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Construction and Quality

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Construction and Quality

The CKCA Directory

For a list of all CKCA members, check out our member directory.

Member Directory

Construction and Quality

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Consumer Information
Construction and Quality

The overall quality of kitchen cabinets is closely linked to their construction, meaning how they’re put together and the materials they’re made from. You’ll be wise to pay close attention to these key features, particularly if you expect to live with them for a long time. Parts of your cabinets, particularly the drawers, take a lot of punishment so paying a bit extra for some added durability is a wise investment.

Key points to be aware of include the following:

Materials

They include particle board, MDF (medium density fiberboard), plywood, solid wood, metal and laminate/melamine (the laminate or melamine is laid over the particle board or similar substrate).

Construction and Design

Cabinets are constructed in one of two different design styles: framed or frameless. Framed cabinets employ a wood frame that outlines the front of the cabinet box. Frameless units don’t have this feature. Also, the joinery and techniques used to assemble and support them. Structural braces are made from plastic, wood or metal. Methods of joinery include hot-glue, staples and nails, or, more intricate woodworking techniques like dovetails and dadoes.

Hardware

Door/Drawer hardware varies in quality and durability.

Drawer slides

  • Quality: vary in level of quality, some use ball bearings whereas others use nylon wheels/rollers,
  • Mounting; physical location on the drawer (sidemount or on the bottom) which affects available drawer space. Shelf mounting brackets can be either plastic or metal.
  • Extension: Some hardware allows you to open the drawer all the way others have restrictions.
  • Soft close; Drawer hardware is available with soft-close, which stops the drawer from slamming shut, a worthwhile upgrade in the kitchen to avoid drawers slamming

Hinges

Exposed and concealed:

  • Exposed hinges are the kind of cabinet hinge you see (or partially see) when the cabinet door is closed. Some have a self-closing feature but many do not. If you want a self-closing hinge you’ll need to specify that when you shop for hinges. Exposed hinges provide the maximum amount of cabinet door opening possible, up to 270 degrees. Limited adjustability and need to be drilled accurately.
  • Concealed (European) hinges cannot be seen when the cabinet door is closed. They’re also known as “hidden” hinges. These hinges are 2-way or 3-way adjustable (side-to-side, height, depth). This feature is useful for getting cabinet doors properly aligned with each other. Some Euro style hinges have a built-in self-closing feature. These hinges will pull the door closed when it is close to being shut and will hold it closed. Euro hinges allow for easy removal of the cabinet doors without having to remove the hinges from the cabinet. On some hinges this is achieved by use of a simple clip-on feature. European style hinges offer a range of door opening angles. Examples include 95, 100, 110 and 120-degree opening angles. Larger opening capabilities such as 170-degrees are available but wide-opening Euro-style hinges are often bigger and bulkier than hinges with smaller opening angles.

No Decorative Style

Concealed hinges, as their name implies, are hidden from view and have no real decorative appeal.

  • Hinges are manufactured to accommodate different variations in cabinet construction (framed/frameless, door overlay, etc.).
  • Some doors have a self-closing or “hands-free” element that will close the door in a controlled manner after you initiate the closing action.

Overhead Cabinets Lift Systems

Lift systems are available for overhead cabinets that open the door like an overhead garage door. Lift systems are available with easy-touch opening action as well as stay-in-place positioning. The mechanism can be adjusted to lift to the height you open it to. It stays there while you’re getting access to contents of the cabinet and the door can still be reached when it’s time to close it, rather than out of reach at a fully opened position.

Craig Atkinson

Marathon Hardware

Founded in 1990, Marathon began with a simple concept; to provide excellent customer service to the woodworking trade by offering affordable high-quality hardware and the best customer support in the industry. Over the last 30 years, we have been dedicated to our customers by creating a company with these cornerstone ideals. Craig joined Marathon in 2011, taking charge of their technology and web, and later all marketing. With extensive operations from BC to Ontario, Marathon takes pride in building long term relationships with its customers. Craig believes that the mission of the CKCA is in direct relation to Marathon’s approach to doing business. By building working relationships based upon trust and mutual respect, everyone moves forward together.

