The basics on cabinetry construction for your kitchen

RTA (ready to assemble) or KD (knock down) or Flat Pack.
These cabinets are usually available in limited sizes and colors and require the buyer to take responsibility for assembly.

STOCK
Cabinets constructed in standard sizes, usually in 3" increments, and in selected door styles and colors. Inventoried before being sold, stock cabinets are often available off the shelf, or within days and are usually the most economically priced fully assembled cabinets. Stock cabinets often have some accessory items available for job-site installation.

SEMI-CUSTOM/BUILT-TO ORDER
Cabinetry manufactured in a large variety of standard sizes, finishes and styles. Each kitchen is built-to-order within standard specifications and may include optional modifications and/or more factory installed accessory items for customization.

CUSTOM
Any cabinets built to specific, requested measurements. Custom cabinets usually have extended production time and a wide range of pricing and construction standards. "Custom" indicates the cabinets were built for a specific order, but does not imply quality standards. Custom cabinets may or may not meet KCMA* or ANSI** standards. Warranty is usually limited to local rules and conditions, typically one year.

CABINET CONSTRUCTION TYPES

CABINET DOOR CONSTRUCTION TYPES
There are basically three types of cabinet door shapes; slab, raised panel and recessed panel. Variations may consist of differences in how the panel is held in the frame or how the door is strengthened to maintain dimensional stability during changes in humidity levels.
(What to look for in cabinet door quality)

1. Slab - Flat door styles with no raised or recessed profile. Wood slab doors are usually constructed of several pieces of solid stock lumber joined with adhesive, then cut to size. Laminated slab styles are made of a substrate material (without a routed shape), then covered with the manufacturer's choice of laminate. Slab door styles may have detailed or plain edge profiles.

2. Recessed Panel- A picture frame is constructed, often with either miter or mortise and tenon joints. One or more flat panels is secured within the frame. Panels may be grooved or otherwise decorated.

3. Raised Panel - Frames are constructed with panels secured in place as above. The raised panel is usually constructed of several pieces of solid stock lumber joined with adhesive, cut dimensionally and then routed or shaped with the desired edge profile. Raised panels might also consist of wood veneers adhered to plywood or another substrate.

4. Routed - MDF (medium density fiberboard) or other material is shaped to create the appearance of raised or recessed panel or panels then painted or covered with the manufacturer's choice of laminate.

5. Mitre Corner raised panel same as #3 but the corners are mitered to allow for a more detailed look on the styles and rails.

Cabinet door styles are also distinguished by varied frame edge profiles and the dimension to which the door overlays the cabinet front frame. (Doors for frameless cabinets necessarily overlay the front edges nearly completely and are "full overlay" styles.) Framed door styles may overlay the frame or be fitted within the frame when closed.

WOOD SPECIES
There may be dozens of woods represented in the whole cabinet manufacturing realm. The most commonly used woods in the U.S. are Oak, Maple, Pine, Cherry, Hickory, Poplar, Alder and Birch. Of these, Hickory and Oak are the hardest and heaviest. Cherry, Birch and Maple are also fine hard woods well suited to cabinetry. Alder and Poplar are less expensive, more plentiful woods that take well to glazed finishes with distressing (factory applied impressions to create an 'antique' look), but are apt not to absorb stains in an even, full coverage. Pine, treasured for it's rustic appearance, does take many types of stains well, but is a soft wood and will be more easily dented and scratched, even with high quality conversion varnish finishes. Choose Pine for its 'old time' appearance and recognize that it may age a little more quickly than hardwoods, especially when used for cabinets in a busy kitchen environment.

Woods commonly develop what is called a 'patina' by professionals and recognized by homeowners as 'darkening color'. Woods such as cherry and pine develop this phenomenon more quickly than others. These two species can be expected to darken for a year or two after installation. The degree to which they darken is influenced by several factors including the stain and finish. Best quality finishes contain Ultra Violet inhibitors to help slow or restrict the process. Another important factor is the amount of light to which the cabinets are directly exposed. Usually, areas exposed to the most direct or indirect lighting for the greatest amount of time, will darken faster than those in low light or shaded areas. Keep in mind that this process is NATURAL and cannot be completely inhibited by stains or finishes. The darker the finish, the less noticeable the patina. Natural cherry or natural pine are the most susceptible to this effect, so if these finishes are your passion, be prepared to accept this natural darkening with time.

