Any “standards” or opinions when it comes to faceframe sizes? I have been asked to build a couple of bookcases with raised panel doors on the bottom 1/3 (inset) and I have some liberty as to the size of the faceframes. I like to stay around 2″, but I am open to suggestions.
Thanks!
John
Replies
Most of the faceframes that I have seen, and thus those I have built, have been from 1x2 wood, i.e. 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches.
Recently I have avoided face frames, since they reduce the useful area of the cabinet. If I have a 1 1/2 inch wide/high frame on a 3/4 inch carcase, I have reduced the opening for shelving and drawers by 3/4 inch on each side - 5% of the area of a 30 inch cabinet.
Incidentally, there seems to be a tradition that the top of the shelf that encloses the bottom portion is 30 inches above the floor. A book case with doors at the bottom is called a library cabinet, if you want to sound fancy.
See http://www.plesums.com/wood/livingroom/bookcases.html for pictures and hints for this type of cabinet.
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Charlie Plesums Austin, Texas
http://www.plesums.com/wood
Around 1½ to 2 inches is typical. Generally a larger piece can take wider frames.
How about visiting some furniture stores, and bring your tape measure?
I would first decide what kind of hinges your going to use for the doors to see if there is a minimum width stile needed. Also, how the doors are to be hung. Traditional hinges with the exposed screws may require more than 1.5" for the stiles.
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