Stock Cabinetry, Knock-Down (Cabinets):

Factory made cabinets manufactured from a catalog and inventoried without a specific order for production. Only standard cabinet dimensions and finishes are available. Dimensions are based on 3" increments, from 9" to 60" wide, per cabinet. (Most economical price point)

Semi-Custom Cabinetry (Cabinets):

Factory made cabinets manufactured from a catalog, only after an order has been placed, no inventory is kept. Standard cabinet dimensions and finishes may or may not be modified upon request, each manufacturer has limitations. Dimensions are based on 3" increments, from 9" to 60" wide, per cabinet. Some manufacturers offer the option to build to within 1/16" increments, others may also have the ability to build components, such as hoods, turned posts, etc. to your specifications. (Medium to high price point)

Custom Cabinetry (Cabinets):

Factory made cabinets manufactured from a catalog only after an order has been placed, no inventory is kept. Cabinet dimensions and finishes follow company guidelines to optimize efficiency , yet 100% custom designs are available upon request. Dimensions are based on 3" increments, from 9" to 60" wide, per cabinet. (Highest price point)

Space Planning (Design):

Space planning is the systematic approach of organizing a space to cater to the habits and needs of the client. In order to properly and effectively design a space, pertinent information is gathered to custom tailor the design. The use of proper space planning techniques is not necessarily universal; shortcuts to this process will jeopardize the quality and/or efficiency of the project.

Value Engineering (Design):

Value engineering is the process of modifying a design to stay within your budget. Modifications can consist of slightly altering the design by replacing one type of cabinet with another, changing the wood species, simplifying the finish or reducing the installation time. These changes can dramatically affect the appearance of the project, and in some cases don't effect the appearance at all. The choices made are subjective and are presented to you for your consideration.

European Cabinetry (Cabinets):

European (Frameless) cabinetry is just that, cabinetry that originated in Europe. In Europe, when you sell your home, along with your furniture and appliances, you take your kitchen cabinetry when you move. In order for this to be practical, the cabinets have to be easy to move and easy to reconfigure in your next home. This explains why European cabinetry is comprised of individual components.

Another characteristic of this product is the absence of the "face frame." Generally regarded as stronger, the face frame has been removed without sacrificing the integrity of the cabinetry, this increases storage capacity and accessibility by 10-15%. In many cases, European cabinetry is the cabinet style of choice by many designers and custom homebuilders.

European Hinges (Accessories):

European hinges are also known as "concealed hinges". This hinge is now the standard in the industry. With a six-way adjustment and a high weight capacity, it is the hinge you will see on most residential cabinetry.

Halogen (Lights):

Halogen lighting is commonly used as interior and under cabinet lighting sources in kitchens, wall units and office applications. "Puck lights" (Slang) are usually 2" to 2-1/2" in diameter and produce very hot, bright white light. Lamp life is reported to be approximately 2500 hours and comes in 3-watt, 10-watt and 20-watt sizes. The lamps cannot be touched directly by the fingers when changing, the oils in your fingers will cause the lamp to fail prematurely. A napkin or plastic bag works well for this procedure.

This is a low voltage (12-volt) system, which requires an electronic transformer. The wattage total of all the bulbs cannot exceed the transformer wattage capacity.

Please note: Low voltage lighting systems cannot be dimmed with conventional 120VAC dimmers.  When you dim a lamp you decrease the wattage, this action increases the resistance (Ohms Law).  On low voltage systems this increased resistance will burn up the electronic transformer and cause the unit to fail prematurely.  Special dimmers are available, check with the lighting manufacturer for the correct dimmer for your application.

Xenon (Lights):

Xenon lighting is commonly used as interior and under cabinet lighting sources in kitchens, wall units and office applications. "Puck lights" (Slang) are usually 2"- 4" in diameter and produce light that is, not as hot or as bright as halogen lighting. Lamp life is reported to be approximately 5000 hours, and is commonly available in 18-watt sizes. The lamps can be touched directly by the fingers when changing, the oils in your fingers will not cause this lamp to fail prematurely.

This is a low voltage (12-volt) system, which requires a transformer. The wattage total of all the bulbs cannot exceed the transformer wattage capacity.

Please note: Low voltage lighting systems cannot be dimmed with conventional 120VAC dimmers.  When you dim a lamp you decrease the wattage, this action increases the resistance (Ohms Law).  On low voltage systems this increased resistance will burn up the electronic transformer and cause the unit to fail prematurely.  Special dimmers are available, check with the lighting manufacturer for the correct dimmer for your application.

Fully Integrated (Appliances):

A term generally reserved for the kitchen appliance industry .A fully integrated appliance has cabinet components, usually door panels that conceal it from detection. Dishwashers and refrigerators are more commonly incorporated into kitchen designs with this feature. Along with a very impressive look, this feature requires an addition to the budget for installation.

Typically, the appliance installation is independent from the cabinet installation. The fully integrated feature requires you to perfectly align the appliance, when installed, with the doors and drawer fronts on each side of the appliance. This process can take up to three times longer to install properly.

Quartz (Countertops):

"Zodiaq" and "Sile Stone" are just a couple of the brand names available. For over 30 years, and originated in Spain, this man-made product comprised of 93% ground quartz aggregate and 7% adhesive binders has been an alternative to granite. Some advantages of this product are, it is non-porous, has consistent color and a greater overhang tolerance. You can overhang this product up to 24" past the edge of the cabinetry without brackets or supports, granite usually has a 12" limit. In most cases, this product cost is comparable to granite.

Solid Surface (Countertops):

Solid surface, commonly known as Corian because of its pioneering status, is comprised of 100% acrylic and is primarily used to manufacturer countertops for kitchens and bathrooms. Produced in 1/2" thick sheets, solid surface can be machined and glued with the same tools and techniques as the woodworking industry. This product is "renewable", a term used to describe the ability to repair cracks, sand out scratches, and fill damaged areas with a liquid form of the same product, for an undetectable repair. This products base price is less than granite, however with up-grades can easily exceed average granite prices.