Jun 05, 2026

Why You'll Be Seeing More Built-Ins from The Woodhills in 2026

If you've been following us for a while, you know that most of our work has centered around custom furniture—dining tables, conference tables, consoles, and one-of-a-kind pieces built to last.

But in 2026, we're adding something new to the mix:

Custom built-ins and cabinetry.

And it all started with what we now affectionately call "The Green Project."

How It Started

Earlier this year, one of our shop neighbors reached out needing help with an office built-in for a client. The timeline was tight, and they needed extra hands to get the project completed.

We looked at the design and thought, "Why not?"

What started as helping out a neighbor quickly turned into one of our most memorable projects of the year.

The entire project took about two and a half weeks from start to finish, and it gave us a firsthand look at what it takes to build, install, and finish custom cabinetry at a high level.

Building the Cabinetry

One of our team members, Joel, took the lead on the build.

With over 20 years of cabinetry experience, he made what looked incredibly difficult seem surprisingly easy.

Every cabinet, drawer, door, and panel was built in-house. Nothing was outsourced.

To help bring the design to life, we used our CNC machine to create the decorative arches and machine the fluted drawer fronts. The project also featured inset doors and drawers, soft-close hardware throughout, and a beautiful slatted accent wall that tied everything together.

One of our favorite details was the combination of painted cabinetry paired with natural white oak shelves and countertops.

The contrast between the two materials gave the office a warm, modern feel while still keeping the design timeless.

Install Day

Then came install day.

And that's when we learned not to underestimate built-ins.

The installation itself took roughly eight hours, but the amount of preparation beforehand was just as important.

Every floor, wall, and section of ceiling had to be carefully protected. We taped and covered everything to prevent dust, paint, and accidental damage during the finishing process.

The white oak shelves and countertops required extra attention. Since they weren't being painted, every exposed surface had to be meticulously masked off and protected.

Once the cabinets were in place, we began filling nail holes, addressing seams, and making final adjustments.

Unlike furniture, built-ins don't live in a perfect world.

Walls aren't always straight.

Floors aren't always level.

Corners aren't always square.

Every house presents its own challenges, which means a lot of problem-solving happens on site.

We had to create openings for outlets, make small adjustments for uneven surfaces, and ensure every cabinet aligned perfectly.

Because this was an inset cabinet design, we maintained approximately 1/8-inch reveals around the doors and drawers. Achieving consistent spacing throughout the entire installation required patience and precision.

The Finishing Process

Once installation was complete, the finishing process began.

The first coat of primer had already been sprayed in our shop, but the second coat needed to be applied on site.

Painting cabinetry isn't as simple as grabbing a brush and getting to work.

The spray equipment must be cleaned, prepared, and adjusted correctly before any finish is applied. Ventilation must also be carefully considered, especially when working inside a client's home.

For this project, we used an oil-based coating.

While oil-based finishes provide a beautiful result, they take longer to cure and produce a stronger odor than water-based products. Proper airflow and planning were critical to ensuring a successful finish.

Before painting, we also caulked the entire built-in. Every seam, joint, and transition was carefully detailed to create a seamless appearance once painted.

Outlets, wiring, white oak surfaces, floors, walls, and ceilings all had to remain protected throughout the process.

Sanding Between Coats

After the primer cured, we moved into one of the most important steps: sanding between coats.

Every surface was carefully sponged and smoothed to remove imperfections and create a flawless foundation for the paint.

Then we blew off and wiped away all dust before applying the next coat.

This process was repeated between each finish coat to build a smooth, durable finish.

In total, we applied three finish coats, sanding between each layer to achieve the final result.

It's one of those details most people never notice—but it's also one of the reasons professional cabinetry looks and feels different.

What We Learned

This project taught us a lot.

Furniture and cabinetry may both involve woodworking, but cabinetry is an entirely different challenge.

It requires a different level of planning, installation, finishing, and problem-solving.

What surprised us most was how much we enjoyed it.

We enjoyed figuring things out on the fly.

We enjoyed adapting to challenges inside the home.

We enjoyed learning new techniques, working with different hardware, and exploring design elements we don't often use in furniture.

Most importantly, we enjoyed doing it as a team.

Looking Ahead

The Green Project opened our eyes to what's possible.

It pushed us outside our comfort zone, expanded our skill set, and reminded us why we love building things in the first place.

Because of that experience, you'll be seeing more built-ins, cabinetry projects, mudrooms, entertainment centers, office built-ins, and custom storage solutions from The Woodhills throughout 2026.