Question 1

What are the benefits of full-height cabinetry?

Accepted Answer

Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry maximizes vertical storage, eliminates the need for dust-collecting soffits, and creates a clean, architectural look.

Question 2

What crown moulding profiles and architectural details are available?

Accepted Answer

We offer stacked crown moulding, dentil profiles, and fluted pilasters. These can be integrated with light valances and plinth blocks to create a continuous, floor-to-ceiling architectural statement.

Question 3

How high should wall cabinets be mounted?

Accepted Answer

Standard mounting height is 18" above the countertop (54" from the floor). For taller homeowners or those with large countertop appliances (e.g., professional mixers), 20" to 22" of clearance is often specified.

Question 4

Why is Walnut considered a luxury material?

Accepted Answer

Walnut offers a unique combination of structural stability and a rich, naturally dark chocolate tone. It features a tight grain that polishes to a high sheen, making it the premier choice for modern and mid-century aesthetics.

Question 5

What is the difference in material for paint vs. stain?

Accepted Answer

Stain-grade uses "select" woods with consistent grain and color. Paint-grade uses "Refined MDF" or "tight-grain" woods like Poplar or Birch to ensure no grain texture shows through the finish.

Question 6

Which wood species is most stable for Alberta's climate?

Accepted Answer

Oak and Hickory are highly durable, but Walnut and Rift-Sawn Oak are the most stable against Alberta’s extreme humidity swings. Maple is beautiful but more prone to "seasonal movement" in dry winters.

Question 7

Do you work with exotic veneers or reclaimed woods?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We source premium Rift-Sawn White Oak, Walnut, Zebrawood, and book-matched veneers, as well as reclaimed timbers for high-character feature pieces.

Question 8

How durable is a custom painted finish?

Accepted Answer

Our finishes utilize a catalyzed post-conversion varnish. Unlike standard household paint, this chemical-cure coating is resistant to grease, household cleaners, and the high-humidity environment of a kitchen.

Question 9

What is the difference between paint and glaze?

Accepted Answer

Paint is an opaque solid color. A glaze is a semi-transparent layer applied over the base paint or stain; it is wiped off but remains in the profiles and corners to highlight the door's architectural details.

Question 10

Can this be built in a different finish or colour?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every piece is custom built to order. You can choose any paint colour, stain, or two-tone finish, including custom colour-matching.

Question 11

What are specialty finishes?

Accepted Answer

These include hand-applied techniques like "distressing," "rub-through," or "sand-through" edges that mimic the wear of antique furniture. We also offer "metallic" lacquers that provide a shimmering, automotive-grade aesthetic.

Question 12

Can wood be finished to look like real metal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use "Liquid Metal" coatings containing real brass or zinc particles. Once sprayed and polished, the cabinetry has the weight, cold feel, and patina of solid metal without the immense cost or weight.

Question 13

Can I choose a different sink or countertop material?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design around undermount, vessel, or apron-front sinks, and pair them with quartz, marble, granite, or custom wood surfaces.

Question 14

What are the ventilation requirements for a high-BTU professional range?

Accepted Answer

Pro-ranges (Wolf/BlueStar) require hoods with 600–1200 CFM capacities. The hood width should ideally overlap the range by 3" on each side to capture bypass plume. Ductwork must be rigid galvanized steel (no flex) with a diameter of 8–10" to maintain static pressure efficiency and reduce decibel levels.

Question 15

How does a custom wood hood house the fan?

Accepted Answer

We build a wood "shroud" around a stainless steel "power pack" liner. The wood must be at least 30" from the cooking surface, and the interior of the wood box must be oversized to allow for the duct transition.

Question 16

How close can the wood be to the metal liner?

Accepted Answer

The stainless steel liner must fully "encase" the bottom of the wood shroud. Most Alberta inspectors require the metal to extend 1/2" beyond the wood edge to act as a fire break and drip edge for grease.

