How We Make Drawer Box for Your Kitchen Cabinets (part 2)

making kitchen cabinets drawer box

The kitchen is the heart of any home, where occupants and guests gather around to enjoy their time and meal. Thus, interior designers focus on creating aesthetics and a warm feeling for the area with different elements. Kitchen cabinets are the essential factor when renewing and decorating the space equivalent to the house’s overall design. However, many people consider how manufacturers and carpenters make custom kitchen cabinets. One of the components of kitchen cabinets is their drawer box which should be functional while satisfying the aesthetic needs.

Manufacturers utilize various methods for making the drawer box for kitchen cabinets. In the first part of the article, we discussed the standard tools for making kitchen cabinets, materials used for the purpose, and measuring the width and height of the drawer box. This article provides more information about the production process.

Depth of Kitchen Cabinets Drawer Box

Determining the depth of the kitchen cabinets drawer box is more complicated than defining other dimensions. For getting the most practical use of the products, the primary driver for the depth is the size of the glides to use. Experts choose the depth for providing the occupants with the full advantage of the extension feature. However, the size of the slides should be equivalent to the cabinet construction and the size.

Carpenters measure the inside depth of the kitchen cabinets where the drawer box should be installed. They do the measurements by sizing the back of the cabinets to the front section. If the products have overlay sections, where the box front sits in the front of the cabinet’s body, it is essential to measure the depth of the products and look for slides that are slightly shorter than the measurements. The dimensions of the slides determine the length of the outside depth. If the kitchen cabinet design requires inset drawers, where the box’s fronts should be installed flush with the front of the cabinet, then carpenters account for the thickness of the drawer front.

Drawer Box Sides, Front, and Back Length

After determining the outside dimensions of the kitchen cabinets drawer box, it is time to figure out the length of each part that makes up the external perimeter of the product.

  • Drawer Box Sides: The drawer box sides’ length is simply the product’s overall external dimensions.
  • Box Front and Back: The front and back of the drawer box fit between the sides, so they need to be shorter than the outside width. For determining the front and back length, carpenters take the overall exterior width of the box and subtract two times the thickness of the side sections. This measurement will vary depending on the material used for the kitchen cabinets, whether it is plywood or MDF panels (medium density fiberboard). It is essential to verify the thickness of the MDF panels with special tools.

Layout and Cutting Sides, Fronts, and Backs

Manufacturers always mock up the wood cutting process and plan before starting the procedure to reduce waste as much as possible. Using one more minor MDF panel for creating raised panels or flat panel doors for kitchen cabinets and drawer boxes can reduce the cost. Most carpenters include the cut width in the plans and do not wind up short pieces.

Generally, kitchen cabinets drawer boxes look better when the length of the piece follows the wood’s grain which is why carpenter’s layout the side sections along the longer end of the MDF panel. It is better to make the rip cuts first and then trim them to length using cutting tools such as a miter saw or table saw. It is essential to make sure there are a few centimeters at the end of each ripped section if there is a need to extend the length of any components.

The bottom section of the kitchen cabinets drawer box fits into the groove or dado cut into the bottom of the side, back, and front pieces. It is essential to note that it does not get glued into the place but rather floats in the dado to allow the material’s expansion. The table saw is the most practical tool for doing the cutting accurately. Cutting MDF panels is also possible using a circular saw, and the cut should be guided with a router. For people who prefer doing the DIY job, using a circular saw and guide will be efficient.

Assembling Kitchen Cabinets Drawer Box

After doing all measurements and cutting, manufacturers start the assembling phase of the kitchen cabinets drawer box. This stage involves drilling four pocket holes on the back and front pieces using a suitable jig. The holes must be drilled on the opposite side of the dado cut. Drilling the holes over the dado will damage the box, and spots are required for larger drawers applying additional pockets. Once the holes are ready, the box must be screwed together. Then the bottom section is installed on the box with screws and glue. The assembly is finished by applying different coats for further protection.

How We Make Drawer Box for Your Kitchen Cabinets? (Part 1)

drawer box for your kitchen cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are the essential components when constructing or renewing custom kitchens for developing aesthetic interior designs. These products contain various elements that complete their functionality. The drawer box is one of the crucial parts of the kitchen cabinets that allow occupants to use their storing products more functionally. Manufacturers utilize various standard methods for developing the drawer box. However, the construction procedure can seem daunting for non-experts. But there are only a few straightforward measurements to take for getting the correct dimensions. We utilize pocket holes joinery, MDF panel materials, and suitable hardware to make a drawer box for your kitchen cabinets more accessible.

Materials and Tools

Most kitchen cabinets are made from wood products such as MDF panels and plywood. We use the primary material for the sides of the drawer box. Additionally, using tempered hardwood or MDF material is suitable for the bottoms. When making a drawer box for your kitchen cabinets, we usually utilize eight pocket hole screws per box. However, the number of pocket hole screws varies depending on the size of the kitchen cabinets our customers demand.

The equipment is almost similar to the tools needed for making a cabinet.

