Box Construction
While the door style and finish are the most exciting decisions to make, it is also important to consider the base of your cabinetry, the box. Aspects to consider include: hanging rails, corner blocks, drawer boxes and hardware, door material, shelf material, and finish. A hanging rail is a strip of material across the top back of a cabinet box that is used to hang the cabinet and support the weight of the cabinet and its contents. Solid wood hanging rails provide a strong, secure way to fasten the cabinet to the wall. Corner blocks are used in the corners to ensure straight, true corners and add strength to the box. Wood corner blocks provide added strength and stability. Plastic composite corners may also be used. A plywood drawer box with undermount glides is standard. A solid wood, dovetailed drawer box with full extension glides provides the strongest box with the best accessibility. Some manufacturers use veneered center panels for their cabinet doors which is less desirable. Solid wood doors have even, matching tones, sturdier construction and will retain their original appearance longer. A 3/4" thick shelf creates a strong durable place to stack china and canned goods, while a catalyzed varnish top coat on the doors and frames provide a durable finish impervious to most household chemicals.
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