CS Hardware Blog

May 16, 2013
by Susie
0 comments

Here’s a Quick Way to Give your Kitchen a New Look

Are you considering a new look for your kitchen but don’t want to overhaul the entire room? Consider changing the theme or style of your kitchen using just decorative hardware accents. By updating your cabinet knobs and drawer pulls with unique decorative hardware, you can create a different feel based on a theme of your choosing.  Whether you imagine your kitchen to transform into a pristine modern oasis, a rustic cottage, or anything else you can dream up, you can use decorative hardware to achieve that look. Read on to learn more about our chosen collections to create a new story for your kitchen.

High End, Flashy, Gatsby Style

Choosing crystal decorative hardware for your kitchen is an easy and effective way to beautify the look of the room. Upgrade the entire feel of the kitchen with glinting pieces of crystal on cabinet doors, drawers, and more. If your kitchen cabinets are lighter neutral colors, the added crystal pieces with enhance the open feeling of the room. With the sparkling addition, though, you’ll also enjoy a heightened sense of luxury in the space. Add crystal hardware to a kitchen with dark cabinets for a nice contrast and a look of old school elegance.

Modern Times and Sleek Lines

Sleek, solid color and simple lines help create a modern look for any room. Adding a solid black decorative door knob or a smooth rectangular drawer pull will add to the contemporary feel. This styling would pair well with solid cabinet colors versus wood finishes. If you feel like going the extra mile and turning this into a small project, paint your cabinets after picking out your collection of decorative hardware. Go for a contrasting style with black hardware and white cabinets or streamline the entire look in a monochromatic scheme.

A Rustic Home in the Woods

Give your home a crafted antique look with this collection of antique pieces. You’ll be able to update your whole kitchen with weathered, antique decorative hardware — but you can go about it without the risk of anything falling apart. Depending on your budget, you can find quality, hand-crafted pieces for your kitchen. Consider adding rustic drawer pulls with intricate designs or cabinet knobs with an antique brass finish for a smooth antique look.

Gold-Plated Layers

You will find a gold-plated finish on a large variety of decorative hardware, so you’ll be able to create the style you want with ease. Whether you desire 24K gold-plated accents on your drawer pulls or an artfully designed glass knob, the options are endless! There are also pieces available in every price range so, if you’re on a budget,you can complete the look without breaking the bank.

May 9, 2013
by Rachel Maleady
0 comments

How to Assemble Base Cabinets with Glue, Dowels and Brad Nails

base cabinet

Although many people tend to assemble their cabinets with glue and cam locks, it can also easily be done with glue, dowels and brad nails.

1. Prep for assembly. Start off by placing the face frame on the ground. The two side panels with toe kicks should slide easily into the frame’s grooves. Next, insert the bottom panel board into the groove on the bottom of the two panels with toe kicks.

2. Assemble main pieces. Insert the two dowels onto the opposite end of the openings (this is the top of the door’s face frame). They should fit into the grooves nicely. Your last panel slides in the empty slot (this will be the back of the cabinet). Insert dowels on the ends of the toe kicks and then add a panel to the front of the toe kicks. This panel should fit perfectly underneath the face frame.

3. Add supports & drawer pieces. Place corner supports on the top of the cabinet and nail them in with brad nails. Then install in drawer sockets and drawer slides.

4. Add door front & shelf pieces. Attach the door front by nailing in the hinges to the face frame. Add in shelf supports and slide shelf in.

5. Assemble the drawers. You will have four pieces and then the bottom (so 5 all together). Apply glue to the grooves of the front drawer piece. Add the two side boards by matching the grooves together. Then install the bottom of the drawer by sliding it into the grooves. Add the back of the drawer piece with glue. The grooves should match up nicely. Slide in drawer slides. Attach decorative drawer front and secure with nails.

After assembling the base cabinets, you’ll probably want to install them. Measure the base cabinets and use a pencil and level to mark a line of the highest point in the floor to the cabinet height. Use the stud finder to locate the studs and mark them accordingly. Fit your cabinet into place and check to make sure it is level. If so, predrill the top framing piece into the wall studs and secure with screws.

Click here to watch a video tutorial of how to assemble base cabinets.

May 8, 2013
by Rachel Maleady
0 comments

How to Assemble a Lazy Susan Cabinet with Glue and Cam Locks

Lazy Susans make a great addition to your kitchen. They provide a simple solution for unorganized spaces and make all your goods easily accessible. A great way to make the most of your kitchen space is to install a lazy Susan into a corner cabinet. Here are some basic assembly instructions using glue and cam locks.

1. Prep for assembly. Open your box and lay out all of the parts separately. Lay down one of the side panel pieces with a toe kick on a flat and clean surface. Apply glue to the grooves of the panel and then insert a regular side panel board upwards on the right side.

