All-Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Sometimes we get asked if our cabinets are constructed with only wood components. Here’s the answer…

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First, let’s define the term “all-wood.” In the cabinet industry, the term “all-wood” refers to the consistency of the materials used to build a cabinet.

All-wood materials consist of solid wood or plywood (thin layers of wood glued together). Let’s take a look at plywood first.

This construction of plywood gives it its strength and stability, and makes it less susceptible to warping and cracking than solid wood. Plywood can be made from a variety of hardwood or softwood species and can be finished with a stained or painted veneer. Our framed cabinet boxes are made from high-quality plywood (backs are made of MDF).

Particleboard, on the other hand, is made from wood particles that are bonded together with a synthetic resin. The particles are typically small chips or sawdust, and the resulting board is uniform in density and strength throughout. Particleboard is used for our standard shelving, which can be upgraded to plywood.

You may also hear about MDF or HDM material, which consists of wood fibers pressed and held together with a resin. HDM material is used often for our painted doors and drawer fronts. It can be machined for profiles. It is a sturdy material that is less likely to warp than solid wood. Painted Showplace doors and drawer headers may be made with HDM material.

Kitchen Cabinet Storage: What You Should Know

One of the most important aspects of designing a functional kitchen is storage. Kitchen cabinets play a crucial role in organizing and storing items such as cookware, dishes, utensils, and food.

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Read on to explore some of the best cabinet storage ideas to help maximize the functionality and organization of your kitchen or any other space in your home.

We offer many kitchen cabinet storage ideas to help maximize your kitchen’s functionality and organization. Here are some of the more popular cabinet storage and organization ideas. Be sure to discuss your specific needs with your designer.

Options. Options. Options.

Kitchen Storage

cabinet with roll trays

Drawers and Roll Trays

The most basic storage features that are a must in cabinet design are drawers and roll trays. They allow you to have access to items stored toward the back of a cabinet by pulling out the drawer or tray.

Base cabinet with lazy susan

Corner cabinets

Corner cabinets are often underutilized spaces in the kitchen. Installing a Lazy Susan or a swing-out shelving system can help maximize storage in corner cabinets.

Base cabinet with tray dividers

Tray Dividers

These vertical dividers are perfect for storing baking sheets, cutting boards, and serving trays.

Drawer organizer

Drawer Organizers

Drawer organizers help keep utensils and smaller items organized and easy to find. We offer both fixed drawer dividers or inserted accessories.

door spice rack

Door Spice Shelves

Cabinet door storage can be used to store spices, cleaning supplies, or even cookware.

Floating shelf

Open Floating Shelves

Open floating shelving is a great option for displaying decorative items and frequently used items, such as dishes and glasses. It also makes it easy to access these items when cooking and entertaining.

Base cabinet with waste basket kit

Pull-out Trash and Recycling Bins

A pull-out trash and recycling bin is a great way to keep the kitchen tidy while also maximizing storage space. We offer several kits for varying cabinet sizes.

Wine cube

Wine Storage

If you’re a wine enthusiast, consider installing a wine rack or a wine cooler in your kitchen. Wine storage can be incorporated into almost any cabinet.

Food container storage base

Food Container Storage

No need to have your lids fall out every time you open a door or drawer. This kit will help you keep all your containers in one place.

Custom cabinets

Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are perfect for maximizing storage space in unique or challenging kitchen layouts. We can build cabinets in almost any configuration to fit your needs.

By incorporating these ideas into your kitchen design, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional. Remember, when it comes to kitchen storage, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so consider your specific needs and preferences when designing your cabinets.

Are Showplace Cabinets Solid Wood?

Cabinets are an essential component of any kitchen, providing storage and organization for everything from dishes and glasses to pots and pans. A question we often get is if our cabinets are made from solid wood. Read on to learn more.

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First, let’s define what is meant by the term “solid wood.” Solid wood refers to wood that is made from a single piece of timber. It is usually cut into boards and then used to construct furniture, cabinets, and other wood products. Solid wood is known for its durability, strength, and natural beauty.

So, are Showplace cabinets made of solid wood? The answer is yes and no. Certain components of our cabinets are made of solid wood, such as cabinet box frames and specific door pieces. See our blogs that explain how our framed cabinet boxes and our cabinet doors are constructed.

View our image gallery to see beautiful homes around the USA filled with Showplace cabinets that are built in the USA.

