Built In vs. Built In Look

[cabinetman]

The description "built in" gets used a lot. Saying that may mean different things, or understood differently than intended.

Cabinets and shelving, or just about anything that all of a sudden when done just appears on a wall can be done differently with giving similar looks.

The finished look can happen a few different ways. Take for instance an alcove that has three walls. Two protruding side walls and a back wall. Parts and pieces can be added to the walls to create a cabinet. Or, a cabinet can be built and then installed in the opening. When done, the finished look could be very similar. The first method could be considered a "built in", and the second could be the "built in look", and called a "built in", but really is a "built and installed".

With this alcove example, what are the differences? Adding pieces to the wall to create a cabinet may entail some inordinate fastening, and bracing. Finishing could be more problematic. Fabricating self contained units to fit the opening and just scribing to fit or adding trim, would have its benefits.

Some situations may require adding parts to make a cabinet. Any thoughts on the use of the description..."built in"?
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[Uncle Cracker]

I'm thinking "built-in" should indicate exactly that... It's part of the structure. I'd think anything short of that should be called "built-on". That said, I've got some "built-ins" in my family room that, with the advent of wide-screen format TV's, I wish were only "built-ons".

[drumpriest]

Many things built to fit into a recess in the wall construction gets tagged "built-in" as it fits into that space and is often anchored to the walls. I dunno if that's a good thing or not, but I guess I agree with it. You certainly can't move it out of that recess without removing joinery, so I guess that is how I think of it. So the "in" portion to me implies it's not sitting on a wall, but appears inset or flush with the wall, and "built in" to me means it's attached to the structure in some way.

[JimD]

I think I agree with Keith, including about the Steelers! I consider it built-in if it requires demo to get it out of the spot it is in. In other words, if it is fastened semi-permanently to the house structure, I consider it built in.

My kitchen cabinets are what cabinetman suggests is built in and they are poorly made. I don't think you have to build things poorly if you don't assemble the cabinet before fastening it to the wall but that is what happened in my house. They work but are totally constructed with a pneumatic nailer and a little glue. The joints so not always fit well enough for the glue to adhere. With a good paint job they look OK but offend me. I've replaced the island but have not started on the bathroom or other kitchen cabinets. I will probably do the bathrooms first - simpler. If I live here long enough, they will probably all go.

Jim

[drumpriest]

I feel your pain Jim! My house was built in much the same way. I am constantly amazed that my kitchen cabinets have not fallen off of the wall, given the weight they bear, and how they were constructed. Basically all ledger strips nailed to the wall and then boards sitting on them, and nailed to them. Most of the strips are left over trim pieces from other areas of the house, but some are just 3/4 x 3/4 particle board. I am in the process of building new cabinets for the house now, when I get too anxious about them being as good as possible, I remind myself of what I am replacing. ;-)

I may not live long enough to finish this job though...

[Tom Miller]

How about this for a rule of thumb: If you scribe a wall line, and contour with a belt sander, [VOICE=foxworthy] you just might be making a built-in. [/VOICE]



Regards,
Tom