ATLANTA CABINET MAKERS

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Door styles

Cabinet doors come in a wide variety of styles, and each can be used regardless of the cabinet type.  They fit into two broad categories—panel and slab—with different methods of construction lumped into these two groups. 

Panel.  Panel doors are made with a frame around the edges and built of four interlocking slats of wood and a larger section of wood that serves as the middle.  The inner piece of wood can be substituted with a variety of inserts, including glass and lattice.

Slab.  Slab doors are plain and unframed, without raise or recess.  Though essentially a one-piece design, slab doors are often constructed of several pieces of stock lumber joined together.  They offer a more contemporary look than most cabinet door styles.

Finishes

Cabinets can either be stained, dyed, painted, or left unfinished.  Typically stained or dyed, most wood cabinets are then finished to protect the material's quality and brilliance.  Finishing increases the durability of the cabinets and protects the material used from premature aging.  The amount of time stains and dyes are left on the wood dictates how dark the product will become. 

Hardware

The customer has a variety of styles and materials to choose from when picking out hinges.  Because of these possibilities, there is also a wide range of cost associated with upgrades in material and detail.

Hinges.  Door style will partially dictate what hinge options are available.  Barrel hinges are fully exposed and permit a wide door opening.  Knife hinges are partially embedded and screwed into the cabinet frame, allowing a full door opening.  Concealed hinges are hidden when the doors are closed, allow a limited door opening, and are installed mostly on European style cabinets.

Knobs and pulls.  The most decorative types of hardware are the knobs, pulls, and/or handles.  There is a limitless range of designs for knobs and pulls.  Knobs and pulls protect finishes from food, oils, and fingernails.

Things to consider

Wood grain.  The only way to differentiate wood types is by paying close attention to the grain.  Color can be deceiving, as poplar can resemble cherry or mahogany, depending on the type of stains and finishes applied. Always make sure the type of wood paid for is the type of wood installed.

Cheap boxes, expensive doors.  Some carpenters construct the bodies of cabinets with plywood or particleboard while the doors are done in a more expensive material.  Some homeowners choose this route, because using a different material for the cabinet box doesn't necessarily mean the cabinet won't be as sturdy; but make sure the materials used justify the price paid. 

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