“We inspect even crates. Because damage kills trust.”
Shipping is one of the most overlooked phases of cabinetry projects, and one of the most consequential. Cabinets can be designed perfectly, built with precision, and finished beautifully, but if they arrive damaged, everything slows down. Install schedules slip. Teams get frustrated. Confidence takes a hit before the first cabinet is even installed.
At Haven & Oak, we treat shipping as an extension of craftsmanship. Because what happens between our facility and your site matters just as much as what happens on the shop floor.
Why Shipping Protection Isn’t Optional
Cabinetry isn’t forgiving. A single dented panel or chipped edge can throw off an entire installation. Replacement parts take time. Projects stall. And the trust built during design starts to erode.
We’ve seen firsthand what shipping damage can cause:
- Delayed installs and rescheduled crews
- Reordering finished components
- Site disruptions and added costs
- Frustration for homeowners and project teams
That’s why prevention, not reaction, is the only acceptable approach.
What Shipping Damage Actually Looks Like
Shipping damage doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it’s obvious, a crushed corner, a cracked panel, a broken crate. Other times, it’s subtle but just as disruptive.
Common issues include:
- Dented cabinet edges that prevent clean reveals
- Scratched or marred finishes from shifting components
- Bent hardware caused by loose packing
- Moisture exposure from inadequate wrapping
Even minor damage can compromise alignment and aesthetics once installation begins.
Layered Protection Starts Before the Truck Arrives
We don’t rely on a single layer of protection and hope for the best. We build shipping protection the same way we build cabinets: layered, intentional, and tested.
Before any shipment leaves our facility, every crate is inspected. Not just the contents, the crate itself. Edges are sealed. Hardware is secured separately. Finishes are wrapped, cushioned, and stabilized to prevent movement.
Nothing ships without passing a final check.
Why Crates Matter More Than You Think
A crate isn’t just a container, it’s the first line of defense.
We ensure crates are:
- Structurally sound and reinforced at stress points
- Sized appropriately to prevent internal shifting
- Clearly labeled for handling and orientation
- Built to withstand transport conditions
If the crate fails, everything inside is at risk. That’s why inspection doesn’t stop at the cabinet, it extends to the packaging that protects it.
Protecting the Finish Is Protecting the Project
Cabinet finishes are among the most vulnerable elements during shipping. One exposed edge or unsecured surface can result in visible damage that no touch-up truly fixes.
That’s why we:
- Wrap finished surfaces individually
- Use cushioning materials designed to absorb impact
- Separate components that could rub or collide
- Secure all moving parts before transit
This attention to detail ensures cabinets arrive exactly as they left our facility.
Why This Level of Care Matters
Shipping damage doesn’t just affect materials, it affects momentum.
When cabinets arrive intact:
- Installations stay on schedule
- Crews work efficiently without delays
- Confidence remains high from start to finish
- The project feels controlled, not reactive
This level of preparation protects everyone involved.
Trust Is Delivered Before Installation Begins
We don’t just send pieces.
We send assurance that what was designed and built will arrive ready to install. That the project won’t be derailed by preventable damage. That timelines are respected and expectations met.
Trust isn’t earned at install, it’s earned the moment the crate is opened.
The Haven & Oak Approach
At Haven & Oak, shipping isn’t a handoff, it’s a responsibility. We treat it with the same care and intention as design, fabrication, and installation.
Because cabinets don’t arrive ready by accident.
They arrive ready because the process was built that way.
Let’s Build It Right, All the Way to Delivery
If you’re planning a kitchen or cabinetry project and want confidence from fabrication to final install, we’re here to help.
Contact Haven & Oak to work with a team that treats shipping protection as part of the craft, not an afterthought.