What does door ‘overlay’ mean?

This week’s featured designer is Brandy Souza, Assistant General Manager of Kitchen Views. You can check out her profile here.

In the language of cabinet design, what on earth does “door overlay” mean?

When speaking with a designer about renovating your kitchen, have you been asked about your preference for “door overlay”? While you are quite familiar with the current cabinets you use daily, most homeowners would just shrug their shoulders at this question. Yet it’s an important consideration when planning your new kitchen. We’re here to educate you on the available products and their construction so that you can make informed decisions.

Here are four common door overlays, with basic descriptions:

Framed – Full, Framed – Partial, Inset, Frameless

Framed = Full or Partial, the cabinet box face is seen around the cabinet door and drawer. This is a traditional cabinet style.

Inset = the cabinet door and drawer face are set into the cabinet box. This is a traditional furniture style.

Frameless = the cabinet box is not “framed” on the front, and only the cabinet door and drawer face are seen. This is a modern, European style Continue reading »

Does Higher Price Equals Better Quality?

 Does Higher Price Equals Better Quality?

The big brands do a very good job of selling you on finishes and options, but they very rarely talk about the construction or the quality of the cabinet. They are playing off emotion rather than practicality or function. Showrooms in big home improvement stores are very expensive, and costs can be burdened on the large brand name cabinet companies. The cabinets therefore must be priced accordingly! A plywood cabinet box that is not a name brand may at times price up to 50% less than a comparable particle board brand name company. Continue reading »

Plywood sides better?