Custom Built-Ins, Cabinetry & Woodworking in Calgary
Custom built-ins are about function, fit, and finish—not filler cabinetry.
Elevation Renovations designs and builds custom built-ins, cabinetry, and finished woodwork in Calgary for kitchens, closets, primary suites, entryways, and storage areas throughout the home.
These are fixed, integrated solutions—planned, built, and finished to suit how the space is actually used.
This is custom-fit woodwork and finishing, not decorative IKEA shelving or brick-and-mortar shop shelving.
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At Elevation Renovations, we provide high-quality renovations throughout Calgary, Okotoks, and the Foothills—
without the layers of management, sales staff, and overhead that drive up costs at large renovation companies.
We’re a small, owner-led team. That means the people planning your renovation are the same people overseeing the work.
coordinating trades, and checking the details on site. Fewer handoffs. Clear communication. Better value for your budget.
Our clients appreciate that they’re paying for skilled work and careful planning.
not a showroom, sales commissions, or unnecessary administrative layers.
Owner-led • Kitchen-focused • Built for function and finish
If your space doesn't need cabinets or custom built-ins, then maybe kitchen or cabinet refacing is the solution for you?
Custom built-ins are like a full kitchen renovation in the sense that there are two processes. See kitchen renovations in Calgary to see if this is right for you.
Custom Built-Ins Designed for Real Use
Permanent cabinetry and storage built to fit your space, your layout, and how you actually live in the home.
Whole-Home Built-Ins
Kitchens, entryways, and walk-in closets.
Custom Cabinetry & Woodworking
Designed to fit your space—not stock sizes.
Integrated Finishing
Painted, stained, or clear-finished to match the home.
Owner-Led Execution
Direct accountability from planning to install.
What We Mean by “Custom Built-Ins”
Custom built-ins are permanent cabinetry and storage solutions designed for a specific space, purpose, and layout.
They are:
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fixed in place
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built to exact dimensions
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integrated with walls, ceilings, and finishes
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planned for real-world use and durability
Built-ins are not freestanding furniture or modular systems. They are constructed and finished as part of the home.
Where We Build Custom Built-Ins
We build custom built-ins across the home, not just kitchens.
Kitchens & Pantry Areas
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pantry cabinets and storage walls
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appliance integration (fridge panels, oven towers)
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banquette seating with storage
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coffee stations and feature cabinetry
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tall cabinets and floor-to-ceiling storage
Kitchen built-ins are often combined with:
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Kitchen Renovations Calgary & Okotoks
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Kitchen Refresh Calgary
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Cabinet Refacing Calgary
Primary Suites & Walk-In Closets
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walk-in closet cabinetry
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wardrobe systems
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drawer banks and shelving
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built-in dressers
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integrated closet storage
These projects often combine functionality, layout efficiency, and clean finishing.
Entryways, Mudrooms & Drop Zones
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coat closets and hanging systems
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cubby benches and shoe storage
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wall hooks, lockers, and mail stations
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built-in seating with storage
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decorative entryway benches and nooks
These areas see heavy daily use—durability and layout matter. Many design ideas in this area.
Living Areas & Specialty Spaces
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built-in shelving and cabinetry
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feature storage walls
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media and storage units
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integrated cabinets for awkward spaces
Built-ins are often used to solve dead space or create intentional storage where standard furniture doesn’t work.
Custom Built-Ins vs Standard Cabinetry
Standard cabinets work well when:
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layouts are straightforward
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storage needs are typical
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ceiling heights are standard
Custom built-ins are used when:
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standard sizes leave wasted space
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ceilings require full-height solutions
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storage needs are specific
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cabinetry must integrate tightly with the room
Custom is not always necessary—and we’ll tell you when it isn’t.
Built-Ins as Part of Kitchen & Renovation Projects
Custom built-ins are often part of:
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full kitchen renovations
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partial kitchen refresh projects
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cabinet refacing scopes
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basement and suite renovations
Examples:
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adding pantry storage beside existing cabinets
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extending cabinetry to the ceiling
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building banquettes or storage benches
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integrating new built-ins with existing finishes
The final touches make all the difference when designing a space. How will you design yours?
Custom Woodworking & Finishing
Built-ins don’t stop at boxes.
We also handle custom woodworking and finishing, including:
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painted finishes
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stained or clear-finished wood
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trim integration
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filler panels and transitions
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finish matching to existing cabinetry or millwork
This allows built-ins to look intentional and integrated, not “added later.”