2. Start to assemble cabinets. Then take the bottom piece with the turntable (make sure the turntable is facing inwards), and attach that to the toe-kick side. The turntable piece should be attached to both of the boards now. Tighten all locks so the panels are secure.

3. Repeat assembly on remaining pieces. Now repeat a similar process with the remaining board with a toe kick. Attach a regular side panel to the toe kick board with glue. Secure and tighten the locks. Take this two-panel construction rotate it so that the toe kick panel is on the opposite side of the existing toe kick panel.  Attach it to your previous 3-board piece. It should fit nicely. Tighten all locks once again.

4. Combine two pieces together. Now flip your assembly over so that the turntable piece is on the bottom with the turntable facing up. The toe kicks should provide a few inches of space underneath the turntable base. Apply glue to the edges of the back and then insert the thin piece and top corner piece.

5. Install face frames. Now you will apply glue on the borders/grooves of the face frames. Attach these to the opening of the cabinet and then tighten all screws and locks. Where the two face frames meet, you should install a screw with a screwdriver for security. Do the same on all joints where the two frames meet the panels.

6. Add height to cabinets. There should be two pieces of wood left that match the existing height of the toe kicks (these are short toe kicks). Position these onto the cabinet under the door and screw them in tightly. Now your cabinet should stand up easily with the toe kicks on the ground.

7. Assemble cabinet doors. The last thing to do is to put the cabinet doors together. Screw the hinges into the door openings. Add shelf clips and insert the second lazy Susan shelf in the middle of the cabinet. Make sure all is flush and that the lazy Susans are rotating correctly. Screw in corner braces on top of each corner.

May 7, 2013
by Rachel Maleady
0 comments

How to Assemble Base Cabinets with Glue and Cam Locks

Assembling a base cabinet takes a bit more time and work than the basic wall cabinet assembly. With that being said, you can still get it done quickly and easily with just a few products.  The instructions for assembling base cabinets are very similar to wall cabinets, with just a few added steps.  All you need here is some wood glue and a screwdriver.

1. Prep for assembly. Open your box and separate all of the parts. Place the door and face frame facing down on a protected surface to start. Apply wood glue to the edges of the face frame, making sure to not apply too much. Make sure there is an ample amount of glue in the joints.

2. Assemble first few parts. Use a screwdriver to make sure the cam locks are in an open position on the side panels. Insert one of the wall side panels so that the male and female parts of the cam lock fit effortlessly. Repeat with the opposite side panel.

3. Assemble toe kick. You want to install the toe kick panel (bottom piece) with wood glue. It should fit into the grooves easily. Tighten all remaining locks.

4.  Finish assembling pieces. Add glue to the dadoes (groove in the wood of the side panels). Add the back panel with the unfinished side facing out. It will fit into grooves nicely). Tighten all cam locks remaining and wipe off any excess glue. Move the cabinet so the face frame and door are facing the ceiling.

5. Assemble drawers. You will have four pieces and then the bottom (so 5 all together). Apply glue to the grooves of the front drawer piece. Add the two side boards by matching the grooves together. Then install the bottom of the drawer by sliding it into the grooves. Add the back of the drawer piece with glue. The grooves should match up nicely. Screw in the locking devices/clips. Then screw in the sockets. Slide in drawer slides. Now is a good time to install the shelf clips and place the shelf on top of them.

6. Insert drawers. Then it’s time to insert the drawer you assembled earlier. The box should fit smoothly in the drawer slides until you hear the locking mechanism “click”. Open and close the drawer a few times to make sure it works.

After assembling the base cabinets, you’ll probably want to install them. Measure the base cabinets and use a pencil and level to mark a line of the height point in the floor to the cabinet height. Use the stud finder to locate the studs and mark them accordingly. Fit your cabinet into place and check to make sure it is level. If so, predrill the top framing piece into the wall studs and secure with screws.

May 6, 2013
by Rachel Maleady
0 comments

How to Assemble Wall Cabinets with Glue and Cam Locks

You don’t need be a professional or spend a ton of money to successfully assemble your kitchen or bathroom cabinets. A glue and cam lock assembly is very easy to do yourself- which is one of the benefits of choosing ready to assemble cabinets. Installing your wall cabinets should take less than 10 minutes, leaving you with plenty of time for other home remodeling projects. All you need for this is wood glue and a screwdriver- the rest should come with your cabinet kit.

1. Prep for assembly. Open your box and separate all of the parts. Place the door and face frame facing down on a protected surface. Apply wood glue to the edges of the face frame, but be careful to not add too much.

2. Start to assemble. Use a screwdriver to make sure the cam locks are in an open position on the side panels. Insert the side board so that the male and female parts of the cam lock fit effortlessly. The glue will also help these pieces adhere. Do the same on the opposite side panel. Now you will have your base and two side panels all secured together.

