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UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

If I create a custom design, may I receive confirmation drawings of my order?

Yes. Please request elevation drawings at the time of placing your order by writing us at info@dcabinets.com. We will always send you detailed confirmation drawings of each piece for your approval prior to production.  Once you receive your confirmation drawings, please return them promptly with corrections, comments, date and signature. Any delay in their return may cause a change in the projected completion date.

What does your corner detail look like?

The end panel is flush with the cabinet front, with the front and hardware extending 7/8" in front of the cabinet box. See Drawing A for example.

How to conceal my washer and dryer behind base cabinet doors?

Using Dunsmuir Cabinets, it is simple to conceal under-counter appliances without integrated fronts.

First, select small European-style under-counter appliances and make certain there is ample space behind the machine and wall for plumbing, electric and vent connections. This may be accomplished by leaving a gap behind all the base cabinet boxes that will be covered with an extended substrate and countertop, or by mounting the utility connections recessed in the finished wall. Many times, you will need to do a combination of both.

Second, most under-counter appliances are too wide for a standard 24" wide fronts. You will need to take both sides of a 24" IKEA base cabinet box and attach them (plumb and level) to the adjacent cabinet boxes or finished wall surface. These panels will be used to secure the standard IKEA hinges that support the custom fronts. The total space required between IKEA boxes needs to be the sum of appliance widths, plus the width of the hinges, the 3/4" center support and a minimum of 1/4" either side of the appliance to comfortably install the unit. The countertop requires a 3/4" plywood substrate and vertical center support to span both appliances without sagging. Select finished plywood and matching front edge strip. The countertop or substrate should never rest on the appliances, as they vibrate when in use and need to be removed for service.

The custom Dunsmuir Cabinets fronts will be the same height as the adjacent, and use the same 1/8" tolerance spacing between fronts. If the resulting door width is greater than 24", request and additional center hinge. Any door wider than 24" cannot be warrantied and might sag over time.

See Detail B, right, for dimensions.

How do I give the top of the wall cabinets a built-in look or conceal a light?

You may customize wall cabinets and high cabinets by adding up to 6" to the top of doors using the Dcabinets online Design tool.  On our home page (dcabinets.com) click the Start Designing button and follow the prompts to the Design page.  Then click the green plus sign to add a standard IKEA item.  Drag the cursor over the item selected until the white pop-up window appears and click customize.  Always leave 1/2 or 3/4 inches between the cabinet door and ceiling for clearance from ceiling down lights and vents.  This will create a custom built-in look without a bulky soffit. Make sure you consider any obstructions in the ceiling that might prevent you from opening the doors (lighting fixtures, smoke alarms and ceiling beams).

How to add under-cabinet lights and finished panel under upper cabinets?

  1. Before installing your new wall cabinets, you should already have an electrical plan to locate power supply and switches. Locate a duplex electrical outlet immediately above the wall cabinet on the back mounting wall and lead electrical power to this outlet from a remote wall switch adjacent the countertop. 
  2. Next, install your IKEA wall cabinets leaving a minimum 3/4" space between the finished wall and the outside edge of the wall cabinets. This space may be covered with a custom matching panel from Dunsmuir Cabinets. 
  3. Then install a continuous LED strip light along the top, side and under the wall cabinet.  The LED strip light will lead through an aluminum channel with diffuser (3/4" wide x 5/8" deep). Remember, the location of the LED strip light is crucial. The further forward it is located, the more it provides task lighting on the countertop, and the further back it is, the more it illuminates the back wall and splash. See the diagram and Details D and F, right, for further information.  

This detail requires a continuous matching Dunsmuir Cabinets panel under the wall cabinets (either one panel, cut lengthwise, or two panels ordered exactly to size). Finally, add a minimum of 7/8" (maximum of 2") to the bottom of the cabinet fronts, and up to 6" to the top (depending upon the ceiling height) to conceal the lighting strip and create an indirect lighting source.  

The strip under-cabinet light in the picture is:

Prolite Aluminum Deep flush mount channel with frosted cover and associated LED strip light and power supply, purchased here.

How do we establish the tolerances and clearances of Dunsmuir Cabinets fronts?