We utilize the standard carpentry tools and modern devices such as CNC routers for cutting cabinets. However, the primary equipment required for making drawer box are as followed:

  • Table saw, or circular saw featured with a guide for cutting the MDF panel.
  • Router, circular saw, or table saw with directions for cutting dados.
  • Miter box or power miter saw for cutting to length (table saws are also suitable for the purpose).
  • Jig for creating pocket holes
  • Mechanical or Electrical drill
  • Simple tape measure
  • Straight edge

Kitchen Cabinets Drawer Box Construction Overview

Before getting into the drawer box making details, it is essential to know the typical kitchen cabinets drawer construction. There are various methods of building these products for the kitchen, and some require special equipment and skills while others feature simple processes and are not very attractive. Using pocket hole joinery creates a balance between appearance, cost, ease of build, and strength for the products. Thus, most carpenters and kitchen cabinet manufacturers utilize this specific method.

The kitchen cabinets drawer box consists of six primary components: the box sides, front and back, bottom, and exposed drawer front and pull. We utilize two wood screws for securing the drawer box front to the frame, and two machine screws hold the product pull in place. The eight pocket holes and screws which attach the front and back to the sides are not visible. Furthermore, the bottom section is placed in a groove (dado) cut into the sides, back, and front areas.

Choosing Wood Material for Kitchen Cabinets Drawer Box

Before starting the creating process, we determine the type of wood the cabinet design will require for the drawer box sides and bottoms. There are different suitable wood materials for the purpose: solid wood boards, MDF panels, melamine coated particle boards, and veneered plywood. Due to the drawer’s abusive tendency, using MDF panels for kitchen cabinet construction is better as they are durable and versatile. Solid woods are also very durable, but they are much more expensive than other materials. Using tight, closed grain, and light color materials are trendy in 2021 for kitchen cabinets.

We choose the box side thickness equivalent to the strength needed for the customer’s use. For making the bottom area, solid wood panels are not commonly used due to their price. MDF panels and boards are good enough for most kitchen cabinets drawer boxes. However, tempered hardboards are also practical and come in a dark brown hue but are not as attractive as modern MDF or plywood. This particular wood material is strong enough for bottom sections and is easy to find at a lower price than MDF panels or plywood.

Drawer Box Width and Height for Kitchen Cabinets

We use two primary factors to determine the outside width of the drawer box: the width of the opening for installing the box in and the side clearance for slides. It is better to measure the space after constructing the kitchen cabinet carcass. We calculate the front and back for knowing the tolerance of the slides. Then, for determining the outside dimension, we take the inside opening dimensions and subtract two times the clearance at the sides.

When the height of the opening is constrained, we measure the actual dimensions after the carcass is ready. Additionally, we calculate both sides and allow proper clearance for the top and bottom of the drawer slide. On the other hand, for non-constrained height, we use a shorter box height than the front section. For cases in which we need to install drawers into a kitchen cabinet with no separate opening for individual boxes, such as the bottom area of a European raised panel cabinet, we use this technique.

In part two of this article, we will get into more details of constructing drawer boxes for kitchen cabinets.

How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets?

Reface Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen Cabinets are the essential elements of every home’s kitchen and interior that affect the area’s overall appearance. Thus, interior designers and homeowners give special attention to their kitchen cabinets as they know it will change the feel and vibe of their applications. These particular area elements can get damaged, warp and scratch over time if they are not made from durable wood materials such as MDF panels. This is when homeowners should replace or reface kitchen cabinets.

Most people think they should replace their old or damaged kitchen cabinets with new ones, costing them a considerable amount of money. However, there is a sufficient explication for eliminating unwanted kitchen cabinets, refacing them with particular techniques. The method this article introduces is a DIY technique to reface kitchen cabinets with only simple tools, which are as followed:

  • Screwdriver (4-in-1 will be more helpful during the refacing process)
  • Brand nail gun for more stable fixture creation
  • Caulk gun
  • Circular saw (other says are also practical but may be challenging to reface kitchen cabinets with them)
  • Cordless drill
  • File
  • Different drill bits
  • Slitter (laminate can be functional)
  • Miter saw
  • Paper cutter
  • Other carpentry tools equivalent to different wood materials

Overview

Refacing kitchen cabinets is an easy, quick and straightforward way of changing the look of the interior without causing mess and expense of an entire remodeling project. The process primarily covers the cabinet face frame with different surfaces depending on the kitchen’s overall design. The new surface can feature raised panels kitchen cabinet doors as most modern designs utilize this door type. After choosing the best cover, replacing the old doors and drawer front with new products is essential. To reface kitchen cabinets, homeowners will spend about one-third of what new cabinet systems would cost. Giving attention to details and having some experience with tools is required to reface kitchen cabinets by yourself. However, it does not require master-level experience in carpentry. The only skill which is essential for having the best results is to measure and cut accurately.

