A GREAT ARTICLE ON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN DESIGNING OR REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN!

Design Pro Shares 5 Common Mistakes in Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S LAMINATES

Laminates are back and they are hot! In this article we will focus on the various types of laminates and why they are different from our traditional view of laminates and whether they are the right material for your new or remodeled kitchen, especially here in humid Hawaii.

A lot of people come into our showroom and visibly cringe when laminate material is suggested. This is especially true with the hard-core “solid wood” fans who believe that solid wood trumps all and have visions of peeling laminate banding in their grandparent’s kitchen. What they don’t realize is that high tech processes are creating a completely new product in laminates that are not only stunning and virtually impossible to distinguish from wood, but also superior in their durability. This is especially true in humid, bug ridden, climates. You wouldn’t go to your grandma for technology advice so why would you ask her about laminates? One very important distinction on why Grandma’s laminates were peeling is that the edges used to be applied with glue. When glue heats up in the environment, it fails and causes the laminate material to peel. Today, glue has been replaced by an epoxy or chemical bond substance that eliminates the need for exposed edges, creating a seamless look and opportunity for an edge to delaminate and peel. That said, there are a number of types of these materials and the types of core that they are adhered to and not all are created equal. We will try to de-mystify what these materials are and how they are made.

First of all, let’s discuss what laminates are adhered to. The reason they aren’t veneered over plywood is because plywood tends to swell and ripple in warm conditions therefore creating a rippled look on the laminate. For this reason, MDF (medium density fibreboard) or particle board is used as a core material for the laminate veneer. A little bit about particle board and MDF:

MDF which stands for medium density fiberboard. Medium-density fibreboard is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming it into panels by applying high temperature and pressure. MDF is generally denser than plywood. So what is the advantage? MDF can actually be better than plywood or solid lumber. MDF has great strength, does not noticeably shrink or expand with temperature, and has a uniform surface without grain or knots. It is also less expensive than plywood.

Particleboard or as it is often referred to as “furniture board” has a traditional stigma as being “cheap” and falling apart easily and this is a well-deserved reputation. However, not all particleboard is created equal and it has come along way since the old days. Particleboard in today’s higher-end cabinetry lines such as our Bellmont cabinetry line, has bigger chunks and more resins than past products. This gives it more structural integrity and makes it a superior material to plywood under a laminate veneer.

So what are the various types of laminates and how do they differ?

Thermal Bonded - these are typically seen in high gloss or matte textured laminated cabinets. The thermal bonding is applied at 750 degrees. The temperature in your kitchen would have to exceed 750 degrees to cause this material to fail. As we like to say, if your kitchen is that hot, you have much bigger problems :)

TSS (Thermally Structured Surfaces) - This is a term used to describe textured laminates. A textured laminate generally has a grain that strongly resembles wood or another texture such as concrete or linen. If you haven’t seen these materials lately, you owe it to yourself to check them out. These materials have become so life-like with knot holes and synchronization with real wood highs and lows that we challenge you to tell the difference when put side by side with wood veneered plywood. It a great application for those wanting a truly wood look without the inconsistency of grain that comes with real wood. In addition, to comes grain matched which is only available in custom wood cabinetry made for clients with very large budgets.

Thermafoil - this material, as the name suggests, is a sealed foil material applied to the outside edges of the cabinetry. This material is subject to peeling, much like the traditional glued laminates as it heats up in warm environments and we do NOT recommend it here in Hawaii.

So in summary, we love laminates for the following key advantages.

1.) Less likely to warp and attract bugs in humid environments

2.) Achieves a beautiful and contemporary look and more consistency of grain and finish

3.) Often more cost effective than plywood

Below is a photos from Bellmont Cabinets that showcases how stunning today’s laminates can truly be. Be sure to visit our showroom to see these gorgeous materials for yourself.