Dunsmuir Cabinets doors allow a horizontal clearance of 1/8" between cabinet doors, 1/16" between drawer fronts, and 1/8" between countertops and the top of base cabinet doors. Always confirm counter clearance by using the proper substrate and edge detail. Your kitchen design should allow a minimum clearance of 3/16" around built-in appliances (dishwasher, built-in ovens, microwaves and refrigerators) and a minimum of 1/4"- 1/2" around inset refrigerators. Always consult your appliance manufacturer's specifications and installation requirements, using their home website and correct model number, to establish the precise requirements. Dcabinets will make custom fronts to suit your custom design needs. Contact us at info@dcabinets.com if you are unsure or require assistance.  We will review the recommended clearances. Finally, always design your kitchen in plan and allow clearance for doors and drawers to open without striking adjacent cabinets, appliances, metal hardware or adjacent walls. Remember that IKEA door hardware will open wider than 90 degrees, and 150 degrees for all interior pull-outs.

How do we establish accurate design dimensions for IKEA OLD AKURUM cabinet boxes?

This entry refers to the old AKURUM cabinet line.

The dimensions published by IKEA for cabinet boxes are nominal, or conversions from the metric, not the actual construction dimensions. IKEA dimensions may not be used to establish precise widths, depths or heights. We offer some useful rules for establishing the actual dimensions of IKEA boxes. 

WIDTH:
IKEA cabinet boxes are approximately 1/16" smaller that their nominal published width. When properly installed (plumb and level), one IKEA box adjacent another, the centerline between boxes approximates the given nominal dimension (12", 15"; 17"; 18"; 24"; 30" or 36").   

HEIGHT:

Cabinet TypePublished HeightActual Height
Base Cabinets 30 3/8" 30 5/16"
Wall Cabinets 30 3/8" 30 5/16"
Wall Cabinets 39" 39 1/8"
High Cabinets 80" 79 1/2"
High Cabinets 88" 88 5/16"

How to install custom kicks for IKEA Sektion?

IKEA SEKTION cabinets use integrated plastic clips to attach toe kicks to supports (see image on right). This clip style is not compatible with the custom materials we provide. Our kicks come prepared to receive a "Press-in" mounting clip to secure the toe kick to the cabinet legs -- the same used by IKEA Akurum cabinets.

We highly recommend purchasing aftermarket mounting clips from a company such as:

Woodworker's Supply

How to make a thin or ultra thin countertop with substrate?

Assemble your IKEA base cabinets (level and plumb) and secure a finished 3/4" plywood substrate for the countertop, using IKEA Fixa anchor strips (702.746.28).  Avoid plywood seams except on inside corners of the countertop.  Allow 1/8" between the front edge of the smooth plywood substrate and the front of IKEA box.  Glue a continuous 3/4" x 1/16" aluminum or brushed stainless steel strip to the front of plywood, flush with the IKEA box using a professional adhesive.  Glue the stone top to the substrate leaving a minimum 7/8" lip.  The substrate will guarantee a level stone top surface.  Add 5/8" to the top of each base cabinet door using the Dcabinets online Design tool.  You may also add this note to your order or email us at info@dcabinets.com.  This detail allows a 1/8" tolerance between base doors and the underside of countertop.  It does however elevate the height of base doors and all adjacent doors should match.  Since it changes the proportion of drawer fronts, this detail works best with full height base doors in small kitchens or coffee counters.  Thin countertops allow the use of (3/4" to 3/8") stone tops, solid surface materials, synthetic quartz and porcelain slabs. 

How do I design floating shelves?

Floating shelves should not be an afterthought arbitrarily attached to kitchen walls.  Ideally, they are integrated into the kitchen design, its materials and color pallet, and are useful not simply ornamental.  Design your shelf patterns as part of your cabinet scheme using the same materials and colors, or those contrasting the wall or backsplash. (See images below)  We manufacture floating shelves in all materials and colors.  We do not recommend using lacquered MDF and solid surface materials, due to their excessive weight.  Send us your shelf design with the necessary weight requirements.  

When you place your order, we select a corresponding steel mounting bracket from the Shelfology catalog  http://www.shelfology.com/.  Shelfology produces brackets in light, medium, heavy duty and extra heavy-duty patterns, which determine the shelf’s length, depth, thickness and load capacity. By selecting the appropriate bracket, your floating shelves may be 8” to 15 5/8” in depth, 16” to 84” in length, and carry loads from 30 to 300 lbs.  We manufacture and deliver your shelves with the Shelfology bracket enclosed.  When your order arrives, mark the wall and attach the bracket according to the Shelfology recommendations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZYyp8Ujn6c.

There are too many variables in the design of floating shelves to fully automate their price.  Contact Dunsmuir Cabinets at info@dcabinets.com for an estimate of these and other unique pieces.

