028 cards
Before framing
Room sizes, openings, stairs, ceiling heights and anything structural. Cheap on paper, expensive once the walls are up.
Stairs + hallsFree
032 cards
Before rough-in
Where pipes, wires, ducts and boxes go, before the inspector signs off on them.
KitchensFree
BathroomsFree
Sink + vanity
Bathroom dimensions you should know
- center to side wall: 15″ code, 20″ good
- two sinks: 30″ center to center minimum
- vanity height 32–36″ typical (NKBA: 32–43″)
042 cards
Before drywall
Blocking, insulation, fire blocking and anything else that lives inside the walls.
06151 cards
Throughout the job
Choices and checks that aren’t tied to one stage. Settle them early, or check them as the work goes.
KitchensFree
Semi-custom
Choose the cabinet system
- standard boxes, many options
- more sizes, finishes and inserts
- the sweet spot for most homes
Custom
Choose the cabinet system
- built to the inch
- any size, wood or finish
- best for odd rooms and old houses
Framed
Choose the cabinet system
- a solid-wood frame on the box front
- the classic American cabinet
- strong and forgiving to install
Frameless
Choose the cabinet system
- European style, no face frame
- full access to the box
- clean, modern look
Ready-to-assemble
Choose the cabinet system
- ships flat; you or an installer assemble
- lowest cost for semi-custom looks
Box (carcass)
What's inside a cabinet?
- sides, bottom, top rails and back
- the structure everything hangs on
- plywood or particleboard
Toe kick
What's inside a cabinet?
- recessed base about 4″ high and 3″ deep
- lets you stand close to the counter
Tall / pantry
What's inside a cabinet?
- full-height storage
- dry goods, ovens, brooms
- 84″, 90″ or 96″ tall
Stacked uppers
What's inside a cabinet?
- above wall cabinets
- for rarely used items
- uses the space to the ceiling
Plywood
Cabinet materials: what actually matters
- thin wood veneers glued in layers
- strong, holds screws well
- tolerates moisture better than particleboard
MDF
Cabinet materials: what actually matters
- fine wood fibers and resin
- perfectly smooth; ideal for painted doors
- stable, doesn't warp
Particleboard
Cabinet materials: what actually matters
- wood particles and resin
- the most common stock-cabinet box
- usually melamine-faced
Solid wood
Cabinet materials: what actually matters
- frames, doors and drawer boxes
- can be refinished
- warm, natural look
Melamine-faced board
Cabinet materials: what actually matters
- pre-finished particleboard or MDF
- easy-clean interiors
- many colors
PVC / polymer box
Cabinet materials: what actually matters
- won't rot or swell
- sink bases, outdoor kitchens
Wood veneer
Cabinet doors: options and character
- real wood face on a stable core
- grain can match across doors
Laminate / melamine
Cabinet doors: options and character
- tough, easy to clean
- huge color range
- budget friendly
Thermofoil
Cabinet doors: options and character
- vinyl heat-formed over MDF
- seamless, easy to clean
- low cost
Glass
Cabinet doors: options and character
- clear, frosted or reeded
- for display cabinets
- lightens a run of uppers
Metal / stainless
Cabinet doors: options and character
- durable and hygienic
- industrial or commercial look
Styles
Cabinet doors: options and character
- shaker: the American default
- slab: flat, modern
- raised panel: traditional
Overlay
Cabinet doors: options and character
- full overlay: doors cover the box
- partial overlay: frame shows
- inset: doors sit inside the frame, most expensive
Engineered quartz
The kitchen countertop
- crushed quartz and resin
- low porosity, easy care
- consistent color
Solid surface
The kitchen countertop
- acrylic composite
- seamless joints, integral sinks
- scratches can be sanded out
Edges
The kitchen countertop
- eased: the modern default
- beveled: crisp, hides chips
- bullnose / half bullnose: soft, kid-friendly
Thickness
The kitchen countertop
- 3 cm (about 1¼″) is standard in US kitchens
- 2 cm needs a plywood base or built-up edge
Outdoor
The kitchen countertop
- granite, porcelain or concrete
- most engineered quartz isn't rated for sun
Walk-in pantry
Pantry and storage ideas
- shelves 12–16″ deep
- counter and outlets for appliances
- light on a door switch
Butler's pantry
Pantry and storage ideas
- staging between kitchen and dining
- sink, glass storage, extra fridge
Trash + recycling
Pantry and storage ideas
- pull-out trash and recycling
- next to the sink, not in a corner
Wall cabinets
Kitchen dimensions: a useful guide
- 30″, 36″ or 42″ tall
- 12″ deep
- bottom usually 54″ off the floor
Under-cabinet
Kitchen lighting: functional and beautiful
- mount toward the front edge
- no shadows on the work surface
- dimmable LED strips
Hinges
Kitchen hardware: small details, big difference
- concealed, soft-close is standard
- 110° for most doors
- 165–170° for corners and full access
Drawer slides
Kitchen hardware: small details, big difference
- full-extension reaches the back
- soft-close
- undermount hides the slide
Pulls + knobs
Kitchen hardware: small details, big difference
- metal, wood or leather
- size to the door or drawer
- test the feel in hand
Lift systems
Kitchen hardware: small details, big difference
- lift-up doors on high cabinets
- easier reach to upper shelves
Sinks + faucets
Kitchen hardware: small details, big difference
- sink materials, mounts and gauges
- faucet types and cartridges
Countertops
Maintenance: keep it looking good
- mild cleaner, soft cloth
- no acids on natural stone
- wipe spills right away
Cabinets
Maintenance: keep it looking good
- soft damp cloth
- no standing water on edges
- tighten hinges and screws yearly
BathroomsFree
Mirrors + cabinets
Comfort, air and extras
- recessed medicine cabinets need a stud bay
- lit mirrors need a box behind
Stairs + hallsFree
Guard height
Handrails and guards
- 36″ at landings and floors
- 34″ along the stair
- where the drop is over 30″
Guard openings
Handrails and guards
- 4″ sphere can't pass
- 4⅜″ on the open sides of a stair
- 6″ at the stair triangle
Materials
Handrails and guards
- wood, metal, glass or cable
- cable must stay tight enough to pass the 4″ test
No handrail
Common mistakes
Slippery treads
Common mistakes
Kitchen, Bathroom and Stairs are open to everyone. The rest are in the full fieldbook.
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