Frequently asked Questions
(1) How much does my investment in custom cabinetry increase the value of my home?
(2) How long does it take to build and install my custom cabinets?
(3) How do I start planning a new kitchen?
(4) What are the differences among wood species?
(5) How do I know which is the best choice for me?
(6) What is the difference between standard and full overlay designed doors?
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FAQ Answers
(1) How much does my investment in custom cabinetry increase the value of my home?
<p>Installing new custom cabinets in your kitchen or bath is a great investment. In fact, research indicates that for every $1.00 you invest in a mid to upper range kitchen remodeling will return $.80. And don't forget the added value and enjoyment to your life that a new kitchen, bath, media center will bring.
(2) How long does it take to build and install my custom cabinets?</p>
<p class="p12">The time it takes to fabricate your custom cabinets depends on how many cabinets and site modifications you need. Fabrication and installation times will be based on the scope of work and can be assessed during or following the initial site inspection.
(3) How do I start planning a new kitchen?
Planning a new kitchen is a very detailed process that reaps rewards when carefully planned. To get started, here are a few things to consider.
- Why do you want to remodel?
- Evaluate what you like and dislike about your present kitchen.
- What are the major activities performed in your kitchen?
- Review available kitchen space and component arrangement.
- Review traffic flow and work the areas in the kitchen.
- Review the traffic flow into and out of the kitchen.
- Create a work triangle between the sink, refrigerator, and the stove.
- Consult with a professional.
(4) What are the differences among wood species? How do I know which is the best choice for me?
It’s normally a matter of personal taste, décor and budget.
Here is some information on custom cabinetry wood species that may help:
- Cherry is a fine-grained hardwood that ranges in color tone from near white through pinks and reds. Its subtle grain patterns are enhanced by localized color variations of green, pink, or yellow streaks. Cherry is known and expected to change and "mellow" with age, creating a beautiful patina.
- Maple is a dense, strong, fine-grained, smooth wood that is mostly off-white in color with streaks of gold, pink, and brown throughout. It can also have mild, dark streaks. The tightly swirled grain is very muted and subtle. For this reason, natural and light color stains are very popular.
- Hickory is a strong, course-grained hardwood that has dramatic variations in color knots, and grain pattern. The grain pattern is so intense it's not uncommon to see cabinet parts that vary from extremely dark to almost white. Darker stains will mildly tone the appearance of these variations. Be sure to see a sample door at your dealer.
- Red Oak is a dense, strong, course-grained hardwood with color tones from near white or yellow to pink, red, or brown. Oak has streaks of green, gold, and black mineral deposits, as well as other natural characteristics, such as pin knots and flecks. Its grain is often described as a prominent flame-shaped pattern that is beautifully enhanced when finish color is applied.
(5)What is the difference between standard and full overlay designed doors?
The difference between the two lies in how much of the cabinet frame can be seen. A full overlay design overlaps more of the cabinet front frame than the standard. It features a larger door and door front. Often, they are more abundant at the high end of a line.
(6)Definitions:
- Beading is a projecting narrow molding with 180 degree radius often used to outline a door or panel. (Triple bead would be a "stack" of 3 beads usually routed in one piece.) A beaded appearance can also be achieved by routing a thin line with the same 180 degree radius.
- Bevel is the slant of a surface, as on a beveled edge door.
- Cathedral or arch is a shape reminiscent of church windows, often used in cabinetoors.
- Crown molding is a wide, intricately carved piece of molding usually used on top of wall cabinets or furniture.
- Dentil molding is a pattern of tooth-like cuts often found on decorative trim moldings.
- Dovetail Joint is formed by inserting a projecting member into a correspondingly shaped cutout member. True dovetail has a wedge shape of a dove's tail.
- Flute is routed vertical indentations in a linear pattern with 180 degree radius at each end of each line.
- Kiln dry is the removal of moisture from lumber using a heat chamber (kiln).
- Mullion is the vertical member dividing a window or glass door. Often used to describe glass doors divided evenly into rectangular panes.
- Tenon is a projection at the end of a piece of wood. When inserted into a mortise forms a "mortise and tenon" joint.
- Tongue & groove is a projection along the edge of a board inserted into a corresponding groove.
- Veneer is a thin layer of wood applied with glue to a substrate.