How Important Is Cabinetry Joints?

More than just a design feature, cabinetry joints are important as an element of the structural integrity of the cabinetry. Unless you've already had the cabinets installed and have had the opportunity to see the internal structure of the cabinets, you might not know that your cabinets are not all square. If there is a lack of square-shaped cabinetry joints, your cabinets will be unstable, which can lead to a lot of wear and tear.

Cabinetry joints are not just there for aesthetics and style, but also serve as safety features for you and your family. They provide the "shear strength" needed for efficient use of the cabinet space and are used to join the top plates that are below the cabinets to the base.

You'll find several cabinet diameters throughout the cabinet's skeleton. Cabinets made with smaller sizes and shapes are more expensive, but they are more affordable. Cabinet designs can be found with the standard, narrow, rectangular, round, or even oval-shaped bottom plates.

On the other hand, cabinet top plates are the strongest. The corners are angled and the flat surfaces are rounded so that they provide a stable connection.

Oval-shaped joints can be cut into the frame that the cabinet top plates will fit into. This helps prevent any gap when the cabinets are opened.

A diagonal-sided joint is a cross-cut with angles. This prevents wobbling that may occur when the top plates are opening. This option is also available with a patterned top surface.

Angled panel angles are the most difficult for a cabinet manufacturer to install because they require specialized measuring equipment. Be sure to measure the panel angles carefully and choose a cabinet construction that is adjustable on the panels. Keep in mind that the panel angles will affect the prices of the cabinetry.

A horizontal-sided joint is a cross-cut that makes two identical bottom plates into one right-angled joint. This construction is most often used for certain cabinet types such as inverted center and triangle tops.

Standard side joints are used for fluting and recessed drawer fronts. Inverted center, sometimes called inside-out center, has an opening in the middle of the cabinet's frame that uses a standard joint.

Recessed drawer fronts need special assembly parts for installation. The machine lathe will help with installing these kinds of cabinets.

Cabinet doors come in a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, or laminate. The interiors are made from either engineered or solid wood.

Cabinetry joints are important and should be inspected by a cabinetmaker regularly. Keeping the maintenance of the cabinetry joints up to date can keep the cabinets looking new for many years to come.