James Dewinetz headshot

Treasurer

James Dewinetz

CPA, CMA – Pacific Rim Cabinets

James has been around the cabinet industry his whole life, working in factories as a summer job. His father started Pacific Rim Cabinets in 1997 to manufacture custom cabinets solely for export to Japan. Over the years, while Japan remains an integral part of the company’s history and sales, Pacific Rim Cabinets now deals primarily with the custom home builders, designers and architects around Vancouver and the lower mainland of BC manufacturing custom kitchens, bathroom vanities, entertainment units, closets, fireplace surrounds, offices, among others.
James began working at Pacific Rim Cabinets in 2010 as the company’s accountant, he completed his CMA designation in 2012 and became the company’s President in 2018.

James works with the CKCA President and the Executive Director to manage and monitor the CKCA Finances on a regular basis. What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to James? Click here»

Gerald Van Woundenberg

Van Arbour Design

Gerald is owner of Van Arbour Design based in Vancouver, BC. In business for more than 34 years, Gerald is a first generation Canadian with Dutch roots. Gerald loves building and knowing how something works. He is committed to change in an ever changing world and always looks for the best and most effective ways to do things. Gerald’s business is intensively client-driven: quality first, with integrity and honesty and transparency in the process. Gerald has been a presenter at the CKCA National Forum and is now pleased to be a member of the Board of Directors.

What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Gerald?
Click here »

Chris Havey

CNC Automation

Chris joined CNC Automation in March 2022 after 19 years at Deslaurier Custom Cabinets where he was a member of the senior leadership group and held the role of manager of supply chain and new product introduction (NPI). As a seasoned operations and supply chain professional, Chris brings tremendous insight and knowledge, both from the viewpoint of a manufacturer and now as a supplier. Chris is results-driven and prides himself on his work. He loves this industry and approaches it with passion and vigor. It is the same passion that has driven Chris to want to be on the CKCA Board of Directors. Chris was elected to the Board on June 15, 2023 to serve his first 3 year term. What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Chris? Click here»

James Mckenna

Glenwood Kitchen

James McKenna graduated with a business degree from Saint Francis Xavier University. After working in the natural gas industry in Toronto, James returned home to run the new family business Glenwood Kitchen Ltd.

Glenwood manufactures custom cabinetry and has been in business for 50 years. Mr. McKenna was finalist for Entrepreneur of the year award with Ernst & Young and his company has won the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award.

James volunteers with numerous charities and was awarded the Paul Harris fellowship award. Recently, he was recognized by Junior Achievement as volunteer of the year and by NB literacy coalition for his corporate responsibility

Rick Hurst

Richelieu Hardware

Rick has more than 45 years of industry experience and has been an active voice and advocate for the evolution of kitchen cabinets in the Canadian market. From the euro conversion of cabinets replacing face frames to the various evolution of drawers, hinges, lighting, accessories, and motion technology, Rick has seen and also led a lot of the big events that drive consumer demand and have pushed the industry in an upscale direction. Himself a passionate woodworker with his own home workshop, Rick offers the unique skill combination of understanding the industry and cabinetry from sales to design to innovation, right down to the nuts and bolts of making a cabinet hardware solution work.

Rick was previously a member of the CKCA board for 27 years, serving on all CKCA committees during his tenure. Rich has also served as a board member of AWMAC (approximately 10 years) and the NKBA (approximately 5 years) as well as 10 years in his homeowner’s association, including 3 as president. 

Heidi Boudreault

Denca Cabinets

Born and raised in Calgary, Heidi learned the ins and outs of the custom cabinetry industry at a young age, her passion in business management makes Heidi a perfect fit as General Manager and co-owner at Denca for the past 15 years. Her education includes Finance, Business Management and Marketing. Denca manufactures custom kitchens, vanities, entertainment units and cabinetry for any room in the home/office. Also a supplier for many appliances and plumbing fixtures. Denca is an active member of the Calgary community, proud to have donated  kitchens to non-for profit organizations in Calgary and supporting many local charities and events. What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Heidi? Click here»

Trevor Chaulk

Chaulk Woodworking

Trevor has been in the trades for more than 26 years, starting off with 10 years in the tool and die industry in the Toronto area.  After moving to Haliburton Highlands, Ontario in 2007, he started a small cabinetry company.  Since then, they have grown to be the largest cabinetry shop in their local area.  Trevor and his wife Angela understand the dynamics of starting, building and running a cabinetry shop in today’s time, while raising three children.  He has always had a passion for woodworking, designing and building things.  After joining the CKCA as a member in 2016, he was enthusiastic about what they were doing and had to offer.  Trevor has a keen interest in seeing the Canadian cabinetry and manufacturing industry learn, grow and thrive.  What’s the biggest advantage to CKCA membership according to Trevor? Check it out here»

