How important is the construction?

Well its certainly easy to overlook the cabinet construction when you see dazzling displays at showrooms. However, underneath the surface the differences from one cabinet to the next may shock you. How is the cabinet constructed? 

Framed Cabinet Construction
Framed cabinets incorporate a wood ‘frame’ around the front outer edge of the cabinet box. That’s in contrast to a frameless cabinet which doesn’t have this feature.

If you visualize a basic wood box, the face frame is made up of several pieces of wood that are fastened to the forward edge of the cabinet, framing the cabinet box. The outside edges of the frame are flush with the outside surfaces of the cabinet box whereas the inside portion of the frame extends past the inside edges of the box slightly. The face frame provides some rigidity to the cabinet box, helping it to remain square and sturdy.

Example of the basic structure of a framed cabinet

Framed cabinet construction is generally considered more traditional looking and offers some style variety based on the amount of door overlay. Door overlay just means the extent to which the door covers or “lays-over” the face frame.

• Full-overlay means the doors and drawers completely cover the face frame
• Partial-overlay simply means that the doors and drawers cover only part of the frame.
• Full-inset means the doors and drawers are made to fit within the face frame opening.

 

Different manufacturers offer varying styles in the extent of door-to-frame overlay. Framed Cabinet Construction
Framed cabinets incorporate a wood ‘frame’ around the front outer edge of the cabinet box. That’s in contrast to a frameless cabinet which doesn’t have this feature.

If you visualize a basic wood box, the face frame is made up of several pieces of wood that are fastened to the forward edge of the cabinet, framing the cabinet box. The outside edges of the frame are flush with the outside surfaces of the cabinet box whereas the inside portion of the frame extends past the inside edges of the box slightly. The face frame provides some rigidity to the cabinet box, helping it to remain square and sturdy.

Example of the basic structure of a framed cabinet

Framed cabinet construction is generally considered more traditional looking and offers some style variety based on the amount of door overlay. Door overlay just means the extent to which the door covers or “lays-over” the face frame.

• Full-overlay means the doors and drawers completely cover the face frame
• Partial-overlay simply means that the doors and drawers cover only part of the frame.
• Full-inset means the doors and drawers are made to fit within the face frame opening.

 

Different manufacturers offer varying styles in the extent of door-to-frame overlay.

LKN Cabinets and Remodeling serves the entire Charlotte region. We can be contacted by visiting our website www.LKNcabinets.com  and clicking “Contact Us” link

Remodeling Your Kitchen – Will it Pay Off When You Sell?

Many homeowners often ask the question, will I get back my money on this remodel if I sell my house soon? The short answer is, it depends.

My second short answer is yes! If your overall home is nice and your kitchen is lacking then it maybe wise to remodel before you resale. But you must take into account the cost to remodel, do not go overboard on your kitchen if your home is an average dwelling. Find out what is happening in your neighborhood as far as kitchen remodels go.

Never remodel with a strong niche theme in mind. That means no checkered flooring, retro, country, etc. A theme that does not fit with your home and or mass market may make it harder to sell your home. Remodeling for profit means your kitchen cost should be no more than 8% of total home value.

For an honest opinion ask your friends and family. You can never trust someone who has motive to gain business or profit from your home. Take it for what it is worth.

Hiring a remodeling contractor. Make a list of exactly what are must have item for your project then hand them out to all that come over to bid. Get as many bids as you like and then you can eliminate from the bottom up. Every contractor thinks they do good work. I know guys who have been remodeling for 20 years who are not very good with quality. Just because they have done it for the longest time does not have anything to do with their knowledge or quality.

Take your time. Avoid contractors that are in a hurry to get you to sign something. They are worried you will find someone better. They are not very confident that you will pick them and their deal.

Finally, If you are in doubt? Don’t do it. Time will tell. But if you plan to live there for a while and think you will enjoy the remodel and can afford it than I say go for it. Often times when I am done with a remodel the homeowner will tell me I really wish I would have done this sooner. ]