Frequently Asked Questions:
Where are you located and what are your showroom hours?
We are located at 209 Paul Avenue South, Cologne, MN 55322
Our showroom is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Individual meetings with a designer are by appointment only; call 952.466.4766 to schedule.
Why is it better to finish cabinets at your shop rather than on-site?
Our spray booths and finish lines provide a clean, controlled, dust-free environment. It also keeps the fumes off the job site and out of the atmosphere.
Why should I buy custom cabinets instead of standard sized cabinets from a national brand?
Custom cabinets will make better use of your space than standard sized stock cabinets with filler strips. Cabinets shipped locally are less likely to get damaged and any problems can be resolved quickly so projects are not delayed. Custom cabinets typically are higher quality and better able to express your style with special design features, quality finishes and professional installations.
How can I get an estimate for my project?
Contact us via phone or email and we will put together a free estimate. We have 2 full time interior designers that work with our clients to get the specifications/scope of your project, gather design ideas and share ideas of their own. After information is gathered, one of our estimators will put a quote together for you.
Design appointment, 952-466-4766 or
design@moderndesigncabinetry.com
Estimate questions, 952-856-1633 or
estimates@moderndesigncabinetry.com
About our materials
Are water-based finishes better?
Water-based finishes do not perform as well as solvent based finishes and they are typically not as clear, they often have a cloudy look to them.
What type of finish do you use and why?
We use a high-end post catalyzed water resistant varnish. It is hard, durable and scratch and water resistant. Our finishers sand between coats to acquire a furniture-style look and feel. We also work with custom finishes, such as glaze and white wash and distressing to acquire the look you are wanting.
Are cabinets made from MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) inferior to those made of hardwood plywood and solid wood?
MDF is typically used by most high end cabinet shops (along with paint-grade poplar) when cabinets are painted because it is extremely dense and therefore does not shift as much as wood, especially during season changes.
What type of hinges and drawer slides do you use?
We use BluMotion soft close hinges and drawer slides. They are a high quality product and are extremely smooth and quiet. Blum also stands behind their hardware with a lifetime limited warranty.
About design
Which species of wood is most popular in the Midwest right now?
We frequently work with clear and knotty alder, birch, maple, cherry, white oak and walnut.
How can I choose a cabinet color and be confident of how it will look in my space?
How we perceive color is personal. However, the color and intensity of ambient and artificial light and reflected color from adjacent surfaces will affect how the cabinets look. To anticipate how a color will shift at different times of the day, place a large painted poster board or wood sample where the cabinets will be installed and observe it for a few days.
What colors are popular for painted cabinets and will hold their appeal over time?
Whites, off-whites and warm grays are our most popular colors; we have 28 standard paint colors to choose from.
Should all cabinets in a room be made of the same material and finished the same color?
It is popular to emphasize an island or focal point cabinet with a different wood type or stain or paint color.
Should all cabinets be the same height?
Counter tops typically are 36 inches above the finished floor, but it often is good to incorporate different height cabinets to accommodate people of different heights, built-in appliances and bar areas.
How can I keep the contents of my cabinets organized?
Spice racks, tray dividers, knife holders, pot lid organizers and Tupperware organizers will help.
Should cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling or is it better to leave a space?
Full height cabinets hold more, but varying cabinet height can emphasize a visual focal point such as a stove or sink.
How can I make my cabinets more accessible?
Roll out shelves, full-extension drawer slides, wide opening hinges and frameless cabinets enhance access. There also are accessories available for corners or hard to reach spaces.