Building a Cabinet,
Step-by-Step…
Cabinet Purpose
It is most helpful for us to understand the purpose of your cabinet. It may effect the structural designs and the options you may want to consider. For example, will the top of the cabinet be weight bearing? Here is a common list of cabinet uses.
Galley
Refrigerator
Storage
Pantry
Bench Seat/Storage
Electrical/Battery Storage
Water Tank Storage
Sofa/Bed
Overhead Cabinet
Other (Please describe)
Cabinet Dimensions
Cabinet Width
Module widths begin at 18” and are available in the following widths:
18” 21” 24” 30” 36” 42” 48”
Of course we can build them to a custom width if required. We can also build them as wide as required. Some specialty cabinets come in narrower and much wider widths.
Cabinet Depth
We generally build to three depth standards:
18” 21” 24”
These are standard lower cabinet depths to support standard architectural drawer hardware and drawer dimensions. Deviating from these depth dimensions is possible but not recommended.
Cabinet Height
Countertop architectural height is 36” and low cabinets are recommended at 18” to clear wheel wells in most vans. However, there is flexibility in cabinet height when required. Perhaps you want to house a specific refrigerator. We can build the cabinet dimensions to the specific requirements of most RV and marine refrigerators available.
Cabinet Materials
Aluminum Frame Color
Aluminum extrusion comes in silver and black anodized finishes. It is possible for black anodized surfaces to fade and dull if exposed to UV light and other environmental conditions like salt water for example. Silver will generally last better under more extreme conditions, especially exposure to direct sunlight.
Doors, Drawers & Siding Material
We utilize three different types of finishes with different finish options for each of the three. The first is a bamboo 3-ply sheet material available in a natural finish or a light amber finish. The second is a solid color laminate available in white, black and two shades of gray. Finally, we utilize solid core hardwood laminates available in a large variety of hardwoods but most commonly in Maple, Oak or Walnut. See the Material Samples below for details.
Countertop Material
We use solid surface countertop material in 1/2” thickness for all countertops. These are highly durable and can be finished anywhere from dull matte finish to a highly polished finish. They are highly stable and very strong. Although available in many custom colors and patterns, we stock just a few for our standard cabinets. There is a lightly speckled gray color (luna storm gray), a lightly speckled white (luna bright white) and a white finish with multicolor glass chips suspended in the finish(white sea glass). Otherwise many custom options are available but require the purchase of a full sheet of material.
Natural Solid Bamboo
Amber Solid Bamboo
White Laminate
Light Gray Laminate
Medium Gray Laminate
Black Laminate
Luna Bright White Countertop
Sea Glass Countertop
Luna Storm Countertop
Maple Hardwood Veneer
White Oak Hardwood Veneer
Walnut Hardwood Veneer
Access & Options Configuration
Access to a cabinet can be from the front. the top or either side or some combination of these. Once access is determined, then the type of access must be identified and configured. There are four basic access methods: doors, drawers, hinged top lids and removable top lids. The possibilities depend on the purpose and intended use of the cabinet and are many times mixed or matched. There are also many potential options to consider, such as: AC Outlets, DC connections and/or switches, lighting, etc.
Standard Cabinet Modules
We have a variety of standard modules shown below. Each standard module can come in a variety of configurations and can be further customized as need be. Galley modules can be found by clicking below.
Refrigerator/Microwave Wall Cabinet. 22.25" fixed width due to appliances, minimum height 63", as shown 72", minimum depth of cabinet 21", requires Hotpoint or Greystone RV Microwave and Nova Kool RFU6400 Refrigerator, 6.8 cu. ft. with bottom pull out drawer freezer. Appliances not included.
Drawer Cabinet. Standard size 36" H, 24" W, 21" D. Top 2 drawers 6" H, 22" W, 18" D, next drawer 8" H, 22" W, 18"D, bottom drawer 11" H, 22" W, 18" D. Widths can be altered in 3" increments from 18" to 36", depth can be 18", 21" or 24", height is 18" or 36". Any other modifications must be built as a custom cabinet. Can optionally include a solid surface countertop. (Corian like material)
Bench Seat/Storage Module. Commonly used over wheel wells and to provide additional storage. Can also be used for electronics or water tank coverage. Top access via a hinged lid or a lift-off top cover. As shown 30" W, 21" D, 18" H. Widths can be altered in 3" increments, depth can be 18", 21" or 24", height is 18". Any other modifications must be built as a custom cabinet. Can have an optional seat pad and/or back pad.
Pantry Add On Cabinet. This cabinet can be part of a refrigerator wall or stand alone. It is a cupboard with adjustable shelves and a bottom drawer. Additional drawers can be optionally be added. Standard size 72" H, 18" W, 21" D. Widths can be altered in 3" increments from 12" to 24", depth can be 18", 21" or 24", height is 72". Any other modifications must be built as a custom cabinet.
Credenza Storage Cabinet. Standard size 36" H, 42" W, 21" D. Top four drawers 6" H, 22" W, 18" D, 36" H. Two cupboards with adjustable shelving 20" H, 19.5" W, 19" D. Widths can be altered in 6" increments, from 36" to 54" depth can be 18", 21" or 24", height is 18" or 36". Any other modifications must be built as a custom cabinet. Can optionally include a solid surface countertop. (Corian like material)
Sofa/Storage Module. Commonly used over wheel wells and to provide additional storage. Can also be used for electronics or water tank coverage. Top access via a hinged lid or a lift-off top cover. As shown 72" W, 21" D, 18" H. Widths can be altered in 6" increments from 36" to 72", depth can be 18", 21" or 24", height is 18". Any other modifications must be built as a custom cabinet. Can have an optional seat pad and/or back pad. Can also optionally be part of convertible bed system with opposing units on each side of the van that easily convert to a van width bed.