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Arbor Valley Custom Cabinetry
9 Questions

Glossary

Appliance Garage Mechanics

Countertop Integration

What is an 'Appliance Garage'? +
A countertop-level cabinet designed to hide small appliances like mixers or toasters. They often feature 'Tambour' (roll-up) doors or pocket doors for easy access without obstructing workspace.

A dedicated countertop-level cabinet with a "lift-up" or "tambour" door to conceal small appliances.

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Apron-Front Sink Framing

Structural Basin Support

How is the cabinet modified for a farmhouse (apron) sink? +
Apron-front sinks require a "sink base" cabinet with a reinforced internal cradle and a cut-out face frame. Because these sinks are extremely heavy (especially cast iron/fireclay), the cabinet must be engineered to support 200+ lbs of water weight.

Reinforced internal framing and heavy-duty "cleats" required to hold the weight of cast-iron sinks.

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Cabinet Classification

Structural Layout Options

What are Base, Wall, and Tall cabinets? +
Base cabinets sit on the floor and support countertops. Wall (Upper) cabinets are mounted at eye level. Tall (Pantry/Utility) cabinets extend from floor to the top of the wall units, providing high-volume vertical storage.

The classification of storage units into Base, Wall, Tall (Pantry), or Vanity categories.

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Corner Storage Geometry

Blind vs. Lazy Susan

What is a 'Blind Corner' vs. a 'Lazy Susan'? +
A Blind Corner is a cabinet that extends into a corner behind another unit, often requiring a pull-out 'Magic Corner' rack. A Lazy Susan features rotating carousels (D-shaped or circular) to provide access to corner depth.

Specialized cabinetry designed to maximize the often-unreachable space where two walls meet.

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Decorative Valance Headers

Architectural Span Trim

What is a 'Valance' or 'Light Rail'? +
A Valance is a decorative wood piece used to bridge gaps or hide toe-kicks. A Light Rail is a small moulding attached to the bottom of wall cabinets to hide under-cabinet LED fixtures.

A horizontal bridge piece used to hide lighting or bridge gaps between upper cabinets.

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Floating Vanity Suspension

Wall-Hung Structural Support

What is a 'Floating Vanity'? +
A wall-mounted vanity that does not touch the floor. This creates a modern, airy feel and makes floor cleaning easier, though it requires specific wall-blocking for structural support.

A wall-mounted vanity that sits off the floor, creating a modern look and ease of cleaning.

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Mudroom Drop-Zone Utility

Entryway Ergonomics

What are 'Drop Zones' and 'Landing Areas'? +
A Drop Zone is a specialized mudroom or entry area for keys, mail, and bags. A Landing Area is the countertop space next to a range, sink, or refrigerator required for safe food prep and unloading.

A functional mudroom or entryway station designed for keys, mail, and daily transitions.

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Pantry Configuration

High-Density Storage

What is a 'Butler's Pantry' vs. a 'Walk-in Pantry'? +
A Butler's Pantry is a staging area between the kitchen and dining room, often featuring a small sink and wine storage. A Walk-in Pantry is a dedicated room or large closet specifically for bulk dry-good storage.

Specialized tall storage ranging from pull-out chef’s pantries to walk-in "butler" styles.

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Waterfall Miter Preparation

Surface Wrap Geometry

How does cabinetry accommodate a 'Waterfall' countertop? +
Waterfall edges (where the stone continues down the side to the floor) require the end gable of the cabinet to be recessed and perfectly plumb. We coordinate the sub-top thickness to ensure the stone transition is seamless.

Structural gable modifications required to support stone miters that wrap to the floor.

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