Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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.

Question 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

What is the difference between Transitional and Traditional design?

Accepted Answer

Traditional design leans into ornate details, raised panels, and rich wood stains. Transitional blends traditional warmth with modern simplicity—typically using Shaker doors with updated hardware and neutral palettes.

Question 9

What is a 'Raised Panel' door?

Accepted Answer

A traditional door profile where the center panel is elevated and tapered toward the frame, creating depth and a formal aesthetic.

Question 10

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 11

What is the standard height for a base cabinet?

Accepted Answer

The industry standard is 34.5 inches. With a standard 1.5-inch countertop, this results in a 36-inch finished work surface.

Question 12

What is a Toe Kick and can it be customized?

Accepted Answer

A toe kick is the recessed space at the bottom of base cabinets. Standard is 4" high and 3" deep, but we can customize heights for ergonomics or add decorative furniture-style valances.

Question 13

Why are some counters lower than 36 inches?

Accepted Answer

Dedicated baking zones are often dropped to 30" or 32". This allows the baker to use their body weight more effectively when kneading dough or rolling pastry.

Question 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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 21

How do you fit more silverware in one drawer?

Accepted Answer

We install a "Double-Decker" drawer-in-a-drawer. The top tray slides back to reveal a second layer of storage below, doubling the capacity for cutlery and small gadgets.

Question 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

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 26

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 27

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 28

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 29

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 30

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 31

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 32

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 33

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 34

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 35

What room is this cabinetry designed for?

Accepted Answer

While specific designs may be shown for mudrooms or kitchens, our styles are versatile and can be adapted for laundry rooms, bathrooms, or bars.

Question 36

What is a 'Butler's Pantry' vs. a 'Walk-in Pantry'?

Accepted Answer

A Butler's Pantry is a staging area between the kitchen and dining room, often featuring a small sink and wine storage. A Walk-in Pantry is a dedicated room or large closet specifically for bulk dry-good storage.

Question 37

What are 'Drop Zones' and 'Landing Areas'?

Accepted Answer

A Drop Zone is a specialized mudroom or entry area for keys, mail, and bags. A Landing Area is the countertop space next to a range, sink, or refrigerator required for safe food prep and unloading.

Question 38

How do you design a high-end cocktail zone?

Accepted Answer

Include an integrated "ice well" or dedicated clear-ice maker, a small "bar sink," and 12" deep "bottle stepped" shelving for spirits to mimic a professional lounge environment.

Question 39

What is required for an integrated home bar?

Accepted Answer

A 24" wine fridge, stemware racks (wood or metal), and a "mirrored back" or stone backsplash. We recommend 15" deep upper cabinets to accommodate larger red wine glasses.

Question 40

What is required for a built-in wine fridge?

Accepted Answer

The cabinetry must be engineered with precise ventilation paths to allow for a flush-mounted installation without overheating the compressor.

Question 41

How can I hide a home bar?

Accepted Answer

We use pocket doors that slide back into the cabinet carcass, revealing a fully equipped bar setup only when needed.

Question 42

How are wine glasses stored in custom bars?

Accepted Answer

We install under-cabinet or internal rails designed for hanging wine and martini glasses securely by their stems.

Question 43

Why use mirrors in a bar area?

Accepted Answer

Using mirror glass as a backsplash increases ambient light and creates a sense of depth, making a beverage station feel more expansive.

Question 44

How do you store tall bottles?

Accepted Answer

We use a reinforced base pull-out with high chrome rails. This prevents heavy glass bottles from tipping when the drawer is moved and can be fitted with a stainless steel "ice bucket" insert.

Question 45

What is a luxury decanting shelf?

Accepted Answer

A pull-out shelf lined with premium leather or felt, specifically designed for decanting spirits or displaying luxury glassware.

Question 46

What is Transitional cabinetry design?

Accepted Answer

A blend of traditional and contemporary styles. It often features Shaker-style doors with modern hardware and a neutral color palette, creating a balanced look that is neither too ornate nor too clinical.

Question 47

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 48

What are the structural needs for stacked wall ovens?

Accepted Answer

Double wall ovens or oven/microwave combos require a reinforced "mid-deck" shelf. These shelves are often doubled (1.5" thickness) and braced with cleats to support 300+ lbs of appliance weight without sagging.

Question 49

Can standard cabinets hold a 500lb range?

Accepted Answer

No. Floor-mounted appliances like ranges sit on the subfloor. However, "Column" refrigerators and heavy wall ovens rely on the cabinet base. We use 3/4" plywood bottoms with solid wood "levelers" to prevent floor compression.

Question 50

Can I stack a speed oven over a warming drawer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the cabinet mid-deck must be engineered for heat dissipation. We use a 1/4" air-gap reveal between the units to allow the speed oven's cooling fans to exhaust properly without affecting the warming drawer's thermostat.

Question 51

What is Contemporary Minimalism?

Accepted Answer

A "less is more" approach using handle-less (push-to-open) flat-panel doors, monochromatic color schemes, and hidden appliances to create a seamless, clutter-free environment.

Question 52

What is a 'Shadow Line' or 'Reglet'?

Accepted Answer

A modern millwork detail where a 1/2" gap is left between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling. This creates a clean, architectural "floating" effect without using traditional crown moulding.

Question 53

Are matte black cabinets hard to clean?

Accepted Answer

Traditional matte can show oils, but we use specialized "Super-Matte" PET or Lacquer finishes with nano-tech properties that resist fingerprints and eliminate the "greasy" look common with dark colors.

Question 54

What is a 'Concealed' or 'Stealth' kitchen?

Accepted Answer

A minimalist trend where the entire kitchen is hidden behind large "pocketing" or "bifold" tall doors. When closed, the kitchen looks like a seamless wood-paneled wall; when open, it reveals the full workspace.

Question 55

What is the best substrate for a slab door?

Accepted Answer

For solid colors, we use Refined MDF to ensure a perfectly flat, mirror-like surface. For wood grains, we utilize book-matched veneers over a cross-banded plywood core to prevent warping and "cup" in the panel.

Question 56

What is 'TFL' or 'TFM' cabinetry?

Accepted Answer

Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL) consists of a decorative resin paper fused directly to a particleboard core. Modern TFLs feature "EIR" (Embossed-In-Register) textures that perfectly mimic the feel and look of real wood grain.

Question 57

How do you achieve a true high-gloss finish?

Accepted Answer

We use either a 1mm solid acrylic layer laminated to the core or a multi-stage "cut and buff" lacquer process. Both methods result in a 90+ gloss level with a mirror-like depth that is highly resistant to moisture.

Question 58

What is 'Refined Core' MDF?

Accepted Answer

A high-density furniture-grade substrate used for painted doors. Unlike standard big-box MDF, it has a tighter fiber structure that allows for crisp CNC routing and a glass-smooth finish without "furring" in the profiles.

Question 59

What is 'PET' cabinetry?

Accepted Answer

A sustainable, PVC-free finish made from recycled plastics. It is soft-touch, anti-fingerprint, and extremely durable, making it ideal for high-traffic kitchens or homes with pets and children.

Question 60

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 61

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 62

Can the mirrors and lighting be customized?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coordinated mirrors, integrated task lighting, and sconces can be planned as part of the cabinetry design.

Question 63

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 64

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.

Kitchen Collection

Features in this project