Our 4-Phase Built-In Process
We keep built-ins predictable by running every project through the same four phases—plan, build, finish, and install—so the result looks intentional and integrated.
Phase 1: Plan & Scope
(Design + Site Measure)
What happens:
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Site measure and condition check (walls out of square, floor slope, obstacles)
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Functional planning (storage zones, drawer sizing, hanging heights, clearances)
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Finish direction (paint vs stain/clear) + integration approach (match vs contrast)
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Scope lock: what’s included, what’s optional, what’s not included
Why this phase matters: This is where we prevent “surprise add-ons” and avoid built-ins that don’t fit or don’t function.
Typical time: 1–3 days (depending on complexity and decisions)
Phase 2: Build
(Fabrication + Prep)
What happens:
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Fabricate components (boxes, panels, doors/drawers as required)
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Pre-fit planning (scribe allowances, trim transitions, hardware prep)
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Confirm the installation plan and sequencing (especially for multi-area projects)
What takes time here: complexity (drawers/doors), full-height sections, and multi-room scopes.
Typical time:
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Small: 4–7 business days
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Medium: 6–10 business days
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Large: 8–12+ business days
Phase 3: Finish
(Paint / Stain / Clear + Cure Time)
What happens:
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Sanding/prep for finish quality
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Finish system application (painted or stained/clear)
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Cure time so surfaces don’t dent, stick, or wear early
What takes the most time: finishing and cure time—especially for stain/clear or any finish matching.
Typical time:
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Painted: 3–6 business days
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Stained/clear: 5–10 business days (more steps + cure time)
Phase 4: Install & Final Tune
(On-Site Integration)
What happens:
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Install built-ins level and plumb
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Scribe tight to walls/floors/ceilings for a true “built-in” look
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Trim integration (base returns, crown/valance if included)
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Hardware install, door/drawer adjustment
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Final walkthrough and touch-ups
Typical time:
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Small: 1–2 days
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Medium: 2–4 days
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Large: 3–6 days
If you need a built-in or a kitchen renovation contractor, we also offer additional services. If you're looking for a kitchen upgrade or a kitchen cabinet resurfacing contractor, look here.
Custom Built-Ins Cost in Calgary
How Custom Built-Ins Are Priced
We price built-ins based on a combination of:
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linear footage (most common for walls, pantries, benches)
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square footage of finished surface (complex or panel-heavy work)
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construction complexity
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finish system (painted vs stained vs clear)
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installation conditions
Typical Cost Ranges (Planning Numbers)
These are realistic budgeting ranges, not placeholder fluff.
If you need a more in-depth guide, then check out Kitchen Renovations Cost Guide (2025). If you're still in need of a cost, estimates are free.
Basic Built-Ins
(painted, simple storage)
• ~$300–$450 per linear foot
• ~$90–$140 per square foot of finished surface
Mid-Level Built-Ins
(drawers, seating, integrated storage)
• ~$450–$700 per linear foot
• ~$140–$200 per square foot
Premium Built-Ins
(floor-to-ceiling, stained wood, detailed finishes)
• ~$700–$1,000+ per linear foot
• ~$200–$300+ per square foot
These ranges assume custom fabrication, professional finishing, and permanent installation—not prefab cabinetry.
What Drives Cost Up or Down
Costs increase when:
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built-ins are floor-to-ceiling
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drawers and internal organizers are added
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finishes are stained or multi-step
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the built-in integrates with existing cabinetry
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site conditions require additional prep or protection
Costs are lower when:
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designs are straight runs
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finishes are painted
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internal layouts are simple
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access is clear
We’ll explain where custom is worth it and where it isn’t, so you don’t overspend.
Custom Built-Ins Timeline (What to Expect)
Custom built-ins aren’t “one-day carpentry.” The time is driven by planning, fabrication, finishing, cure time, and install. We set realistic schedules so you’re not stuck in an endless “we’ll be back next week.”