Question 17

What hardware holds the adjustable shelves?

Accepted Answer

We use 5mm or 1/4" metal shelf pins with a "spoon" or "locking" profile. In luxury builds, we use solid brass or nickel sleeves pressed into the cabinet holes to prevent the wood from stripping over time.

Question 18

Are the interior shelves adjustable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use 5mm 'system holes' with high-capacity metal shelf pins, allowing you to reconfigure interior heights as your storage needs change.

Question 19

How do you stop shelves from sliding forward?

Accepted Answer

We use "locking" shelf clips that snap onto the shelf edge. This is a safety requirement for mobile installs (RVs/Vans) and a luxury standard in high-end homes to prevent shelf "tip-up" when removing heavy items.

Question 20

What is a mullion door?

Accepted Answer

A cabinet door frame with horizontal and vertical wood dividers (grids) that hold individual panes of glass. This replicates the look of traditional divided-lite windows.

Question 21

What is the functional benefit of Reeded Glass?

Accepted Answer

Reeded (fluted) glass diffuses light and obscures the contents of the cabinet. This allows for a "light and airy" look without requiring the interior of the cabinet to be perfectly organized at all times.

Question 22

How is glass integrated into custom doors?

Accepted Answer

We use 1/8" or 1/4" tempered safety glass. The door frame is "rabbeted" on the back to accept the glass, which is then secured with removable wood stops or silicone glazing beads for easy replacement if needed.

Question 23

What defines a high-end display unit?

Accepted Answer

Specialized units featuring integrated LED "warm" puck lighting, mirrored backs, and 3/8" tempered glass shelving designed specifically to showcase glassware or collectibles.

Question 24

What are the clearance codes for gas cooktops in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

Per local gas codes, there must be a minimum of 30" clearance to combustible materials above the cooktop. If using a wood hood, the ventilation liner must be "zero-clearance" rated to protect the cabinetry.

Question 25

What door styles and glass options are available?

Accepted Answer

We offer shaker, flat panel, and raised panel doors. Glass options include frosted, clear, reeded, or seeded glass to match your privacy needs.

Question 26

Can the size or layout be adjusted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Width, height, depth, and internal configurations (drawer count, shelf spacing) are tailored to your specific room dimensions and requirements.

Question 27

What is under-counter task lighting?

Accepted Answer

Task-oriented LED strips or pucks mounted to the underside of upper cabinets to illuminate the workspace and eliminate shadows on the counter.

Question 28

How are LED strips mounted?

Accepted Answer

We CNC-route 5/8" deep channels into the underside of cabinets to house aluminum extrusions (like Hafele Loox). This keeps the lighting flush and provides a heat sink for the LEDs to extend their lifespan.  Alternately LED pucks are flush mount and directional and mounting locations and wire runs are created during construction.

Question 29

How is integrated lighting handled in custom cabinetry?

Accepted Answer

We provide recessed LED channels for task lighting under uppers, 'puck' lighting for glass-front displays, and motion-activated interior lighting for drawers and pantries.

Question 30

What is the benefit of LED toe-kick lighting?

Accepted Answer

Motion-activated LED strips in the toe-kick recess provide "pathway lighting" for nighttime safety without glaring overhead lights. It also creates a "floating" visual effect for the cabinetry.

Question 31

Can cabinet lights turn on automatically?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use hardware equipped with motion or proximity detectors to trigger lighting as soon as you enter the room or open a door.

Question 32

What is 'Cottagecore' or 'Farmhouse' cabinetry?

Accepted Answer

These styles emphasize comfort and nostalgia, often featuring apron-front (farmhouse) sinks, beadboard paneling, open shelving, and distressed or 'lived-in' painted finishes like sage green or creamy whites.

Question 33

What is a beaded backboard?

Accepted Answer

A decorative vertical paneling used as the back of a mudroom bench or locker area to provide a classic, finished look.

