CABINETRY CONSTRUCTION STYLES:

• Framed:
  Framed cabinets are just that – the cases are framed on the front surface. Often, wider cabinets possess a centre stile between the two doors. Mounted to the face frames are the door hinges. Thus, the door fronts do not completely cover the front of the cabinet.
  The existence of the frames and center stile make it difficult to install pull out shelves and other accessories. As well, less of the storage space is easily accessible, because one has to navigate around the frames to use the cabinet interior. While framed cabinets may provide an attractive, country-style look because they are an older style of cabinetry design, they prove less functional, but are the most produced in the USA.

• Frame-less:
  Also known as European cabinetry, this style of cabinet provides full-access to the storage space, because the cabinetry face frame and center stile is eliminated. Fully-adjustable, European hinges are concealed inside the case itself, mounted to the side gables. Also attached to the interior sides of the case are drawer slides. Roll-out shelves and other space-maximizing accessories can easily be installed inside, because there are no face frames to impede them. Unframed cabinetry also affords a cleaner, less busy look to spaces, with the door and drawer fronts not having to share the limelight with any face frames.
  United Kitchens proudly offers both styles cabinetry. 
   

CABINETRY CONSTRUCTION METHODS:

• Staples, Pins, Cam Bolts:
  Components such as these are utilized in cabinetry where swiftness and convenience take precedence over cost, and is considered a common practice in the States. Staples and pins do not always render a product that remains perfectly square nor strong. Cam bolts are often used in knock-down, flat pack cabinets, designed to be assembled at the jobsite. All hardware of this kind is susceptible to loosening or failing. Manufacturers may employ them to keep prices down, but doing so means product integrity and quality also decline.

• Dowel and Glue:
  This is a traditional, tried-and-true construction method for cabinetry, trusted by leading manufacturers.
  Utilizing precisely calibrated machinery holes are drilled into the case material. High quality wood glue is applied into the holes, and wood dowels are inserted in the holes to marry the cabinet components together. Perfect squareness is achieved by using laser precision machines that compress the case equally from all sides. This type of fabrication prevents movement at the joints where cabinetry pieces are fitted together. The end product is sturdier and remains square throughout the life of the cabinet because screws and cams – prone to loosening – are not used. A further benefit is a case exterior free from visible fabrication hardware. At United Kitchens, we trust only dowel and glue construction to attain our superior standard of quality and durability.
   

CASE MATERIAL:

• Particle Board:
  Particleboard is an engineered wood manufactured from wood chips, shavings, and sawdust. When pressed together, it is bound by a synthetic resin through high-heat compression. Particleboard is free from knots and can be easily produced in any size, density, and quality. It is strong, durable and consistent in size, shape, and thickness. While particleboard is an ideal material for cabinetry, it can swell if moisture comes into direct contact with the particles. United Kitchens' vendors uses only the finest multi-density, furniture-grade particleboard laminated with white or natural Maple melamine and/or vinyl for a water repellent surface. 

• Plywood:
  Plywood is a manufactured wood comprising thin sheets carefully adhered to one another. It is strong and resistant to chipping and cracking. While this material is offered at an upgraded price from particleboard, it is resistant to water damage and holds screws fast.
  The kind of plywood you find in home centers and hardware stores is used in home construction, but Maple or Birch is usually favored for cabinetry-grade plywood. United Kitchens carefully selected vendors who utilize the highest quality furniture grade, locally-sourced Birch plywood for its case material. An added benefit is its low formaldehyde content and C.A.R.B. (California Air Resource Board) designation. It is sanded smooth and given a finishing clear coat to retain the wood's natural honey-golden character.
   

HARDWARE AND DRAWER BOXES:

• Hinges: 
  In framed cabinetry, hinges can be mounted on the interior (concealed) or the exterior making them a visible component, whereas in Frame-less cabinetry, they are concealed inside the cabinet box, making for a cleaner look.

  • For superior hinges, look for:

    • European-style hinges, that are 6-way adjustable.

    • A 110 degree angle of opening.

    • Square springs for strength and integrity.

    • Recycled and recyclable, all-metal construction.

    • A snap-on, snap-off feature for easy removal.

