What is a Kitchen Carcasses?
A kitchen carcass is the main structure of a kitchen cabinet. It is the box that sits behind the doors and drawers and forms the foundation of the entire kitchen unit. It is made from boards such as plywood, MDF, or particle board and is designed to hold the weight of the worktop, shelves, appliances, and stored items.
The carcass includes the cabinet sides, bottom panel, top supports, and back panel. The doors, handles, hinges, drawer runners, and decorative finishes are fitted onto this structure later.
A good-quality kitchen carcass needs to be strong because it carries daily loads such as heavy pots, pans, dishes, and built-in appliances. Poor-quality carcasses can weaken over time, especially in areas exposed to moisture like under the sink.
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FREE QUOTE REQUESTWhat is the Best Material Quality for Kitchen Carcasses?
The best material quality for kitchen carcasses is marine-grade plywood (18 mm thickness), especially for kitchens exposed to moisture and heavy daily use. It offers the best combination of strength, screw-holding ability, and resistance to swelling compared with MDF or particle board.
Why Marine-Grade Plywood Is Considered the Best?
Thickness: 18 mm panels provide better strength and prevent shelves from bending under heavy cookware.
Water resistance: The layers are bonded with waterproof adhesives, making them more suitable around sinks and dishwashers.
Screw holding strength: Hinges, drawer runners, and hardware stay firmly fixed for longer periods.
Dimensional stability: It is less likely to expand, shrink, or warp due to humidity changes.
How Deep Should Be Kitchen Carcasses?
The standard depth of kitchen carcasses is 22–24 inches (560–600 mm) for base cabinets, while wall cabinet carcasses are usually 12–14 inches (300–350 mm) deep. The exact size depends on appliance requirements, countertop depth, and available kitchen space.
What is the Difference Between a Carcass and a Cabinet?
The main difference between a carcass and a cabinet is that a carcass is only the structural box of the kitchen unit, while a cabinet is the complete finished unit that includes the carcass, doors, drawers, hardware, and exterior finishes.
Should I Choose Standard Units or Bespoke Kitchen Carcasses?
We would recommend that you should go for the custom kitchen cabinets because most kitchens have different sizes, and you can craft your kitchen according to your budget.
Standard Units
Most kitchen retailers offer pre-made cabinets in standard sizes (e.g., 300mm, 500mm, 600mm wide). These units often align with standard appliance dimensions, simplifying the design process. While cost-effective, standard units might not perfectly fit your kitchen layout, limiting design flexibility.
Bespoke Units
For a truly customized kitchen, consider bespoke cabinets. Crafted to your exact specifications, these units offer unparalleled design freedom. However, bespoke kitchens typically come with a higher price tag and longer lead times.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, kitchen size, and desired level of customization.
How to Choose The Best Style of Kitchen Cabinets?
Shaker kitchen cabinets are renowned for their clean lines, simplicity, and versatility. Characterized by a five-piece door with a recessed center panel, they effortlessly blend with various kitchen styles, from traditional to modern.
Shaker Kitchen Cabinets
Shaker kitchen cabinets are renowned for their clean lines, simplicity, and versatility. Characterized by a five-piece door with a recessed center panel, they effortlessly blend with various kitchen styles, from traditional to modern.
Solid painted timber doors with a framed design and veneered center panel remain a popular choice for kitchens. Their classic style offers versatility, allowing for diverse kitchen aesthetics. From the cool minimalism of white or pastel hues to the dramatic impact of navy or slate gray, these doors adapt to various trends. For a timeless appeal, consider pairing sage green or cream with complementary timber worktops.
Slab Kitchen Cabinets
Slab kitchen cabinets are characterized by their clean, flat-panel doors that lack any decorative details or molding. This minimalist style gives your kitchen a modern and sleek look.
You might think that slab cabinets would seem plain, but their simplicity is actually quite versatile. They can be the perfect backdrop for bold countertops, eye-catching backsplashes, or striking hardware. Plus, their smooth surface makes them incredibly easy to clean and maintain.
High Gloss Kitchen Cabinets
High gloss kitchen cabinets offer a sleek, modern look that can dramatically transform a space. Their reflective surfaces maximize light, making kitchens appear larger and brighter.
Modern high gloss cabinets are embracing muted tones such as grey, mushroom, Champagne, and cream. These colors offer a luxurious, understated look that complements various interior styles. Thanks to advancements in engineering, high gloss cabinets now boast an even more reflective and uniform finish, elevating their visual appeal.
Freestanding Kitchen Cabinets
For those who appreciate a more relaxed and adaptable kitchen design, freestanding cabinets offer a compelling alternative to traditional fitted units. Often chosen to preserve the character of period homes, these independent pieces allow homeowners to showcase original architectural features without compromising on modern functionality.
However, freestanding kitchens aren’t just for historic properties. Their versatility has made them increasingly popular in contemporary spaces, particularly in open-plan layouts where they can create a striking focal point. The added benefit of portability means you can take your beloved kitchen with you when you move, ensuring your culinary style remains intact.
Internal Fittings And Finishing Touches
The final touches can make all the difference to your new kitchen. Consider essential elements like handles, storage solutions, and frame finishes. While these extras add to the cost, they significantly impact the overall look and functionality of your kitchen.
Key Finishing Touches:
Plinths: These cover unit legs for a clean finish.
Cornices: Top frames for wall units, providing a neat look.
Drawers and Runners: go for full-extension runners for easy access and consider weight capacity, especially for pan drawers.
Handles: Choose from bars, knobs, decorative, or handle less options.
Inner Storage: Explore solutions like pull-out larders, corner carousels, and drawer baskets.
Soft-Close: Invest in soft-closed hinges and runners for a quieter kitchen.
How Do You Measure a Kitchen Carcass?
Carcasses typically have an overall height of 720 mm (calculated as 870 mm minus 150 mm) and are available in standard widths of 300 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm, and 600 mm, or in combinations of these measurements.
Steps to Measure a Kitchen Carcass
1. Prepare the Space
- Clear the area around the carcass to ensure accurate measurements.
- If the carcass is already installed, empty it of its contents.
2. Measure the Width
- Measure horizontally across the front of the carcass from one side to the other at the widest point.
- Record the measurement at the top, middle, and bottom to ensure accuracy and check for any discrepancies due to uneven installation
3. Measure the Height
- Measure from the floor to the top of the carcass at the left, middle, and right sides.
- This helps determine if the carcass is level. If there are discrepancies, a level can be used to check alignment.
4. Measure the Depth
- Measure from the back wall to the front edge of the carcass.
- If the back is not accessible, you can measure from the wall to the front, then subtract the thickness of the back panel if known.
5. Check for Squareness
- Measure the diagonals of the carcass (from top left to bottom right, and top right to bottom left). If the measurements are the same, the carcass is square.
- If not, adjustments may be needed if the installation has not yet been finalized.
6. Record Internal Measurements
- For internal shelving or partitions, measure the internal dimensions: width, depth, and height within each section or compartment.