Less Labor, More Revenue: The Case for Outsourcing Cabinet Components
For contractors, cabinetmakers, and remodelers, time is money–and so is efficiency. The more streamlined the workflow, the more profitable each project becomes. Yet, manufacturing cabinetry components in-house comes with high labor costs, material waste, and production bottlenecks that eat into profits. That’s why many industry professionals turn to outsourcing as a smarter way to do business.
By purchasing quality, made-to-order cabinet doors and dovetail drawers, contractors can lower expenses, speed up installations, and maintain high-quality craftsmanship–all while freeing up valuable shop space. Industry data backs this up: the most profitable businesses spend less on direct labor and operate with higher margins, proving that outsourcing key components is a strategic move, not a compromise.
Eagle Woodworking, a leader in custom cabinetry components, has been at the forefront of this shift. Their precision-crafted doors and drawers offer contractors the reliability and consistency to deliver outstanding results without the overhead of in-house production. This article will explain the four biggest advantages of subcontracting cabinetry components–cost efficiency and higher profitability, faster project completion, consistency, and resource optimization–and why top-performing cabinetmakers, woodworkers, and millwork companies are making the switch.
Key Takeaways
- Outsourcing cabinetry components slashes costs and increases profits. High-profit woodworking firms operate with 22% margins, more than double the industry average, by reducing labor costs and material waste.1
- Faster project completion allows cabinetmakers to complete more projects throughout the year. It also increases throughput and allows shops to achieve higher revenue with existing resources.1
- Quality and reliability are non-negotiable. 71% of contractors always purchase dovetail drawers from third-party vendors for consistency, while Eagle Woodworking maintains a 4.8/5 rating for quality and 4.5/5 for timeliness.2
1. Cost Efficiency & Higher Profitability
Manufacturing cabinetry components requires various pieces of specialized equipment. Unless they're producing stock cabinetry, most cabinetry contractors do not have the job volume to fully utilize the equipment required to justify the investment. Plus, without dedicated shop positions focused solely on component manufacturing, labor costs are higher and overtime is common practice to meet job timelines. Between sky-high labor costs, material waste, and production slowdowns, professionals often work harder for slimmer margins. Outsourcing has become the go-to strategy for smart business owners looking to reliably control costs and boost profits.
The proof is in the numbers. High-profit woodworking firms run on a 22% margin—more than double the industry average of 9%—and spend less on direct labor (25%) by outsourcing where it makes sense.1 And they’re not alone: Lower total cost is the #1 reason contractors opt for outsourced cabinetry components.2
With made-to-order cabinet doors and dovetail drawers, contractors get the best of both worlds—top-tier craftsmanship without the overhead. It’s a simple shift that leads to more projects, better efficiency, and bigger profits.
2. Faster Project Completion and Increased Productivity
The faster you finish, the faster you get paid. That’s why smart professionals outsource cabinetry components—to cut production time, keep schedules on track, and take on more jobs without overloading their crew.
The numbers tell the story. In 2024, the average industry backlog dropped from 10.1 months to 9.1 months, showing that as more firms outsource cabinetry components, they complete projects faster.1 And it’s not just a trend—72% of contractors and woodworkers always purchase dovetail drawers from third-party vendors because it streamlines their workflow.2
With less time spent on in-house production, businesses can take on more jobs, keep schedules tight, and maximize profitability. No wonder professionals rank productivity as the #2 reason for outsourcing cabinetry components.2
3. Consistent Quality & Reliability
Speed means nothing if the quality isn’t there. That’s why contractors don’t just outsource for efficiency—they do it to get consistent, reliable craftsmanship every time. When clients expect flawless finishes and durable cabinetry, there’s no room for inconsistency.
It’s no surprise that consistent quality is the #1 factor when choosing a cabinetry component vendor.2 High-profit firms have this down to a science—they spend less on direct labor but still achieve higher margins, proving that outsourcing to trusted vendors leads to better results with fewer internal resources.1
And Eagle Woodworking delivers. With a 4.8/5 rating for quality and 4.5/5 for timeliness, contractors know they can depend on precision, durability, and on-time delivery.2 When reputation is on the line, outsourcing to a proven, reliable partner is the smart choice.
4. Space Constraints
Cabinetry production takes up serious real estate—machines, materials, and workspace all competing for limited square footage. And most shops don’t have the room to spare. Instead of squeezing in more equipment or cramping workflow, smart businesses outsource and reclaim their space.
It’s a common problem, and the data proves it: Space constraints rank as the #4 reason contractors outsource cabinetry components.2 By choosing ready-made cabinet doors and dovetail drawers, contractors free up their shop for higher-value work, better efficiency, and more room to grow—without the headache of a crowded workspace.
Cut Costs. Build Faster. Scale Bigger.
Outsourcing cabinetry components isn’t just a smart move—it’s a profit-boosting, time-saving, stress-reducing game plan. Contractors who ditch in-house production finish jobs faster, take on more work, and keep costs in check—all without sacrificing quality.
That’s where Eagle Woodworking comes in. With a 4.8/5 rating for quality and 4.5/5 for on-time delivery, they deliver precision-crafted cabinet doors and dovetail drawers contractors can count on. Less labor, less waste, more profit. That’s the power of outsourcing.
Want to learn more? Contact us to get started with a cabinet doors or dovetail drawers quote!
Methodology
This article is based on industry data from the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) and a survey conducted by Eagle Woodworking, with 357 participants, 82% of whom are industry professionals. The survey examined why businesses outsource cabinetry components, covering everything from cost savings and efficiency to quality and space constraints. When asked why they chose outsourcing, respondents pointed to lower costs, higher profitability, faster project completion, and consistent quality as the biggest factors. The survey also measured customer satisfaction—Eagle Woodworking scored 4.8/5 for quality and 4.5/5 for timeliness, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner for contractors and woodworkers.
2 Eagle Woodworking Customer Survey