Frequently Asked Questions

SurfaceLab is a white-glove sourcing service that connects you with vetted Chinese factories for premium building materials. We handle the entire process—from finding the right factory and obtaining samples, to managing production, quality control, and shipping directly to your project site.

We work with homeowners doing major renovations, home builders, general contractors, interior designers, architects, and property developers. Anyone looking to source quality building materials at competitive prices while avoiding the complexities of direct international sourcing.

We specialize in cabinets (kitchen, bathroom, closets), flooring (hardwood, engineered, laminate), doors (interior, exterior, barn doors), windows, window treatments and shades, lighting fixtures, and various millwork. If it's a building material, we can likely source it.

Simply reach out through our contact form or start a chat. Tell us about your project and material needs. We'll schedule a brief consultation to understand your requirements, then provide initial recommendations and pricing estimates within a few days.

Most clients save 30-50% compared to comparable US retail prices, even after factoring in shipping and duties. Exact savings depend on product type, specifications, and order size. We provide detailed cost comparisons during our consultation.

Minimum orders vary by product. For cabinets, we typically require a full kitchen set (approximately 15-20 cabinets). Flooring minimums are usually around 1,000 sq ft. We can sometimes accommodate smaller orders for samples or pilot projects—just ask.

Standard terms are 30% deposit to begin production, 70% balance before shipment. For established clients, we offer flexible arrangements including letters of credit for larger orders. All payments are made to SurfaceLab, not directly to factories.

No. We provide landed cost pricing that includes product cost, shipping, customs duties (typically 0-4.5% for cabinets and flooring), and all handling. The price we quote is the price you pay—no surprises.

Import duties vary by product category and are included in our quotes. Cabinets and flooring typically carry 0-4.5% duty rates. We handle all customs documentation and brokerage as part of our service.

Quality is ensured through our multi-stage process: we only work with factories we've personally audited, we provide samples before production begins, our QC team conducts inspections during and after production, and we verify packaging before shipment. You receive photos and reports at each stage.

Absolutely—we encourage it. Sample orders typically include material swatches, finish samples, hardware examples, and sometimes small assembled pieces. Sample costs vary by product and are often credited toward your full order.

All products meet relevant US standards: CARB Phase 2 for composite wood products, KCMA certification for cabinets, and appropriate ASTM standards for flooring. We provide certification documentation with every order.

We stand behind every shipment. Our QC process catches most issues before products leave the factory, but if problems occur during shipping, we work directly with you and our insurance partners to resolve them—whether that means replacement, repair, or refund.

Yes. Most factories we work with offer extensive customization—cabinet dimensions, door styles, finishes, hardware, and more. We translate your specifications into factory-ready documents and ensure production matches your requirements exactly.

From initial consultation to delivery, expect 10-14 weeks for most projects. This includes 1-2 weeks for sampling, 4-8 weeks for production, and 3-4 weeks for ocean freight and delivery. Rush options are available for some products.

We handle all logistics. Products are consolidated and loaded into shipping containers at the factory, transported by ocean freight to the nearest US port, cleared through customs, and delivered to your specified location by truck. We coordinate timing with your project schedule.

Some products and factories offer rush production (2-4 weeks instead of 4-8). Air freight is also available for urgent needs, though it significantly increases shipping costs. Let us know your timeline constraints upfront and we'll advise on options.

We build buffer time into our estimates, but global shipping can be unpredictable. We monitor shipments closely and notify you immediately of any delays. For critical projects, we can arrange split shipments or expedited alternatives.

Yes. We coordinate last-mile delivery to your home, warehouse, or job site. For large orders, we can arrange lift-gate delivery or schedule deliveries to match your installation timeline.

Yes. Contractors, builders, and design professionals receive trade pricing based on project volume and ongoing relationship. Contact us to set up a trade account and discuss your typical project needs.

Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with design professionals to ensure specifications match design intent. We can work directly with your team or as a behind-the-scenes supplier—whatever serves the project best.

We work with your project timeline to schedule deliveries when you need materials on site. For multi-phase projects, we can arrange staged deliveries. Just share your schedule and we'll align shipping accordingly.

Yes. We can arrange factory visits for clients who want to see production firsthand. Many of our long-term partners have visited China and built direct relationships with the factory teams. We'll coordinate visits and provide translation support.

Yes. Builders and contractors who work with us regularly receive volume pricing and priority production slots. We value long-term partnerships and structure our pricing to reward ongoing business.

Absolutely. Many of our clients are homeowners doing major renovations. We guide you through the entire process and can connect you with contractors familiar with our products if you need installation help.

Imported materials work well for projects where you're ordering complete sets (a full kitchen's worth of cabinets, all flooring for a home, etc.) and can plan 10-14 weeks ahead. If you need immediate availability or just a few pieces, local suppliers may be more practical.

Yes. While we're not a design firm, we can help you translate your vision into specifications. Share your design inspiration, measurements, and goals, and we'll help you figure out exactly what to order. We also work well alongside your designer or contractor.

That's fine for initial conversations. We can provide estimates and samples based on preliminary measurements. Final orders are placed once you have confirmed measurements—usually after demolition or site preparation is complete.

We don't provide direct installation services, but we can recommend contractors in many areas who are familiar with our products. Alternatively, our materials work with any qualified installer—they're standard specifications, not proprietary systems.