Columbia Custom Built - How Are Cabinets Made?

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What's the process for making custom cabinets?
We design and handcraft custom cabinets that will work with your unique tastes in mind. Each order is fullfilled to your exact specifications and is created in our own local shop using a variety of cabinet building techinques and designs.

Are custom cabinets more expensive than the "off the shelf" kind I can buy from Lowes® or Home Depot®?
Absolutely. But aren't you're looking to have a one-of-a-kind kitchen or bathroom that will be the envy of your neighborhood? If so, handcrafted, custom built cabinetry is a "must have" for the discerning homeowner. These cabinets are more expensive because of the time and effort that goes into each piece we build. Below is a description of the steps that CCB does for each order. In our workshop, you'll never see pressure board, "wood laminate", or plastic retainers!

This is the carcass of an upper cabinet. Its built of A-1 maple veneered plywood. The top, bottom, sides and shelves are all 3/4", while the back is 1/2" plywood. The top, bottom and shelves are dadoed into the sides. The back is rabbeted into the cabinet, glued and nailed in place. In addition, screws are used whenever they can be hidden from view (tops when mounted to the ceiling, sides when butting against another cabinet).

Below, the face frame is the visible part of the cabinet shell, but its visual appeal cannot over shadow its strength. The face frame must take abuse for generations from dropped pots and door slammers, as well as help support the counter top.

Most production shops assemble the face frame separate from the cabinet and simply nail or staple it to the cabinet. CCB cabinets feature face frames that are integrated into the cabinet, one a piece at a time. This assures a perfect fit, with a smooth edges that won't catch dishes or dust. Vertical members are installed first. These must support the weight of the doors. They are installed using plenty of biscuits (A type of loose tennon) and glue. Corrosion resistant deck screws are added in the bottoms of rabbets and dadoes for added strength. Horizontal members are added next, again with plenty of biscuits and glue. After the assembly has been clamped for several hours the ends are trimmed flush.

These are the rail and stile parts for a set or inset doors. Notice the mortise and tennon on them. This type of joint, though time consuming to make, will hold up for generations.

After the carcass and doors are made comes the fun part: assembly. These cabinets have flush, inset doors (a custom touch requested by the homeowner) not full overlay doors. Inset doors must fit EXACTLY with a perfect reveal around the perimeter or they will never look right.

Almost Done! The cabinets have a finished natural on the interiors and white on the exteriors. The flush inset doors are built with mortise and tennon construction for lasting durability. The glass in the "super uppers" is original to the house. It was saved when the home had new windows installed ( another custom request from the homeowner).