Cabinet Types

Question 1

Manufacturers offer a full range of cabinets in specified sizes designed to meet the needs of most consumers at a cost-effective price. They offer the most popular door styles, finishes, and limited accessories with limited modifications or no modifications allowed at all. The cabinets may be in stock at cabinet distributors, home centers, and lumberyards. Because these cabinets are produced in quantity, the cabinet manufacturers cannot stop their assembly lines for special units; therefore, their catalogs generally reflect the entire product line offering.

Answer 1

Stock Cabinets

Question 2

This type of manufacturing method provides a good value due to the economies of manufacturing. The biggest advantages of this cabinetry are its availability, specified quality level, and consistency of service from large, stable manufacturers. These cabinets offer an excellent product for a project that has budget or time constraints. Styles and special sizes are limited, which is why you should investigate the breadth of the line before designing with this product.

Answer 2

Stock Cabinets

Question 3

Designers need not forgo creative cabinet design when using these cabinets. Once you are familiar with the line, being creative with the limited selection of SKUs and being able to adapt them to the space you are working on in a creative way will make this challenge successful. For example, wall cabinets can be used as shallow base units by adding a toe-kick.

Answer 3

Stock Cabinets

Question 4

Vary in quality levels. Some lines use doors of lower-quality woods or grain variation. They may use thin laminates, paper, or vinyl products to simulate wood on finished sides. Parts of the case may be glued together with no mechanical fasteners, which is not as durable a method of case construction that combines both glue and mechanical fasteners. Make sure you carefully compare the construction of the cabinets you are considering for the project. One line may be just right for a laundry room application, while a sturdier product may be required for the adjacent kitchen. This cabinetry may have a lead time as short as 15-21 days if it is not in stock at a supplier.

Answer 4

Stock Cabinetry

Question 5

These cabinets are produced by both stock and custom manufacturers. This type of product is produced on an assembly-line basis, but the offerings include more accessory modifications, drawer box options, and some custom cabinet size possibilities.

Answer 5

Semi-Custom

Question 6

This product combines the advantage of an assembly-line process with the ability to add modifications as well as additional options for drawer box upgrades and interior accessories. Traditionally, these products also offer a broader selection of door styles, wood species, style palettes, finishes and finish techniques.

Answer 6

Semi-Custom

Question 7

These cabinets come in a wide variety of quality and price levels. Some of these cabinet companies keep up with trends and are elevated on style. They can have a wide variety of cabinets with accessories, offer modifications and a wide variety of molding and adornments. These are made to order and have a great appeal to the client for the value. These are usually offered at a turnaround time of 18-30 days to delivery. Always review the manufacturer’s catalog carefully before beginning the design process to determine if this will fit your client’s needs.

Answer 7

Semi-Custom

Question 8

International cabinet producers who focus on specific styles to define their cabinet brand, usually do not recommend or offer extensive customization. Internationally speaking, the manufacturing definition of these cabinets defines their highest level of product offering.

Answer 8

Semi-Custom

Question 9

Manufacturers make one kitchen at a time. The cabinets are not produced until the kitchen has been designed and all details are finalized. These cabinets can be made by a local fabricator or in a large manufacturing facility. Generally, these manufacturers publish a specifications manual listing a range of specific cabinet sizes, but special sizes are available for a perfect fit. One-of-a-kind, handmade specialty pieces, such as mantel hoods, turned-wood posts, curved/angled cabinetry elements, and free-standing furniture pieces are also available.

Answer 9

Custom Cabinets

Question 10

These built-to-order cabinets are considered furniture-grade cabinetry although cabinets are typically more ergonomic and durable than furniture because of high use and proximity to moisture. Manufacturers of such cabinets generally offer the latest in functional hardware, technology, construction methods, case materials and the most extensive array of accessories available. These companies offer new, trendsetting styles and finishes to the market. These cabinets have a longer lead time than other offerings. Much like custom furniture, an 8 to 20-week delivery time is to be expected.

Answer 10

Custom Cabinets

Question 11

These kitchen cabinets can be ordered and delivered in one of two ways.