3. Continue assembling. Add glue to the dadoes (the grooves in the wood of the side panels). Install the top and bottom panels and lock the cams. You now should have the bottom/base, top and both side panels installed.

4. Finish assembling & add shelves. Add the back panel with the unfinished side facing out (it will fit into grooves nicely). Tighten all remaining cam locks and wipe off any excess glue. Install shelf clips and slide in the cabinet shelf. It should fit snugly. You’re done!

After you’ve assembled your wall cabinets, it’s time to mount them to your wall. There are various tutorials for this online, but you can always consult a professional contractor for further help. Below are the very basic steps for mounting cabinets to your wall.

Measure the space from the floor up to the cabinets, taking into consideration the base cabinets, counter tops and more (if they aren’t already installed). Using a level and a pencil, mark a line on the wall where your cabinets will end. Use a stud finder and mark them so you know where to drill. Most people secure a ledger board to the wall for support and screw it into the marked studs to support the cabinet’s weight temporarily. Install the cabinets on the ledger board and secure them into the wall at the studs.

April 24, 2013
by Rachel Maleady
0 comments

A Guide to Drawer Slides

drawer slides

What would we do without drawers? Our storage options would be a bit more limited and our homes would be a bit messier. In order to make the most of the drawers in our homes, we need to make sure they are easy to open and close. This greatly depends on the type and quality of your drawer slides.

Drawer slides are devices that make opening and closing your drawers easier. They are usually mounted underneath the drawer or on its sides. They prevent your drawer from accidentally being pulled all the way out off the hinge, thus spilling the contents of the drawer on the floor. Your drawers should easily move and be able to hold a specific amount of weight, so it’s important to choose the right type of drawer slides.

There are a variety of different types of drawer slides. You can classify drawer slides by their material (plastic, wood, elaborate bearings), the amount of weight they can hold and how they are mounted.

First, we’ll start with how they are mounted. The bottom-mount drawer slides (in which two rails are installed on the bottom of the drawer on each side) are the easiest to install, but can’t hold a large amount of weight. Since the mounts are hidden from sight, they are a popular and attractive option. Center-mount drawer slides have one rail in the center on the bottom. These are also easy to install and are best used for smaller drawers. Side-mount drawer slides have two rails installed on both sides of the drawer. These types of drawer slides can hold more weight, making them great for bathrooms and kitchens.

Then there are a variety of other ways you can customize your drawer slides. You can choose the colors (popular options are brown, white or wood-colored), the material (wood, metal and plastic are commonly used), and the accessories (including sockets, drawer spacers and locking devices).

Two popular brands of drawer slides are Hettitch drawer slides and Blum drawer slides. Hettich makes innovative drawer slides that hold any loading capacity. They make ball-bearing slides, roller wheel slides and concealed slides. They also have a mechanically assisted opening system and slides for domestic appliances. Blum makes concealed drawer slides that offer four-dimensional adjustment and an exceptional load capacity. The soft and quiet opening and closing action makes them a favorite among many homeowners.

April 9, 2013
by Rachel Maleady
0 comments

Bring Spring Into Your Home

Now that we are officially into spring, it’s time to update the look and feel of your home to match the season. There are variety of ways to bring spring into your home without spending a fortune or using up all of your free time. Here are a few of our tips- what do you do to bring spring into your home?

 

One way to bring spring into your home- literally- is with fresh flowers and plants. Place fresh flowers from your garden in a nice vase and place them on your dining table as a lovely centerpiece. Flowers also look lovely in the bathroom on the vanity top, especially if you have guests coming over.



If fresh flowers or plants aren’t your thing, you can still bring those elements into your home in the form of items such as decorative hardware. Floral knobs or leaf pulls can easily be taken off and replaced seasonally if you prefer- although leaving them up year-round will make every day feel like spring.



Spring decor is typically related to brighter and bolder colors. You don’t need to paint your walls or furniture each time the season changes- that would be a bit excessive. By simply changing up the rugs, pillows, paintings and other items, you can give your home a new, spring look. Eliminate darker colors from winter and opt for whites with touches of brighter colors such as yellows, greens and blues.



 If you can, allow for natural lighting during the daytime. Make the most of the extra hour of light by opening your blinds and curtains. This not only brightens your space, but also will let you save on your electricity bill.





 

Although many homeowners dread this time of the year for this reason, spring cleaning is a must. Work on de-cluttering each room, eliminating dust, washing fabrics and organizing your closets. Items such as shoe storage, closet storage pullouts, hampers and pant racks all let you easily organize your closet. You should also give your RTA cabinets a thorough cleaning to restore their shine and color.

 

April 8, 2013
by Rachel Maleady
0 comments

All About Hidden Doors

hidden door bookshelf

One of the most popular ways to update the look and functionality of your home is to install a hidden door. There are a wide variety of uses for a hidden door in your home. These doors can conceal a room that you rarely use, create a room that you want to keep hidden from guests, or turn the door into a functional storage or display area.

