Bob meets with Mark Van Sickle from Merillat who is installing hardware on the new semi-custom kitchen cabinets. The Merillat cabinet doors and face frames are solid cherry in a cider finish. The cabinet end panels can be specified by the homeowner or architect to either match the cabinet fronts or to be made of plywood. Mark has set up a drilling jig for drilling holes for hardware to keep all holes on the same 5-inch center. He shows us the contemporary profile stainless steel pulls that will be attached to the doors. This set of cabinets has an unusual setup; it consists of 3 wall cabinets stacked on top of each other and built up on a platform for a toekick. This is an unusual installation creating a whole wall of cabinets like a butler's pantry while saving money buy using standard overhead cabinets. Solid end panels will be added to cover the seams of the stacked cabinets. Bob and Mark move over to the other wall where they notice the orgonomics - the extra organizational features that can be added to cabinetry - including a built-in wastebasket, a pull-out for cooking oils, a sink tray for scouring pads and sponges, an under sink tote for cleaning supplies, and a dishtowel holder. The pantry unit also incorporates orgonomics with slide-out wire baskets that are easy to install and adjustable to different heights - perfect for dry goods, cans, and cereal.

Bob Vila takes us from the shower that will also have a toilet and lavatory, through the dressing area with space reserved for a bench and cubby space, two small closets, and a sink and vanity. Brad Brewster of Princeton Custom Cabinetry joins Bob for the installation of a LesCare vanity that will be floated 12 inches above the floor, using a cross-braced configuration on the side wall, and a full cleat for support along the back. The floating installation was necessary because of the desired height of the vanity and the pipes that were detected in the walls. Brewster shows Bob the glued-dowel construction of the cabinets and the undermount hardware from Blum that will make all fasteners and cabinet hardware invisible once installed. Ernie Wernecke of Princeton Custom Cabinetry installs the vanity that has been pre-cut to accommodate plumbing, inserts drawers that were marked when removed for easy installation, and snaps on the doors of this lichen-green Formica-faced vanity.

Bob watches Tim Berky cut the mortises for the hinges on the solid-core, cherry-veneer door from Woodport. Berky uses a Hinge Mate from Precision Tools to guide his cuts for the three hinge mortises on the door. The oil-rubbed bronze butt hinges from the House of Antique Hardware will match the decor, handles, knobs, and pulls throughout the remodeled space. Berky then uses a jig to cut the mortises on the jamb, checks for plumb, and attaches the hinges and doors.