Pro Spotlight: 3 Ways to Elevate Your Home Design With Cabinetry

NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S LAMINATES

HOW TO ORDER HARDWARE

The cabinet hardware really is the frosting on the cake and has a huge impact on the final look of the cabinets. We are often asked about sizing for hardware. While it is a very personal decision whether to go with knobs or handles and more importantly what size, our partner DeWils Fine Cabinetry has put together this handy guide to assist in making these decisions. You can download it below. Happy accessorizing!

Download Hardware Guide

Frameless Cabinets - What Is The Advantage?

Frameless cabinets or (Euro Style) cabinets have been trending more and more popular lately. Unlike traditional face frame cabinetry, frameless cabinets combine the clean look of modern, full-overlay, flush-fitting doors and drawers. The unobstructed, full-access interiors create more storage and an organized space, while providing superior strength and trendsetting style. So what are the main advantages?

1.) STRENGTH - Solid full-top construction and drawers with a 75lb. load capacity provide superior strength, structural precision, and lasting value.

2.) STYLE - Clean lines, slim gaps, and flush-fitting drawers compliment interior design styles ranging from ultra-modern to traditional

3.) SPACE - Greater accessibility, unobstructed by a frame, creates more usable space and gives you easy access to your items inside.

Top Shelf Cabinets offers frameless cabinets in both our Bellmont, DeWils and Innovations Cabinetry lines.

THE RETURN OF THE WOOD GRAIN

The last decade of home and kitchen design was a steady stream of white-painted kitchens and muted grey tones. Which look lovely, but living with can be a whole different story.

Lately, we are seeing a return to the authenticity of natural wood tones and wood textures dominating kitchen design. It’s the resurgence of the wood grain! Wood cabinetry adds a subtle texture and pleasing dimension to kitchen design. And, today’s wood cabinetry has so many stain options to choose from, it’s a fit for every style. A flat panel door in an Ebony stain is sleek and sophisticated, while a flat panel door with a narrow edge detail in a true brown can offer both Mid-Century Modern and Mountain Modern vibes, a light-stained Hickory door gives a nod to Scandinavian design.

Whether it’s the wild variation of Hickory, the subtle contrast of Quarter Sawn Oak, or the deep dimensions of Walnut, classic wood cabinetry is anything but boring.

December 29, 2023

Can Cabinetry Be Termite Proof?

December 29, 2023/ Sharilyn Dewey

We are often asked by people whether we carry termite-proof cabinets. Here in Hawaii this is of particular concern. First of all, unless the cabinets are made of metal or some other non-wood material like our marine-grade polyethylene Endura outdoor line, they will not be termite-proof.

However, there are certain materials and installation processes that are certainly termite resistant. While some species of woods are less attractive to termites than other such as teak, white oak and black walnut, the best material far and away are thermally sealed laminates. These veneers are adhered to either plywood or particleboard depending on the cabinet option/line chosen. Termites do not care for the laminate veneer. They also don’t like the resins that the industrial grade particle board is mixed with. Therefore, a laminate veneered particle board is actually a better choice for termite concerned clients than plywood.

Another way to mitigate termite infestations in your cabinets, whether you choose a laminate or wood cabinet is to get them off the ground with leg levelers. These are made of metal or plastic and termites are unlikely to climb the legs, preferring to eat wood that is on the ground. These legs can then be covered by a traditional toe-kick. Toe-kicks should be non-wood if possible and sealed on all sides with no exposed edges.

The good news is that today’s high technology laminates are stunningly beautiful and often virtually indistinguishable from real wood. In addition, the grains are much more consistent than real wood, especially when budgets don’t allow for the expense of grain-matching. To learn more about these materials and what makes them superior to the laminates of yester-year, please refer to my previous post called “Not Your Grandma’s Laminates” and visit our showroom soon to see them in person.

August 14, 2022

5 Ways To Organize A Cluttered Home→

August 14, 2022/ Sharilyn Dewey

Let us know how we can help you get organized! Designs and quotes are always free!

