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It's important to understand some of the distinctions in how cabinets are constructed before investing into a such a significant purchase. Below is some basic information.

Material Differences

  • Our Cabinetry

    As standard, our cabinets are built with 3/4" birch ply carcasses and hard maple face frames and doors. Of course, this is customizable to a customer's needs but we recommend sticking with high end materials when investing in cabinetry.

  • Hardwoods

    Our cabinets are built with solid wood face frames and doors. Different species of woods have different hardness, grain, and price point. Oak, walnut, hickory, and maple are all examples of very durable hardwoods which can be used in woodworking.

  • Softwoods

    Pine is the most common softwood and still is by far the most common wood used in framing construction. Pine is more susceptible to denting and scratching but is much more affordable than hardwoods and is easy to work with. It is commonly used in crown molding and trim work or pieces that may get painted.

  • Engineered Wood/Plywood

    Our cabinet carcasses are generally built from cabinet-grade 3/4" birch ply because it is common, durable, and high quality. Other woods can be sourced upon request. Plywood is the best choice for cabinet boxes and shelving because of its price point and ability to outperform solid wood in many regards.

  • MDF

    MDF (Medium density fiberboard) or HDF (high density) is a slightly more affordable option to plywood but it significantly heavier, weaker, and less resistant to moisture. It is generally good for painted panels or veneered cores, but not good in areas with significant moisture exposure.

  • Particle Board

    Particle Board is commonly found in builder-grade cabinets. It is generally considered the cheapest, lowest quality material but may be paired with solid wood face frames and covered in veneers to maintain the appearance of wood.

Cabinet Styles

Face Frame: Overlay

Perhaps most common and customizable cabinet style out there. In this style the door overlays the cabinet face frame. Older cabinets may have a smaller overlay as small as 1/4". More modern designs have larger overlays of 1" to 1 1/2" to minimize gaps.

cabinet styles

Face Frame: Inset

Inset doors provide a very sleek look because there is no distinction between the surface of the door and the face frame. This style is more commonly found in high end cabinetry as it requires more precise craftsmanship.

cabinet styles

Frameless

Frameless cabinets provide the most efficient use of space in cabinetry. Frameless hinges also work so that door gaps are almost nonexistent. Frameless cabinets are less customizable in terms of overlay and aesthetics.