Cabinetry

One of the most influential elements of a kitchen is its cabinetry. As a group, it includes, base, wall, tall, desk, and vanity units. The cabinet's individual components are its drawers, doors, cabinet boxes, hardware, glides and hinges. The cabinet is often called a "box" and is defined as the structure to which the doors and drawers are attached.

Several good places to start looking for cabinetry are cabinetry showrooms, Home Stores, and our manufacturer links. If you are going to a showroom, it is important to bring any other samples, pictures, and information that you have collected to date. Once there, examine the differences between cabinetry construction. Ask to be shown the features of a framed vs. frameless cabinet. Open the doors and notice how wide they open and what kinds of hinge options are available. Check to see if the drawers open smoothly or if they wiggle too much from side to side. Look carefully at the grain match and the quality of wood used in the doors. Find out what styles, colors, and finish options are available. Recognize that each additional detail and molding increases your cost and your cleaning time--flat surfaces are easier to keep clean. For valuable information link to Fine Homebuilding Kitchens & Baths, first annual issue, Winter '99, for an excerpt of the article "An Inside Look at Kitchen Cabinets" or read the complete article in the actual magazine on pages 40-47.