January 06, 2020

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS

January 06, 2020/ Sharilyn Dewey

Cabinets are a big investment and cleaning them properly is critical to maintaining their condition and beauty. In this post we will give you tips on the best and safest way to clean your cabinets no matter what kind you have.

PAINTED CABINETS

It’s very important to use a gentle non-abrasive cleaner as to not remove the paint. The best cleaner you can use is a mixture of distilled white vinegar and a few drops of Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle. Wipe down the cabinets with a damp microfiber rag and dry them with a dry microfiber rag.

STAINED WOOD CABINETS

Stained wood cabinets should be cleaned once or twice a year. To clean wood, use a mixture of 7/8’s distilled white vinegar, 1/8 rubbing alcohol and a few drops of Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle. Again, wipe down with a damp microfiber cloth. Then, after rinsing the cabinets completely with warm water use a furniture oil that contains beeswax to seal the finish. This process will help your cabinets look new for a long time.

LAMINATE CABINETS

Laminate cabinets are actually the easiest to keep clean because they don’t absorb dirt and stains the way a porous wood surface will. Wiping them down with a simple damp cloth should do the trick but for deeper cleaning you can use the same mixture as above for the stained wood cabinets.

HARDWARE CLEAING

Hardware can get really dirty and sticky from a combination of hand dirt and oils and the wood finish on the cabinets. A mixture of alcohol and hand soap is often enough to get off sticky residue. You can also use a combination of baking soda and water made into a paste to get off any water spots or rust. For a really deep cleaning consider removing your hardware once a year so you can clean the cabinet area behind it.

August 28, 2019

THE BUDGET CONUNDRUM

August 28, 2019/ Sharilyn Dewey

Many people are hesitant to share their budget with potential vendors for fear of getting a quote that is right up to their budget. While this can happen with vendors who are looking to gouge out the max possible, the benefits of sharing your budget up front can far outweigh the risks of not sharing it for the following reasons:

1.) Many people come to Hawaii from the mainland where things just cost less in general. They don’t realize that while materials costs may be similar, the cost of shipping to Hawaii is quite expensive. Sharing your budget up front helps the vendor determine if your expectations are even in-line with reality.

2.) The vendor can help steer you in a direction for lines that they know will be more in-line with what you are looking to spend. This avoids wasting time and disappointment getting a bid that is completely unrealistic.

3.) Aside from finding more economical choices if your wish list is above your budget, the vendor can work with you to cost engineer your project and break it down by must-haves vs. want-to-haves and present your bid by components so you can pick and choose what is most important to you.

4.) The vendor can discuss various financing options with you that they may offer so that you can decide whether to take advantage of these options to adjust your budget or decide that you will just wait until you are in a better financial place to do the project.

At Top Shelf Cabinet Solutions our goal is to help you get the highest quality and beauty possible within your budget parameters. We find that having this discussion up front not only helps us manage expectations and limit shock from high bids, but also helps you see what choices are available to manage costs as you plan your entire remodel. In addition to helping you find the perfect solid-wood cabinet line, we also can recommend contractors we feel will do the job at a fair price and discuss countertop options.

Lastly, if cash is tight, we will discuss various financing options we offer. If you are looking to sell in the near future or fix a property up for future rentals or just enjoy your remodel sooner rather than later, we can give you options.

July 20, 2019

GOLD HARDWARE IS BACK!

July 20, 2019/ Sharilyn Dewey

Hardware choices, while they seem minor can have a huge impact on the final look and feel of your kitchen or bath. In our view they are just as important as the cabinet color and style itself and can push a look more traditional or contemporary so it’s important to match them well to the door style and overall look you are looking to achieve.

Who would have thought? Gold hardware which is making a big comeback! This warm tone ranging from champaign to copper is beautiful on dark or colored woods in particular, even gray to create contrast. You can also use it to pick up tones in your countertops. It will definitely set your kitchen apart from others. Below are a few pictures of cabinets from our J&K Cabinets line with gold fixtures in a variety of styles.