brave-custom-woodworking-solutions

The Value of Custom Cabinets

jesse@cwcabinet.com (Jesse Cline) — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:43:23 GMT

Calculating the Cost: Why should i spend?

“But the ones at my local furniture store only costs half that!” This is a line that one hears all too often in our industry, and a completely understandable question as well given the current economy. When it comes to a quote for your kitchen, bathroom, or dining room remodel, it is very easy to look at the price and wonder if its really worth that. Often times it can even feel like an unnecessary luxury, or an overly expensive upgrade to more affordable store options. But it isn't some luxury price hike hiding behind the name and price tag, and in this blog post we will take you behind the scenes at our shop to ask our woodworking professionals to explain what goes into every step of the process, and why choosing custom cabinetry from Brave is a lasting investment you will never regret.

Wood selection and details
• What do we look for when selecting lumber or sheet goods for the project? - The wood is inspected for knots, splits, or warping. Higher grade wood tends to have less imperfections and a better overall appearance. For sheet goods such as plywood, instead of a solid wood, they are checked for flatness and an edge free of damage.

• In short terms, how would you describe the process for cutting the cabinet parts? - After the project files have been signed off on, the CNC code is sent to our machine, where the sheet goods are cut into individual pieces. Larger or more unique pieces may be cut out by hand or using a large wall mounted saw. After the CNC is done cutting, each piece is individually labeled and placed in a group, and each part is verified to ensure it is the proper length, width, depth, and material requested.

• What are some challenges when working with different wood types or materials? - Working with different wood types and materials like white oak, maple, birch, and melamine MDF each present different challenges. For example, white oak is hard and dense, which makes it very durable but also tougher on blades and harder to mill precisely. Maple is strong and smooth but can be prone to blotching when stained. Birch, while being the cheapest and easiest to work with, can have unpredictable grain patterns and color variation. Melamine MDF is great for modern, budget-conscious projects, but its edges chip easily when cutting, and it doesn’t hold screws as well as solid wood or plywood.

• Why do you believe using high quality materials is essential to the finished product? - It ensures lasting durability, functionality, and a highly refined appearance. A good material is much less likely to warp or sag over time, which is extremely important here in the DMV where the high humidity is known to damage wood products. A higher quality material also takes paints and stains well, resulting in a much finer finish.

Assembly
• Which methods do we use that set our assemblies apart from mass-produced cabinets? - Unlike a mass produced assembly cabinet, ours are carefully produced by hand by masters of the craft. Instead of just assembling the parts like a construction kit, they take the time to go over each individual part, ensuring the corners are square, the hinges are properly mounted, and that the drawers and doors actually fit. We assemble the cabinetry fully in the shop to ensure all the parts are there and that the cabinet can actually be built, before sending it off to be finished. A quality control check is also done to make sure nothing is missing. All it takes is one small error to throw off a job, and our assemblers are able to identify any, and fix them with professional ease.

• How do you ensure consistency and quality across different cabinet styles or sizes? - We rely on precise measurements from the machining program, and keep templates in hand as well. Specs are checked and double checked against the client plans before the assembly even begins. After that, there is a sequence to be followed for every build, which ensure each cabinet gets the same amount of attention. If necessary, a part can be re cut by hand or machined again. The goal is to ensure all the cabinetry in a set match, and the style can be done again and again.

Finishing
• What steps do you take to ensure a smooth, even, and durable finish? - Preparation is key to making the finish really "pop." To ensure every finish is smooth, even, and durable, we follow a process that starts with thorough surface preparation so the wood is perfectly clean and ready to take finish. This preparation involves cleaning the pieces off, and lightly sanding them to remove all imperfections and to give the paint some texture to adhere to. From there, we apply the stain or paint in even layers, sanding the layers lightly to keep everything consistent and silky smooth. Finally, we build up protective topcoats that not only bring out the depth and richness of the look, but also seal and strengthen the surface for long lasting durability. The result is a flawless finish that will last for a long time and while be able to endure all manner of scratches and bumps.

