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In the first place, it's
important to realize that there are two basic cabinet types to
choose between. Framed cabinets are popular in country and
traditional kitchens. In this style, the edge of the cabinet frame
around drawer fronts and doors is left exposed.
The doors and drawers can fit flush inside the frame, partially
inset, or overlay the frame entirely.
This type of cabinetry is very stable because the solid wood frames
are rigid - even if the bottoms, sides, and backs are made of
thinner material, the overall structure is strong.
The downside is that frames allow for smaller openings, and as a
result, offer less storage space.
Frameless cabinets give rooms a modern look because the drawer
fronts and doors have no frames. People love this type of cabinetry
because it's clean and makes accessing utensils and other supplies
very easy. At the same time, frameless cabinets are difficult to
install because the doors and drawers butt up against each other and
require door clearances.
Materials
Solid wood: You can choose either real wood or wood veneer. Real
wood is usually present in the doors, drawer fronts, and face frames
on custom cabinets. Pre-fabricated components are always constructed
of wood veneer.
Manufactured wood: Plywood, medium-density fiberboard,
particleboard, and even hardboard (in drawer bottoms) are examples
of wood materials you can find in some cabinetry.
To make particleboard, wood particles are mixed with resin and
bonded under pressure. When shopping for cabinets, if you are
considering particleboard, look for grade and thickness, as low
grades (under 45 pound rating) don't hold screws as well and have a
tendency to warp.
Medium-density fiberboard is of a higher quality than particleboard,
made of finer fibers. As a result, the surface is smoother and you
can shape and paint the edges.
Plywood is constructed of thin layers of wood plies, put together by
laminating them with the grain running at right angles in alternate
plies for strength. Grade A plywood is ¼ inch to 1-1/8 inches thick.
Finishes
Cabinets can have wood and laminate finishes, or you can paint or
stain the surface. Foils and vinyl films are also an option - this
material is less expensive than laminate but also less durable. |
