Casework Construction
Not All Casework is Created Equal
What makes a high-quality cabinet?
A well-built cabinet has a distinct look and feel. Simply run your hand across the surface to recognize that it is made from only the highest quality materials. Open the doors and feel the ease and confidence in the swing. Stand back and sense the exacting fit and finish. The attention to detail is apparent.
At Case Systems, we know the quality of a cabinet goes much deeper than what you see on the surface. A quality cabinet is the result of practical engineering and impeccable craftsmanship, sleek design and smart manufacturing techniques.
Simply put, it is the service and trust you experience with every Case Systems product: Built right and delivered when promised.
Proven Performance
Certifications & Accreditations.
Case Systems is certified under the Quality Certification Program (QCP) of the Architectural Woodworking Institute (AWI). We produce custom and premium grade – the highest quality casework. We can also offer SEFA 8 Certified casework construction methods. Case Systems goes beyond what is required to deliver sustainable products and practices. In fact, many of our products contribute to a building’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification. If your project calls for chain of custody, we have Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) products available upon request.
Casework materials tested to the highest standards.
In testing against Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA) standards, both high-pressure laminate and thermally fused melamine outperformed laboratory-grade painted steel or wood.
Casework Construction Specification Checklist :
- M2 or higher engineered board: Meeting ANSI A 208.1-2016 standards.
- Built-in strength: A ½-inch back panel adds durability, while the ¾-inch back stretcher resists racking.
- Choice of colors: In HPL, TFL laminate and edge colors, for aesthetically appealing casework to enhance your decor.
- Robust drawer construction: Our full 4-sided drawer design includes ½-inch-thick side members, hardwood dowel joinery and a full ½-inch-thick, non-racking, non-deflecting platform bottom that is screwed into place.
- Heavy-load drawer slides: Full-extension 100-pound, static-load, drawer slides.
- Anti-tip shelf supports: Adjustable anti-tilt twin pin polypropylene shelf clips are seismic-rated and lock in place to provide a dispersed shelf load. The cabinet shelves won’t tip!
- Best-in-class construction: Our 32mm construction method assures consistent quality and conformity while reducing manufacturing costs. It also allows for better interchangeability and easier hardware placement.
8. Edges that stay in place: Our 3mm PVC edges offer superior impact resistance. Hot-melt adhesive chemically bonds the edges to the engineered board, improving bonding strength.
9. Balanced Construction: Laminated panels follow the rules of balanced construction to reduce the risk of warping.
10. Easy to clean interiors: Thermally fused melamine, not low-pressure or top-coated – for an abrasion-resistant, clean, and easily maintained interior look.
11. Separate recessed bases: On the base and tall cabinets, improving cabinet support and stopping capillary action from wet floors. Separate toe bases also make for an easier installation.
12: Division 12: By specifying Division 12 you ensure that your project is built by a national company that provides product repeatability, delivers the volume you need, and is financially stable.
13. The AWI premium-grade joinery: Passes California seismic load testing. Components are machined to aerospace tolerances. Fully concealed interlocking mechanical fasteners allow cabinets to be disassembled in the field for changes or repair without damage.
A Strong Cabinet Back
While invisible when installed, the structure of the cabinet’s back is critical for how robust it will be over time.
3/4 inch back stretchers add important stability to your casework construction. Tall cabinets require three stretchers and wall cabinets two. Base cabinets require only one stretcher, as long as the back panel is fully captured.
Speaking of back panels: Stay away from surface applied, glued, or stapled-on back panels since they don’t provide any structural strength and can fail, causing damage or injury. Caution is also advised with 1/4″ back panels.