Construction Types
How structural panels are joined together — affecting cut list dimensions, structural integrity, and visual appearance
Overview
Construction type determines how the main structural panels of a cabinet are joined together. This fundamental choice affects all cut list dimensions, structural integrity, and visual appearance.
Cabinet Planner supports two industry-standard construction methods, both available on all plans.
Type 1: Middle Enclosed by Sides
Also known as: "Sides over top/bottom" or "side-through"
How it works
- Side panels run the full height of the cabinet
- Top and bottom panels sit between the sides
- The sides form the outer visible edge of the cabinet
Panel dimensions
- Side panel height = Cabinet height (full)
- Side panel depth = Cabinet depth
- Top/bottom panel width = Cabinet width − (2 × material thickness)
- Top/bottom panel depth = Cabinet depth
Advantages
- Sides provide continuous vertical lines (looks cleaner from the side view)
- Better for tall/full-height cabinets
- Weight is transferred through the sides to the floor
- Most common in residential furniture making
Best used for
- Kitchen base cabinets
- Wardrobes and tall cabinets
- Bookcases
- Any cabinet where side visibility matters
Type 1 — Middle Enclosed by Sides
Full height side
Inset top
Inset bottom
Full height side
Type 2: Sides Enclosed by Top/Bottom
Also known as: "Top/bottom over sides" or "rail-through"
How it works
- Top and bottom panels run the full width of the cabinet
- Side panels sit between the top and bottom
- The top and bottom form the outer visible edge
Panel dimensions
- Top/bottom panel width = Cabinet width (full)
- Top/bottom panel depth = Cabinet depth
- Side panel height = Cabinet height − (2 × material thickness)
- Side panel depth = Cabinet depth
Advantages
- Top surface has a clean, uninterrupted edge (no visible side panel ends)
- Better load distribution across the top
- Common in commercial and frameless (European-style) cabinets
- Slightly easier for batch production
Best used for
- Wall-mounted/upper cabinets
- Display cabinets
- Kitchen upper cabinets
- Cabinets where top surface visibility matters
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Type 1 (Middle Enclosed) | Type 2 (Sides Enclosed) |
|---|---|---|
| Full-length panel | Sides | Top/Bottom |
| Inset panels | Top & Bottom | Sides |
| Side visibility | Clean side edges | Side panel ends visible on top |
| Top visibility | Side panel ends visible on top | Clean top surface |
| Load bearing | Vertical through sides | Horizontal across top |
| Common use | Base cabinets, tall units | Upper cabinets, wall-mounted |
| Industry term | Side-through | Rail-through |
Impact on Cut Lists
The construction type directly affects every dimension in your cut list:
- Changing construction type recalculates all panel dimensions
- Material thickness is factored into the offset calculations
- Door and drawer front dimensions also change (they reference the frame opening)
- Edge banding positions may need to be updated
Switching Construction Types
You can change construction type per cabinet:
- Select the cabinet in the editor
- Open the Construction Type selector
- Choose Type 1 or Type 2
- All dimensions are recalculated automatically
- Cut lists and exports update immediately
Tips
- Choose one construction type per project for consistency (unless specific cabinets require different treatment)
- Type 1 is the default and most common choice for mixed cabinet sets
- Consider which edges will be visible when choosing construction type
- If unsure, Type 1 (Middle Enclosed by Sides) is the safe default
- Always verify cut lists after changing construction types