Carcase questions

[oakfield]

I've got a couple of kitchen units to make and possibly a fitted desk. Before I get started, I would just like to ask a bit of advise.

When building kitchen cabinets, do you fix the side panels to the side of the base and top panels, as with most kitchen units I've seen or do you put the sides on top of the base panel. (which makes sense to me)

Do you fix the backs onto the rear edge of sides, top and bottom or fit them into a rebate leaving a gap for pipework etc.

What is a standard size to make faceframes with? I was thinking finished size of 36mm so one style covers two side panels where units are joined and stays flush inside the unit.

Thanks.

 

[jasonB]

Use the one one the left, that way any loads like granite tops are carried straight down to the bottom of the unit and into the feet. It also allows you to cut all your shelves, tops & bases to one size saving setup time.

If using a solid back I would set it inside the carcase, if its just a cheapy hardboard back then I fix it to the back of teh carcase but add a rail to the top back of the carcase thats about 100mm deep to add stiffness.

I usually go around 36mm on kitchens and a bit larger on wardrobes as 36 can look a bit small in those situations

Jason

 

[JonnyD]

If you are using a heavy granite worktop then I would use the carcase on the right as the carcase is in compression rather than all the weight on the carcase fixings although either way will be ok.

Face frames i use 38mm thick so that if you have and end panel you can use a 1mm overlay on the carcase to keep things neat then you have 18mm for the carcase and 19mm for a veneered MDF endpanel.

I usually allow a 60mm service gap at the back of the units but if you know what you are working with regarding pipes etc you can alter accordingly.

cheers

jon

 

[CNC Paul]

Oakfield,

If you use the one on the left make sure your leg plates support the side panels.

 

[oakfield]

Thanks for the replies.

I guess both way's have advantages and it's down to personal preferances.

Thanks again,
Mark.

 

[Smudger]

The left illustration looks better, if the sides are visible. I've used this style in some of my French country style LeBodge™ cupboards, and it makes a difference.

 

[TrimTheKing]

I would have thought that the one on the left was weaker unless you were certain that the feet were supporting the side panels, otherwise all the weight would be on whatever joinery method you used to join the base panel to the sides.

I would go for the one on the right then you are certain that wherever the feet are placed that the bottom of the side panels is supported by the base panel.

 

[oakfield]

I would have thought that the one on the left was weaker unless you were certain that the feet were supporting the side panels, otherwise all the weight would be on whatever joinery method you used to join the base panel to the sides.

I would go for the one on the right then you are certain that wherever the feet are placed that the bottom of the side panels is supported by the base panel.

I would agree with you which is why I asked. All units I have seen are made like the one on the left with the side panels just sitting on the edge of the feet, but the one on the right seems stronger to me because everything in sitting on top of each other.

I guess the main reason is what Jason mentioned about shelves, tops and bottoms being the same size and saving on setup time.
And as Smudger said - if the sides are visible the left one looks better.

 

[TrimTheKing]

I would have thought that the one on the left was weaker unless you were certain that the feet were supporting the side panels, otherwise all the weight would be on whatever joinery method you used to join the base panel to the sides.

I would go for the one on the right then you are certain that wherever the feet are placed that the bottom of the side panels is supported by the base panel.

I would agree with you which is why I asked. All units I have seen are made like the one on the left with the side panels just sitting on the edge of the feet, but the one on the right seems stronger to me because everything in sitting on top of each other.

I guess the main reason is what Jason mentioned about shelves, tops and bottoms being the same size and saving on setup time.
And as Smudger said - if the sides are visible the left one looks better.

Yep agreed. I guess it all depends on whether you can see the sides or are using end panels. And how much time you have to mess around cutting different sized panels.