• How does our finishing process differ from standard or automated finishing? - The difference between our processes and automated or standard cabinet finishing comes down to control and artistry . Automated systems spray on a factory finish faster, but it’s usually a one size fits all approach with minimal attention to wood variation, color matching, or special details. Standard finishing on big box store cabinets often uses thinner coatings, limited color options, and prioritizes speed over precision, which is vital in custom cabinetry work. By contrast, a hand applied custom finish gives us full control, we can adjust the technique, pressure, and even layering to even out wood grain variations, achieve an exact color match, and then build up a finish that has real depth and lasting durability. Factory methods produce an acceptable look on acceptable cabinets, but the custom finishing done in shop creates a surface that looks richer, feels smoother, and holds up far better.

Installation
• What’s unique about installing our custom cabinets compared to standard cabinets? - It's the level of precision and care we put into the process that truly sets us apart. We don’t just set the cabinets against the wall, we carefully scribe, level, and anchor each piece so it fits seamlessly into the space even if the walls or floors aren’t perfectly straight, which they rarely are. We take the time and effort to trim on site so the cabinets look like a natural part of the home’s architecture. The attention to detail during installation is what ensures the final product feels solid, functions flawlessly, and looks truly built in rather than just added on.

• How do you handle challenges like uneven walls, tight spaces, or special design details? - For these types of challenges, we lean on our years of experience with precision craftsmanship. For uneven walls or floors, we’ll very carefully scribe and shim the cabinetry so everything sits perfectly level and flush. In tight spaces, we measure meticulously and build pieces with enough space to ensure they slide in without forcing. For special design details, whether it’s custom trim, hidden panels, or matching existing millwork, we take the time to fine tune the fit so the finished product looks intentional and seamless. These adjustments are where a custom install really shows compared to your typical standard cabinetry, because we can adapt the cabinets to the home instead of forcing the home to adapt to the cabinets!

So there you have it! At the end of the day, custom cabinetry’s value goes far beyond just good looking wood products, they are smart investments made into your home’s comfort, style, and even potential value!

Adjusting Your Drawers and Doors

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:14:45 GMT

Pro 600 Undermount Slide

To adjust the Pro 600 Undermount Slide, there are a few simple steps!

Slide the drawer out from the cabinet as far as you can.
Disengage the locking mechanisms (a gray lever, see upper right side of image).
Finish pulling the drawer out entirely.
Locate the adjustment wheels (see orange wheels in image).
Use adjustment wheels to adjust as necessary by slowly turning them to achieve the desired location. Generally, you will have about 1.5mm of give on any given direction.
Re-insert the drawer by lining the drawer up with the metal slides on the cabinet, and push the drawer back in until the locking mechanisms audibly click back into place.
Open and close the drawer several times to ensure adjustments properly aligned the drawer, and repeat steps above if necessary.

A quick easy explanation of this image: The light gray lever on the side is the locking mechanism that holds the drawer to the rails, the up and down wheel moves the drawer up and down, the left and right wheel shifts it either left or right, and the in and out will control how far the drawer is from the face of the cabinetry.

Salice 700 Series Hinge

To adjust the Salice 700 Hinge, there's a few steps to take.

Unlike the slides, neither the doors nor the hinges need to be removed, so simply open the door to the full extent.
Take a look at the image shown here, and using a phillips head screwdriver, carefully and gradually turn the screws to adjust the door.
There are three ways to adjust the door: Side to side, up and down, and in and out. Each direction in the 3D space one has its own adjustment screw that controls how far the adjustment goes.
After adjustment, test door alignment by closing the door(s), ensuring an even gap and smooth operation.
Re-adjust screws as necessary until satisfied.

To explain this image a little more, the side to side screw will push the doors closer towards or away from each other, essential for evening out the door gap. The up and down screw will move the door... well, up and down. And the in and out will either bring the door closer or further from the face of the cabinetry.

Some things to note!

While not all hinges and drawer slides are perfectly identical to the ones shown in these examples or in your images, most modern standard hardware we use shares similar adjustment features and functions. The specific screws, dials, or levers may look different or be placed in new locations, but the basic principles, side to side, up and down, and in and out adjustments, remain largely the same. By understanding these core adjustments, you’ll be able to confidently fine tune almost any hinge or slide you encounter, ensuring smooth operation and precise alignment in any cabinet or drawer setup!