Steps To Reface Kitchen Cabinets

The process of refacing kitchen cabinets involves doors and drawer removal and covering the front edges of the products with peel-and-stick wooden materials. Then it requires hanging the new doors with cup hinges which are easy to adjust and install. Attaching new kitchen cabinet surfaces to the existing drawers and finishing the process with molds, replacement, and new hardware installation is the last step. However, there are other things to do to reface kitchen cabinets with the best quality.

  1. Most original cabinets in the kitchen are basic and entry-level. It is essential to consider the uniqueness and the future design of the kitchen before starting the refacing process.
  2. Choose the color and the material, whether it should be MDF panel or plywood precisely. After choosing the materials for the cabinet refacing, be careful with finishes as they should match the kitchen’s appearance.
  3. The third step is the most critical stage in which measurement is done. Measure the dimensions of the kitchen cabinet precisely and write them down to remember.
  4. Choose a suitable cup hinge if an inset or lip door is converted into overlay doors for the refacing application.
  5. For sizing the door, defining the extending part past the face frame is required. This step is to overlay distance measurement. There are various practical hinges available to choose from for this step. However, the extra door width can cause issues. Thus, it is crucial to carefully measure inside corners and between the doors to ensure that there is enough space.
  6. Measuring inside corners with or without rotating shelves is often challenging. Use a scissors-hinged door, a pair of hinged doors that can be practical to reface kitchen cabinets. However, the easiest way to know the dimension of the inside corner is to ask the cabinet door supplier for help figuring the sizes and double-check the measurements or calculations before refacing the kitchen cabinets.
  7. Sand the corners of the cabinets for refacing preparation. Since this step can create dust, it is better to empty the cabinets and remove the doors by unscrewing the hinges that fix the opening to the face frame.
  8. After preparing and cleaning cabinets, it is time to transform the kitchen cabinets by installing the end MDF panels. If the face frame overhangs the existing panel, it is essential to add a filler for creating a flush surface.
  9. Measure and cut the end panel to size to fit the front edge with the surface of the face frame and then install the MDF panel with construction adhesive or few brads.
  10. Cut corners in the requiring sizes and bond them by pressing them with tools. The pressure direction must be from top to bottom at the edges, and it should be firm enough to make it stable.
  11. Hang the door by lining up the center of the hinge and drill a hole. Attach the bottom and top hinges by driving a screw through them into the stile.
  12. Align the drawer box with the previous measurements and drive screws through them into the front face. Check if the screws didn’t go through the face of the new refaced kitchen cabinet.
  13. Finish the procedure by installing cove molding along the MDF panel wall in the kitchen cabinets and cover the toe-kick with a thin strip of wood finished to match the rest of the cabinets.

What is the Trend for Kitchen Cabinets in 2021? (Part 2)

Repaint kitchen cabinets

The trend for kitchen cabinets in 2021 is pretty impressive for people who prefer to create a modern-looking kitchen for their houses. Interior designers describe kitchens as the heart of any home where occupants and guests spend their time enjoying food and gatherings. Thus, creating aesthetics for this area is a must-do for every homeowner. Custom Kitchen cabinets with various materials, including MDF panels (Medium Density Fiberboard Panels), plywood, hardwood, etc., are elements designers utilize to enhance the area’s beauty. Furthermore, leaving out the kitchen cabinet doors when renovating the place is not a wise choice. Knowing the trend for kitchen cabinets in 2021 will help homeowners create better-looking and sleek areas for eating and hanging out.

As told in part 1 of this article, drama is the trend for kitchen cabinets in 2021. We discussed various design trends and their unique characteristics. Some of the most modern designs in 2021 include Slab door kitchen cabinets, transitional cabinets, open frame systems, etc. Additionally, currently, people are looking for assorted door designs such as raised panel doors which are also very trendy. However, other factors are left to discuss: the trend for kitchen cabinets in 2021 from a color and layout perspective.

The Color Trend for Kitchen Cabinets in 2021

In classic kitchen designs, interior designers used stained natural wood cabinets, which is not the case in 2021. Currently, custom-cut kitchen cabinets and doors are including in colors. As stained wood designs are still popular, more people prefer adding pops of hues and colors to their kitchen. Cool-toned products are the trend for kitchen cabinets in 2021, including grey, blue, green, and two-toned hues. The followings are the best colors to choose for kitchen cabinets this year.

  • Blue: The main characteristic of this color provides a classic, cool and light look for the cabinets. Most blue kitchen cabinets are not cerulean but rather a grey-based navy, making them more neutral for the area. This color also provides a requiring contrast for stark white kitchens and can create a slightly darker feel. Additionally, these are a great look for people who want to create a more relaxed area for their homes.
  • White: Cabinets with a white finish are modern, sleek and tend to brighten or open up a place that might otherwise seem dark or small. White kitchen cabinets pair perfectly with most of the popular designs. Moreover, kitchens with white cabinetry involve better flexibility with their plans and dress up areas with a high-end appearance. White colour products continue to be the trend for kitchen cabinets in 2021.
  • Green: Popular home improvement projects have shown that green kitchen cabinets can considerably enhance the area’s beauty. Olive green cabinets are trendy in vintage and contemporary kitchens as they can be a reminder of the 70s while keeping the place light and airy. Designers prefer to utilize emerald green for trendy kitchen cabinets to create more dynamics and a dramatic feel.
  • Two-toned: Kitchen cabinets with tow-toned color often feature a white upper section paired with a darker base area. For lower hues, greys and blues are suitable, but canary yellow, dark purple and mint green are also practical.
  • Gray: One of the trendiest colors used in interior designs in 2021 is grey. This hue is a perfect alternative for those who prefer neutral colors but are not fans of an extreme industrial appearance.
  • Natural Wood: Most people love the rustic yet industrial look, and for those who want to bring natural elements inside, wood products with natural textures for cabinets is a perfect choice. Similar to grey kitchen cabinets, the wood can create a dramatic yet modern vibe for the interior.