What paint do you use?

The premium standard for wood finishing in North America is a professionally applied catalyzed conversion varnish. This is what we us in a 10% sheen finish.

Can I pick up my items directly?

We produce with a variety of manufacturers based on their speciality to get the best product. Currently we produce in Washington state and in the Los Angeles area. Painted panels are produced in ON Canada. Please contact us if interested.

Do you ship to Canada?

Yes! Please contact us for a customized quote.

What are my shipping costs?

As you can imagine, it depends on the exact nature of your order. We are happy to provide a quote for shipping and insurance once the order is finalized. Please note that due to fluctuating fuel surcharges, the quote will have an expiration date.

What should we consider when installing our Dunsmuir Cabinets fronts?

Dunsmuir Cabinets are designed to fit IKEA box and hardware locations and to allow precise clearances in accordance with your custom design. The hardware patterns of your custom fronts may not correspond to the standard IKEA instructions. Cabinet fronts should never be installed so they hit or rub against other fronts as this may cause damage. Consult your design drawings and the sticker on the back of each panel to locate each piece before installing. Once you install your Dunsmuir Cabinets fronts properly, the IKEA kitchen hardware allows you to easily adjust each panel vertically and horizontally, or to remove it completely and relocate. See the IKEA Website for recommendations.

Dunsmuir Cabinets fronts cannot be installed properly if your IKEA cabinet boxes are not plumb and level or if your door hardware is installed in the wrong location. Check your cabinet boxes with a level prior to installing fronts. Use the kitchen installation instructions provided by IKEA or consult their website. if you are uncertain or require further information.  There are also great visual resources on YouTube, and you may always Google your question to find additional video instructions. Another excellent resource includes the guides and blogs found on the website www.ikeafans.com.

Touch-up and repair

Our painted panels are finished with a 3 stage (2K catalyzed polyurethane) the highest standard for kitchen cabinets. It is an outstanding paint, fully heat, water and abrasion resistant.   But sometimes kitchen accidents do happen even to the best materials. This is how we suggest touching up our painted panels:

Always follow the cleaning instructions on our Help page.  Where vigorous rubbing or polishing with abrasive cleaners has created a shiny spot in the satin finish: Even out the sheen by first cleaning with alcohol and lightly spraying a water base clear lacquer onto the clean surface.  Use this product: Mohawk Perfect Blend Waterborne Lacquer M102-0613 Matt 19-23 sheen aerosol spray can. Follow the instructions on the can for application.

To fill small corner nicks and dings: Use a wax Mohawk fil-stick to fill the nick and then secure the repair with clear spray lacquer listed above. 

Mohawk fil-stick in colors matching dcabinets standard colors:

P1 Warm White -use M231-9844

P2 Cool White - use M231-8618

P3 Gray - use M231-1476

P4 Greige – to be determined

P5 Taupe – to be determined

P6 Blue - use M231-9853

P7 Dark Gray - use M230-4029

These products may be purchased by calling (WRP) Wood Repair Products at 1-866-289-3263. Their web based online store may not feature all the items above.  They are happy to take your order by phone. You may also contact WRP concerning custom color fill sticks.

General Care Information

At Dunsmuir Cabinets, our craftsmen use the finest materials, techniques and finishes. The following is a guide to preserve the original look of your cabinets for many years to come.

General cleaning should be done using only warm water, a mild liquid dish soap and a soft drying cloth.  A more effective all-purpose cleaner may be made of warm water and one-eighth portion of vinegar and rubbing alcohol with a few drops of dish soap.  Vinegar is a natural acid that lifts stuck-on food.  Alcohol cuts through mild grease and oils.  While dish soap lathers stains making it easier to clean. Wipe the cabinets, rinse with a warm damp towel and dry with a soft cotton or microfiber cloth.  Do not apply a wax coating to increase the sheen, as this will add an additional layer or film and create shiny spots.  To remove tape glue, adhesives or oil stains, preclean with a mild solvent such as Goo Gone, vodka or Castile soap before washing.  Never leave these solvents on the surface as they may soften the finish.