Should I Choose an All-Black Kitchen?

All-black kitchens have become increasingly popular in recent years as homeowners and designers look to create dramatic and stylish spaces.

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While some may think an all-black kitchen could be dreary, it can actually create a stunning and sophisticated ambiance. Read on as we explore the benefits of all-black kitchens and how to create one that perfectly suits your home.

An all-black kitchen can make a bold statement, especially if the rest of the house has a lighter color scheme. The all-black look can convey a sense of luxury and glamour, giving the space a high-end feel. A monochromatic palette can also give the kitchen a cohesive and polished look, creating a sense of continuity throughout the room. It is important to note, however, that an all-black kitchen may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer a brighter and more cheerful atmosphere.

Lighting is also crucial in an all-black kitchen. As black surfaces can absorb light, it is essential to incorporate adequate lighting to prevent the room from feeling too dark or gloomy. Task lighting under cabinets and pendant lights above the island or table can add both functionality and style to the space. Natural light is also a must, so if possible, it’s a good idea to incorporate windows or skylights. Our black high gloss acrylic surface will reflect light, however.

Also, keep in mind that all-black cabinets show more dirt, dents, and scratches. So, more frequent cleaning and touch-ups may be required.

Finally, it is important to consider the size of your kitchen when choosing an all-black color scheme. In a smaller kitchen, an all-black design can make the space feel cramped. However, in a larger kitchen, black can make the space feel more expansive and grand.

Cabinet Door Styles: A Closer Look

Showplace offers many beautiful cabinet door styles to fit a variety of design tastes. We’ll take a closer look at each style to help you choose what’s right for you!

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If variety is what you’re looking for, Showplace has that and more! With a selection of at least 46 door styles in Contemporary, Traditional, and Transitional styles, you are sure to find the right look for you!

There are several “families” of door styles in our collection with a variety of construction methods. From doors made of three or five parts, or flat or raised center panel doors, to classic applied molding or contemporary slab doors, there is something for everyone.

Villa Argento

3 or 5-Piece

Most of our doors are constructed with five pieces, consisting of two styles and rails, and one center panel.

We also offer a 3-piece door (shown above) called “Villa.” This unique door, constructed with two styles and a middle panel, brings a trendy, contemporary look to any space.

Covington Cherry Natural

Flat/Raised Panel

Most of our door styles are either constructed with a flat or raised (shown above) center panel, but some are available with either option.

In many cases, flat panel doors have a veneered plywood center panel, while the raised center panel doors are made of solid hardwood.

Savannah Paint Grade Simpli Gray

Applied Molding

When you’re looking for a more classic look with decorative flair, our collection of doors with detailed molding applied to the inside of the door frame is the look for you.

We offer a variety of molding styles that range from simple square edges to eloquent and classy.

Milan Maple Natural

Slab

Contemporary design is where simple, sleek styles are most popular. Our selection of slab doors are made from MDF material covered with veneer and solid wood edgeband.

A couple of newer door styles, built with louvers or kerfs, give you even more choices in the ever-changing world of design.

Lane inset

Kerfed

The contemporary “Lane” door style is one of our kerfed doors with vertical grooves (kerfs) cut into the slab door. (Shown inset with frame)

cabana inset

Louvered

The “Cabana” door is a louvered door built with angled slats. This stylish door has plenty of character and gives a spa or island vibe.

Be sure to read our blog about how humidity affects multi-piece doors and what our warranty covers.

5 Kitchen Layout Ideas to Elevate Your Space

A kitchen is not just a place to cook and store food, but it is also a space where you can gather with family and friends.

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It’s important to choose a kitchen layout that not only functions well but also reflects your personal style and enhances the overall look of your home. If you’re looking for a modern kitchen layout, here are five ideas to inspire you.

Open Concept Kitchen

Open Concept

An open concept kitchen is a popular choice for modern homes, as it provides a spacious and airy feel to the room. The open concept kitchen allows for an easy flow between the kitchen and the living or dining area, making it ideal for entertaining guests or cooking with family. You can also incorporate a large island with seating for a casual dining option.

U-Shaped White Kitchen

U-Shaped Kitchen

A U-shaped kitchen is a great option if you want to maximize storage and counter space. The U-shaped design provides plenty of cabinetry and countertop space, making it ideal for busy kitchens. The U-shaped design also creates a closed-off area, making it ideal for privacy while cooking.

