The cost of creating cabinet shop drawings depends on several factors. Typically, drafters charge between $25 to $50 per hour, but this can vary based on the complexity of the project and the drafter’s experience.
Simpler designs might take less time and cost less, while detailed or custom cabinets may require more hours and higher expenses.
However, you can often find more affordable rates if you outsource the work to countries like India, where prices tend to be lower. This option can help reduce costs without sacrificing the quality of the drawings.
In this article, we’ll explore these factors in more detail to give you a clearer idea of what to expect when budgeting for cabinet shop drawings. Knowing these cost elements will help you make informed decisions, whether you’re hiring locally or considering outsourcing.
Factors On Which Cost Of Depends
Here’s a more detailed explanation of each factor that affects the cost of cabinet shop drawings:
Size of the project
The overall size of the project is one of the biggest factors in determining cost. A larger project with multiple cabinets or complex layouts will require more time and effort to draft. For example,
if the project involves designing cabinets for an entire kitchen or several rooms, the draftsman will need to spend more time creating accurate and detailed drawings for each cabinet. As the workload increases, so does the cost.
Design complexity
Simple cabinet designs with straight lines and basic shapes are easier to draft, meaning they cost less. However, if the design includes intricate details like curved elements, custom molding, or special features like built-in lighting, it takes longer to create precise drawings. More complex designs may also require additional revisions to meet design expectations, which adds to the cost.
Materials used
The type of material being used in the cabinet construction also impacts the cost of shop drawings. For instance, cabinets made from standard materials like MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or plywood are simpler to design.
On the other hand, if the cabinets are made from premium materials such as hardwood, metal, or glass, the drafting process becomes more detailed. Custom materials often need specific design considerations, which adds complexity and increases the cost.
Turnaround time
If you need the drawings completed quickly, it can increase the price. A standard project may have a set timeline, but when you’re on a tight deadline and need rush services, the drafter might need to work extra hours or prioritize your project over others. This urgency comes with a higher fee.
Revisions
Changes to the drawings after the initial draft are common, but they can increase the overall cost. If the client requests multiple revisions or changes in the design, it requires additional work to modify the drawings.
While minor revisions may be included in the initial price, significant changes or numerous revisions will likely result in extra charges.
Level of detail
Cabinet shop drawings can vary in detail. Basic drawings may just include the overall shape, dimensions, and placement of cabinets.
More detailed drawings will show every aspect, including the internal components, joints, assembly instructions, and hardware placement (like hinges and handles). The more detail required, the longer it takes to produce the drawings, which raises the price.
How To Make Cabinet Shop Drawings?
Creating cabinet shop drawings is an essential step in the woodworking and millwork process. These drawings give detailed instructions on how to build and install cabinets. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how to make them:
Gather Necessary Information
Before starting, you need some important details:
- Measurements: Take exact measurements of the space where the cabinets will go. This includes height, width, and depth.
- Materials: Know what kind of wood, hinges, and handles you’ll use.
- Design: Have a clear idea of how the cabinets should look, including the number of shelves, drawers, and doors.
Create the Basic Layout
Start by drawing a simple layout of the cabinet. This includes:
- Front view: Showing what the cabinet will look like from the front.
- Side view: Showing the depth and height from the side.
- Top view: Showing how the cabinet will look from above.
Add Detailed Sections
For a more detailed drawing, add:
- Section views: These are cross-section drawings showing the inside structure of the cabinet, including the shelves, dividers, and drawers.
- Dimensions: Clearly mark all the important measurements like the height of each shelf, the width of the drawers, and the thickness of the materials.
Include Construction Details
Show how the cabinet will be assembled. This might include:
- Joinery: How the different pieces of wood will connect (e.g., dovetail joints, screws, or dowels).
- Hardware Placement: Indicate where the hinges, handles, and drawer slides will go.
Label Everything
Make sure every part of the drawing is labeled clearly. This includes:
- Part names: Like doors, shelves, panels, and backboards.
- Material types: Specify the type of wood or other materials being used.
Review and Finalize
Once the drawings are complete, double-check all measurements and details. You can then share them with your team or the client for approval before the building begins.
By following these steps, you can create clear and accurate cabinet shop drawings that make the construction process easier for everyone involved.
The Final Thoughts
To sum it up, making cabinet shop drawings can seem tricky, but it’s an important part of building cabinets. The cost of these drawings can change based on things like how big the project is, how complex the design is, what materials are used, how fast you need it done, and how detailed you want the drawings to be.
Usually, people who make these drawings charge between $25 to $50 per hour, but you might find cheaper options if you look for help in other countries. When you make cabinet shop drawings, start by getting all the information you need, like measurements and materials.
Then, draw the basic shape of the cabinet from different angles. Add more details like how the inside looks and where everything goes. Don’t forget to show how the cabinet will be put together and label all the parts clearly.