Cabinetry & Countertop Training

Lower Cabinets: 

Types of Lower Cabinets:

• Base Cabinets:

  • Standard cabinets that sit on the floor, providing general storage.

  • Available in various widths and depths to fit different layouts.

• Drawer Base Cabinets:

  • Feature multiple drawers for organized storage of utensils, cookware, and other items.  

• Sink Base Cabinets:

  • Designed to accommodate sinks and plumbing fixtures.  

  • Typically feature a false front to conceal pipes.  

• Corner Base Cabinets:

  • Designed to fit into corner spaces, maximizing storage in awkward areas.  

  • Types: Lazy Susan cabinets, blind corner cabinets.  

• Pull-Out Base Cabinets:

  • Feature pull-out shelves or drawers for easy access to stored items.  

  • Ideal for storing pots, pans, and other heavy items.  

• Appliance Base Cabinets:

  • Designed to house built-in appliances such as dishwashers, or ovens.  

• Roll-Out Trays:

  • These are shelves that slide out on tracks, allowing for easier access to the back of the cabinet.  

Cabinet Materials:

• Solid Wood:

  • Provides a classic and elegant look.

  • Durable and long-lasting.

  • Types: Oak, maple, cherry, etc.

• Plywood:

  • Strong and stable, resistant to warping.

  • Commonly used for cabinet boxes and shelves.

  • Often used for the interior of the cabinet.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard):

  • Smooth surface, affordable, and resistant to warping.

  • Commonly used for painted cabinets.

  • Often used for cabinet doors.  

• Particleboard:

  • Affordable, but less durable than plywood or MDF.

  • Susceptible to moisture damage.

  • Less common in high-quality cabinets.

• Laminate:

  • A thin layer of decorative material bonded to a particleboard or MDF core.

  • Durable, easy to clean, and available in various colors and patterns.

  • Common for modern and contemporary designs.

Cabinet Construction:

• Framed Cabinets:

  • Feature a face frame that surrounds the cabinet opening, providing structural support.

  • Traditional construction style.

• Frameless Cabinets (European-Style):

  • Lack a face frame, offering a sleek and modern look.

  • Provide more interior storage space.

• Cabinet Boxes:

  • The main body of the cabinet, typically constructed from plywood or particleboard.

• Cabinet Doors:

  • The front panels of the cabinet, available in various styles and materials.

• Cabinet Drawers:

  • Pull-out compartments for organized storage.

• Cabinet Shelves:

  • Interior surfaces for storing items.

Upper Cabinets: 

Types of Upper Cabinets:

• Standard Upper Cabinets:

  • The most common type, providing general storage.

  • Available in various widths, heights, and depths to fit different layouts.  

• Glass-Front Upper Cabinets:

  • Feature glass panels in the doors, displaying dishes or glassware.  

  • Add a decorative touch and create a sense of openness.

• Open Shelving Upper Cabinets:

  • Consist of open shelves without doors, offering easy access to frequently used items.  

  • Popular in modern and minimalist designs.

• Corner Upper Cabinets:

  • Designed to fit into corner spaces, maximizing storage in awkward areas.  

  • Types: Lazy Susan cabinets, pie-cut cabinets.

• Over-Refrigerator Cabinets:

  • Designed to fit above refrigerators, utilizing otherwise wasted space.

• Microwave Upper Cabinets:

  • Designed to house built in microwaves.  

• Pantry Upper Cabinets:

  • These are usually very tall upper cabinets, that extend to the ceiling.

Cabinet Materials:

• Solid Wood:

  • Provides a classic and elegant look.

  • Durable and long-lasting.

  • Types: Oak, maple, cherry, etc.

• Plywood:

  • Strong and stable, resistant to warping.

  • Commonly used for cabinet boxes and shelves.

  • Often used for the interior of the cabinet.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard):

  • Smooth surface, affordable, and resistant to warping.

  • Commonly used for painted cabinets.

  • Often used for cabinet doors.  

• Particleboard:

  • Affordable, but less durable than plywood or MDF.

  • Susceptible to moisture damage.

  • Less common in high-quality cabinets.

• Laminate:

  • A thin layer of decorative material bonded to a particleboard or MDF core.

  • Durable, easy to clean, and available in various colors and patterns.

  • Common for modern and contemporary designs.

Cabinet Construction:

• Framed Cabinets:

  • Feature a face frame that surrounds the cabinet opening, providing structural support.  

  • Traditional construction style.

• Frameless Cabinets (European-Style):

  • Lack a face frame, offering a sleek and modern look.

  • Provide more interior storage space.

• Cabinet Boxes:

  • The main body of the cabinet, typically constructed from plywood or particleboard.

• Cabinet Doors:

  • The front panels of the cabinet, available in various styles and materials.

• Cabinet Shelves:

  • Interior surfaces for storing items.

Countertops: Combining Functionality and Style

Countertop Materials:

• Granite:

  • Pros: Durable, heat-resistant, natural stone beauty, wide range of colors and patterns.  

  • Cons: Can be expensive, requires sealing, can chip or crack.  

• Quartz (Engineered Stone):

  • Pros: Durable, low maintenance, non-porous (no sealing required), wide range of colors and patterns.  

  • Cons: Can be expensive, less heat-resistant than granite.  

• Laminate:

  • Pros: Affordable, wide range of colors and patterns, easy to clean.  

  • Cons: Susceptible to scratches and heat damage, seams are visible.

• Solid Surface (Acrylic):

  • Pros: Seamless appearance, non-porous, repairable, wide range of colors and patterns.  

  • Cons: Can be scratched and damaged by heat, can be expensive.  

• Butcher Block (Wood):

  • Pros: Warm and natural look, durable, can be refinished.

  • Cons: Requires regular maintenance, susceptible to water damage, can harbor bacteria.

• Tile (Ceramic or Porcelain):

  • Pros: Affordable, durable, wide range of colors and patterns.  

  • Cons: Grout lines require regular cleaning, can chip or crack.  

• Concrete:

  • Pros: Customizable, durable, unique appearance.

  • Cons: Can be expensive, requires sealing, can stain or crack.

• Stainless Steel:

  • Pros: Durable, heat-resistant, hygienic.

  • Cons: Can scratch and dent, shows fingerprints, expensive.

• Marble:

  • Pros: Beautiful, Classic, and high end.

  • Cons: expensive, soft stone, stains easily.

Countertop Storage (If Detached):

• Granite/Quartz/Marble:

  • Store vertically on A-frames or dollies.

  • Pad the edges to prevent chipping.

  • Avoid stacking heavy slabs.

• Laminate/Solid Surface:

  • Store vertically on a level surface.

  • Protect the surface from scratches with padding.

  • Avoid storing in humid environments as they can swell.

• Butcher Block:

  • Store vertically on a flat level surface.

  • Maintain consistent temperature and humidity.

  • Apply a protective cutting board oil before storage as they can crack and split if over dried.

• Concrete:

  • Store vertically or flat on a level surface.

  • Protect edges from chipping.