Don't be afraid to be the one to adjust your own cabinetry, and if you manage to encounter any serious problems while adjusting, feel free to reach out and we can walk you through the process as well. Happy cabinet adjusting!

Sawn Lumber Types

jesse@cwcabinet.com (Jesse Cline) — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:57:41 GMT

The 4 primary wood cuts used in woodworking

When it comes to working with wood, understanding the different ways wood is cut is essential for achieving the desired results. The four primary wood cuts—plain sawn, quarter sawn, rift sawn, and live sawn—each have their own distinct patterns, advantages, and ideal applications. In this post, we’ll explore each of these cuts and see where they might be used in woodworking.

1. Plain Sawn (AKA Flat Sawn)

Plain sawing is the most common and cost-effective method of cutting wood. In this process, the log is cut tangentially to the growth rings, creating boards with a variety of grain patterns. The cuts are generally made parallel to the log’s longest axis.

Imagine a simple kitchen table made from oak. If the wood used for the table is plain sawn, the grain might appear wavy or irregular with some boards showing a almost cathedral-like pattern. This cut is popular for its ability to maximize the yield from a log, making it an affordable choice for cabinet and furniture makers.
Advantages:

Cost-effective: Due to this method being the most efficient, it’s also the least expensive.
Aesthetic appeal: The varied grain patterns in the wood can give furniture a more natural, dynamic look.

Disadvantages:

Potential for warping: The grain pattern is much more likely to warp over time compared to other cuts. This is an important part to note especially here on the East Coast where high humidity speeds up the warping process.

2. Quarter-Sawn

Quarter sawing involves cutting the log into quarters before slicing it into boards, usually at a 45-degree angle to the growth rings. This method produces boards with a more uniform and straight grain pattern, often with a distinctive ray-fleck (tube-like structures that radiate from the center of a log to the bark, and appear in cuts looking like the end of a handful of straws. They tend to show as short vertical lines in flat cut wood, but parallel lines when quarter-sawn).
A high-quality hardwood floor often uses quarter-sawn oak because of its superior dimensional stability. The straight grain and the visual appeal of the ray fleck make it a luxurious choice for flooring, adding character while maintaining a sleek, uniform appearance.
Advantages:

Greater stability: The tighter, straighter grain makes quarter-sawn wood less likely to warp, twist, or cup.
Distinctive grain pattern: Quarter sawn wood has a unique visual appeal, especially with woods like oak.

Disadvantages:

Higher cost: This cut is more labor-intensive, which increases the price of the lumber.
Less yield: The log’s overall yield is reduced, making it less efficient than plain sawing.

3. Rift Sawn

Rift sawn wood is cut at an angle to the growth rings, typically around 30 to 60 degrees. The result is a board with a straight grain pattern that doesn’t show the pronounced ray-flecking of quarter sawing but still maintains stability and beauty. Rift sawn wood is often used in high-end cabinetry and fine furniture.
When crafting a custom bookshelf from red oak, a woodworker might choose rift sawn lumber for its straight, uniform grain. This not only provides a striking visual effect but also adds to the durability and consistency of the final piece.
Advantages:

Straight grain: Rift sawn wood has a consistent, linear grain, making it aesthetically pleasing and easy to work with.
Stability: Like quarter sawn wood, rift sawn is highly resistant to warping.

Disadvantages:

High cost: Rift sawing requires more precise cuts and results in less yield from each log.
Limited availability: Due to the specialized cutting process, rift sawn lumber is harder to find and therefore more expensive.

4. Live Sawn

Live sawn is the method where the log is cut straight through, leaving the growth rings visible in a radial pattern. It’s similar to plain sawing but involves cutting through the entire log without any other processing. This cut creates boards that often display a mix of straight and irregular grain patterns.
Live sawn wood is often used in rustic-style furniture or cabinetry. For example, a live sawn pine log can be used to create a set of barn doors, where the natural, unrefined grain patterns give the piece a warm, organic look that complements its rustic aesthetic.
Advantages:

Unique look: The irregular grain pattern of live sawn wood makes each piece unique.
Maximum yield: Since the log is cut through in one go, there’s less waste compared to quarter or rift sawing.

