Kitchen Design Basics – Cabinet Drawer Hardware
Cabinet drawer hardware is one aspect of cabinet design where there are many options. In this article we will outline some of the more common option for cabinet drawer slides.
Epoxy Coated Drawer Slides
These are the most common type of slide and ones you will see on all the inexpensive cabinets available at the large home improvement centers. These are the default slide that you will also see in most new subdivision developments. Available for as little as $2 in bulk, they are serviceable, but do not provide any of the desirable features of the hardware listed below.
Side Mounted ball-bearing slides
These are a good mid-range option. Much stronger than the epoxy coated slides, they also add a substantial feel to the drawer slide operation. These are available with a full access option, meaning that the drawer will pull out the full depth of the drawer, unlike the the epoxy slides which only partially open.
Under mount Slides
These are the most popular slide upgrade. They are the most visually pleasing as all of the hardware is out of sight since its mounted under the drawer. These too are available with a full-extension option. Many also feature a soft-close feature which has become quite popular. When paired with a dovetailed drawer, these are synonymous with the highest quality cabinets.
While the drawer slide selection may seem like a minor consideration, in reality spending an extra few dollars on upgraded hardware can greatly improve the utility and convenience of your cabinets.
| Paul Eden is a mechanical engineer who enjoys home improvement projects. He also has recently written about induction cookware and portable induction cooktops.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Eden |
Under Cabinet Lighting How To
Under cabinet lighting is a great way to brighten up any kitchen. A set of recessed lighting can liven up and show off your countertops. It used to be a major undertaking to try and install under cabinet lighting but luckily there are kits available now that make it a snap. There are a few ways to do the job so read on for a few under cabinet lighting how too tips.
When choosing under cabinet lighting you have a few options available. You can go with either a small direct spot light or full length recessed fluorescent tubes. Both offer an attractive look to accent the kitchen. It just boils down to personal choice.
For the sake of simplicity let’s look at installing a set of lights that doesn’t need to be hardwired back to your main circuit panel.
The first step is to head down to the hardware store and pick out an under cabinet lighting kit.
Once you’ve picked out the right light for your kitchen, installation is a breeze.
Measure the entire length of your cabinets. This will determine how many lights you need. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 spot light every 18 inches.
Start the first light far enough from the end of the cabinets to allow for equal spacing of all the lights.
Use a few small finish nails to tack the lights to the bottom of the cabinets. Make sure the nail is short enough that it won’t protrude completely through the bottom of the cabinet.
Continue tacking lights up until you reach the end of the string.
Place an inline splice into the under cabinet lighting wiring as close as possible to an electrical outlet. The cabinet lighting kit should have this included in it.
Now splice the power switch to the lighting into this wire. Cut off any excess line and connect up an electrical plug to the end of the wire.
Next use a staple gun to staple up the wiring. Be careful to center the wire in the staple to avoid cutting into the wire. If the wire is too long to lay flush in a straight line between the lights you can snake it along the underside of the cabinet. Since the wires and lights are hidden it doesn’t matter how the wiring is run, you can’t see it.
The final step is to finish work on the lights. Working down the light string, pop bulbs into the sockets making sure they’re tight. After all the lights are installed simply snap on the decorative covers and that’s it, you’re done!
Plug in the lights and flick the switch. Stick your head under the counter to make sure that all the lights come on.
These few under cabinet lighting how too tricks can help simplify the installation of a new kitchen lighting system. There are plenty of options available, all you need to do is spend a little time looking for just the right one that works for your kitchen.
| Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it is cabinet hardware for your bathroom or kitchen cabinet hardware for your kitchen there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Click today and indulge your senses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre |
Kitchen Design Basics – Three Cabinet Construction Options
There are many ways to construct a set of kitchen cabinets. There are currently three fundamental methods of marrying the cabinet door to the cabinet. In this article these three options are discussed:
Overlay Door, Face Frame
The overlay door with face frame style cabinet construction is the most common type of cabinet construction. Basically, the front of the run of cabinets is covered with a hardwood frame, usually about 1 1/2 inches wide. Thus each door or pair of doors is backed by this frame and the door itself sits proud of the frame when closed. This type of construction requires the least amount of precision because there is a margin around each drawer or door and small differences are not noticeable.
Frameless Cabinet Construction
Sometimes called euro construction, in this instance the fro of the cabinet has is left uncovered, except for thin veneer, which covers the edge of the cabinet box (usually plywood or melamine). The cabinet door is built just slightly smaller that the outside edge of the cabinet, leaving a consistent reveal of about 1/8 inch between each cabinet door and between doors and drawers above. This type of construction requires a high degree of precision and exacting installation. The look of this type of cabinet is sleek and modern. Another advantage often cited is that the cabinet are full access, meaning they are not encumbered by a frame surrounding the openings.
Inset Door Construction
This style of cabinet construction is similar to the overlay door type in that there is a hardwood frame attached to the front of the cabinet. However instead of the door sitting proud of the frame, the inset doors are flush with the front of the frame when closed. Like the frameless cabinet, these also require more precision than the face frame to ensure that the gap between the doors and frames are consistent. Inset doors are often associated with more traditional cabinets designs.
Paul Eden is a mechanical engineer who enjoys home improvement projects. He also recently found the best laptop backpack for his new 17″ notebook, and discovered many affordable backpacks for laptops.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Eden
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