Since storage space is a top complaint among homeowners, these doors provide a simple solution. Common storage uses include a pantry or linen closet, your own private wine cellar or an entryway to an attic. Hidden doors can conceal something that would otherwise make your home look cluttered or messy. Examples of this include a hidden mechanical room, a room for the furnace, a laundry room or gun storage.  There’s no need to worry about keeping this storage area extra organized or clean, since it will be hidden by the door.

Another problem homeowners may have is a lack of privacy. A hidden door conceals a private space from the rest of the house. This private retreat can be a home office, a room for your hobbies, a panic room, a place to safely store your pricey valuables, a home gym or even a secret playroom for your children.

Hidden doors also simply provide a nice aesthetic to your home. These doors also can create a beautiful space in your home to display your trinkets, prized possessions or collections. Even if you don’t have a secret room to conceal, these doors will add a designer’s touch to your home.

Hidden doors can be customized to your liking with a variety of details. Doors can be hinged on the left or right as an inswing or outswing. You can choose the wood type and color or stain to match with your home’s decor. You can add decorative molding, cabinet doors and customize the shelving units if you’d like as well. With the advancements  in the construction of the doors, most are easy to install with basic directions and diagrams.

 

March 25, 2013
by Rachel Maleady
1 Comment

All About Murphy Beds

murphy bed

One of the most underrated ways to save space in your home is to install a Murphy Bed. These beds, also commonly referred to as fold-down beds or wall bed, are a great way to save space in your home.

Murphy Beds are built into the wall and fold down when in use. When you are done sleeping, you simply lift them up and they hide in the wall, providing you with a few extra feet of space. The beds are easy enough to fold up by yourself, although fancier versions may include a remote-control device to lift the bed up and down.

Murphy Beds are typically seen in small apartments (usually lofts or studio apartments in urban areas) where space is limited.  They are versatile enough to be used in any room in your home, since they instantly turn any space into a bedroom. If you have an extra room in your house but can’t decide whether to use it as an office, storage room or a bedroom, why not install a Murphy bed? When guests come over, pull the bed down for them to use. When guests aren’t over, the bed is hidden in the wall and you can use the space for whatever purpose you would like.

You can customize the look of your wall beds in a variety of ways. If you hate the plain, boring look of the bed when it is hidden in the wall, you can paint it, move a bookshelf in front of it to hide it, or even conceal it with a rolling door or hidden door. Guests will be surprised to know that a fold-down bed is actually hidden behind there. In addition to this, you can find Murphy Bed kits that work with any size bed. More modern versions now include add-ons such as lighting, cabinets and nightstands.

A variety of retailers offer Murphy Bed hardware kits that allow you to easily install them yourself. This saves money you would typically spend hiring a contractor to install the bed. Due to their inexpensive cost and easy, DIY installation, these wall beds have become increasingly popular over the past few years.

March 18, 2013
by Rachel Maleady
0 comments

Unique Rolling Door Hardware

If you’re looking for a stylish addition to your home, installing a rolling door is a popular option. Rolling doors not only are an attractive addition to your home, but they also save space. Since these rolling barn doors have no door swing, this saves you a few feet of space that typical doors use when opening and closing.

In addition to saving space and adding a new look to your home, these doors are useful in hiding certain rooms. For example, a laundry nook, personal office or kid’s playroom can benefit from being hidden by a rolling door. Larger rooms can be separated in half with a rolling barn door, creating two separate functional spaces. These doors are also a great option for a pantry or closet, since they attractively conceal your storage in small spaces.

These interior barn-style doors can be customized in a variety of ways to match your home’s style and decor. Between the variety of rolling door hardware (including roller straps), type of finishes and your door thickness, you can easily customize  the look of your door.

One of the easiest ways to customize your rolling door is with the roller strap. There are a wide variety of styles available ranging from a basic rectangle shape to a fancy Fleur-de-Lis style. If you’re looking for a unique roller strap, here are a few fun options.

 horse roller strap

Since it is sometimes referred to as a “barn door” this double-horse roller strap is a perfect hardware option. Bring a touch of the outdoors inside with this handsome horse detail.



wolf roller strap

This Kaminski wolf roller strap would make a great addition in a home of those who love the outdoors. Log cabins, hunting lodges and more are great spaces to install this rolling door hardware.



gingerbread man rolling strap

This gingerbread man roller strap is another fun type of hardware for your rolling door. Install it in the family room you spend the holidays in- guests will love the fun, seasonal touch. This particular roller strap style is very versatile, so it can be used year-round as a fun, decorative accent.



ice cream cone roller strap

What better way to personalize a kid’s bedroom or playroom than with this ice cream cone roller strap? This fun hardware is sure to receive compliments from any guest who enters your home.