L-Shaped Kitchen

L-Shaped Kitchen

An L-shaped kitchen is another popular modern kitchen layout, as it provides a functional work area with plenty of counter space. The L-shaped design is ideal for small kitchens as it provides an efficient work triangle. You can also incorporate an island or a breakfast bar into the design for added counter space and seating.

Galley Kitchen

Galley Kitchen

A galley kitchen is a narrow and long kitchen design that provides plenty of counter space and storage. This design is ideal for small kitchens, and it allows for an efficient work triangle. You can also add an island to the design for extra counter space and storage.

One other layout option is the peninsula kitchen. A peninsula kitchen is similar to an L-shaped kitchen, but with a peninsula that extends out from the wall. The peninsula provides additional counter space and seating, making it ideal for casual dining. This layout is also a great option for small kitchens as it maximizes counter space while still providing an open feel.

Choosing the right kitchen layout is crucial to creating a functional and stylish kitchen. Whether you choose an open concept kitchen, a U-shaped kitchen, an L-shaped kitchen, a galley kitchen, or a peninsula kitchen, these modern kitchen layout ideas can help you create a space that meets your needs and enhances the overall look of your home. So, pick the layout that best fits your lifestyle, and start creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Do You Need Toe Kick Trim or Molding in Your Kitchen?

Whether or not you need toe kick molding in your kitchen depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your kitchen. We recommend it and here’s why.

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If you want a polished and finished look for your kitchen, or if you need a space to rest your feet when working at the countertops, then toe kick trim or molding is a great choice. But there’s more to it. Read on for more…

What is Toe Kick Trim or Molding?

Showplace toe kick trim is a strip of veneered plywood that is installed at the base of your cabinets – after they are installed in your home – where they meet the floor. It is 4-1/2 inches high and 1/4 inch thick. This is applied to cabinets with the standard recessed toe kick as shown below.

You can also use specific base molding to trim out specific areas, rather than just the thin trim strips, to add a decorative flair to cabinets. This is typically applied to cabinets with flush toes (see below) and flush end panels.

No matter the application, toe kick trim or molding is installed around the perimeter of your cabinets, providing a seamless transition between the cabinets and the floor. This helps to hide any gaps or imperfections, and it gives your kitchen a more polished and finished look.

Standard base cabinet toe kick area
Flush cabinet toe kick

Why is Toe Kick Molding Important?

In addition to making your cabinets look even better, toe kick molding serves several important functions in the kitchen.

  • It provides a space for your feet to rest when you’re working at your kitchen countertops.
  • Toe kick molding helps to protect the base of your cabinets from damage. When you’re working in the kitchen, it’s common to bump the bottom of your cabinets with your feet.

How to Choose the Right Colors for a Two-Toned Kitchen

A two-toned kitchen is a popular and stylish choice, allowing you to add visual interest to your space while also making a bold statement. However, choosing the right colors for your two-toned kitchen can be a challenge.

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With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colors for your two-toned kitchen.

Kitchen with window by sink

Consider your existing décor

Before choosing your kitchen colors, take a look at the rest of your home’s décor. The colors you choose for your kitchen should complement the rest of your home, so think about the color scheme and overall style of your living spaces when making your decision.

kitchen with two colors

Consider the Mood for Your Space

The colors you choose for your kitchen can have a big impact on the overall mood of the space. If you want a warm and inviting kitchen, choose warm colors like browns, yellows, and oranges. If you want a more modern and sleek look, consider cool colors like blues and greens.

Floor Plan

Consider the Layout of Your Space

The layout of your kitchen can also play a role in the colors you choose. For example, if you have a large open kitchen, you may want to choose bold, contrasting colors to create a statement. However, if your kitchen is small or has limited natural light, consider lighter and more neutral colors to help the space feel more open and airy.

Also, color psychology can be a useful tool when choosing your kitchen colors. For example, blue is often associated with calmness and tranquility, while red can create a more energetic and dynamic feel. Consider the mood you want to create in your kitchen and choose colors that reflect that mood.

Of course, one of the most important things to do is get color samples from your local dealer’s showroom and paint store. When you’ve narrowed down your color choices, it’s important to see how they look in the room itself. Our dealers offer color chips to help you narrow down your cabinet colors; but before making your final decision, it’s important to order a sample door in your top color choices.