Assembled kitchen cabinets are delivered already assembled, (stock, semi-custom and custom) built from the manufacturer, and ready to be installed in the home. Assembled cabinets do not require the homeowner to build the cabinets; everything is complete, including all the drawers and hardware components. RTA kitchen cabinets are delivered in a form that is commonly referred to as “flat packed” or unassembled. RTA cabinets require the consumer to put together and build the cabinets at the location that they are being installed. RTA cabinets are assembled using a cam and pin system . The cabinet is in a broken-down form and will require a little extra work from the installer, however, are generally offered at a lower price.

Answer 11

Ready-To-Assemble

Question 12

This cabinetry is referred to as either “stock” or “customized.” The stock version is less expensive, is mass produced, reduces lead times, but has limited options for customers. The customized version is just that, custom produced cabinets for individual projects, and can be more costly than the stock version. The companies that produce their own stock allow for grain that is more sophisticated, color matching throughout the kitchen exteriors and for additional paneling that may be used within the non-storage sections of the room. The company also may offer elaborately constructed custom furniture pieces that are assembled prior to finishing within the manufacturing facility and shipped as one entire piece.

Answer 12

Millwork Cabinetry

Question 13

Used to surround a specially designed sink or cooktop cabinet or to frame tall armoire cabinets.

Answer 13

Columns

Question 14

Either half turning flat against a cabinet or full turning at the edges of islands, on the face of wall cabinets, or around a special-purpose cabinet.

Answer 14

Turning

Question 15

Carved details to support mantel hoods, countertop overhangs, and decorative shelves.

Answer 15

Bracket/Corbel

Question 16

May have classical shapes, such as a crown molding, with carved details in the form of flowers, leaves, or stylized patterns.

Answer 16

Curved Molding

Question 17

A decorative wood or plastic that is placed on the surface of a cabinet door or panel. Brings visual interest to flat areas and is used to decorate fireplace mantels, range hoods, and cabinetry headers.

Answer 17

Onlay

Question 18

May be constructed from wood, plastic, plaster, marble, and other types of stone. Classical decorative patterns can be used alone or combined to create a larger scale.

Answer 18

Carved Molding

Question 19

A decorative trim that transitions from the wall to the ceiling. Typically used for capping walls and cabinets.

Answer 19

Crown Molding

Question 20

A decorative strip used on flat or recessed surfaces to bring embellishment to doors, cabinets, walls, and mantels.

Answer 20

Panel Molding

Question 21

The common cabinet has a single drawer over a single/double door that has either a half-depth shelf or a full-depth shelf. Most North American cabinets are 24-inches deep (front to back) and 34½ to 34¾-inches high including the subbase (which is also called the toe kick or plinth). This raised portion underneath the cabinet is generally 4 to 4½-inches high in domestic cabinetry and 6-inches high in international cabinetry.

Answer 21

Base Kitchen Cabinets

Question 22

International cabinet work surfaces are generally 600 mm to allow for a plumbing gap of 2 to 3-inches. This usually results in a 21-inch cabinet depth in many systems built internationally.

Answer 22

Base Kitchen Cabinets

Question 23

North American single-door cabinets generally are available in 3-inch increments, starting with 9-inches, then going to 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24-inches. The 9-inch wide cabinet may not have a drawer and may not be available in heavily detailed door styles. Double-door cabinets are usually available in widths from 24 to 48-inches; however, some manufacturers do not provide 39-inch or 45-inch wide units. Others stop the product line at 42-inches wide.

Answer 23

Base Kitchen Cabinets

Question 24

These cabinets with double doors may have a mullion, a vertical post or other upright that divides a window or other opening into two or more panes, or have butt doors in which a mullion is not needed. International metric sizing is based on centimeters, with typical sizes being 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, and so on.

Answer 24

Base Kitchen Cabinets

Question 25

A cabinet that features two, three, four, or five drawers. Three and four-drawer units typically are seen near the primary sink for flatware and kitchen linen storage (see Figure 1.5). Wide, two or three-drawer units often are used below a cooking surface to store pots, pans, lids, and utensils used at the cooking surface. Try to avoid drawer units smaller than 15-inches wide in framed cabinets because the interior drawer space will be too small to be functional.

Answer 25

Drawer Cabinets

Question 26

Generally, requires between 33 and 36-inches of space on each wall. A variety of materials are available but the most commonly used are, molded polymer or plastic, wood, and wire. The doors may be bi-fold (see Figure 1.6) hinged separately, a single angled door or actually may swing through the cabinet interior with a revolving door. The wider the door/s, the more functional the circular shelf.

