( click on an image to enlarge ) cabinets Although cabinets come in an incredible arrays of shapes and sizes, they all have the same basic function -- storage. Cabinets can be divided into two categories: stand alone, and built-in. Construction methods include frame & panel, veneered box, and solid wood. Pictured here are a number of free-standing cabinets I've built. I also design and produce built-in units of all types (schedule permitting), and can provide drawings or work directly with your architect or interior designer. I typically use frame & panel construction for cabinets that will receive a great deal of use or are in high traffic areas. Fully veneered cabinets tend to be used for display, in special settings, and as built-ins. Solid wooden cabinets are generally more work to construct, and require more care in design and engineering; however they will last much longer. Frequently the acme of a craftsman's work lies in his or her solid wooden cabinetry; special joints are used, the the most exceptional woods are chosen, and hand finishing becomes the rule rather than the exception. This is an example of solid wood construction. I've often found that people are willing to spend considerably more money on built-in cabinetry than on free-standing cabinets and furniture, but I consider the latter to have three advantages. First, quite simply, you can take it with you. Though built-ins have "real property" value, they inherently become part of the building, rather than primarily a part of your life. Second, by taking a piece with you, its lifespan becomes your lifespan, rather than that of the building. Third, I've found that I can provide a greater diversity of pieces (with more specific purposes) for the same or less than the cost of the desired built-in. I think all this is primarily a matter of perception: people are likely to know and thus expect the cost of a kitchen, or an office, but are often surprised at the prices of individual, free-standing work. I can and do provide both types of work, and each has a place, but do consider what your goals are when you set out to redefine your living and working spaces. There's a wonderful book entitled, "The Timeless Way of Building," by Christopher Alexander, that offers a very unique way of thinking about how to do just that.