Best Kitchen Layouts in 2021

Using the best trendy kitchen cabinets in 2021 without having a perfect layout design is useless. Thus knowing a few of them will help homeowners in their projects. The most popular kitchen layouts include:

  • The one wall.
  • Gallery layout.
  • L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens.
  • Island kitchen layout (very trendy in 2021).
  • The peninsula.

However, they are two other kitchen cabinet layouts that are currently very popular.

Mixed Cabinet Styles: This kitchen layout makes the area feel larger and provides an eye-catching element for the place. Its upper section features open-concept systems, and base cabinets have entirely different styles, such as slat cabinets. Moreover, this layout is popular in industrial and rustic style homes which is very trendy in 2021.

Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinetry: This layout is the perfect solution for the best use of kitchen space. It provides storage for all dishes and can be a suitable way to manage a part of the pantry. Having a floor-to-ceiling system will make the room feel taller. Additionally, it allows for cabinetry size variations and creates a unique design element for the home. However, this layout is more practical for larger kitchens.

What is the Trend for Kitchen Cabinets in 2021? (Part 1)

Trend for Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are essential elements of every home’s interior when creating a more appealing kitchen for occupants and guests. Most homeowners remodel their interior with beautiful and new tiles and vinyl floorings and then find out their kitchen cabinets look outdated in comparison. Thus, it is crucial not to leave out the kitchen cabinets and doors when considering having a renovation. Whether the plan is to paint or replace them, knowing the trend for kitchen cabinets in 2021 will help the homeowner create better aesthetics for the home. This article provides information about the tendency for kitchen cabinets in the current year. It will let you know which designs will rise and stick around for a more extended period.

The top trend for kitchen cabinets in 2021 is drama. Almost everyone tends to make their kitchen a statement as they see this area as the interior hub. Incorporating larger kitchen islands layouts is growing day by day, which is well known for its better storage and seating area. Most of the customers opt-out of traditional kitchen cabinets and prefer using open shelving to showcase the dinnerware. Additionally, interior designers mix and match different materials such as MDF and other woods for the same kitchen. In traditional designs, there was a limit in creating new styles due to the limited contrasting colors. However, in 2021, people are venturing into assorted door designs, including shaker and raised panel doors and wood tones or paint finishes.

Design Trend for Kitchen Cabinets

There are many trendy kitchen cabinets, and customers should not worry about the previous style limits. It used to be about hiding supplies and tools in the cupboards, but this is no longer the case. Light and bright hues are taking over the interior decoration trends as white color. More designers prefer to utilize sleeker and modern kitchen cabinets such as industrial looks and shelving. However, in 2021 it is common to find varied modern and traditional kitchen cabinets designs, creating aesthetics and a warm feel for the interior.

Slab Door Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most modern and sleek products is the Slab kitchen cabinet doors. Some of these trendiest designs do not feature handles or knobs, have frameless and flat fronts, and come with more glossy finishes. However, carpenters develop slab doors with wood finishes for customers who prefer more traditional looks for their interior. This design is considered minimal, and using them is a suitable way to modernize a kitchen or small portions of a house. Along with using slab doors for creating a modern appearance, it is recommended to complete the look with a backsplash or wood-look floor.

Transitional Cabinets

Transitional kitchen cabinet designs can be a subjective and confusing term, and the style mixes new and old looks that make these products very extraordinary. Manufacturers and carpenters modernize and update traditional kitchen cabinets by pairing them with modern components to produce a transitional design. However, this particular design for trendy kitchen cabinets features more conventional styles and consists of contemporary hardware. Additionally, they can accommodate shaker cabinets as well as open frame display products. Utilizing transitional products is the perfect way to have a more classic look in the kitchen without looking outdated. Many experts say these designs will be more prevalent in remodeling projects for 2021 than in newly built homes. The good thing about this type is that they can be made from MDF panels and other wood materials or even metal substances.

Reclaimed Trend for Kitchen Cabinets

Reclaimed Kitchen cabinets are the trend for homeowners who want to remodel their kitchens on a budget. For home remodeling plans, it is common to see the renovators redo the current products instead of springing for custom kitchen cabinets to save money, which is the primary reason for designing these particular systems. The concept is straightforward: revamping used products to make a more current look instead of purchasing a brand-new system. This will help homeowners to spend their money on other renovation parts such as floorings. Additionally, this inclination is considered eco-friendly as people are recycling cabinets with this method. As long as the trend for kitchen cabinets in 2021 needs a reclaimed system due to the current conditions, it will stay in the market for a longer time.

