Choosing closet cabinets based on what visually appeals to you is the easy part. Understanding the lingo when it comes to designing the layout and watching the installation can get a bit trickier. What do you want the edge profile to be? How should the team handle a blind corner? Here are some of the most commonly used terms for custom closet cabinetry, so you can jump into the conversation and communicate exactly what you want:
Blind Corner
A blind corner cabinet is one that sits (you guessed it) at the corner of two connecting rows. The term “blind” refers to the fact that the way the cabinet is positioned, you won’t be able to see all the way inside. You can solve a blind corner situation by having rolling baskets or a Lazy Susan installed to make it easier to get to your stuff.
Edge Profile
Your cabinet doors and drawers all have an edge profile. This just refers to the shape on the outside of the edge of the door or drawer front. You may want a rounded, squared, wave, cover, or other type of decorative edge to add style to your custom cabinetry.
Face Frame
The base of your closet cabinets is the cabinet box. The face frame attaches to the front of the box to support doors and drawers. The face frame makes the entire structure more sound and gives builders a place to mount the doors on some designs.
Inset Closet Cabinets
Does your builder ask if you want inset cabinets? This just means the doors and drawers will be attached inside the frame. Rather than going on the front of the face frame, your door hinges will be attached inside. When closed, these doors are flush with the cabinet box.
MDF
Looking at MDF cabinets? This material (medium-density fiberboard) is made of composite wood. That is, particles of wood are compressed and glued together. Once finished with a veneer, they are stable and look just like real hardwood. MDF is often more affordable than hardwood and looks just as great.
Rail
Overhear your installers talking about the cabinet rails? These are the horizontal supports for your closet cabinets. The can be a part of the frame or the door and may be customized for your particular needs and your closet’s dimensions.
Stile
The stiles are the vertical supports for your custom cabinetry. Most custom cabinets have one center stile that divides the cabinet evenly, but other parts of the frame can be considered stiles as well.
It’s always better to be informed when you’re making a major design decision for your home. Creating the custom closet of your dreams is within your reach, and when you’re more educated about how the process goes, you can be more involved! Of course, if you want to be hands-off and let the pro team at Closet World handle everything – that’s OK, too. Contact us today for more information about creating custom closet cabinetry for your home.