FINISH TYPES
Gone are the days when unpainted wood cabinetry in your home required regular waxing to keep it protected from stains and dirt. Thankfully, hi-tech finishing techniques used by cabinet manufacturers no longer require this major household chore. The use of polyurethane finishes, particularly those that are heat catalyzed, limit cabinet care to regular dusting and, perhaps, a yearly polishing with a quality furniture polish. With a high quality factory finish, your cabinets will never require re-finishing. They will stay beautiful and develop a patina that cannot be expected from cabinets finished in the old ways. Old style lacquer finishes do not resist moisture well and may 'cloud' when exposed to the coffee maker.
Avoid them for best performance.

Look for these qualities in the finish of the cabinets you choose:

1. Conversion varnish (preferably heat catalyzed for additional strength)

2. High solids sealers for protection of the wood

3. Hand-rubbed stains (with equalizers and/or toners which help to blend stains in woods with natural color variations)

4. Ultra Violet Inhibitors to prevent over exposure to damaging light

5. Sanding procedures between finish steps producing smooth surfaces

CABINET HARDWARE
Functional hardware

1.Hinges
Barrel (or knuckle) hinges - the first of the 'self-closing', spring loaded variety, these hinges are fully exposed on the front frame of traditional framed cabinets. A highly decorative version of the barrel hinge may be used for inset doors and be fully visible. This type typically does not have the spring loaded self closing mechanism. Barrel hinges provide a wide door opening.

Knife hinges - this hinge type is often partially embedded in and screwed to the cabinet frame. It may be fully visible or only partially visible when the door is closed. Knife hinges also provide a full 180 degree door opening.

Concealed hinges - (sometimes called Euro style) several varieties which do not show when the door is closed. These are typically recessed and screwed into a "cup" or routed recessed area in the door and screwed to the cabinet face frame or side (end) panel. Most are also 'self-closing'. This type of hinge may also feature a 'clip' making it easy to remove and replace, handy for cleaning as well as original installation. Although concealed hinges are also the most easily adjustable and adjust in more ways than other type, they only allow a limited (up to 110 degree) or partial opening.

The door style and function desired will dictate the manufacturer's hinge choice. (Hinges are rarely a choice the consumer makes, except as they relate to the door style you choose.) Generally, partial overlay doors will have knuckle, knife or even concealed hinges. Full overlay door styles and frameless cabinets always have concealed hinges.

Best advice: Select cabinets with a lifetime warranty on hinges for full assurance of quality.

2.Drawer Suspensions
Most quality cabinets have glides mounted beneath the bottom of the drawer, on either side, and are attached to the back of the cabinet. The best of these are heavy duty (supporting at least 75 lbs.) and are easily adjustable. Some have a self-closing feature which pulls the drawer shut with a gentle push. Since drawers are accessed so often in a kitchen, the quality of the drawer glide is an important element of the overall quality of the cabinets. Look for epoxy coated drawer glides for smooth operation. Ball bearing action provides even greater smoothness. For the ultimate access to drawer space, consider full-extension drawer runners.

HARDWARE
Most cabinet manufacturers offer decorative knobs and pulls for their cabinets. Full overlay and partial overlay doors require hardware to open and close. Decorative hardware is optional for doors with beveled profiles. Here are a few tips to help you select the decorative hardware that is right for your kitchen.

1. Most styles require decorative pulls or knobs to open doors and drawers, since the doors overlay the frame of the cabinet to the extent that there is no open space available for fingers.

2. Knobs and pulls serve to protect the wood and finish of your cabinets from the wear and tear of constant contact with body oils, traces of cooking oils and other cooking related soil and, not least, fingernails.

3. Knobs and pulls with backplates beneath them on the cabinet surface protect the doors and drawers even more.

4. Knobs or pulls? This is a question of personal preference. Some people prefer to combine the two, using knobs on doors and pulls on drawers, though there is no fashion reason to do so. When combining the two types, they should be of the same material and reflect the same styling.

5. Select a material that enhances the theme of your kitchen.

• Warm country decorating theme? Try white or ivory ceramic, copper or burnished brass decorative hardware.

• Contemporary theme? Consider pewter, brushed chrome or glossy plastics or metals.

• Traditional/Transitional kitchens invite burnished or bright brass, or some of the newer, more complex glazed finishes on various metals.

6. Select a style that helps define the overall theme of your kitchen.

• Country - Simple knobs or pulls with decorative 'country' icons like animals, cooking utensils, etc.

• Contemporary - Knobs in geometric shapes or sleek, elongated pulls

• Traditional/Transitional - Knobs or pulls with classic turnings and patterns like those found on fine furniture.

• KCMA - Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association. Establishes minimum standards for the cabinet industry.
  **ANSI - American National Standards Institute - A federal agency which sets standards for quality, function and durability of materials used in manufacturing , building, etc.