Open Frame Cabinets

Open frame cabinet doors are the middle-ground between traditional cabinets and open shelving. Most of these products feature glass panels to display items inside the cabinet. This design is suitable for kitchens with brighter and lighter colors as the illusion of open spaces can enhance the openness of more prominent and more luminous interiors. Depending on the overall design of the area, open frame kitchen cabinets can look modern or traditional.

Constructing Frameless Kitchen Cabinets (Part II)

Constructing Frameless Kitchen Cabinets

Constructing Frameless Kitchen Cabinets is a popular carpentry process for creating practical products for the interior. These products have modern, functional, and European style designs that can improve the house’s aesthetics and interior decoration. However, their design’s main functionality is for the kitchen. Manufacturers and carpenters produce these modern works with various wood materials, including MDF panels and Plywood.

Constructing frameless kitchen cabinets requires years of practice and experience. However, many people want to create their kitchen cabinets with MDF of other wood materials without hiring professionals. Thus, we decided to provide the required information for constructing frameless kitchen cabinets for such people. In part 1 of producing frameless kitchen cabinets, we discussed the basics of the carcass of the cabinets and the base options that the product can have. Thus, this part will provide more information about the process, including the frameless kitchen cabinets back options, tools for making them, and precise steps to complete the production of these functional materials.

Kitchen Cabinets Back Options

When constructing frameless kitchen cabinets, the cabinetmaker has some practical options for creating the back section of the product. Each method and option have exceptional stability and functionality.

  • Full Back: Carpenter can choose to make a full back with the same MDF panels or Plywood used for the kitchen cabinet. This configuration will provide an enclosed product with excellent strength, which is essential when installing heavy countertops or supporting heavy appliances. However, this method can be costly, but the carpenter can lower the expenditure by precisely planning the cutting method with a CNC router.
  • Nailed Back: Some people don’t mind if their cabinets have a back part or not. The nailed back option is the best for saving more MDF panels and other materials. Instead of having a full back, this method features creating two nailing strips out of the MDF panels for the top and bottom of the back, so there is a point to affix the kitchen cabinet to the wall and provide strength and rigidity to the product.
  • Economic Nailed Back: In some cases, people prefer to have an enclosed back system, but they also want to save money. Thus, it is better to use nailery as the previous method and utilize a piece of MDF panel on the back of the kitchen cabinet to provide a finished look. In addition to the lower cost of this method, it also provides a lighter product.

Tools and Materials Needed for Constructing Frameless Kitchen Cabinets

Like producing any other products, some essential tools and materials should be available for constructing frameless kitchen cabinets.

Tools: There are various tools available for making a cabinet that carpenters should have. However, the essential ones are table saw or circular saw while having a guide for making accurate cuts in the material. Other tools that can be practical are jig types and combination squares.

Materials: Experts always recommend using MDF panels or Plywood materials for both interior doors and kitchen cabinets. These materials come with different appearance grades and can accept various finishes. When using MDF panels, it is better to glue the joints and utilize appropriate pocket screws.

Steps of Constructing Frameless Kitchen Cabinets

Constructing frameless kitchen cabinets for different trendy layouts requires some essential steps. These steps will help cabinetmakers to achieve the best results for their kitchen cabinets.

  1. Calculating Kitchen Cabinet and Component Dimensions: The dimension that the cabinet maker needs for creating kitchen cabinets is the height, depth, width, component dimensions, bottom dimensions, shelf size, back and back dimensions, stretchers and sub toe kick measurements. The application determines the product’s height, and the depth has standard numbers, including the kitchen cabinets door. The cabinet depth is also equivalent to the preferences. The other dimensions are all depending on the first measurements. However, it is better to consult with professional cabinetmakers for better measures.
  2. Attaching Side To Back: This step starts with applying edge banding to the front of both kitchen cabinets sides. Then drilling pocket holes around the top and sides of the product’s back is necessary to attach it to one side.
  3. Attaching Bottom: Next step involves applying edge banding to the front of the bottom section and drilling pocket screw holes for connecting the bottom to the side and back section of the cabinet. Using a square is essential to make sure the alignments are appropriate.
  4. Fixing Other Side: Now it is time to settle and attach the other side to the cabinet assembly utilizing the previously drilled pocket holes.
  5. Stretchers Attachment: Attach the edge banding precisely to the front section of the two stretchers and then drill pockets holes for attaching them to the cabinet. For the first drawer, the bottom stretcher on the front is utilized.
  6. Installing Sub Toe Kick: The sub toe kick helps support the kitchen cabinet and adds rigidity to the finished kickboard after the installation process.
  7. Drilling Shelf Pin Holes: The last step is to drill holes with a jig in the back and front of each side of the kitchen cabinet for shelf pins. After drilling, install the shelf by applying edge banding to the front of the frame and inserting its hooks in the appropriate locations.