Disadvantages:

Inconsistent quality: The varied grain can result in uneven performance or aesthetics depending on how the wood is cut.
Potential for instability: Like plain sawn wood, live sawn can be more prone to warping over time.

How To Clean Painted Wood?

jesse@cwcabinet.com (Jesse Cline) — Thu, 25 May 2023 11:32:36 GMT

Painted furniture needs upkeep and cleaning just like any other item in our home. It's typical for wooden furniture to become soiled from regular use. Dust, water stains, oils and a build-up of cleaning agents are a few examples of things that can accumulate and leave a sticky residue over time for cleaning.

In comparison to furniture with a natural finish, painted furniture requires more maintenance work. Some top coatings for finishing are also slightly different from one another; for instance, a high gloss finish is simpler to keep clean than a matte finish.

Cleaning painted furniture is divided into three categories: everyday upkeep, weekly or monthly maintenance, and how to remove tough stains. To give your wood furniture a facelift, use these cleaning suggestions.

How Often to Clean Wood Furniture?

Although dusting can be done more frequently, it should be done at least once a week to prevent scuffing. It is best to clear any accumulated residue that needs a thorough cleaning as soon as possible. It would be difficult to detect these stains and residues if you frequently clean your wood furniture.

How To Naturally Clean Cabinets

Different cabinet cleaning solutions are widely accessible at your neighborhood department shop. However, cooking with ingredients from your pantry can be just as efficient and even less expensive.

The standard component for DIY cabinet cleaning solutions is vinegar. Best practices include mixing vinegar and warm water in a 50/50 solution, then misting the mixture onto your cabinet's surfaces with a spray bottle. Using a cloth that has been moistened with clean water, wipe away the cleaner.

Stains are frequently scrubbed using a mixture of baking soda and a moist sponge. To prevent scratching, never use steel wool; instead, use a soft toothbrush or nylon-bristled scrub brush.

When Cleaning Your Painted Cabinets, Avoid the Following:

Abrasive sponges or scrubbers
Cleaners that use harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia
Your cabinets with water
Getting water into your cabinets or soaking hinges
Leaving damp cabinets to dry naturally

Step By Step Process to Clean Painted Wooden Kitchen Cabinets

Begin with the painted cabinets. Though intimidating, just go ahead and do it. It's preferable to start with empty shelves for deep cleaning. Dishes, mugs, and appliances should be removed from the shelf.

To make things a bit simpler, timed this when the dishwasher would be full.

Because painted cabinets are delicate, it's best to stay away from abrasive cleaning supplies for cleaning painted wood.
It's tempting to grab my standard multi-purpose bottle with all the sprays kept under my sink. To give the paint outside of my cabinets a good bubble wash, combine warm water with a little dish soap.
A moist towel works best for drying painted cabinet sections, so be careful not to over-wet the cabinets. Before making a wipe, you might regret testing an all-purpose cleaner on a discrete area first.
Some grease stains could still be present after thoroughly cleaning each cabinet. Mix two parts of baking soda with a part of warm water to make a paste, and then massage the mixture over the residual spots.
Clean from inside where crumbs can turn up. For errant crumbs, a portable vacuum is an efficient option.
Working cabinet by cabinet, wipe off each empty shelf after testing a multipurpose cleaner on a hidden area. Before continuing, be sure to wipe dry.
Each cabinet's interior should be gently cleansed by using an old toothbrush.
Make sure all surfaces are dry by wiping off everything before putting the dishes away.

Remain Committed to Routine Deep Cleaning

Take the cleaning of your kitchen cabinets to the next level at least twice a year:

Use the same cleaning tools and techniques described above to thoroughly clean the inside of your cabinets, including the shelves, drawers, and cabinet exteriors. Empty your cabinets before you start. Be sure they are worth keeping before putting anything back in the cabinets.

Get rid of anything you don't need or use anymore, including highly chipped plates, broken mugs, lidless plastic storage containers, and other worthless items that tend to collect in the kitchen cabinets' back corners.

How To Get Rid of Spots on Kitchen Cabinets

You may find a variety of things and ingredients in your cabinets. In addition, they see a lot of everyday use.