Place color samples in the kitchen and observe how they look at different times of day and under different lighting conditions. See our blog about how light affects cabinet color.

By following these tips, you can choose colors that will make your kitchen look beautiful, feel warm and inviting, and reflect your personal style.

Who is the KCMA and Why is Showplace a Member?

Showplace is proud to be a member of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA). You may wonder what this organization is and why it’s important to be a member. Let’s talk about it.

A strong American cabinet industry is very important to Showplace Cabinetry and our employee owners. One of the most important ways we support the industry is through our active involvement in the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA).

So what is the KCMA? According to the KCMA.org website, “The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1955 to represent companies who manufacture cabinets, bath cabinets, or other residential cabinets and key kitchen and bath industry suppliers. With a membership now more than 300 strong throughout North America, KCMA works to advance the cabinet industry through advocacy, setting cabinet quality standards, sponsoring kitchen and bath cabinet-related research and providing the cabinet industry with management tools and educational programs.”

The KCMA provides resources to help companies succeed, but they also provide legal support and advocacy for its members and the industry.

“There is no other organization that is more devoted to promoting American cabinet manufacturers than the KCMA.” – Bill Allen, Showplace CEO

The KCMA has played a vital role as a champion of fair trade for the domestic cabinet industry while fighting against unfairly traded imported cabinets from China. The KCMA also administers trusted certification programs promoting ANSI construction standards, severe use and environmental stewardship that have been recognized as industry standards for decades.

Showplace employees
Showplace employees

In 2022, Showplace employees (pictured above) were honored to host a plant tour as part of the fall conference for the members of the KCMA, including executives from many manufacturers from around the country.

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The Beauty of Hickory: The Most Variably Grained and Colored Wood

If you’re looking for a wood species that offers a wide range of graining and color consistency, hickory should be at the top of your list.

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This versatile and beautiful wood has become a popular choice for any room in your home, and for good reason. With its unique graining, natural variation, and warm, inviting color, hickory is a wood species that truly stands out.

One of the defining features of hickory is its variability. Below are two areas in which hickory’s characteristics can vary, providing an unexpected beauty with each cabinet.

Characteristics

Hickory Pampas cabinets in a warehouse

Grain

The graining in hickory can range from straight and fine, to wild and wavy, and everything in between. This variability means that each piece of hickory wood is truly one-of-a-kind, and it gives the wood a natural and organic look that is difficult to replicate.

Vanity in hickory wood

Color

The heartwood of hickory can range from light to dark colors, with a reddish hue that adds warmth to the wood. Sapwood is usually lighter in color and can have a yellow or creamy hue. These color variations within a single piece of wood are part of what makes hickory unique and beautiful.

Hickory is a strong and durable wood, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like flooring or furniture. It’s also a popular choice for cabinetry and millwork, as its natural variation and character make it a great addition to any kitchen or bathroom.

Hickory stained storage cabinets in the back office of our Harrisburg showroom.
This photo demonstrates the variability of stains on hickory. Sparrow finish shown.

Also, whether you prefer a natural finish that highlights the wood’s natural graining and character, or a stained finish that adds a pop of color to your space, hickory is a versatile wood that can be customized to fit your style.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and character-rich addition to your cabinetry or millwork, hickory is a great choice.

Rustic Woods: Add Warmth and Charm to Your Home

Rustic woods have become a popular trend in home design for their natural beauty and ability to add warmth and charm to any space. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy cabin feel in your living room or bring a touch of nature into your modern kitchen, rustic woods are the perfect solution.

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Rustic wood cabinets add warmth and texture to a space, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This style is particularly well-suited for kitchens that are open and spacious and is becoming increasingly popular in both contemporary and traditional kitchens.

From rich alder to light-toned hickory, there is a type of rustic wood to fit every design aesthetic. Rustic woods also have a unique character that comes from their natural imperfections, knots, and graining, making each cabinet or flooring truly one-of-a-kind.

Another great thing about rustic woods is their versatility. They work well in both modern and traditional settings, and can be paired with a variety of other design elements, from sleek stainless steel to cozy textiles. No matter the look you prefer, rustic woods can fit right in.

Bathroom vanity in rustic hickory

Characteristics

Rustic wood is known for its natural imperfections, knots, and graining. These unique features add depth and character to the wood, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Rustic wood also tends to have a more muted color palette, with a mix of light and dark tones that add depth to the space.