Tools Needed for Making a Cabinet (Part II)

Making a Cabinet part 2

Making a cabinet is a process for creating aesthetic and functional products for different residence portions, such as kitchens, chambers, and bathrooms, which requires some essential tools. Experts and experienced carpenters do the job in the fastest and most precise way possible by utilizing these tools. However, making a cabinet with these types of equipment is also possible for individuals who tend to go for the DIY process. In the Tools Needed for Making a Cabinet (Part I) article, we discussed two must-have tools for creating these practical products. In this section, we will introduce other beneficial tools that can be handy for the purpose.

Miter Saw for Making a Cabinet

Miter Saw is a must-have cabinetmaking tool for cutting different wood materials such as MDF. The table saw sits rigidly in its appropriate place while needing feeding woodwork in the blade. It brings the edge down to the working material for the process. However, this tool design is not for ripping the fabric, but they bring the cutting tool down onto the fixed piece, and they help the process. The word miter refers to making cuts with angles for specific joints on trim or frame material. This tool is available in various models, including Standard, Compound, and Sliding Miter Saw. The first model features a fixed swing arm that can be adjusted from 0 to 45 degrees. This type is a simple tool, but most carpenters opt for its more complicated systems for making a cabinet. Compound type can also create 45- and 90-degrees angle cut. However, by utilizing this tool, the cabinetmaker can cross-angle the working piece for creating more aesthetic kitchen cabinets. The sliding miter saw feature arms that allow it to cut much wider stock than the other types

Having High-Quality Saw Blades is Essential

Having sharp and precise saw blades make a substantial difference in making cleaner cuts without frays. Crosscut saw edges are perfect for cutting engineered woods and are suitable for across-the-grain fabrication on trim. On the other hand, for ripping with wood grain, the most practical tool is the Rip Saw Blade. They work at a fast pace and provide safety and efficiency. However, it is possible to get the best of both ripping and crosscut by utilizing combination blades.

Use Drilling Jig for Making a Cabinet

Drilling jigs are designed to help the carpenter make accurate, reliable and repeatable holes in the working piece. Some artisans prefer to construct their unique tool. The particular advantage of the drilling jig is that it can serve as both guides and clamps for creating holes in an exact location with a suitable angle. Most of the drilling jigs are adjustable for achieving customized spots equivalent to the needs. This tool is available in various materials such as wood, plastic and metal.

Scribe Tools

This tool is a piece of must-have equipment for making a cabinet that allows carpenter mark wood or other materials for having a clear pattern of cutting, drilling and other operations. It is perfect for transferring a pre-defined way to a surface destined to bond with it. Experts regularly utilize this tool to trace and transfer irregular shapes to a new cabinet design and counter joints. Most scribes are made from metal materials, and they feature a sharp point to inscribe pattern into a new surface.

High-Speed Hinge Placement Tool

Hing placement on the kitchen cabinet doors must be precise for excellent finish and fit. Shop-made jigs or commercial scribes can slow down the process of making a cabinet. Thus, it is essential to have a tool for fast and accurate hinge placement. The high-speed hinge placement tool works well with various hinges. Some of them feature three spring-loaded punches for transferring drill points at a higher pace.

Self-Centering Bits are Beneficial for Making a Cabinet

Another tool that is practical for both making cabinets and various interior doors is the self-centering bit. It is prepared to many extents and quality standards and comes from different sources. The best bits are often made from hard carbon steel guide barrels while having a tungsten or carbide internal section. The guide barrels align the bit with a fastener or hinge and then line the bit to make a perfectly centered hole. Another essential advantage of these tools is that there will be no bit slippage across a tight grain or error in hinge creep when the carpenter makes self-centering bits.

Dado Set with a Thin Kerf

Making a cabinet requires much more delicate cuts than other typical construction work. For building a high-quality kitchen cabinet, even the most diminutive dimensions make a considerable difference. This is especially true when cabinet making process needs dados and precise cut kerfs. Kerfs are the channels created by a saw blade that is not set to sever the wood material severely. Thus, using a dado blade can help the cabinetmaker adjust the kerf widths. There are unique dado blades that are designed to allow experts to create thin kerfs.

Tools Needed for Making a Cabinet (Part I)

kitchen cabinet cutting

Making a cabinet serves the interior designers in creating aesthetically pleasing rooms and kitchens for homes. Novice woodworkers or professional carpenters, and even large-scale manufacturers appreciate having proper tools for making a cabinet. The right equipment and tools make the difference between efficient applications with stable structure and sloppy works where nothing fits correctly. Investing and utilizing the best tools will bring a return that will be hard to defeat. Many people love woodwork and show interest in DIY cabinetmaking, but they don’t know what tools they need to complete their work perfectly.