Reface or Replace?Homeowners sometimes ask themselves if they really need to replace the cabinets. Why not just "reface" them?

Positive Results You May Obtain by Refacing Your Cabinets

• Keep your existing counter tops

• Fresh, new look for your cabinets

• More pleasant or up-to-date environment

• Possibly interior functional features for extra cost

• More appealing to potential home buyers

Refacing Cautions

• Same old traffic, workspace and storage problems have not been improved upon.

• No opportunity to enhance the kitchen with specialty cabinets like dish or wine rack, glass doors, etc.

• Interior of cabinet remains the same; so does interior maintenance

• Warranty is for new products only. Basic cabinets are not covered

Positive Results You Can Expect by Replacing Your Cabinets

• The opportunity to improve the traffic, work patterns and storage space in your floorplan

• One time sink and countertop replacement. (If a few years after refacing you decide to tackle the entire kitchen and make general improvements, countertops and sink cannot be re-installed on new cabinets

• Stronger, more durable cabinets throughout

• Solid wood face frames, not veneer applied to the surface

• The possibility of enhancing the beauty of the kitchen by adding specialty cabinets such as a wine rack or display cabinet

• Light, attractive easy to clean interiors

• Warranty on the entire cabinet, not just the doors and drawers

Best Advice
The price difference between refacing and replacing may be minimal when the overall value is considered. Replacing cabinets does dictate the replacement of countertops, sink, built-in appliances and probably floor covering. The additional cost for completely new cabinets compared to refaced old cabinets may be quite small. In some instances, the difference is as little as 10%. Be a wise shopper!

Judging Cabinet Quality

Today many cabinet manufacturers' products look alike at first sight. Since there may be considerable price differences, it pays to take a closer look at the details and make your buying decision based on your assessment of the quality and selection that best suits your budget and your projected use. Mixed into this decision should also be whether you plan to stay in your home or sell it soon, the amount of wear and tear you expect your cabinets to withstand and whether they will be installed as a DIY job or by a professional. Evaluate the cabinets you are considering using these checkpoints.

General considerations:

1. This means the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association has approved the construction of the cabinets and the materials used to build them meet minimum industry standards.

2. Are you familiar with the brand name? Does it carry a Best Buy seal or other evidence of independent testing and approval?

3. Does the manufacturer offer the variety of parts and pieces that will be needed to complete the design of your kitchen in the style that you choose? (Are there matching cabinets for other rooms in your home for a coordinated wood species, finish color, styling theme throughout your home?)

4. Can the manufacturer deliver the cabinets on a timely basis for your project? Length of time between order and delivery can vary greatly from brand to brand. Get an approximate delivery date in writing, if you can.

5. The manufacturer's warranty can be a very valuable part of what you pay for when you make your cabinet purchase. Warranties may vary from one year to 'lifetime' (meaning the length of time the original purchaser owns the kitchen. Lifetime warranties are usually not transferable). Look for the warranty that gives you the most 'comfort' for your investment.

Specific Considerations

1. Quality and consistency of finish. This includes the 'touch test' of the surfaces, inside and out. Ask for printed information about the manufacturer's finishing materials and methods.

2. Quality in the interior. Look for careful finishing with either high-solids varnishes on wood veneers or wipe-clean interiors that do not require paper liners to protect against water-rings, scratches and other damage common to use.

3. Quality in function. Look for high quality drawer suspension systems and hinges that are easy to adjust and require no special maintenance. Are there interior functional features and options that will maximize the specific storage you require?

4. Quality in construction. Look for corner gussets or i-beam struts that reinforce face frame construction. Thicker shelves span wider cabinets and support more weight without sagging. All shelving should be adjustable. Look for full depth shelves in standard base cabinets.

5. Quality in details. Look for sanded edges on frames (inside and outside). Generally, high quality finishes do not have a high sheen, but a softer, satin sheen that best enhances the character of the wood you choose. Look for other quality touches like magnetic door latches (for non self-closing hinge types) or high quality 'bumpers' that won't fall off. Are doors with panels the 'floating' type to prevent cracking and tell-tale finish lines? Do open or decorative cabinets have finished wood interiors? (Avoid 'wood grain' or 'patterned' finishes on the interior of open cabinets, which will not age with light exposure the same as their wood exteriors. Are moldings solid wood, rather than 'wood grained wraps' that could delaminate and also not age to match the real wood components?

Quality in service. Choose both a dealer and a manufacturer that offer the level of service you expect for the level of investment you are planning to make. Ask for assurances that both the dealer and the manufacturer will assist with problems or warranty issues, should you have them.