    • A soft-close feature built into the unit.

• Slides: 
  Drawer slides are a hidden element in cabinetry construction, meaning their importance can often be overlooked. However, if you have ever experienced a malfunctioning drawer, you are quickly reminded that drawer slides are a critical component in the function and feel of your cabinets.

          For superior drawers, look for:

• ​Recycled and recyclable, all-metal construction.

• Full-extension for increased access, especially to the back of the drawer.

• Under-mounted slides; not only do they streamline the look of your drawers, they increase storage width and allow for easy removal of the drawer box.

• Silky-smooth operation.

• ​A soft-close feature.

• Drawer Boxes: 
  Drawer boxes are constructed of many different materials depending on your wants, needs and style of the space

  • Plywood Drawer Boxes:​

    • Most budget friendly construction​

    • Constructed with Cabinet Grade Plywood

    • Shortest Life Span

    • White or Natural Maple Finish

  • Hardwood Drawer Boxes:

    • Constructed from Solid Maple in Standard Cabinetry​

      • Sanded and Finished in a Natural Stain​

    • Constructed from Solid Cherry or Walnut in Custom Cabinetry

      • Edge Profiled, Sanded and Finished to your desired finish​

    • All use dovetail joinery for a long life span

  • Metal Drawer Boxes:

    • Mostly Used in Frame-less Contemporary Style Settings​

    • Powder Coated for a very durable finish

       

DOOR STYLES:

• Recessed or Flat Panel Doors

  • Boast a frame bordering a completely flat centre panel.

  • Probably the most versatile of all door styles, flat panel doors suit a variety of tastes ranging from traditional to contemporary

  • Are available in various wood species, painted materials, and thermofoil to complement your style and budget. 

• Raised Panel Doors

  • Feature a raised center panel framed by moulding.

  • Traditional spaces are nicely complemented by raised panel doors.

  • Are offered in a number of wood species, painted materials, and thermofoil. 

• Slab Doors

  • Are the least adorned door style; they consist of a single, flat surface of wood, painted material, melamine, or thermafoil.

  • Edges and corners may be rounded, square, or eased. The simple, clean lines of slab doors lend a calm, sleek look to contemporary interiors.

  • High gloss slab doors have emerged as a strong trend in cabinetry. 
     

 

SPECIES:

• Cherry

  • Light, hard, strong, stiff, dense, close-grained wood with a uniform texture and varying appearance.

  • Grain variations include waves, curls, and lines.

  • Random mineral streaks, gum pockets, pin knots create interest and variation in the appearance of the wood.

  • Color is a natural reddish-brown; color mellows with exposure to light.

  • Very durable.

  • Responds beautifully to stain, accepting it uniformly.

  • A natural, rich look in cabinetry.

• Maple

  • Heavy, hard, strong, dense, stiff, close-grained wood with uniform texture and appearance, though pieces can vary slightly.

  • Subtle grain variations such as waves and fine lines.

  • Small, black mineral streaks and bird's eye dots sometimes present and enhance the look of authentic wood.

  • Color is cream to pale reddish brown; color mellows with exposure to light.

  • Very durable.

  • Slightly waxier than other species, so stain will sometimes appear slightly lighter and a bit less uniform.

  • A budget-friendly hardwood.

  • Creates a more subtle, consistent look in cabinetry.

• Oak (Red)

  • Heavy, hard, strong, stiff, open-grained wood with varying texture and appearance.

  • Distinctive grain patterns, varying from stripes to flowing waves.

  • Color varies from pale to reddish brown; color mellows with exposure to light.

  • Very durable.

  • Responds beautifully to stain – grain and color variation greatly enhanced.

  • A budget-friendly hardwood.

  • Oak has a distinctive personality, greatly impacting the overall look of the cabinetry.​

• Alder

  • Light, soft hardwood, medium density, close-grained wood with a uniform texture (with the exception of the knots in Knotty Alder) and subtly varying grain pattern.

  • Fairly straight-grained with variations including subtle waves and lines.

  • Some mineral streaks and pin knots.

  • Color is light tan to medium brown; color mellows with exposure to light.

  • Less dent-resistant than Cherry.

  • Responds well to stain, accepting it uniformly, often mimicking Cherry.

