How to Build Cabinets: The Masterclass for Making Cabinets – Part One
The professional process involving how to build cabinets requires the knowledge and skillsets of an experienced carpenter. Kitchen cabinets are one of the hallmarks of fine woodworking, because of their necessary utility and optical prominence in your kitchen. And there is a big difference between do-it-yourself cabinet kits, and custom cabinets that are both beautiful and well-made.
Learn the step-by-step process that professional cabinet makers use in the building process, along with the necessary shop tools and equipment. Find out how the intricate craftsmanship that goes into a custom cabinet determines its aesthetic and functional quality. And, discover the expertise that goes into custom cabinetry, with techniques and tips from master cabinet makers.
The Definitive Masterclass Guide on How to Build Cabinets for Kitchens
If you want to know how to build cabinets, you have to separate the project into its constituent components. Cabinets consist of face frames, drawers, doors, and finish panels. And, don’t forget that upper cabinets or wall cabinets are different from your lower base cabinets.
When professional cabinet makers approach a custom kitchen cabinet project, the first thing they understand is that cabinets are, essentially just wooden boxes. So, the planning stage often begins with a project overview on how many boxes you need to make, of what type, and how they are arranged in context to each other. Also, the planning stage must determine whether the cabinets are traditional or European style, as it affects the usable area inside the cabinets for adding drawers and pull-out shelves.
Planning, Dimensions, and Ergonomic Principles of Cabinets
Including the countertop, base cabinets are 36-inches tall – as are all commercial kitchen appliances – which is uniform amongst all professional and commercial cabinet manufacturing. So, when building base cabinets, the top measures 34-inches, which accommodates a 2-inch tall countertop.
A base cabinet sits on top of a supporting 3-inch tall box called a toe-kick, which is set-in 3-inches from the front of the main cabinet box. This allows you to stand closer to the counter without bumping your toes on the bottom of your cabinet. When it comes to upper cabinets, the standard is to mount them on the wall 18-inches from the surface of your countertop, for the most accessibility.
The height of upper cabinets can vary, depending on the height of your kitchen ceiling, or based on the accessibility. On average, 30-inches is the most common height. The dimensions of the cabinet doors, however, depending on the cabinet style your project calls for.
Traditional Cabinets vs European Cabinets: What’s the Difference?
Traditional or face-frame cabinets are fit with frames on the front, which is often made of hardwood and can feature other aesthetic enhancements. European style cabinetry is frameless, featuring a more modern aesthetic, and additional space. The face frame on traditional cabinetry takes-up several inches of drawer space that is saved in European-style cabinets frameless design.
Materials and Tools: What Do Professionals Use for Building Cabinets?
The fewer tools you have, the more skill you need – and the more tools you have the more skill you need. So, either way – the most important tool for building cabinets is the skill of the carpenter. It doesn’t take a professional shop of bench tools and special equipment to make cabinets, but it does take a professional.
Professionally built commercial cabinets are made mostly from sheet goods and hardwood. A master cabinet maker only needs a few simple tools, like a drill, saw, hammer, chisel, and level. But, that doesn’t mean that some shop tools, like a table, saw, pocket jig, hand router, and power staplers aren’t appreciated by finely skilled carpenters.
What Sheet Goods are Used?
For the main base and upper cabinet boxes, as well as drawers and shelving, cabinet makers often use plywood that is custom made for cabinet builders. Hardwood naturally expands and contracts with the seasons and environmental conditions, which is why plywood often is used for the cabinets box. For the face frame and doors, hardwood is ideal to add an aesthetic of elegance, robustness, or rustic warmth depending on your choice of hardwood species.
At the beginning of the project is also when the cabinet maker determines what types of hardware, fasteners, hinges, and runners will be needed later on in the process. In the next part, you get into the step-by-step process of how to build cabinets using sheet goods and basic carpentry equipment. Talk to a Myers Cabinets associate for a one-on-one how to build cabinets consultation.