The Difference

Many cabinetmakers claim a “custom” product, but they only mean that their cabinets are fit to the space.  To be truly custom, everything must be modifiable, and therefore chosen. From stile width to crown that matches an existing feature, beaded doors to mitered profiles—the way we build is Old World, in both the techniques we use and the unlimited ways we can shape the wood.

The choices we make in joinery and material have an effect on you; the difference is felt over time.

Joinery

  • We challenge you to find another cabinetmaker on the East Coast who uses a true full-length mortise & tenon joint for doors. This technique has proven greater longevity and structural integrity than any other method of joinery, and dates back thousands of years.  Other companies use a “cope and stick” method that is faster, but not as durable.  Our artisans have the unique skillset to shape every edge, face, and corner by hand.

Material

  • While other firms build painted cabinets with poplar, we use maple.  Maple is naturally harder and can withstand heavier usage without denting.  Your cabinets will still look exquisite years after they are installed.

  • We use the highest grade pre-finished plywood for our cabinet sides, backs, tops, and bottoms.  Many companies use pressboard, which looks fine when installed but lasts a fraction of the lifespan of our real wood constructs.

Dimensions

  • We build our doors with 1” of solid wood, and our face frames are 7/8” thick.

    Our components are sturdier than the 3/4” wood found in others’ cabinets. As a result, they last longer and do not warp or lose their shape over time.

  • Our boxes are built with 3/4” thick plywood sides and 1/2” plywood backs, sturdier than the generic 1/2” thick material used by others.

Drawers

  • Slides and hinges determine the functionality of the cabinet, and should always utilize premier components.

  • Dovetailing our drawers creates long-term durability, and is a tenet of any quality cabinetmaker.

Why do these details matter?  Because wood moves.  Over time wood absorbs moisture, causing it to shrink and expand.  Cabinet doors are opened and closed frequently and most of our designs call for very tight margins on reveals to enhance the style.  Our sturdier joinery combines with choices in wood quality and thickness to resist movement and racking forces over longer periods of time.