A New Blog

To my few but loyal followers, please re-direct yourselves to my new blog-

http://elliebcreative.blogspot.com/

I will be posting there from now on.  Thanks again, for keeping up with me!! 

Basic Cabinet Terminology

My parents have started the daunting (yet exciting) project of selecting cabinets for their new kitchen.  A kitchen remodel is certainly a big project, and yet building (new construction) a home from the ground up is no easy task either.  My mother asked me a question the other day regarding cabinets, so I thought I would dedicate a series of posts in order to help steer her in a positive and helpful direction.

Question- Is there any basic cabinetry terminology I need to know?

Here is my answer, I hope this helps.

Stock cabinets are constructed prior to purchase. The manufacturer does not build them to your unique specifications, so all sizes meet industry standards. Stock cabinetry widths begin at 9 inches and increase in 3" increments to 48". Formerly known basic cabinetry, stock cabinets no longer offer only the bare minimum. While prices largely remain tailored for the budget-conscious, stock manufacturers now provide luxurious options previously exclusive to custom cabinets.

A step up from stock cabinetry, semi-custom cabinets typically come in 3" increments but have the ability to incorporate certain custom features, such as modified depths and modified widths. Semi-custom cabinets have a wider range of door, finish, and wood selections than stock cabinets.

Within the limits of sound construction, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the design and style possibilities of custom cabinetry. There tend to be two kinds of custom cabinets: those made by a custom manufacturer and those made by a local “custom” woodworking shop.  Either way, this is the most expensive type of cabinet you will see due to the quality and customization offered.

However, It’s what is inside your cabinet box that really counts.

A.  All wood box-  Knowing what the shell of your cabinet is made of will ultimately determine the quality and price of your cabinet.  When you hear the term ‘all wood’ or ‘all wood cabinet’ that usually means that the sides, back, and floor of the cabinet is made of plywood (1/2”- 3/4” strips of solid wood bonded together) or the rare solid wood offered by cabinet makers. 

B. Drawer boxes-  High quality cabinets usually have drawer fronts that are made of solid wood and that are attached to a hardwood drawer box with dovetail joints on all four corners.

C. Solid or veneer doors- Knowing what your cabinet door is made of will make a difference in your cost.  Cabinet manufactures have many options for door quality such has having the center panel made of solid wood, or a veneer for greater affordability.  All cabinet door frames should be made of solid wood.

D. Interior- Cabinets should be finished on the inside.  Depending on the quality of your cabinet, it will either be finished with melamine thermal bonded to plywood for durability and easy maintenance, or stained plywood to match the outside of the cabinet.

E. Roll out trays- Are a great way to customize your cabinet and should have sturdy undermount guides to help for durability.

F. Full extension soft close guides- Becoming more of a standard in Semi-custom cabinets are the fully concealed, full extension, undermount guides with a soft close closing mechanism.  This soft closing guide is smooth and carries a 100lb. weight capacity. 

On The Road

Please excuse me while I make my move across the country.  I will be back posting pictures of beautiful homes when I have settled into my new home.  Cheers!

Ikat Inspiration