Some tools for making a cabinet are expensive due to their complexity. Thus, they are difficult to master and purchase. However, once an individual learns them, they make the job much faster and more precise. There is no worry for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on tools because other cabinetmaking tools are more straightforward, smaller, and require less money output to purchase. However, there is some essential equipment that is needed for making a cabinet with a DIY process. We have included all the must-have cabinetmaking tools that are available in the market in this article.

Using Clamps for Making a Cabinet

Making a cabinet without using clamps is almost impossible. These tools are convenient, and they replace human hands in many situations. A suitable clamp assortment is similar to having an assistant in the workshop. They hold materials in the demanding place while the carpenter measures, cuts, joins and fastens the work. There are countless clamp models and design available in the market because there is no such thing as an on-size tool for fitting all types of work.

The oldest mechanical clamp designs are called C-Clamps. Carpenters have been using them for hundreds of years. These tools have a simple steel frame with an open throat which is controlled with a screwed jaw. They come with various size ranges and throat depths. Another clamp tool for making a cabinet is the Pipe-Clamp featuring an iron pipe with one fixed jaw and an alterable clamp face. Sizes of these tools range from long to short. One of the irreplaceable cabinetmaking clamps that utilize a metal bar frame instead of pipe is the Bar-Clamps. They combine the depth of the C-Clamp and the strength of the Pipe-Clamp. However, if the carpenters tend to assemble large structures such as cabinet boxes for kitchen applications, Band-Clamps can quickly wrap or secure the work. The Band-Clamps feature plastic straps and ratcheting controls that allow the cabinet maker to tighten the components. However, it is essential to note that making a cabinet requires specialized clamps such as 3-way face and flush-and-flat face clamps that can make tricky joints simpler.

Table Saw is Essential

Table Saws are considered the heat of a woodworking shop. Artisans with much experience can create excellent cuts on a table saw and make the process safer, which means that these tools can be dangerous in the wrong hands. However, modern table saws feature perfect safety devices in guides, guards, controls and adjustments. If there is one must-have tool for making a cabinet, then it is the table saw. There are various options available in the market for this particular equipment. Making the right choice for the shop can be a little bit confusing. Thus, it is essential to know them individually to make the most efficient choice for the job.

The first type of table saw is the cabinet making one that is centerpieces in a woodworking shop. They feature heavy and rigid machines that fit between the table extensions. These tables saws accept blades with various diameters and can handle large pieces such as MDF boards for doors and cabinets.

The second most popular table saws are Contractors, which are medium-duty machines that many carpenters utilize for their work. These are portable table saws that can make accurate and precise cuts while handling various sizes of blade diameters.

Along with the cabinetmaking and contractor table saw, another tool called Benchtop is practical for the purpose. It is relatively small and compact while being extremely handy for making a cabinet. These tools are also portable that make perfect resources when cutting small materials on the installation process of cabinets.

In Part II of this article, we will discuss other practical tools for making a custom cabinet for the kitchen or bathrooms.

Top Cabinet Construction Methods

Cabinet Construction Methods

Cabinet construction methods are systems that manufacturers and carpenters utilize to produce products that can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the interior. Customers are often curious about the process of these methods before considering buying them for their beloved homes. The construction method’s quality determines the lifespan and durability of the remodeling and new kitchen development investment.

There are many various cabinet construction methods to create a cabinet due to the different ways of joining woods and materials together. Thus, producers can utilize multiple systems of joining the products carcass and frame facing. Many homeowners demand projects that need to be completed as soon as possible, and they do not favor spending a lot of time on methods that look perfect. However, with the systems, tools, and products available in the industry, there is no need to build robust joints, which is followed by utilizing few joints to increase the work pace and make things simpler. Each project’s requirements will be different, and some situations will need better creativity for making the method work. Thus, cabinet construction methods will be easy and fast in some cases, and others will consume too much time.

Now, let us introduce a few of the most common cabinet construction methods practical in making these products. Each method has its unique purpose and properties. Generally, experience and available tools will help customers choose the most efficient system for making their kitchen cabinets. However, this does not indicate that they will always create aesthetic products. Thus, it is essential to take more steps for ensuring the beauty of the cabinets, which means that it is crucial to have a plan ahead and determine the cabinet pieces that will be visible after the process is finished.

Butt Joints and Wood Screws Cabinet Construction Method

Building cabinets by drilling butt joints and wood screws are the fastest method to produce the carcass without special tools requirements. The only tool that is necessary for this system is a drill to drive the screws. Some carpenters utilize suitable fasteners and wood glue to ensure the product’s stability. This method is ideal for projects where painted kitchen cabinets are installed. Once the face frame is on, and the caulking, painting, and filling are done, the joints will no longer be visible.

The one and only concern with this approach is that the fasteners can be visible. However, there are several ways to hide them, including covering the sides of the cabinets and ensuring that the screws are counter-sink so that the installer can fill them with wood filler or putty. If the sides of the products cannot be seen, the visibility of the screws will no longer be an issue.

