Construction Details

Our Approach to Cabinet & Furniture Construction

Many pieces of furniture or cabinetry may look very appealing from the outside. However, the integrity of their construction can vary widely. Here are a few details regarding our cabinet construction process:

Casework is built with architectural plywood. We will never use flake-board. Architectural plywood is fabricated from solid hardwoods, with fine veneer skins. Consequently, they are extremely strong and stable.

Traditional styles, doors, frames, moldings, pilasters, etc. are fabricated from solid hardwoods. Cases are mated to their frames using tongue and groove joints. Doors are constructed with mortise and tenon joints, and we recommend that they be traditionally hung with mortised butt hinges. Fitting and hanging doors in this manner is a painstaking process. As a result, a product that will outlast European concealed hinges is the reward for the extra effort. European hinges have their place, and we sometimes use them in certain contemporary pieces.

Drawers are dovetailed, or dowel-joined and can be fitted with wooden runners or with concealed under-mount slides. Which approach is chosen, depends upon the use, type and style of the piece.

We also offer hand cut dovetails and exposed joinery, for the purist who appreciates such details.

Finishing

Depending upon the piece and its function, we offer a variety of different finishes.

Types of finishes may include a simple rubbed tung oil finish. Tung oil imparts a natural, earthy look. Catalyzed urethane provides exceptional durability and is moisture resistance. As an alternative, traditional rubbed lacquer, or a highly polished polyester finish provides a contemporary look. We try to avoid heavily pigmented stains which sometimes mask the grain and natural beauty of the wood. We feel that heavily pigmented stains impart a “commercial”, monochromatic look. Aniline dyes and toners are clear and will enhance the woods characteristics and natural look.

Cabinet Maker’s Tools

We recommend hand painting with our traditional painted pieces; not spray painting. The texture of the brush yields a truly handmade look, and is easily repairable, should damage occur.

The combined approaches outlined above result in High Quality Cabinet & Furniture Construction.

To learn more about our approach to cabinet construction and fine woodworking, visit the page discussing The Process.