 Cabinetmaker
BewareAlthough making your own cabinetry can be
rewarding and fruitful, it is an advanced project that
is beyond the scope of this series of articles. It is a
time consuming and challenging operation that can
elevate the pride of home ownership to heavenly new
levels, or end in nightmarish disaster. It is not a
project for the beginning woodworker and is challenging
enough to tax even the intermediate woodworker or handy-
man or woman’s skills and tool availability. Because of
its complexity, Rockler recommends one of the
Updating Your Cabinetry options that is listed
in this series of articles as a time and money saving
alternative. Nonetheless, in this article we’ll take a
quick look at the basic considerations for making your
own cabinetry.
Make an Assessment
"Know yourself before deciding to install your own
kitchen," recommends Kitchen Man of kitchenman.com. "Are
you all thumbs? Do you lack visual acuity? Are you
impatient?" they ask. Making an accurate assessment of
your skills and tool availability is an important
prerequisite to making your own cabinetry. If you’re a
dedicated Rockler woodworker and confidant in your
skills, you may decide to move ahead with this
formidable and ambitious project. You can make your own
cabinets from scratch, including your doors, drawers and
drawer fronts, or you could simplify the job with the
help of
Rockler's custom door, drawer and drawer front program.
An affordable option that can save you lots of time,
effort, and money. The option of painting, refinishing
or refacing your cabinetry may also be a great
alternative for rejuvenating your existing cabinetry and
casework.
 Hinges
Before starting your new cabinetry construction
project, you’ll want to make yourself "hinge wise" by
reading our page on
Hinges. Adding new hardware and
hinges is the secret to spectacular new cabinetry. The
style of hinge you choose, however, is dependent upon
the type and style of cabinet you construct. To fit your
exact need, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware has a large
and dynamic selection of styles from which to choose.
Rockler can help you add a dazzling and impressive touch
to your newly built kitchen cabinetry. To make hinge
installation easy, check out our exclusive
Multi-Tool Rail Jig-It,
self-centering drill bits, and
hinge cup drilling jigs.
 Knobs
& Pulls
New door and drawer opening hardware
puts a stylish exclamation on your home crafted
cabinetry. Rockler has an exciting array of knobs and
pulls available to suite every style and whim, from
traditional to Shaker to Euro-style, decorator or
Restoration. For the distinguished look that can only
come from custom crafted handiwork, consider adding
carved hardwood pulls or antique finished pulls from
Rockler’s Premier Collection. Or perhaps some Ivy Green
Leaf pulls and Knobs from Rockler’s special designer
collection. Now is the time to cut loose and have some
fun. There are dozens of additional types and styles
available including:
See our page on
Knobs and Pulls
for complete information.
 Accessories
You’ll want to review our page on
Accessories
to check out Rockler’s full line of innovative systems
that can turn your kitchen into a designer showcase.
Making your own cabinetry offers a perfect opportunity
to customize your kitchen with interesting and
up-to-date accessories. Whether it’s shelving
accessories, low-voltage under cabinet lighting systems,
pantry organizers, tambour appliance garages, lazy
susan's, kitchen rail systems, or reverse-a-racks, all
can be perfect solutions to old storage problems.
Hanging racks, glass molding, or plate rack dowels can
create storage from otherwise useless space. Whether
it’s the addition of split rope topper molding, lattice
panels, brass grilles or glass etchings, you can make
your custom kitchen a place of distinction and
efficiency with simple and easy to install extras.
Consider what can be accomplished with just a few feet
of wineglass molding, fluted rosettes, or bun feet added
to your custom made cabinetry. Over sink trays, shelf
lift mechanisms, and pullout trash bins can add
convenience and organization to please the most
discriminating kitchen boss.
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