Butt Joints and Pocket Hole Screws

Another easy way to create cabinets for different uses is utilizing butt joints and pocket hole screws. This method requires a jig for drilling holes, but it will often go for a stable and sturdy product to join the face frame. Pros of this system include being easy while the fasteners will not be visible. However, there are few cons for this method:

  • The visibility of back panels from sides
  • Time-consuming process for pocket drilling
  • A special jig requirement

Dados Cabinet Construction System

Dados cutting is used to allow the cabinet’s bottom, back panel and fixed shelves to recess into the sides of the product. However, it can be time-consuming and tricky, but it pays off in aesthetics and appearance. This cabinet construction method requires special tools and equipment such as a table-mounted router and table saw, while the carpenter should put so much effort and patience into the work. Creating the correct type of width for dados is tricky when the thickness of the materials is different. Thanks to caulk, when constructing a cabinet for the further painting process, it will not require much precision like natural or stained wood. Thus, this method can create a clean look with no visible back panels or fasteners. However, due to the system’s complexity, it will need experience, special tools and precision for the best results.

Dowel and Dovetail Joints

Quality cabinet doors and drawers are often created by using either the dovetail or dowel method. Cheap and low-quality products utilize staples that will not hold for a long time. In opposition, dovetail joints are deemed to be the premium standard for constructing MDF kitchen cabinet doors. This method features interlocking sections of woods that hold each other firmly and do not require additional nails, staples, or screws. The best carpenters use dovetail joints and add wood glue to create the longest lasting and finest cabinetry systems available. The dowel jointing method is almost similar to the dovetail system, but it is more suitable for homeowners or contractors who need to get the job fulfilled with a smaller budget.

Organizing Kitchen Waste System

Beautiful kitchen cabinets

The kitchen is the essence of a home where families and guests spend most of their time enjoying the evening or morning for meal and gatherings. Thus, one of the elements that can detract from a pleasant kitchen vibe and experience is a messy kitchen waste system. Garbage bins can be a source of disturbing irritations while being an essential element for the kitchen. Organizing and adjusting the kitchen waste system can ensure a healthy and happier area for the occupants. In this section, we recount fundamental tips for the efficient waste organization of the kitchen for people who tend to have a cleaner kitchen for their homes.

Choosing an Efficient Kitchen Layout

For implementing the ideal kitchen waste system for any home, the first step is to choose an efficient kitchen layout for the area. A perfect kitchen layout is where the cooking, preparation, cleaning zones are separate but within few steps from each other. The efficient place for a waste system is in the cleaning area, which should be far enough from fresh food and near the exit to allow easier taking out and recycling.

Outside of the Kitchen

Controlling and Organizing kitchen waste does not end in this particular area. An effective waste system extends to the outside trash bin and then to the recycling collectors. It is essential to ensure the smooth and efficient movement of the waste. The garbage must have a precise line movement from the preparation area to the bin and then to the outside area of the can and forward to a public collection. Meaning, the large bin outside should have considerably less distance from the house and have a clear path to move to the collection section. Thus, it is crucial to avoid placing landscaping, steps or other obstacles in the way.

Healthier and Cleaner Habits

Ensuring regular garbage cleaning and out-taking occupants can maintain a healthy and clear kitchen waste system. Homeowners should do this daily, but not essentially. Ensure that the trash bin is clean using biodegradable bin-liners and cleaning the container by giving the outside a rub down followed by weekly disinfectant solutions. If the waste system is made from wooden materials and among the kitchen cabinet systems, it is crucial to utilize cleaning substances compatible with wood materials. The cleaning routine is practical for all the products in the kitchen, and by doing this regularly, the mess and trash cans will not become unhygienic or unsightly.

Household Needs

A home with a more prominent family will definitely require a larger kitchen, and therefore the more extensive waste system will become crucial for them. It can be a better choice for such families to purchase two-waste plans. They can utilize one for dry goods and another for wet waste. The can system used for damp trash should be made from materials such as MDF boards that are more repellent to water deprivation than other materials. Smaller households can have small bins, but they need to take their trash regularly to ensure a healthy kitchen area.

Built-in Kitchen Waste System

One of the most productive systems to keep the waste system neat and tidy is to hide them. Thus, the build-in bin among the kitchen cabinet classifications is an easy and inexpensive way to free up the floor and organize the kitchen. Medium-sized and small containers can fit into a cabinet door to slide, pivot, or even swing open as the kitchen cabinet door opens. Another efficient option is to utilize and install a countertop with a lidded waste shoot, with the trash can hidden in the cabinet underneath. A fitted and suitable bin is an aesthetically pleasing alternative that is less likely to contaminate the area as it remains closed almost during the day.

Having Recycling Station for Kitchen Waste System

Recycling materials and wastes are crucial for environmentally-friendly purposes as landfills have proven unsustainable practice, meaning humans are forced to start reusing, reducing and recycling. Utilizing and installing an earth-friendly kitchen waste system is an easy and effortless procedure. Paper, glass and plastic do not decompose naturally. Thus, homeowners can fit three recycling cans in the pantry if their home features larger spaces. A more oversized kitchen with larger cabinetry systems can benefit from built-in multiple bins.