2013 Wood Diamond Award

​Category – Kitchen European Under $25K

Project Description – Drawings were created in KCDW. Cabinet boxes were cut on a Jet table saw and line-bored using a Conquest mini13. Carcasses are European style, manually built (we hope to upgrade to CNC in the future.) We dado, nail, glue and screw the boxes together. 3/4” top, bottoms and sides. 1/2” solid backs. Doors drilled with Blum hinge machine. We use a CA technologies AAA pump gun for spraying finishes with a Binks spray booth.
The total job price was $31400. Cabinetry and installation were $22,400. $9000 was for general remodeling, including: installing wood floors and new baseboard throughout the first floor, some minor electrical and plumbing, removing bulkheads and patchwork. Counter tops were not included by us, nor were appliances.

Unusual Aspects – I am particularly fond of the finish schedule. The maple doors were distressed using a palm sander, rasp, chisels, cat tail, etc… A base stain color was applied and sealed. Then the woodwork was dry-brushed with a dark brown glaze. Top-coat was then applied. Also, the range hood area is a standout (IMHO). The ceiling light bridge was created to cover the area where a bulkhead was removed. The client was worried about a new ceiling texture being matched to the old. I suggested the light bridge to solve this problem, and to allow for some additional lighting on this work area. The hood has an internal blower pack with halogen lights as well. There are also a lot of nice internal cabinet features, multi-storage pantry, slide out shelves, two-tiered cutlery divider, etc…

Why I like the CMA – Although I have not been a CMA member for long, I have found the information presented in the magazines and forum to be very valuable. I’ll be the first to admit that, by most cabinetmakers standards, I’m a “little wet behind the ears” (Being only 32 years old.) I value having a resource that I can keep on the cutting edge of small shop technology and trends. Although I mostly lurk on the forum, I’ve used the search functions to dig up lots of good information. Also, I think having the CMA membership gives some validation to our companies commitment to pursuing quality. (customers invariably ask about the certificate on display.) We also get some website traffic from our listing on the CMA website. I look forward to participating in the CMA’s training program as well…