Cabinetry Made by a Cabinet Maker
Cabinetry must survive being moved, repositioned, and handed from one person to the next. This requires robust construction techniques, like dovetails and pinned mortise and tenon.
A cabinet maker interprets a client’s vision to create cabinets that fit seamlessly into their home or commercial space. They are skilled in precise, high-quality woodwork that elevates interior design.
Design
A cabinet maker combines creativity and precision skills to produce specialised furniture pieces for home and commercial spaces. Using power tools such as the jigsaw, sander and drill, they create custom cabinetry for kitchens and bathrooms, feature furniture or commercial shop fittings.
Cabinetry can be constructed in several ways, depending on design, material, and hardware selections. For example, frameless cabinets, a design that emerged in Europe after World War II, addressed the limitations of scarce lumber and the urgency to rebuild homes quickly. By eliminating the face frames, doors, and drawer fronts could align tightly together, and a streamlined appearance was achieved. Drawers could also be larger and deeper since they didn’t have to clear the face frame, and European hinges (a 35-mm cup press-fit to a bored recess) replaced traditional screw-on door hinges.
The most visible component of a cabinet’s design is the door, and there is an extraordinary range of styles available. Panel door fronts, typically made of two side panels and a central panel, are one of the most popular designs.
Other design elements are less obvious, such as shelf support holes. Ideally, these should be positioned close enough to the front of the shelves so that they prevent them from tipping when someone puts away or takes out an item. A shelf lipping should be taken into account as well, determining how far back the supports will need to go so they don’t interfere with the front face of the cabinet.
Materials
Cabinetry is made from a variety of materials, each offering unique benefits. Solid wood, for example, offers a classic look and is durable enough to withstand heavy use in the kitchen. Its natural beauty comes in many different grain patterns, from the straight lines of kauri to the interlocked texture of jarrah. The wood also has natural sound-absorbing properties that help reduce noise in a busy kitchen. However, solid wood cabinets can be expensive and require regular maintenance to keep their luster. They are also prone to warping in humid conditions.
Plywood is a popular alternative to solid wood for cabinetry because it is strong and moisture-resistant. It is also easy to work with, allowing you to cut and shape it easily with standard woodworking tools. It also takes paint well and can be nailed or screwed to the wall. However, if you’re working with MDF (medium-density fiberboard), it’s important to drill and pre-drill holes for fasteners, as this material does not accept screws or nails very well.
Thermofoil cabinets are another option that offer a sleek, modern appearance at an affordable price. These cabinets are created by applying a thin vinyl layer over MDF or plywood. Thermofoil is also easy to maintain, as its smooth surface resists stains and wipes clean.
Finishes
Cabinet finish is the last step in making your cabinets look beautiful and protected for years to come. There are many types of finishes, and it is important to understand the vocabulary that your cabinetmaker uses when discussing them with you. This glossary will help you make an educated choice about your finishing and stain options.
Paint
If you are looking for a clean, contemporary aesthetic, painted cabinets are the answer. Whether you choose a minimalist white or vibrant green, you can achieve your dream kitchen with this economical and durable option.
Lacquer
Lacquers are a good choice for those who want a smooth, durable finish that can stand up to scuffing and humidity. They can be difficult to apply correctly and require professional expertise to ensure an even coat. However, they have the advantage of curing quickly and not yellowing as oil finishes do.
Wood Veneer
Veneers are a great way to add natural beauty to your cabinetry. They consist of thin strips of a unique, expensive wood species that are glued to a plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF) core. The result is a beautiful, wood-like door that costs significantly less than solid wood doors. Some wood veneers also feature special effects, like wormholes or burls, for an added design element. When paired with a stained finish, the result is a truly custom door.
Assembly
Cabinet makers often work in a workshop where they can fabricate their cabinets and furniture pieces in a controlled and organized setting. This can help ensure that their work is of a high quality and is done quickly, saving them time. It also provides a space for finishing and applying the required stains, paints, or varnishes.
The assembly aspect of cabinet building includes joining the cabinet boxes together, installing the hinges and drawer glides, and preparing the cabinet doors for mounting. It’s important to have the proper tools for cabinet making, such as power tools (jigsaw, jig saw, sander, and drill), hand tools, and measuring tape. Also, it’s a good idea to have a lot of sandpaper and wood glue available.
In general, cabinet box assembly is fairly straightforward. The cabinet sides are attached to the front frame by lining up the splines in the side panel with grooves in the face frame. Once the sides are seated correctly, they can be nailed into place. The cabinet back is installed next. Once again, the scribe lines on the back can be lined up with the grooves in the face frame and nailed in.
The cabinet toe-kick is then installed and the cabinets are ready for delivery. For wall cabinets, the toe-kick is 3/8″ proud of the top of the carcass and for base cabinets, they are flush with the face frames.