Types of Cabinetry
Framed cabinets feature a face frame providing traditional aesthetics and structural rigidity. Frameless cabinets offer maximum interior accessibility with concealed hinges. Custom cabinets offer unlimited possibilities in size, material, and finish. Semi-custom options provide broader range within manufacturer parameters, while stock cabinets are mass-produced in standard sizes.
Materials and Construction
Plywood is preferred for cabinet boxes due to dimensional stability and screw-holding capacity. Baltic birch plywood with multiple thin plies is premium quality. MDF is commonly used for doors and drawer fronts, particularly for painted finishes. Dovetail joinery for drawers is the gold standard. Undermount drawer slides with soft-close mechanisms provide rated load capacities from 75-150 pounds.
Door Styles
Shaker-style doors with five-piece construction and recessed center panel dominate contemporary design. Slab doors offer minimalist appearance for modern settings. Raised panel doors provide formal traditional appearance. Glass-front doors allow display opportunities. Door style should coordinate with home architectural style.
Hardware and Function
Concealed European hinges are standard for frameless cabinets. Soft-close hinges prevent door slamming. Pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and waste bin organizers improve kitchen functionality. According to the NKBA, the average kitchen contains 30-40 cabinet components, making detailed planning essential.
Installation
Cabinets must be level and plumb, with shimming for out-of-square walls. Base cabinets install first from the highest floor point. Wall cabinets install after bases using a ledger board. European hinges offer three-dimensional adjustment. Final adjustments after countertop installation account for additional weight.