Answer 26

Lazy-Susan Corner Cabinet

Question 27

A cabinet that has a shelf, pullout, or swing-out apparatus to provide accessibility into the corner (see Figure 1.7). This cabinet generally requires 42 to 48-inches of wall space. Although available in 36 and 39-inches, avoid any unit less than 42-inches wide to ensure reasonable access.

Answer 27

Blind Corner Cabinet

Question 28

A corner cabinet that requires 33 to 36-inches on each wall and features stationary shelving as opposed to a rotating shelf (see Figure 1.8). Maximum shelf space is provided. One type of this unit may be rounded with a curved door, with asymmetrical shelving, or with two identical shelves.

Answer 28

Corner Base Cabinet

Question 29

Cabinets with a voided top drawer or a tilt-down front that houses a plastic or stainless-steel container. The tilt-down is designed to utilize the top-drawer space that would otherwise be lost once the cooktop or sink is installed. The drawer area can be replaced with a special cutout to receive a farmhouse sink or a front-controlled cooktop. These cabinets may be pulled away from the wall with decorative columns or turnings finishing each side, creating a focal point within the room. This type of cabinet configuration is called a bump-out.

Answer 29

Sink/Cooktop Cabinet

Question 30

A cabinet that features an interior assembly which is attached to the door and pulls out with the door. Common assemblies include spice racks, utensil storage, or small appliance shelves. Larger units have waste/ recycling management bins.

Answer 30

Pull-Out Cabinets

Question 31

These cabinets are generally 12-inches deep, while 13-inch deep cabinets are recommended for inset style cabinetry. They come in a variety of heights ranging from 30, 36, 39 to 42-inches. Some manufacturers offer sizes to 48+ inches. The 30-inch high units are designed to be installed in a room with a low ceiling height or can also be designed with 96-inch high ceiling with an extended, flush, or recessed soffit (drop) above them. Depending on the client’s needs, these 30-inch cabinets are designed when designing for contractor / multi-family or a budget friendly job.

Answer 31

Wall Cabinet

Question 32

An industry word identifying a boxed-in area above the cabinets. The proper construction term would be a bulkhead, made up of fascia (the front panel) and the [redacted] (the underside). However, it is typical in the industry to call the entire structure a [redacted]

Answer 32

Soffit

Question 33

The 36-inch high units are designed to be installed in a 96-inch high room with a 6-inch trim (two piece molding) connecting the cabinets to the ceiling. An inverted base is installed directly on top of the cabinet and crown molding attached to the inverted base. These units also are used in a 108-inch high ceiling to provide better balance between the cabinet spacing and the architectural envelope of the room. The 42-inch high units are designed to extend all the way up to a ceiling in a 96-inch high room or to be used with an extended, flush, or recessed soffit in 108 or 120-inch use above microwave ovens, hoods, refrigerators, or other tall obstructions. These cabinets also are available 12, 15, 18, and 24-inches high. Some of these sizes are available 24-inches deep to provide an accessible cabinet above a refrigerator. These cabinets generally are installed from 15 to 18-inches above the finished counter surface. This clearance typically is required so small hand appliances can fit under the cabinet.

Answer 33

Wall Cabinet

Question 34

As a standard, these cabinets feature two adjustable interior shelves in a 30-inch high unit. The 36-inch, 39-inch and 42-inch high units generally include three shelves. Many manufacturers install this vertical support member in these cabinets wider than 30-inches, which blocks access. If available, choose a manufacturer that provides an open space the entire width of the cabinet.

Answer 34

Wall Cabinets

Question 35

Can be used with regular cabinet doors and is a great way to keep equipment accessible, but out of sight. There are several material and style options when creating an one of these. The most popular material is made from wood or steel. They are usually an extension of the cabinet but can exist in a corner or along back wall. The most popular type available and used today is a lift up door.

Answer 35

Appliance Garage

Question 36

Much like base units, blind corner units cabinets are available. An angled, diagonal corner wall unit frequently is specified. These units typically require 24-inches of wall space, on each wall out of the corner. The blind unit requires 27 to 30-inches of wall space, or more, to ensure a reasonable cabinet opening.

Answer 36

Corner Cabinet