5 Questions for Your Cabinet Maker

Cabinets have a nearly infinite amount of variation and design options, which is why it is important to understand the following cabinetry definitions, to better communicate with your design specialist.

Box – The actual carcass of your cabinets. It can vary in quality and finish and can be easily overlooked. Having a UV Cured finish inside is important for easy cleaning of spills.

Face Frames – Face frames attach to the front of boxes. The cabinet doors attach to these face frames. Frameless cabinets will have nothing more than edge banding (a thin veneer) on the front of your boxes.

Doors & Drawer Fronts – Covering all or most of the openings in your cabinetry, these are the main visible aspect of the cabinets.

Toe Kicks – The space under the cabinet that allows room for your toes as you stand at the cabinets. These are different styles, a toe sweep for example gives angles corners to the toe kick to allow you to easily sweep underneath them.

Hinges & Slides – The necessary hardware used to operate your doors and drawers. These can greatly affect the quality of your cabinets. Drawers that stick or eventually sag from low budget slides will cost you more in the end.

Knobs & Pulls – Door knobs and drawer pulls can be vastly important not only to the look of the cabinet but to their functionality. They may be an extra cost or included in the cabinet bid.

Finish – The coatings that protect your investment. Much like the paint on your car, finishes give style and protection. Stain, paint, and top coats should all be considered.

5 Questions to ask your cabinet maker:

1. What materials will you use in making the cabinets? Solid wood core plywood for the boxes and solid hardwood for the face frames are a must for longevity. Never settle for particle board boxes.
2. How are the cabinets being assembled? Glued and pocket screwed for strength and pocket screws for face frames. Cheaply stapled cases without flue will soon fall apart. Ask if nails will be used on your face frames creating lots of small unsightly pock marks.
3. What are the finished and will they be finished on site or in shop? Shop-finished cabinets are preferred. Having someone in your home to spray finished with VOCs and chemicals is not recommended at all.
4. How are the drawers and slide-out shelves made? Dovetailed drawers are the standard of strength. Solid wood sides are best.
5. What hardware will you use? Under mount soft-close are the best. With good hardware you will find that doors and drawers open and close with ease every time.