan. Then confirm drawings, materials, hardware, samples, quality checks and delivery terms. The product price alone is not enough to compare suppliers.
Start with a package you can describe
A kitchen, kitchen and wardrobes, or a scheduled joinery package gives everyone something concrete to review. Include a floor plan, elevations where available, the project location and the intended installation date. Photos and reference images help describe the finish direction, but do not replace measured drawings.
For a professional project, add quantities, room or unit references, hardware preferences and any requirements supplied by your designer or local project team. Identify items with different approval or installation needs rather than assuming every interior product can follow the same route.
Make production approval a defined step
- Agree who provides and verifies final site dimensions.
- Confirm cabinet layouts, openings, clearances, interfaces and hardware in the production drawings.
- Use a physical material sample for colour and finish approval where appearance matters.
- Record unresolved details and hold affected items until they are approved.
- Confirm packing, labelling, shipment arrangements and installer information.
Compare the same scope
Ask each supplier to identify what is included and excluded. Cabinet construction, finishes, hardware, worktops, freight and installation can sit in different quotations. A lower total may reflect a smaller package rather than a like-for-like saving.
| Confirm | Ask for |
|---|---|
| Product package | Item schedule, quantities and agreed specifications |
| Site information | Final measurements and written approval responsibilities |
| Commercial scope | Included services, exclusions and payment terms |
| Delivery | Packing, freight basis and arrival responsibilities |
| Installation | Local installer and the documents or parts they need |
Factory or project sourcing partner?
Working directly with a factory can suit a clearly specified package when your team can manage drawings, approvals, inspections and delivery. A sourcing project team can help when several suppliers, product categories or production stages need coordination.
NOVARTE uses Managed Supply for suitable custom cabinetry, Transparent Sourcing for selected furniture and materials, or a Hybrid combination. The route, fees and responsibilities are agreed for the actual project. Ask who will do each piece of work and how the agreed scope is managed.
Is your project ready?
A useful first review needs your role, city, project stage, product scope and a drawing or list if available. If you are still developing the design, say so. The first decision may be to clarify the package or appoint a local measurer rather than to request a production quote.
Sources
- NOVARTE · Drawings, approvals, checks and delivery workflow
- NOVARTE · Kitchen cabinetry scope and specifications
These references describe NOVARTE’s published project workflow and scope. They are company information, not independent certification or a substitute for destination-specific advice.
Common questions
Can I source cabinetry without visiting China?+
A remote project can be considered when drawings, material approvals, inspection records and responsibilities are clear. The project must still have reliable site measurements and a local installation plan.
Does NOVARTE provide local installation everywhere?+
Partner installation teams are available in selected countries. Factory installers may also travel to site by agreement. Availability, team, scope, fees and travel or visa conditions are confirmed for each country and project. Your own builder can also install from our shop drawings and room-labelled packages.