Question 1

What is the difference between custom and semi-custom cabinetry?

Accepted Answer

Semi-custom cabinetry is built from a manufacturer's standard range — a set of predetermined sizes, door styles, and finishes that can be configured but not fundamentally changed. Custom cabinetry is designed and built specifically for your home. Every dimension, material, detail, and interior configuration is resolved for your exact space and how you use it. At Arco Studio, every project is fully custom. We do not work from a catalogue.

Question 2

What is the difference between inset and frameless cabinetry?

Accepted Answer

Frameless cabinetry has doors and drawers that overlap the cabinet box. Inset cabinetry has doors and drawers that sit flush inside the cabinet frame. Inset requires more precision and has a more refined, furniture-like appearance. Arco Studio builds both.

Question 3

How long does a project take from first conversation to installation?

Accepted Answer

A typical kitchen project runs 12 to 16 weeks from signed proposal to installation. Nothing goes into production until every hardware choice, finish, material, and fitting is locked.

Question 4

Do you work with interior designers and architects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When a designer or architect is involved, we work directly with them on drawings, specifications, and coordination. If there is no designer on your project, we handle the design development ourselves.

Question 5

What is the Functional Design Consultation?

Accepted Answer

It is an optional add-on session available across all project types. We work through every zone, drawer, and storage decision against your actual habits and routines. The result is a functional brief that informs the entire interior specification for your project.

Question 6

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Arco Studio is based in Guelph, Ontario and serves clients across the Greater Toronto Area — including Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Aurora, Newmarket, and King City. We also serve Collingwood, the Blue Mountains, Muskoka, and Kitchener-Waterloo.

Question 7

How much does custom cabinetry cost?

Accepted Answer

The right answer depends entirely on the scope of your project. Our pricing is based on the actual specification — real numbers from the shop drawings and cut list, not estimates that shift over time.

Question 8

Do you work on new builds, renovations, or both?

Accepted Answer

Both. For new builds, we use laser scanning at the framing stage to confirm everything aligns with the design before walls are closed. For renovations, we scan the existing space as the measurement foundation.

Question 9

What is included in your design process?

Accepted Answer

Your proposal includes photorealistic renderings and pricing based on the real specification. If you have a designer, we work with them directly. If not, we develop the design ourselves including space planning, layouts, material selection, and renderings.

Question 10

What materials do you use?

Accepted Answer

We work with painted MDF, natural wood veneers, solid wood, and lacquered finishes. Hardware is sourced from quality European suppliers. Materials are discussed and confirmed during the design process with samples provided.

Question 11

Do you handle installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The same people who built your cabinetry install it. Every project includes a complimentary follow-up visit six to eight weeks after installation.

Question 12

Do you have a showroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work by appointment — reach out through arcostudio.ca/lets-work-together and we will find time to talk through your project.

Question 13

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Start a conversation. Tell us about your project — what spaces you are working on, where you are in the process, and roughly when you are hoping to have it done. We take the time to understand what you need before we propose anything.

Questions about custom cabinetry in Ontario.

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