Fingerprints – Cleaning Painted Wood

Finger oil may leave ugly stains on cabinet doors and hardware. Fingerprints may be readily removed from kitchen cabinets with vinegar cleaning. Apply the dampened cloth to the prints using a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar, then use a polishing cloth to buff the surface clean.

Grease – Cleaning Painted Wood

Most grease stains will appear on cabinets that are right over the stove. Grease from kitchen cabinets may, however, easily be cleaned. You may use diluted vinegar to remove oil-based fingerprints from greased kitchen cabinets.

To completely remove grease from cabinets, you might need to repeat the procedure multiple times because these stains are probably bigger than a fingertip.

Splattered Food

Perhaps a spill from the countertop trickled down to the base cabinets or a squirt of ketchup ended up in the wrong place. In any case, mop up food spills as quickly as you can with a moist towel before using baking soda to clean the cabinets. Using a clean cloth, polish the area.

Water Stains

When cleaning kitchen cabinets, water spots on cabinets are a common issue if you have hard water. Switching from tap water to distilled water every time you clean your cabinets is the best method to avoid water stains.

Spring Break here In NOVA

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 20:00:59 GMT

We here at Brave were fortunate enough to have a young photographer spend a few days in the shop with us for his spring break. Below is some of his work: Photography by: Connor Hogue

[Things You Need to Know] about Kitchen Cabinet Design

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 20:52:34 GMT

Kitchen cabinets come in different shapes and sizes. But most of all, it varies in design depending on what the homeowner wants most.

If you’re fond of shopping for kitchen wares, you probably came across custom kitchen cabinets Northern Virginia . But what does custom mean? Unlike the traditional kitchen setup, custom made kitchen cabinets are flexible and versatile. The woodworker will tailor the size, shape, and features to optimize the space in your kitchen.

The basics

About seven million homeowners renovated their kitchens this year. A big part of this revamp is the changes in kitchen cabinetry. In fact, simply changing the cabinets can make a big impact on how functional and convenient your kitchen is.

Nowadays, kitchen cabinets come in different designs and types. But if you’re serious about adding value to your kitchen, you have to choose your options wisely, using quality materials and workmanship. You can get custom kitchen cabinets Fairfax together with tons of accessories to customize how you use your kitchen.

You can get custom designs

Custom kitchen cabinets actually fall into two types: semi-custom and custom. For semi-custom, the pieces will not be made until an order is placed. However, the look and build will still be based on cataloged formats by the supplier. Nevertheless, semi-custom cabinets can be still be configured with adjusted widths, lengths, and extended styles.

As for custom cabinetry, each piece is made in conjunction with your space size, requests, and budget. Everything can be tweaked and adjusted as requested by the homeowner.

…and don't forget about the kitchen accessories too!

Aside from enjoying the custom kitchen cabinets, you can also get complementing accessories that add functionality to these storage spaces. At Brave Custom Woodworking Solutions , we can offer a custom hood range wood cover, magic corner, double roll-out drawers, wine racks, stemware holder, tilt sink tray, and more.

These accessories allow you to upgrade your kitchen cabinets into a more functional and chic space to prepare food. And whatever additions you want to have, we have it all for you.

Add convenience to your kitchen

This part of your house is one of the most important spots. This is where most of the preparation for events happen. All you want is everything to be within hand’s reach. Simply adding racks inside the cabinets will organize your utensils in ways you never imagined possible. Custom kitchen cabinets will be the envy of your friends and family.

Hire the right woodworkers

As much as custom cabinetry is a great investment, you need to hire the right people to do the job. Invest your money on woodworkers that have impressive track record, portfolio, and high customer satisfaction rating. Make sure that the cabinet makers are skilled in handling kitchen installations like kitchen cabinets Northern Virginia.

Here at Brave Custom Woodworking Solutions, you’ll get quality material, reliable service, and smoothly tailored cabinetry. We make cabinets for every room of your house, including the most sought after kitchens. Schedule a free design consultation with the cabinet experts at Brave Custom Woodworking Solutions and we will start your project right away.

