When it comes to designing a space, cabinets play both a functional and an aesthetic role. Cabinets are the backbone of any room, so choosing the right type of cabinets and understanding their different components can have a significant impact on the final design. In this guide, we will provide an overview of the different cabinet types and parts, and explain why Alps Craftsman is the best in the business.
Types of Cabinets
Several types of cabinets can be used in a cabinet design, whether for a kitchen or another space in your home. Some of the most common are:
- Base cabinets: These cabinets are the foundation of the kitchen and are installed below the countertops. They are designed to provide storage space for larger items such as pots, pans, and small appliances.
- Wall cabinets: These cabinets are installed to provide storage space on the walls above the countertops. They can be used to store smaller items such as dishes, glasses, and spices.
- Tall cabinets: These cabinets run from the floor up, not leaving room for a countertop. This extra space is great for a pantry or for providing storage space for larger items such as brooms, mops, and other cleaning supplies. These are sometimes also called utility cabinets.
- Corner cabinets: These cabinets are designed to fit in the corners of the kitchen and can be used to store items that are not used frequently.
- Specialty cabinets: These cabinets are designed for the storage of specific items such as wine, spices, and trash bins.
Cabinet Parts
Understanding the different parts of a cabinet can help you make an informed decision about the type of cabinets you want in your design. The most common parts of a cabinet are:
- Cabinet box: The main structure of the cabinet is usually made of wood or engineered wood.
- Face frame: The part of the cabinet that is visible when the cabinet doors are closed. It is usually made of solid wood and is used to reinforce the cabinet box. Not all cabinets have face frames because this extra material creates a slightly smaller opening into the actual cabinet and a larger gap between cabinet doors when they are installed.
- Doors: The front panels of the cabinet, which are used to access the storage space inside the cabinet. They can be made of various materials such as wood, glass, or metal.
- Drawers: Sliding compartments that are used to store smaller items such as utensils and cutlery.
- Hinges: The hardware that connects the cabinet doors to the cabinet box. They are available in various types such as concealed or exposed hinges. Soft-close hinges are very common on cabinets so the doors don’t shut too quick.
- Glides: Rails that are attached to the cabinet box and drawers that allow for opening and closing. Most often the glides have a soft-close feature so that the drawers don’t slam shut.
Cabinet Construction Styles
The look of a cabinet is more than just the material it’s made from or the door design. Construction styles can greatly affect the look and functionality of a cabinet. Different cabinet construction styles are:
- Partial Overlay: The cabinet doors are less wide, allowing for more o