Giuseppe Castrucci

Laurysen Kitchens

Giuseppe is Vice-President Marketing, Sales at Laurysen Kitchens in Ottawa where he works with his wife, Caroline Castrucci who has previously served on the CKCA Board and most recently served as President of CKCA. Laurysen Kitchens was established in 1970 and began as a business operating out of the garage of John Laurysen with just 1,200 square feet. With more than 55,000 square feet of manufacturing space this family run business continues to thrive and a third generation is now very actively involved in the business. Giuseppe brings a wealth of experience having served on various Boards over the years including currently President of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association, Chairman of the Kitchen & Bath Program at Algonquin College Business Advisory Board, Chair of the Design Excellence Awards Committee for NKBA Ottawa. Giuseppe has a passion for cars and is also Chairman of the FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival. He was Knighted by the Royal House of Savoia Charity and also by the Ethiopian Order of the Lion Charity.

Joerg Brauns

2020

Joerg Brauns is part of the Manufacturing Team at 2020. In 2001, Joerg moved to Canada to open an office for a Germany Software Company. Acquired by 2020 Technologies in 2005, Joerg held several leadership positions at 2020. With over 20 years of experience in the woodworking industry around the world, Joerg has managed ERP implementations and led a team of professional engineers and consultants, before managing new and existing manufacturing accounts around the world. Joerg is also a member of 2020’s worldwide Factory leadership team.

He is a strong believer that the collaboration between like-minded people will allow all of us to grow.

What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Jeorg?
Click here »

 

Sandra Wood headshot

Secretary and Executive Director

Sandra Wood

CMP

Sandra has worked in the not-for-profit sector for more than 30 years. Having worked for many different associations in education, medical and now wood sector. Sandra brings a universal perspective based on hands-on experience.  She is passionate about not-for-profits because they work to support their members and the industry. Sandra enjoys “connecting the dots” and facilitating strong networking opportunities to engage members. She believes Associations are about fostering strong business relationships fueled by an empathic and sound business approach. She is an experienced public speaker, writer and has served on various Boards as a Director. She brings a well rounded perspective to CKCA.

Pete Fournier headshot

Past-President

Pete Fournier

Triangle Kitchen

Pete is an experienced entrepreneur – he started his first company at the age of 19 and has held a managerial role for 20 years.  After finishing his degree in Wood Products Processing at the University of British Columbia, he joined the Triangle Group in 2000, where they currently employ more than 100 staff.  Pete is responsible for all aspects and functions of new business development, product development, facility expansion and new markets. Pete previously served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Wood Manufacturing Council, was President of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association and is also an independent Board Member for a private Nano technology company called Metamaterials Technologies Inc.

What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Pete? Click here »

Vice-President

Luke Elias

Muskoka Cabinet Company

Luke has been in the industry for more than 30 years and only loves his family more than his pursuit of advancing technology in business.  Luke is passionate about technology in manufacturing and in 1989 started implementing computer hardware and software to improve office to shop communications. Early on Luke invested in cutting and optimization software and invested in a a Nested Based Manufacturing in 2000.  Today Luke is co-founder of SMARTMRP Inc. an ERP/MES automation software specifically designed for the woodworking industry. With SMART at its core, Muskoka boasts one of the most advanced panel processing cells in the world, utilizing Robotics, RFID, ERP and an AGV, for machining, sorting, labeling, transporting and tracking parts. These innovations have resulted in Muskoka having output three times the industry average. Luke believes the key to survival and growth is through integration of processes and automated sharing of information within the organization.

President

Amrita Bhogal

Sunrise Kitchens

Amrita is an enthusiastic HR professional whose focus is to elevate people’s mindset and coach them to live a continuous improvement lifestyle. She has always had an entrepreneurial mindset and turned her passion for helping people into a pursuit of Human Recources in University. Nine months into her career she was introduced to the principles of Kaizen and since then adopted these principles in her life. Presently she is educating the workforce at Sunrise Kitchens on learning to use Kaizen principles in daily tasks at work and at home. Amrita has been a Board member on the Surrey Board of Trade in BC and is a recipient of the Wood Manufacturing Council’s HR Award for Innovation 2020 and has spoken at numerous CKCA events and continues to write and publish articles in CKCA newsletters and other media. 
What’s the biggest advantage to being a member according to Amrita? Click here»