Typical Built-In Timelines
(Once Work Starts Full Scope)
Small Built-Ins
(closets, entry benches, single walls)
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Single area (one location)
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Simple run or single unit (e.g., entry bench, basic closet section, small shelving)
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Minimal integration with existing trim/cabinets
Typical: 7–10 business days total
Medium Built-Ins
(pantries, banquettes, feature walls)
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One main area but more components (doors + drawers + panels)
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Examples: pantry wall, banquette with storage, media base + uppers, closet system with drawers
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Typical: 10–15 business days total
Large or Multi-Area Built-Ins
(floor-to-ceiling, multiple rooms)
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Floor-to-ceiling feature wall, multiple sections, or multiple areas/rooms
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More detailing, finish matching, complex integrations
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Typical: 15–25 business days (3–4+ weeks)
We have a great Kitchen Renovations Timeline post here if you want more clear timelines. If you're still looking for timelines for your kitchen, estimates are free.
Built-in Fabrication, Site Work Timeline
(The Real Breakdown)
1) Measure + Plan (1–2 days)
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measurements and scope confirmation
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layout planning and integration decisions
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identifying any site constraints
2) Fabrication
(4–12 business days)
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building boxes, doors, drawer components, panels
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pre-fit planning so installation goes smoothly
3) Finishing + Cure Time
(3–10 business days)
This is one of the biggest variables. Finishing takes time because:
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multiple coats are required
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proper dry/cure time prevents dents, sticking, and early wear
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stained/clear finishes and premium finishes typically take longer than simple paint
4) Installation (1–5 days)
Installation time depends on:
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number of sections
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scribing and fit to walls/floors/ceilings
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trim integration and finishing touches
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hardware and adjustments (doors/drawers)
Common Timeline Extenders (We’ll Flag These Early)
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complex stain/clear finishes or matching existing finishes
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multiple built-ins across different areas
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heavy scribing due to uneven walls/floors
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last-minute scope changes
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material/hardware lead times if selections aren’t finalized
Bottom line: We’ll give you a timeline based on your actual built-in scope—and we’ll tell you exactly what’s driving it.
Typical Total Timeline (Start to Finish)
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Small built-ins: 7–10 business days
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Medium built-ins: 10–15 business days
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Large built-ins: 15–25 business days (3–4+ weeks)
Biggest variables: finishing/cure time, scribing/integration complexity, and multi-room scope.
What “Small / Medium / Large” Means
(So Timelines Make Sense)
Small: one unit or short run (entry bench/cubbies, simple closet section)
Medium: one main area with doors/drawers (pantry wall, banquette, media base + uppers)
Large: floor-to-ceiling feature walls, multiple zones, or multiple rooms
Check the full kitchen renovation cost and timeline post here for more information.
What happens next?
1) We reply within 1 business day
2) Quick 15-minute phone consultation
3) On-site visit + clear, itemized estimate
4) No pressure—you decide how to proceed
5) We respect your time and your home.
Custom Built-Ins Calgary – FAQ
1) What counts as a custom built-in?
A custom built-in is permanent cabinetry or storage designed for a specific space—measured, built, finished, and installed to fit the home (not stock sizes or freestanding furniture).
2) Are custom built-ins only for kitchens?
No. Built-ins are common in closets, primary suites, entryways, mudrooms, living rooms, offices, and basement spaces.
3) How are built-ins priced—per linear foot or square foot?
It depends on the design. Straight runs often suit linear-foot estimates, while panel-heavy or detailed work is better measured by square foot of finished surface. We use the method that best matches the scope.
4) What makes a built-in “basic” vs. “medium” vs. “premium”?
Basic = simpler design and finishing, fewer drawers/details. Medium = more doors/drawers and integration. Premium = floor-to-ceiling, stained/clear wood, high detail, and complex fit/finish and integration.
5) What usually takes the most time?
Finishing and cure time are often the biggest variables, especially for stain/clear finishes or detailed systems. Fabrication and installation complexity also affect the schedule.
6) Can built-ins be added without a full renovation?
Yes. Many built-ins are standalone projects or part of a partial scope (kitchen refresh, entry system, closet upgrade).
7) Can you match existing cabinetry or finishes?
Often, yes. Matching depends on existing materials/finishes and the condition of current cabinetry. We’ll tell you what’s realistic.
8) Do built-ins require permits in Calgary?
Typically no—unless the project involves electrical changes, structural work, or mechanical changes. We’ll confirm based on scope.
9) Are built-ins better than buying furniture?
Built-ins maximize space, reduce dead areas, and integrate with the home. Furniture is flexible, but built-ins typically deliver better storage efficiency and a cleaner final look.
10) How do we start—what do you need for a quote?
Photos, rough dimensions, your goals for storage/function, and finish preference. For accurate pricing we usually confirm measurements on-site.