 

Different cabinet surfaces require unique cleaning techniques and rituals.  Here are a few easy tips.  Our clear coated woods and painted cabinets have a 20% low sheen finish.  Low sheen or satin finishes should never be scrubbed or burnished in one spot as this may polish the surface and increase the luster resulting in permanent shiny spots.  Use a gentle cleaner in a spray bottle to better control the amount and location, and carefully dry integrated pulls.  Dark colors require regular cleaning to eliminate the build-up oil stains and finger prints.  White colors show the accumulation of dust and require frequent gentle cleaning.  Laminates are the easiest to keep clean as their surface is nonporous and highly stain and oil resistant.  Never use metal cleaners on or around pulls.  If you cannot clean hidden grime, carefully remove the pull and clean separately before reinstalling.

Avoid using the following products:

Spic & Span, which contains abrasives Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Silicate. 

Tilex, which contains Sodium Hypochlorite. 

Comet, which contains abrasives Calcium Carbonate and Sodium Carbonate. 

Chlorine Bleach, which contains Sodium Hypochlorite. 

Hand Washing Liquid, which contains Alpha Sulfo Methyl Ester and Sodium Laureth Sulphate. 

Glass Cleaner such as Windex, which contains Isopropanol, Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid Propylene Glycol Methyl Ester. 

Ammonia. which may have a caustic effect,

Furniture Polish / Pledge, which contains Silicone Emulsion Waxes. 

 

Avoid impact or striking the finished surfaces with hard metal objects, since this can produce a permanent indentation, cut or chip, particularly along edges. In the event of this type of accidental damage, minor nicks can be repaired, depending upon their severity.  We recommend using a certified furniture refinisher, sometimes referred to as a cabinet doctor.  For painted lacquers, you may also order a color match Fil-Stick and waterborne lacquer spray sealant. See the Help entry below.

Touch-up and minor repair

Our painted lacquer panels are finished with 2K catalyzed polyurethane, the highest standard for durable kitchen cabinets. It is an extremely hard surface but sometimes accidents happen, even to the best finishes. This is how we suggest touching up the painted panels:

 

Where vigorous scrubbing has created shiny spots in the stain finish:

Even out the sheen by lightly applying waterbase clear lacquer spray on the clean surface. Use this product:

Mohawk Perfect Blend Waterborne lacquer M102-0613 Matt 19-23 sheen aerosol spray can. Follow the instructions for proper application.

 

To fill small nicks and dings:

Use wax Mohawk fil-stick to gently cover the nick and seal with the clear water base lacquer spray listed above.

 

Mohawk fil-stick in colors matching dcabinets standard colors

P1 Warm White -use  M231-9844

P2 Cool White - use  M231-8618

P3 Gray - use M231-1476

P4 Greige – to be determined

P5 Taupe – to be determined

P6 Blue - use M231-9853

P7 Dark Gray - use M230-4029

 

These products may be purchased by calling your local (WRP) Wood Repair Products store. Touch-up products may be ordered online.  However, you may wish to confirm color match and availability by phone.  Follow the instructions carefully. Rub the nick with the wax pencil, remove the excess and lightly dust the repaired area with the spray lacquer sealer. If you have ordered a custom color, Wood Repair Products will require a color match chip to confirm the proper Fil-Stick.

Recommendations for Use:

Avoid exposure of finished cabinet surfaces to high hear (160 F) steam or warm cooking oil. When broiling with the oven door open, or using the self-clean cycle of your over, open the doors and drawers of the adjacent cabinets to minimize exposure to high heat.

Be aware of countertop appliances such as boilers, vegetable steamers, toasters, toaster overs, tea kettles and appliances that create high heat and or high moisture. Turn a tea kettle in toward the stove hood fan as opposed to facing a cabinet end panel. Pull coffee makers out and in front of upper cabinets so steam will rise in front of the cabinet door instead of concentrating under the light valance panel or upper cabinet. When deep frying place deep fryers under the over hood fan and turn the unit on low to minimize grease on the cabinet doors above.

Be aware of candles or intense lighting fixtures located close to finished surfaces as open flame may discolor the finished surface. Be aware of strong light patterns such as window blinds or items placed directly on finished surfaces (such as childrens art work) as wood naturally "warms" with time, due to exposure to light, and this may produce an unwanted fading pattern or shadow. Sunlight may also cause the wood panel to dry and shrink causing the panel to distort in shape. This occurs with most natural wood products. Avoid taping or gluing objects directly to cabinet surfaces. Some adhesives are stronger than the painted surface. Over time, objects glued to the surface may cause a faded or ghosted outline.

Decorative metal hardware (door pulls and knobs) should be cared for in the same manner as the cabinet fronts. Cleaning should be done using only a mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid the use of metal polish or abrasive cleaners; as they may damage the sheen and discolor the cabinet finish.