  • Knotty Alder has the same attributes as Clear Alder, but boasts greater grain variation, knots, knot holes, and pin holes.

  • Knotty Alder is a good alternative to Knotty Pine; it is harder and accepts stain more uniformly.

  • A budget-friendly wood.

  • Like Cherry, Alder lends a natural, rich look to cabinetry; Knotty Alder is distinctively rustic.

• Knotty Pine

  • Light, soft, porous, with a somewhat uniform texture (with the exception of the knots) and varying grain pattern.

  • Possesses narrow to wide grain lines, knots, knot holes, and mineral streaks.

  • Color varies from off-white to pale yellow to orangey-brown; color mellows with exposure to light.

  • Susceptible to denting, but this may add to its rustic appeal.

  • Accepts lighter, transparent stains better than darker or translucent ones.

  • Budget-friendly.

  • With its varying grain pattern and color, and the presence of random knots and mineral streaks, Knotty Pine lends a rustic, homey appearance to cabinetry.

• Engineered Wood Veneers (Eco-Friendly Metropolitan Woods)

  • Veneers created utilizing computer technology to achieve consistently-shaped grain patterning.

  • Though veneers mimic the appearance of exotic and rare hardwood, they are crafted from plantation-grown, responsibly-managed woods.

  • Water-based dyes used to achieve colours.

  • Attractive price-point.

• Painted Maple

  • Maple, itself, is a heavy, hard, strong, dense, stiff, close-grained wood with uniform texture and appearance.

  • Its consistency in texture, grain, and density make it an ideal wood to accept matte finish paint.

  • MDF is chosen as a center panel for Painted Maple cabinet doors to prevent the cracking and lifting that may occur when veneer panels are painted.

  • Like all wood products, wood frame doors with MDF panels expand and contract with fluctuations in humidity and temperature:

    • The painted finish may not bridge the open joint between the centre panel and the outside frame.

    • As well, hairline cracks may appear at the frame joints.

    • These characteristics, however, are inherent to the product and are evidence that real wood has been used.

    • They enhance the authenticity and beauty of the wood-painted cabinet door.

  • Painted Maple cabinetry enhances both Traditional and Transitional interiors where the look of a fresh, finely painted product is desired.

• Painted MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)

  • MDF, itself, is a heavy, hard, strong, dense, stiff, uniformly textured wood product with no grain pattern.

  • Its consistency in texture and density make it an ideal material to accept matte and high-gloss paint.

  • Like all wood products, MDF doors expand and contract with fluctuations in humidity and temperature:

    • The painted finish may not bridge the open joint between the centre panel and the outside frame.

  • Unlike Painted Maple cabinetry, MDF doors can be more susceptible to damage in areas of high use.

    • As well, if moisture enters the blemished area, the exposed MDF may expand, creating a small ‘pillow'.

    • High-gloss finishes require careful maintenance and handling since they can scratch more readily.

    • Painted MDF cabinetry is so versatile, it suits a variety of applications from traditional to contemporary; high-gloss painted, MDF Slab doors are particularly sleek and stylish for the latter.

• Laminate

  • Either high pressure laminate or low pressure melamine is heat-bonded to a particle board core (Merit's particle board is furniture-grade and eco-friendly).

  • Texture is smooth and matte, smooth and glossy, or matte wood-grained, and is consistent.

  • Available in many solid colors, as well as finishes that mimic wood; color and grain pattern (if any) are also consistent.

  • Doors are edged with matching or Aluminum PVC edge banding.

  • Easy to clean.

  • Highly scratch-, dent-, water-, and stain-resistant, though high-gloss laminate requires a little more care to prevent scratching.

  • Low-cost alternative to wood and painted products, and is more durable and easy to maintain.

  • Can be susceptible to heat and steam damage if proper precautions are not taken.

  • Door corners and edge banding can wear over time.

  • Slab doors with textured woodgrain laminate lend a clean, chic look to contemporary interiors.
     

At United Kitchen & Bath, products, colors, and materials that we had carefully selected from vendors, means we have something to suit even the most discerning tastes. We are so confident you will be thrilled with the cabinetry we offer in every way.

 

Read more !