THIRSTY ON THURSDAY #8
Welcome back to our Thirsty on Thursday. Let me ask……
Have you ever been to an appointment and the doctor is using words that you have no idea what they mean? You sit and nod your head and act like you understand…then you go on google and look up those words like crazy when you get home. Or, here’s another thing that happens….you tried a new health remedy that you read online to find out from your doctor that it’s not a good idea or even healthy? Neither of these situations are comfortable. I would rather know exactly what the doctor is talking about and I’d much rather have all the truthful facts about a remedy before I try it.
For the next few weeks we will be going over terms of the trade as well as telling you the truth in regards to some common misconceptions that your clients may have heard.
First let’s start off with some misconceptions.
Misconception #1: A Cabinet box construction isn’t as important as the finished exterior look.
Truth: The life of your cabinetry depends heavily on the type of construction used during assembly. It can be stapled together, put together with cam locks, mortise and tenon, or even kreg jig screws. My favorite is Mortise and tenon. Looking at the cabinet construction, the main source is the glue being used for bonding strength. The better the glue or resin the better the strength.
Here are some terms for you……
- Mortise- A cavity or hole cut to allow a Tenon to pass through to make a joint
- Mortise and Tenon- A specific joining technique. The mortise is cut into a piece of wood. The joint is made when an opposing piece cut with a Tenon is slipped into the mortise.
- Rail- The horizontal pieces of frames
- Stile- The vertical pieces of frames.
- Miter- A joint made by fitting together two angled pieces to form a right angle
Misconception #2: An all wood cabinet is the best material for a cabinet box.
Truth: This all depends on the type of plywood or grade of plywood and the resin or glue being used. I feel that our manufacture’s furniture board material is stronger and more durable than plywood because of the paraffin wax used in their materials. We have done water tests with this and the furniture board holds up longer in comparison to plywood and MDF. The best product to use for water fear would be a marine grade plywood but the costs deter people to other choices. There are some manufactures that use a plastic leg system so if there is a leak or water damage it never effects the cabinet.
Here are some definitions of materials…..
- Plywood – material of thin layers of wood veneer being glued together with wood grain being alternated 90 degree to one another
- Furniture board – is made of wood fibers glued and pressed together, sometimes using a mold.
Misconception #3: Frameless is better than a framed cabinet.
Truth: This comes down to client preference. A frameless cabinet has more access in the interior but a framed cabinet has more strength due to the extra wood face. If the manufacturer and installer are following guidelines with quality materials both framed and frameless cabinets are good depending on your preference.
More terms for your knowledge……
- Face frame- The supporting wood frame attached to the front of the cabinet box to give it structural rigidity and provide mounting support for doors and drawers.
- Framed construction- Cabinet box that has a face frame. It resembles a flat, empty picture frame attached to the front. Frame adds stability and strength. It is thought of as traditional or transitional.
- Frameless construction – Cabinet box becomes the frame for which the hinges are attached to. This type of box does not have the extra wood around the front of the box. Thus it gives more access for the interior of the cabinet. Frameless is more European and considered modern.
- Center stile- A vertical strip of hardwood that is a component of the face frame. It divides a cabinet opening equally. Also called a mullion.
- Reveal- the amount of face frame you see around the door and drawer front when the cabinet door and drawer front are closed.
Misconception #4: Custom cabinets are the highest quality you can get.
Truth: While there are many high quality local Custom cabinet makers, there are also those makers who bought the materials from a vendor and just put it together but then act like they created everything. If you want true custom, find a cabinet maker like our supplier who debarks the trees, controls all the moisture content and manufactures their own trims and doors. Most local guys buy all their doors and trims, not knowing how they are made or even what’s in the materials.
Here are some terms for you…..
- Shop built cabinets – Local company designing and building of cabinet to fit a unique size area. Some materials are milled and some materials are bought from vendor.
- True Custom Cabinets – Creating Milling materials to make cabinetry, trims and doors to fit unique size areas.
- Pre manufactured Cabinets – Building of cabinets in factory in 3” increment sizes for areas.
Misconception #5: To be the best choice for a client you have to buy direct.
Truth: There are many new lines that will make anyone a direct dealer. Be careful who you choose to represent. If it is too easy to become a dealer for a manufacture then their product might be an inferior line. I would rather buy thru a wholesaler with a high quality line than buy an inferior product that doesn’t last. It might look good on a flyer that you are a dealer but not when your products are falling apart.
Misconcept#6
- Quality Direct Cabinet Dealer – Meeting specified requirements to receive the benefits of buying without a middleman. Usually have different discounts dependent on order amounts.
- Wholesale distributor –Pricing close to buying direct without requirements.
Thanks for your time today. Hopefully today’s video provided some go to terms and truths that can be utilized when talking with your clients. Speaking knowledge and truth will help you develop the trust needed to develop a healthy relationship with them. See you next week!