#kitchencabinetsnorthernvirginia #customkitchencabinetsfairfax

Kitchen Cabinets in Northern Virginia - [How to Choose the Right Design]

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 21:29:08 GMT

Cabinets are important elements for a kitchen. Aside from being storage spaces, the exterior design adds aesthetic value to the area where you cook, eat, and sometimes entertain. Since it will bear the brunt of many kitchen feasts, the cabinets should last long time. And, since kitchen cabinets in Northern Virginia are statements of style, the design is a big factor to consider.

Most homeowners would match the look of their kitchen with the overall palette of their house. It can range from country to rustic or grand to sleek. The materials will also vary depending on the look the homeowner would want to achieve. Budget is also an important aspect here.

To help you choose the right design, here are some points to remember:

Are there kids around?

If there are kids who have sticky fingers around, glossy or metal door cabinets won’t be a good choice. It will always end up with fingerprint marks and grease that you’ll have to wipe constantly. Opt for wood instead. Also, metal doors are a bit less safe than plastic or wood material when it comes to kids who love bolting around. That's why Brave Custom Woodworking Solutions offers the best materials for all our built in cabinets.

What type of kitchen do I have?

It’s best to get pale and reflective cabinets if you have a small galley kitchen. But if you happen to have a large kitchen space facing the south, non-reflective or matte finishes would be great. This will feel cool despite the direct sunlight. You can also consider mirrored glass to give your small kitchen a sense of space. Be sure to think of the size and lighting in your kitchen to really understand the type of kitchen you have.

How organized do I want it to be?

Aside from maintaining a clean countertop, organizing your kitchen also involves well-designed custom cabinetry . If you always lose forks and spoons, get a cabinet with utensil pantry pullouts. You can also have a wall-message center installed to remind everyone where things belong in your kitchen. It’s not just about how many cabinets you have, it’s also about how functional each one is. Our built in cabinets are designed to fit your home and enhance organization to make your cooking experience a breeze every time.

What door profile do you like?

The door profile of your cabinet is the visible part on your kitchen . Make sure that the color and design matches the pallet and look of your kitchen and house. Choosing this part is a good way to narrow down your cabinet options. It can either be a slab, recessed miter, recessed, raised arch, and more. What color should your cabinet doors be? Do you want the deep wood look to shine or do you prefer it painted?

What’s your taste for function and beauty?

Always make functionality and beauty meet on your choice of cabinet. For example, if you hate noisy cabinets, might as well install QuietClose hardware. It will help your cabinets close smoothly and avoid the banging and finger accidents with your kids. Don’t just focus on the appearance; make sure that the cabinets are easy to use.

Are you maximizing every inch?

An efficient kitchen is a happy kitchen. If you maximize your cabinet through custom designs and internal mechanisms like pull outs, you can make your kitchen more organized. With this, retrieving and storing things will be easier.

Cabinets in Northern Virginia are becoming more prominent, thanks to kitchen design advancements. If you’re also planning to do a revamp, don’t forget to take your time on choosing your storage options. Schedule a free consultation with our designers at Brave Custom Woodworking Solutions today!

#kitchencabinetsnorthernvirginia #cabinetsnorthernvirginia

[The Features & Benefits] of Custom Closets in Northern Virginia

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 22:10:35 GMT

Our closets don’t just hold our favorite outfits; it also adds aesthetic value to the rooms in our homes. It’s an attractive addition if ever you’re restyling your home or if you’re planning to purchase another piece of furniture. Custom made closets offer more personalization and functionality based on the amount of clothes and items you want to store.

Closet spaces allow you to organize your things and maximize every square inch in your home. You have more space than you may think. If you’re wondering what you can get from custom closets in Northern Virginia, visit Brav . e Custom Woodworking Solutions Check out these features and benefits of installing custom closets.

Design that fits your lifestyle

The best part of having custom closets is the freedom it gives to your creativity. By talking to one of our expert craftsmen, you can discuss your options and ideas. Your new closet may include a hidden laundry storage or additional lighting features. There are so many design options that you can choose from to enhance your specific layout. We proudly offer a large selection of additional closet accessories as well. Whether you need pull out pant and tie racks or shelf dividers, we offer all the makings of an amazing custom closet.