Question 34

What is a 'Tuxedo' finish layout?

Accepted Answer

A design where the upper cabinets and lower cabinets are finished in contrasting colors—typically white or light wood on top and a dark, anchoring color (like navy or charcoal) on the bottom.

Question 35

What is 'Color Drenching' in kitchen design?

Accepted Answer

A bold trend where cabinets, walls, trim, and even the ceiling are finished in the exact same hue (usually a deep navy or forest green) to create a cohesive, immersive environment.

Question 36

Can I choose different hardware or decorative details?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pulls, knobs, and decorative millwork like corbels and crown moulding can be swapped, simplified, or enhanced to suit your style.

Question 37

What are 'Metal Sided' drawer systems?

Accepted Answer

Systems like Blum Tandembox use steel or aluminum drawer sides with integrated runners. They offer a sleek, industrial look, higher weight capacities (up to 150 lbs), and built-in organization "galleries" for pots and pans.

Question 38

What are Soft-Close hinges and slides?

Accepted Answer

Soft-close mechanisms use hydraulic dampers to prevent doors and drawers from slamming, ensuring quiet operation and reducing wear on the cabinet frame.

Question 39

What functional hardware upgrades are standard for premium builds?

Accepted Answer

All high-end units feature soft-close under-mount slides (e.g., Blumotion), 110-degree concealed hinges, and solid wood dovetail drawer boxes as a baseline for durability and feel.

Question 40

Can the storage or drawer configuration be customized?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Drawer heights, depths, and internal organizers—including pull-out trays, spice inserts, and dividers—can be customized around your specific workflow.

Question 41

Why choose drawers over standard base doors?

Accepted Answer

Drawers provide superior ergonomics and 100% visibility. We utilize full-extension undermount slides, allowing you to access items at the very back without kneeling or reaching.

Question 42

What is a 'Chef’s Pantry' shelf system?

Accepted Answer

A heavy-duty vertical pull-out that features 5-7 adjustable chrome or wood baskets. The entire tower slides out on 200lb-rated runners, giving you access to both sides of the shelving at once.

Question 43

What is Shaker style cabinetry?

Accepted Answer

A timeless design characterized by a five-piece door with a recessed center panel and minimal ornamentation. It prioritizes utility and clean lines, making it the most versatile choice for both traditional and modern homes.

Question 44

What is a 'Micro Shaker' door?

Accepted Answer

A contemporary take on the classic Shaker style featuring ultra-slim rails (typically 1/2" to 3/4" wide) for a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Question 45

What is Cope and Stick joinery?

Accepted Answer

The standard for Shaker and raised panel doors. The "stick" is the decorative profile routed along the inside edge of the frame, and the "cope" is the inverse cut on the ends of the rails that allows them to interlock perfectly.

Question 46

How do you handle a non-drawer microwave in cabinetry?

Accepted Answer

For standard microwaves, we build a "microwave niche" with a coordinated stainless steel trim kit. The cabinet must be 2" wider than the unit itself to allow the trim kit to vent hot air away from the wood carcass.

Question 47

Can an OTR microwave handle a professional range?

Accepted Answer

No. Over-the-range (OTR) microwaves typically max out at 300 CFM. High-BTU ranges require 600–1200 CFM. OTRs should only be paired with standard electric or low-output gas ranges.

Question 48

What is the difference between a microwave and a speed oven?

Accepted Answer

Speed ovens (convection + microwave) generate significantly more exterior heat. The cabinet carcass must be lined with heat-deflection tape, and 1/4" "reveal" gaps are required around the face to allow for cooling.

Question 49

Where is the best place for a microwave in custom kitchens?

Accepted Answer

Current trends move away from over-the-range units toward "Microwave Drawers" in base cabinets or integrated "eye-level" niches in tall pantry units, keeping the cooking zone clear for high-CFM ventilation.

Navy & Walnut Suite

Features in this project