Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
I’m thinking of remodeling my kitchen and bathrooms, but I have no idea where to start. Can you help?
We are cabinet and countertop professionals who have been in business since 1958. It’s not likely you will have a question we can’t answer. Your best opportunity is to visit our showroom at 620 West Walnut Street in Johnson City. You can leisurely examine our extensive display of countertop styles and options as well as get direct answers to your questions from our consultants. If it’s not convenient to visit our showroom, you can get great information by visiting our supplier links. We encourage you to contact us with any questions.
Why shouldn't I just go to one of those big home stores?
We specialize in cabinets and countertops. We are experts in their fabrication, installation, and maintenance. We only build or sell the best and are devoted to customer service.
Who supplies your materials?
Preston Woodworking only partners with manufacturers who have distinguished themselves as suppliers of superior quality products. Supplier links
Where are you located?
We maintain two facilities in Johnson City, Tennessee, the heart of the Tri-Cities TN/VA region. Addresses and Directions
Do you provide free estimates?
We cannot provide an accurate quotation without exact measurements. If you have the plans or exact drawings for your project, we can provide a quotation; even better if you have a copy to leave with us.We will visit your home if necessary to measure, but we must charge for this service.
Do you give estimates over the phone?
Because every job is different, we can only discuss very general figures over the phone. We will provide a quotation after ensuring accurate measurements and discussing your project in detail. If at all possible, visit us at our showroom where one of our consultants will be happy to discuss the process for providing a quotation. We will then be happy to set up an in-home appointment.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. We guarantee our installation for one year on all jobs. We only utilize suppliers who offer warranties on their products. The warranty will be specific to the particular material you choose.
Do you have references?
Yes. We will be happy to supply references upon request.
Do you finance your installations?
No. However, we do accept credit cards.
Do I need to provide a deposit before you begin my project?
Due to the custom nature of our business, we require a 50% down payment prior to ordering your cabinets and/or countertops.
Cabinets
Does Preston Woodworking install the cabinets it sells?
You can certainly "do-it-yourself" or have a contractor install your cabinets. However, Preston Woodworking employs specialists who are experts at cabinet installation.
Does Preston Woodworking make cabinets for rooms other than kitchens?
Yes. Preston Woodworking sells and/or manufactures custom vanities, laundry room cabinets, and cabinets for virtually any other need you may have.
How long will it take to install my cabinets?
The average size kitchen will take two to three days to install depending on whether old cabinets must be removed, the style of counter tops you have chosen, etc.
Can I charge my cabinets?
We accept credit cards
Do you charge for delivery?
Delivery charges are incurred depending on the type of sale and location of the job. On our installed jobs, delivery is included. Other deliveries require a nominal delivery charge.
Is hardware included with cabinets?
No. We do offer a large selection of styles and materials in every price range.
Does Preston Woodworking furnish glass for cabinet doors?
We can generally provide replacement glass for cabinets manufactured by our suppliers. All other glass should be supplied and installed by glass experts.
What different types of woods do you offer?
Through our suppliers, you can obtain almost any type of wood you desire, including Maple, Oak, Cherry, Hickory, and Birch.
Do you offer upscale cabinets?
Yes. Preston Woodworking carries a wide variety of cabinets that can meet every taste and/or budget.
I'd like to design a new kitchen. How should I begin?
The best way is to visit our showroom and determine the many options that are available to you. Our consultants will be happy to assist you. If you are unable to visit our showroom, many of our suppliers provide helpful tools to assist you. Design Assistance and Inspiration
Are your cabinets guaranteed?
Preston Woodworking guarantees our labor and installation for one year. Material warranties are provided by the manufacturers.
Once I order my cabinets, how long will I have to wait for them to be delivered?
If you are purchasing your cabinets for do-it-yourself installation, you can expect them to be ready within 2 weeks of ordering. Installation services are usually completed within 4 weeks depending on business demand. Custom cabinet contruction and installation may take up to 8 weeks (with drawings).
Does Preston Woodworking offer refacing?
No. Preston Woodworking does not reface cabinets.
Does Preston Woodworking represent "green" cabinet manufacturers?
