What in-house CNC routing actually unlocks

Custom-routed cabinetry used to mean a long wait and a high price. Having our own CNC setup in Meadowbrook changes both of those things.

What CNC routing is (in 30 seconds)

A CNC router is a computer-controlled cutting tool that takes a digital design (DXF, DWG, AI file) and cuts the exact shape out of a panel. It can handle straight lines, curves, arches, circles, decorative cut-outs, and complex repeating patterns.

We use ours for custom-profile doors, feature panels, and anything where the shape has to be more than a simple rectangle.

Five things we route most

1. Arched door tops

Softly arched cabinet doors in traditional kitchens, or for feature units like a butler’s pantry. We route them with a 300–600mm radius typically, which is visible but not gaudy.

2. Curved shelving units

A bookcase or display shelf with a flowing curve along one edge. Looks dramatic in person. Usually done with five or six shaped shelves stepping the curve down a wall.

3. Perforated feature panels

A laminate panel with a repeating hole pattern cut through it, used as acoustic treatment, a room divider, or a TV-unit backing. Very modern look. Very hard to do without CNC.

4. Finger-pull integrated handles

A router cut directly into the top or bottom edge of a drawer or door that serves as the handle. No hardware required. Very clean in contemporary kitchens.

5. Parametric / repeated-pattern fronts

Drawer fronts with a repeating machined pattern. Stripes, grids, diamonds. The CNC handles them much more consistently than hand-routing.

What to send us

Best format: DXF, DWG, AI vector file. Second best: a dimensioned PDF drawing. Third best: a hand sketch and photos of reference images, plus our drafting service for $150–$400.

What it costs

Less than you think. A routed shaker-style door is usually $30–$80 more per door than a plain slab. A feature perforated panel is usually $150–$400 depending on size and complexity. Complex curved units are quoted individually but rarely break the budget of a full kitchen.

Bring your idea, even if it sounds crazy. We’ll tell you what’s possible and what it costs before you commit.

Enjoyed this? Get the next one.