How to Plan Your 2026 Cabinet Orders Now to Avoid January Inventory Delays.

Blog Overview 

Planning your 2026 cabinet orders ahead of the January rush is essential for avoiding the inventory delays that frequently impact: 

• Contractors 

• Remodelers 

• Homeowners  

You’ll learn to: 

• Plan ahead for January’s high-demand surge to secure stock early. 

• Organize 2026 projects now to streamline orders and reduce lead-time risks. 

• Review current inventory to avoid shortages or excess. 

• Stay in close communication with suppliers to prevent delays. 

• Leverage DL Cabinetry tools to simplify planning and reduce errors. 

• Prepare backup plans to keep projects on schedule during market shifts. 

January is one of the busiest months for cabinet orders, and that surge in demand can create inventory delays. Backordered cabinets can disrupt project schedules and cause frustration.  

The solution? Planning your 2026 cabinet orders now. Forecasting your needs, aligning with suppliers, and securing inventory ahead of the rush can:  

• Save you headaches 

• Keep projects on track 

• Save money in the long run 

The Impact of Planning Early 

Inventory delays can have a domino effect on your business. When cabinets arrive late: 

• Project timelines slip 

• Labor costs rise 

• Client satisfaction suffers 

High demand can strain suppliers, particularly popular cabinet finishes, specialty sizes, and custom orders. Planning early helps you:  

• Lock in stock before shortages occur 

• Avoid rush shipping fees 

• Maintain project timelines 

• Take advantage of current pricing 

You can maintain your design vision without compromising because of unavailable inventory. 

How to Prep for Your 2026 Cabinet Orders 

Follow these steps to ensure your cabinet orders are well-prepared for the new year:  

1. Review Your Project Schedule  

Start by mapping out your upcoming projects for early 2026. List every job that will require new cabinets and estimate the quantities needed. Consider timelines for residential and commercial projects and prioritize orders for projects with tight deadlines. 

2. Take Inventory of Your Materials 

Take stock of what you already have in storage. Identify what needs to be replenished in terms of: 

• Cabinet types 

• Finishes 

• Sizes 

Understanding your current inventory prevents overordering and ensures you have enough when a project starts. Prioritize high-demand items for early ordering. 

3. Account for Lead Times 

Supplier lead times can fluctuate, especially during high-demand periods like January. Standard lead times may increase because of production or shipping delays, so it’s critical to place your orders in advance. Accounting for lead times now secures the materials you need and keeps you off waiting lists. 

4. Coordinate with Your Team and Suppliers  

Clear communication with your internal team and your cabinet suppliers is key. Share your projected orders, timelines, and any specific requirements. Suppliers can help identify: 

• Potential inventory constraints 

• Suggest alternatives 

• Provide insight into shipping timelines 

Aligning everyone significantly reduces the likelihood of last-minute surprises. 

5. Build in Backup Plans 

Even with careful planning, unexpected delays can happen. Supply chain issues, weather disruptions, or sudden spikes in demand can affect availability. Keep a buffer stock of high-demand items or consider alternative finishes that maintain project quality without delaying completion. Preparing for contingencies ensures your projects can continue smoothly, even if minor setbacks occur.  

Leverage DL Cabinetry Tools 

DL Cabinetry provides tools designed to simplify bulk ordering and inventory management. These tools empower you to:  

• Quickly calculate order quantities based on project needs.  

• Track stock availability in real-time  

• Compare product options and finishes for fast decision-making.  

• Streamline communication with suppliers.  

Using these tools helps you avoid miscalculations, reduce order errors, and save time during the busy season. DL Cabinetry’s Bulk Order tool is a terrific resource to utilize during this time. It: 

• Calculates quantities quickly 

• Streamlines large orders 

• Helps prevent mistakes 

Leveraging these resources helps pros plan efficiently and confidently, ensuring they place all orders in time to meet January deadlines. 

Benefits Beyond Avoiding Delays  

Planning your 2026 cabinet orders early doesn’t just prevent inventory headaches. It also:  

• Improves client satisfaction 

• Reduces stress for your team 

• Supports budget management 

• Allows for design flexibility  

These benefits compound over multiple projects, creating a smoother workflow and a more predictable business model throughout the year.  

Take Action 

The key takeaway is the earlier you plan, the better prepared you’ll be. By reviewing project schedules, assessing inventory, coordinating with your team, and leveraging DL Cabinetry tools, you can avoid January inventory delays and set your projects up for success.  

Take proactive steps today and enter 2026 with confidence that your projects will stay on track and your clients will be satisfied.

Make this the year you get ahead, stay organized, and keep your projects moving smoothly. Become a dealer today! 

Become A Dealer

FAQs 

1. Why do cabinet delays happen in January? 

Delays happen when demand spikes at the start of the year. This can cause stock shortages and longer lead times. 

2. How does early planning help? 

It reduces lead-time risks, avoids rush fees, and keeps projects on schedule. 

3. What should I review before placing cabinet orders? 

Your project calendar, current inventory, high-demand SKUs, and tight deadlines. 

4. How do supplier lead times influence my orders? 

Lead times often increase in January. It can push back installations and extend timelines.