Keep in mind that we are unable to control knot amount or placement or grain or color consistency, and any occurrence of these natural imperfections are not considered warrantable.

Bathroom vanity in rustic alder

Versatility

Rustic wood can be paired with a variety of other materials, making it a versatile choice for kitchen or bath cabinetry. For example, you can pair rustic wood cabinets with a sleek, modern countertop for a chic, contemporary look. Or you can pair them with a natural stone backsplash for a more traditional, warm feel.

dual bathroom sink with brown cabinetry and white countertops

Durability

Rustic wood is also known for its durability and strength. Whether you choose alder or hickory, rustic wood cabinets can stand up to the wear and tear of a busy home.

Rustic Wood

Wall cabinet with Water Glass in upper doors

Color Variations

This cabinet is finished in our cashew stain on rustic alder. Notice the light and dark areas? The inconsistencies are acceptable and would not be replaced as per the terms of our warranty.

Rustic Alder cabinet

Knots and Color

This cabinet is finished in our Driftwood stain on rustic alder. Some would prefer to have more knots or to have knots in other locations than near a door profile or a possible hardware location. Remember that we are unable to control knot placement or amount.

Rustic hickory cabinet

Color and Knots

This beautiful cabinet is finished in Tawny stain on rustic hickory. You may notice inconsistency in the color and number of knots per door. Random knots and color variations add character and are acceptable.

Rustic hickory cabinet

Variety

This cabinet showcases the beauty of rustic hickory with our Natural finish. The variety of wood tones and the random placement provide a gorgeous, rustic look.

Additionally, there is no limit to size, number, or location of knots on a cabinet or door part. The quality requirement is that a knot is sound and completely filled in. The images below are acceptable.

Rustic wood cabinets are a popular choice for kitchens due to their warmth, versatility, durability, and unique character. Whether you’re looking for a traditional or contemporary look, rustic wood cabinets can add natural beauty to your kitchen, making it feel cozy and inviting.

How are Showplace Framed Cabinets Made?

Have you ever wondered how Showplace cabinets are made? Or have you asked your dealer what materials are used? Read on to learn more.

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Showplace Cabinetry offers high-quality cabinets with a wide variety of style and functionality to fit any design need or trend.

Here are just some of the ways that Showplace quality is why we are one of the top cabinet brands in America.

Showplace Quality

You want quality you can count on, and Showplace gives you just that. Compare our construction features here to other cabinetry brands. We think you’ll agree that Showplace gives you a lot more for your money. And Showplace stands behind this American-made quality with a limited lifetime warranty.

  • Face frames: 3/4″ thick select hardwood components, dadoed to receive tops, bottoms, and end panels
  • Hand-applied finish: sealed and given an oven-baked topcoat of catalyzed varnish for lasting durability, in satin or matte sheen
  • Drawers: soft-close and full-extension drawer glides are concealed under the dovetailed solid hardwood box and are the best in the industry. A dovetailed solid walnut drawer option is available
  • Shelves are a hefty 3/4″ thick and adjustable
  • Hinges: 6-way adjustable and with soft-close action are the best in the industry
  • Interiors: Showplace offers three different interior options
  • Durability: 1/2″ plywood sides, tops and bottoms provide structural rigidity and lasting durability, with an available upgrade to 3/4″ plywood sides
  • Space maximizing: Wall cabinets are 13″ deep, providing more storage space to accommodate larger, over-sized plates and serveware

Cabinet drawers

drawer box with showplace logo

Solid Quality

The superior Showplace drawer has a four-sided solid hardwood box that is dovetailed for rigidity. The 1/4-inch drawer bottom is captive on all four sides. A dovetailed solid walnut drawer option is available.

open drawer on cabinet

Soft Close

Our drawer glide is a ball-bearing, full-extension undermount unit, out of sight and away from dirt and grime. It has a smooth soft-close action, and is rated for 75-pound dynamic loads as well as 100-pound static loads.

open drawer on cabinet

More Storage

Opening height for top drawers in base cabinets are an industry leading 5-1/2″ tall; this provides increased storage depth to keep contents from catching when drawers are opened.

Watch our soft close drawer glides in action!

Are you ready?

Visit a local Showplace dealer to learn more and to start designing your dream space today!