Microsoft Word - Text - Advanced Woodworking

WOODWORKING

Chapter 20

CASE AND FACE-FRAMING

Introduction
Simple or complex, plain or decorative, cheap or costly, cabinets are all simply a case, or sometimes called a
carcass. Case construction is simply a box, and though there are different ways in which it may be constructed,
there’s no getting around the fact that it is nothing more than a box. It’s what you do to the case that makes the
difference.
Face-framing is one of those differences. A face-frame covers the front of the case. It is the most visual element
of the cabinet and, besides the type of door or drawer fronts used, it is what determines the quality and beauty of a
project.

Face-Framing:
The face-frame consists of horizontal members called rails and vertical members called stiles, which frame both
the larger opening of the case and the smaller openings for drawers, doors, and shelves (see below).

Rails:

The horizontal rails, like the railing on a staircase, run parallel with the floor. In cabinetry, there are top rails,

bottom rails, and intermediate rails, which frame compartments or openings. The purpose of the cabinet will

determine the size and type of wood you choose to use. Below are samples of bottom and top rails that have been

shaped in such a way as to give character to the cabinet.

Decorative bottom rails

Stiles:

Stiles run vertical to the rails (up and down). To cover or hide

the end grain of the rails, the outside stiles run from the top to

the bottom of the cabinet, sometimes even forming the legs.

Intermediate stiles are called mullions (as illustrated on the

right).

STILE

Arched top rails

Unit IV: Cabinet Construction