Frameless Cabinets

Question
I’ve read many posts at other Web sites claiming frameless is better for not losing storage space. I understand you get larger drawers with frameless construction, but I’ve always thought custom inset framed cabinets were easier to design a space-saving kitchen. Depending on the layout, I think frameless kitchens require more fillers due to clearances. I’d like to hear what all of you think about this subject.
– Kompy

Response 1
I think frameless does provide more storage. Part of the service our company provides is going through client’s cabinets, measuring the items they are going to store and devising the proper storage space for it. A 12"-deep wall cabinet in inset will not hold a lot of people’s dinner plates. Particularly in layouts that end up with a lot of 18" wide or narrower cabinets, frameless will allow more items to be stored conveniently. The drawer box openings are not only wider but they are also taller which can make a big difference. I don’t think drawer height is considered enough, but modifying the heights of drawers can maximize storage. The average “pot and pan” drawer of two tall bottom drawers will leave lots of wasted space above the skillets but may not have enough height for a stock pot. Skillets will often fit in a standard (top drawer) height frameless drawer but not in a standard height inset drawer. Pull out trash cans are another example of this. You can fit two 35-quart cans in a 16-1/2" base in frameless, but will need an 18" base in inset. I do think framed cabinets save space sometimes because you can get wider or combined cabinets which aren’t available in frameless.
– Khat

Response 2
When it comes to drawers and roll trays, there’s nothing like frameless for providing an extra 3"-4" plus per cabinet in a smaller kitchen. The only two situations where fillers become an issue are corners and depth shifts (12" next to 24" or more), and you’d probably be using fillers for those situations anyway. What I love about framed cabinetry is the ability to use extended styles rather than fillers on straight runs, because I think it gives a much cleaner, and more custom, look. I also love using other available frame modifications, especially with respect to reveals.
– grayslady

Response 3
I appreciate your feedback. We don’t do a lot of frameless kitchens. I’d say 1% or 2%, and it’s not for a lack of showroom displays. It’s the Midwest.

I never thought about the drawer height before. I tend to design with mostly drawers on the bases, so that is great info. I will now go out in my showroom to measure some drawers!
– Kompy

Cabinetry Displays

Question
Does anyone have any ideas on how to display our different cabinet doors? Currently we use a slatwall system, but still need more room.

I have seen a set up where the doors are displays like pages in a book. Does anyone know if this system can be purchased somewhere or is it a custom fabrication item? Thanks.
– cypress design

Response 1
We use a couple of methods: cleat on wall, tall cabinet with tray dividers on 25" angle, hidden wire shelf holders and the pages-in-the-book method.

All are custom applications dependent on the space in the showrooms.
– boxesonawall

Response 2
Our showroom has recently cleaned up a ‘new’ room and hope to display doors there. We have talked about the book pages idea but don’t know how to approach it. If we can figure this thing out, we can sell it to every cabinet dealer, become rich and retire, right?
– Elizabeth.h.ckd

Response 3
When I see the pages-in-the-book method the cabinet door styles look like they could get damaged. If you do it where the doors would not rub anything, then it would seem to work out.
– MCR

Marketing Tactics

Question
Does anyone have any experience with direct mailings? We are considering doing some mailings to homeowners and/or contractors. Any feedback would be great.
– cypress design

Response 1
We did our first direct mailing this past December. We sent to owners (both local and out-of-towners) to several condo buildings, and waterfront property owners. We included a cover letter, a brochure, and a “coupon” for 10% off. Guess what? Not one call back!
– mccabgirl

Response 2
Three or four years ago we decided to buy one of those listings of home purchases in the area. We dedicated a full year of monthly mailings to these prospects – each month being a different piece.

They say a good return for a direct mailing campaign is about 1% response. After 12 months of it, we had about .25% response, and no sales resulting from it.

I’ve talked to other people who have had success with direct marketing. The one thing they have had in common is they are selling on price – trying to be the least expensive guy in town, and have a pretty hard-sell mentality, but they swear by it.
– ScottFL

Response 3
We have tried the postcard packs and have not one received one call here either! They were primarily mailed to middle- to upper-end homeowners.

I think that so many people are so busy nowadays that we become bombarded with marketing messages, so people tend to filter out much of what they receive.
– Kompy

Response 4
I agree with the “bombardment” phenomenon. We hand-addressed each mailer and did not do bulk-rate postage hoping the envelope would stand out from junk mail.

We’ve gotten a few leads and a couple sales from the newspaper ads we’ve run. It’s a “business and services” page running half-page features and half-page, business-card size ads.
– mccabgirl

MDF Center Panels

Question
Are most manufacturers using MDF center panels on painted cabinetry? I understand the issues of shrinking/lines between door frames and panels, but was surprised to hear MDF is an industry standard for painted raised panel cabinetry. Any feedback?
– jeng

Response 1
I handle three lines of painted cabinetry. Two paint over solid maple. One paints over MDF.
– ScottFL

Response 2
Thanks. I was mainly concerned about issues with solid maple lines.
– jeng