CABINET ACADEMY

Cabinet style describes the relationship of the doors and drawer fronts to the face frame.

• Full Access ($) - (AKA Frameless) - the doors and drawer fronts cover the entire cabinet face with narrow gaps between each; the face frame is not visible. The aesthetic can be traditional, contemporary, or modern, depending on the door style.

• Face Frame ($$) - (AKA Overlay) - there are larger gaps between each set of doors and drawer fronts where the face frame is visible; the doors and drawer fronts rest on top of the face frame; the face frame is not flush with the doors and drawer fronts.

• Inset ($$$) - there are larger gaps between each set of doors and drawer fronts where the face frame is visible; the doors and drawer fronts close inside the face frame; the face frame is flush with the doors and drawer fronts.

Material Options:

• Wood Pros: Can be finished with lacquer or stain; less susceptible to water damage if the finish is dented; available in a variety of species and grain patterns: plain-sawn, quartersawn, and rift-sawn

• Wood Cons: Expands and contracts, especially in humid regions, which causes micro-cracks in the finish

• MDF Pros: Versatile; often used for custom designs & finished with lacquer; does not expand or contract

• MDF Cons: More susceptible to water damage if the finish is dented

Style Options:

• Flat panel - for the contemporary aesthetic - Shaker cabinets fall into this category. The term "shaker" generally indicates a rail/stile width of 2.25". Microshaker cabinets have a rail/stile width of 3/4" - 1.5". The main distinction of shaker cabinets is the square profile of the inner edge, where the rails/stiles meet the panel. A traditional flat panel door has a curved or beveled profile at the inner edge.

• Raised panel - for the traditional aesthetic - The rails/stiles are often mitred at each corner; you'll choose a profile for the rails/stiles and the raised panel

• Slab - for the modern aesthetic - slab doors are comprised of a panel without rails or stiles.

• Pine ($) provides a rustic feel; less durable and will dent

• Alder ($) subtle grain; pink undertone

• Sapele ($$) straight grain pattern; cabernet color; modern replacement for mahogany

• Hickory ($$) highly figured grain pattern; takes stain well; doesn't dent easily

• White Oak ($$$) most prominent grain pattern and texture; doesn't dent easily; most popular species

• Walnut ($$$$) medium figured grain pattern; dark brown color

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The wood samples shown in the video are finished with clear lacquer, but the color of any species can be altered with stain, as shown in the completed kitchen remodels at the end of the video.

We recommend lacquer over paint because it is waterproof, scratch-resistant, fast-drying, non-yellowing, and breathable. It comes in a variety of sheens, including matte, satin, semi-gloss, or high gloss. High gloss lacquer is often used for contemporary designs. Matte lacquer is more difficult to clean but best at camouflaging imperfections.

In addition to the flat panel, raised panel, and slab door styles, glass and wire mesh can be combined with wood or MDF to create a custom aesthetic.

• Glass with Traditional Frame - Available in many different varieties including clear, acid etched, fluted, flemish, and more!

• Glass with Mullion - Divided into sections by wood or MDF partitions.

• Glass with Custom Trim - Often made of MDF due to the wide range of design options.

• Mesh - ​ Available as a flat or round wire in many different patterns and widths. Nickel and brass are common colorways.

After cabinet style and door style have been established, you'll choose storage options, including shelving.

• Wood vs. Glass - Wood shelves can have a standard or live edge.

• Exposed vs. Hidden - Do you want to conceal your shelves behind a door?

• Fixed vs. Adjustable - Do you want the flexibility to adjust the spacing between shelves?

• Pull-out Trays - Common in kitchen islands and pantry units.

• Appliance Garage - Hides countertop appliances behind a door that opens vertically.

In addition to shelving, you'll choose additional storage options, including inserts.

• Appliance Lift - Keeps your countertops clear; great for mixers or blenders

• Rotating Shelf - Can't read the label? Easy reach for canned goods

• Utensil/Knife - Knife storage with plastic bristles; slot for cutting board; utensil bin

• Cookie Sheet - Multi-rack storage

• Trash Pull-Out - A cubby for trash + recycling or trash bin + trash bags

In addition to inserts, you'll choose drawer storage options:

• Knife Block - custom fit to drawer dimensions

• Utensil / Silverware - single or double layer

• Charging - built-in outlet for electronics

• Spice - single or double layer

• Cutting Board - dividers are adjustable

• Dish - pegs secure plates and bowls

• Appliance Panel - appliances, like this mini fridge, can be camouflaged with a drawer front

You'll also choose hardware for drawers and cabinet doors:

• No Hardware/Push to open

• No Hardware/Notches

• Pulls

• Knobs

• Pull or Knob with Backplate

The drawers in this pantry unit are adjustable so you can customize the space between each drawer for your needs.

In addition to drawers, you'll choose the base/feet design. The base of your cabinets can be simple or customized to mimic a piece of furniture.

• Straight

• Curved

• S-Curve

• Custom

• No Feet

Aesthetically, you can choose between several options for the ends of your island.

• Corbels and posts can achieve a traditional aesthetic.

• An overhang or panels may be used in transitional or contemporary designs.

• Waterfall edges can be seen in transitional, contemporary, or modern designs.

• Or, your island can be a combination of several of the options above!

Aesthetically, you can choose between several options for your vent hood.

• Straight

• Curved

• Angled

• Cut Corner

• Custom

Lighting options for your kitchen can be both functional and beautiful.

• In-cabinet lighting - displays heirloom pieces via an overhead fixture or strip of light near the front of the cabinet frame.

• Under cabinet lighting - illuminates your countertop workspace.

• Under counter lighting - provides visibility to storage spaces under your island.