Every topic chosen for a blog post on the TBS website comes right from our customers’ questions, concerns, and interests. And our clients often ask, “What defines ‘custom’?” That is why we would like to go into the details of the manufacturing process.
We have noticed that sometimes even the word “custom” can be quite intimidating and interpreted as “overpriced.” But once you look deeper into the manufacturing process from beginning to end, the true meaning of custom becomes clearer.
Let’s see what options are available when it comes to cabinetry.
In general, there are three different categories:
Stock is manufactured using standard measurements and style.
Semi-custom has higher quality and more design options than stock,but is still very limited compared to custom.
Custom is the most exclusive and personal option available, as it is made for you, and built around your needs and preferences.
Therefore, custom cabinetry is unique in size, color, shape, and finish and can be anything you want with the details you desire.
At TBS, we are proud to represent over 40 custom home-solution products — including very high-end cabinetry lines — one of which is Wood–Mode custom cabinetry.
The secret of Wood-Mode’s durability and exquisite look lies in its manufacturing process.
It’s all about kiln drying, because the longevity of cabinetry and its ability to hold up to daily wear and tear lie in the manufacturing process.
Wood-Mode’s cabinet longevity begins with selecting only the most premium woods. The wood is specially dried in kiln ovens multiple times to remove or add moisture as needed. It prevents your cabinetry from shrinking or expanding. It also ensures that finish will be applied properly and will not deteriorate. That is one of the reasons Wood-Mode is known among interior designers for having the most durable and long-lasting finishes.
Wood-Mode custom cabinetry is built to be tough as nails, but never compromises on its aesthetically exquisite finishes, which come with a lifetime guarantee.
During the finishing process, wood is hand sanded and oven baked multiple times. The wood is then wetted to enhance the grain and promote deeper colors, followed by applying a hand-wiped stain. Uniform color is achieved by toning and spray-staining the wood. Next, wood is baked again before a catalyzed sealer is applied, a hand-sealer is sanded on, spec distressing is done, and matte or standard sheen varnish is sprayed on to create lasting durability and beauty.
Next, a catalyzed oven-baked varnish top coat with ultraviolet screen inhibitors is put on to provide maximum resistance to scuffing, moisture, or fading from UV rays and most household chemicals. Surfaces are cleaned, an optional glaze is hand-wiped on, and a final finish coat is administered. The wood is baked one last time to seal everything in, followed by a final coat of finish. Lastly, a meticulous hand-buffing process creates the smoothest, richest patina imaginable for your custom cabinetry.
After this extensive practice, you have the toughest, hardest and most beautiful finish possible.
So, when you talk about having cabinets built “custom,” make sure you do your research and ask what is meant by “custom.” It will help avoid expensive mistakes.
Enjoy this informative video: “1000 Touches: Wood-Mode Handcrafted Cabinetry”
What makes Wood-Mode unique are the people and the time-honored techniques they infuse in every detail throughout the cabinet's journey from raw wood to polished furniture finish. As a family-owned business, the American-made Wood-Mode brand is carefully managed to utilize the benefits of modern technology while preserving time-honored techniques.