Yes. We represent cabinet companies that participate in the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) developed by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association.
How should I clean my cabinets?
Countertops
Can you help me choose a countertop for my kitchen?
There are many types of countertops to choose from that offer endless color choices and a variety of textures. When making a decision, you should consider factors such as how you plan to use your countertop, what expectations you have for the durability and maintenance of the countertop, and your budget. View Choosing a Countertop
What factors determine the price of a countertop?
Quality and type of material, difficulty of installation, edge treatment material and design, and backsplash material and design.
Will you remove my old countertop?
The removal of your old countertop can be included in the cost of installation.
What is a post formed countertop?
Post formed countertops are prefabricated countertops formed as a single piece from the backsplash to the front edge. Laminate is "wrapped" around the core material to provide a seamless surface.
What is a custom countertop?
Custom countertops differ from post form countertops in that they are fabricated in our shop to your custom specifications
Should I get my sink and faucets before having my countertop installed?
Some installations include a sink provided by Preston Woodworking. If your installation does not, we will need to have faucets to drill on site of all applications.
How long can I expect my countertops to last?
The lifetime of a countertop material varies based on several factors. Some surfaces such as laminate can scratch, other surfaces such as granite need periodic resealing, and many surfaces can be damaged by heat.
Can I purchase countertops from you and install them myself?
For laminate countertops, it will be more cost effective for you to install them yourself. We will cut the tops to your exact specifications, including openings for sinks. Because of warranty considerations, our suppliers require us to install natural and engineered stone surfaces as well as solid surface.
What is the warranty on your countertops?
The warranty depends on the type of countertop you purchase. In every case, you get a 1-year installation warranty from Preston Woodworking. The warranty on the material is based on the manufacturer and type of countertop you select. Hard surface and Quartz warranties generally range from 10-15 years. Even though granite is one of the most durable countertop surfaces, it is a natural stone and cannot have a warranty placed on it.
How will I know if my old cabinets can support a new countertop?
Stone countertops can weigh up to 30 pounds per square foot. At the time of template, our team will make sure your cabinets are structurally sound to handle the weight of your new countertops.
Will Preston Woodworking measure my countertops?
For a modest fee, a professional installer from Preston Woodworking will come to your home to create precise measurements and make a pattern of your future countertops. This process is called “templating”.
Do you template for laminate countertops?
We can template, but there will be an additional charge. This charge will vary depending on the job size and job location. Unlike stone or solid surface countertops, laminate usually can be modified onsite if necessary.
Will your installers disconnect my plumbing and wiring?
Due to building and safety codes, we are not permitted to perform plumbing or electrical work. You should make arrangements for professionals to perform these services.
What is Corian?
Corian® is a brand name for a solid surfacing material created by Dupont™. Corian® offers a wide variety of looks because it can be cut, routed, drilled, sculpted or bent. Corian® is stain and heat resistant and never requires sealing. These surfaces can be cleaned with soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner for day-to-day care.
Why should we pick out our stone slabs before you fabricate them?
Each slab of natural stone has unique variations in color, shadings, and texture. You should be satisfied, beforehand, with the actual stone that will be utilized for your countertop. We will ensure that each slab is fabricated to maximize its beauty and natural characteristics.
Why do granite countertops need to be sealed?
Granite is natural stone and is porous. Although it is extremely durable, it does require a sealant, but usually only once per year.
How do I know if I need to seal my granite?
One method you can use to check if your granite needs to be resealed is to sprinkle some water on your countertops. If the water soaks into the stone and does not bead up, then we would recommend resealing your granite.
Do I need to seal my Quartz countertop?
No
What can I do if I like an expensive countertop material, but can’t afford the price tag?
You do have options. Several less-expensive surface materials can be created to imitate more expensive materials. For example, laminate can replicate the look of granite and solid surface.
How long will I have to wait after my countertops are installed before I can use them?
You can start using your countertops right away.
Once I order my countertops, how long will I have to wait for them to be installed?
Installation times depend upon the type of material, special options, and current workloads. Solid surfaces can take as little as 3 weeks, with granite and quartz requiring up to 6 weeks.
