Pre-shipment cabinet inspection checklist
When your cabinets are a long way from home, ask to see the details you will notice every day before the crates are closed. Start with the approved drawings and physical finish sample. Ask the workshop to measure both diagonals, run the doors and drawers through their full travel, and show the gaps between fronts against the agreed drawing. Then take the panel into daylight and compare it beside the door sample, so you can see how the sheen and colour sit together. Use the checklist below to record what was checked, the drawing revision and the evidence received. Mark anything unclear for a second look before approving packing. Keep the cabinet reference visible in the photos so you can match it to the room when it arrives.
How do I check finish and build quality before cabinets leave the factory?
| Check | How to verify it | Pass criteria | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| □ Diagonals and dimensions | Measure corner to corner both ways and record the dimensions against the item reference. | Matches the approved drawing and agreed inspection criteria. | Photo of the tape and both readings. |
| □ Door and drawer operation | Open and close each front through its travel. Check the approved hardware against the schedule. | Operation and hardware match the approved specification. | Short clip with the cabinet reference. |
| □ Gaps and alignment | Look along adjacent fronts and check the reveals at the points on the drawing. | Gaps and alignment match the approved drawing and agreed inspection criteria. | Straight-on and close-up photos. |
| □ Colour, sheen and texture | View the panel and approved door sample side by side in daylight. | Matches the approved physical sample and finish specification. | Daylight photo or clip with sample code. |
| □ Packing release | List exceptions, close each with evidence and check room labels against the packing plan. | Any deviation resolved in writing before release. Labels match the agreed plan. | Signed checklist and packing photos. |
Keep the evidence with the order
Record the cabinet reference, drawing revision, finish sample ID, inspection date and who approved any correction. A clip can show movement and the way the light catches a finish; keep the readings and the sample code alongside it.
See the checks on the workshop floor
Frequently asked questions
Which drawing should the workshop use?
Use the latest approved drawing and record its revision alongside the cabinet reference. Compare the hardware, dimensions and front gaps against the same approved set.
Can a photo replace the physical finish sample?
Use daylight images to review how the surface looks next to the approved sample. Keep the physical sample as the reference for colour, sheen and texture.
What should happen if a check fails?
Record the discrepancy, agree a correction and request evidence that it was resolved before approving protective packing.
Factory visits by appointment
Scope · Cabinetry before protective packing. Use the dimensions, tolerances and finish references approved for your order. The films show examples of checks.
Our Foshan production base: 50,000 m², 400+ staff. Visits welcome.