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For most conventional cabinet work (kitchens, bath and laundry cabinets e.g.), Moore’s Woodworks uses the European cabinet construction method.  This is an efficient panel-based method of construction which takes advantage of the wide range of specially designed hardware now available.

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The most commonly requested cabinet woods have been alder, red oak, maple or cherry.  Other species available are ash, birch, poplar, mahogany and walnut.  Within the past few years European beech lumber has come on the market and is an excellent cabinet and furniture wood at a competitive price.  It machines and finishes well and is widely used to mimic cherry, mahogany or walnut

For painted cabinets (colored or white lacquer), poplar or “natural “ maple is generally used.  (“Natural” refers to hardwood which has not been selected for uniform color and is suitable for opaque finishes.)

In addition to traditional wood cabinet exteriors, Moore's Woodworks also builds cabinets with high-pressure laminate exteriors (e.g. “Formica”) for a more contemporary look, easy maintenance, or for commercial applications.

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When you select a stain color I’ll make a sample for your approval.  In most cases, I use a transparent dye to color wood.  Multiple coats are applied, building up to the final density required.  Dyes color the wood by penetrating the individual wood fibers--the same way that fabric is dyed.  The advantage is a natural look without the random “blotching” that pigments-in-oil stains often produce.  (A green dye was used on some cabinet work shown in the Gallery section.  Since the base wood was a highly figured birch veneer, the result resembled a polished mineral rather than a piece of veneered plywood.)

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“Distressed” and glazed finishes are also available.  

For colored lacquer finishes a sample of the color to be matched will be needed if it is a color other than a generic white.

Pre-catalyzed lacquer (clear or pigmented) topcoats are used for water and scratch resistance.  Typically a satin or “dull rubbed” gloss level is selected.  “Satin” has more shine than the “dull rubbed” finish.  You can determine which you prefer.

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Once the details and scope of your project are known I can figure an estimated price for the job.  The basic cost of a job consists of the estimated hours to complete x hourly shop rate + cost of materials and hardware.  Most jobs are done under a lump sum contract.  Drawings are included as part of the contract.