More space

A standard closet isn’t tailored to what you personally need. It may have storage spaces you’re not planning to use or it may not have enough separators or shelves. But if you choose to go with a custom option, all the spaces will be utilized and you can even request for special design based on the construction of your home. Our designers can help you realize that there are more rooms you’re not maximizing.

Increased home value

If you’re planning to sell your house in the future, a custom closet will likely increase the value of your property. Buyers always want custom features including unique designs, attractive finishes, and top-of-the-line engineering. A custom closet is an excellent investment that you’ll never regret getting installed. Take note that almost all houses would have generic closets. This is one way of standing out in the real estate market.

Time-saver

Are you spending precious minutes looking for a shirt you’re supposed to wear that day? A closet that’s not made with you in mind will always be cluttered and messy. Aside from wasting your time digging through your piles of clothes, you’re also adding stress to your day, which is never a good way to start your day. Having organized closet solutions will help you keep your space clean and eliminate the hassle of not having a spot for all of your things.

Transform unused space

Over the years, you will have a collection of clothes and accessories. And when the closet is filled to the brim, it’s the only time you’ll realize that you should’ve invested in a custom made closet. Do you have more coats than shirts? It will be excellent to have a wider hanger area. Do you have a lot of clothes that are small or are better folded than hung? More drawers are what you need. At Brave Custom Woodworking Solutions, we can turn any bland closet space into a fully transformed functional storage solution.

Keeping your home clean

All your wardrobe items go to your closet. If it’s tailored to your preferred design, your room will be more organized. There would be no more shirts on the floor, missing socks, or rumpled ties. Since the items won’t be crammed in small spaces, your home would be more comfortable to live in. Custom closets in Northern Virginia offer the best way to keep your home clean and tidy. Our closets are even built with easy to clean interiors.

Custom closets in Northern Virginia are an excellent way to enhance and organize your space . If you’re looking for a new addition to your home, investing in this type of closet would offer the best value for the money. Feel free to be creative but don’t forget to consider what you actually need. Here at Brave Custom Woodworking Solutions we're happy to create beautiful designs that meet your specific needs. Contact us today for a free estimate.

#customclosetsnorthernvirginia #customclosetsalexandriava

Custom Cabinets - A New Look for Your Kitchen [Guide]

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 22:00:13 GMT

Is your kitchen looking bland and outdated? Maybe it’s time for a kitchen facelift. One of the main components of your kitchen are the cabinets. Revamping this crucial part of your kitchen will make a big difference. Brave Custom Woodworking Solutions creates custom cabinets and proudly serves Fairfax, Alexandria, Manassas, and more areas in Northern Virginia. From custom cabinetry to our portfolio of beautiful designs you’ll never run out of options.

If you’re planning a renovation, make sure that you allot a portion of your budget to new cabinets. Aside from making it look more appealing, a new set of cabinets will also add more functionality to your cooking paradise.

In case you’re scouting for custom cabinets, keep the following in mind:

Tailored efficiency

Your cabinets shouldn’t just be idle storage spaces alone. Talk to the cabinet experts at Brave Custom Woodworking Solutions about the design you have in mind. Make sure that you air the current problems in your kitchen so our team can come up with creative solutions for your built in cabinets. We want to enhance your kitchen with complete, functional and aesthetically pleasing custom cabinets that will make your kitchen life much more efficient.

Adding your personal touch

Remember that the new look of your kitchen should suit your style and match the needs of you and your family. Check out our extensive portfolio of work creating and installing built in cabinets in numerous homes throughout Northern Virginia. You can also follow the motif of your house as a nod to its palette or gather design inspiration to share with our team. With your design and kitchen needs in mind we'll be able to provide you with a free estimate for your custom cabinets in Northern Virginia.

Built with excellence

It's very important to invest in quality. But there's no need to only choose from stock cabinets and limited designs. Building custom cabinets is our passion and often you will find our quality work for less than pre-made kitchen cabinets commonly used by home remodelers. Our kitchen cabinets are built to last. But, the best part about adding custom cabinets to your kitchen is that they are specifically built for your space. Built in cabinetry is the perfect way to ensure that the kitchen cabinets have the perfect fit and aren't built with mass production in mind.

Built with excellence

There are various paint options for custom cabinets. You'll have an oil-based or water-based choice. Oil-based paints are easy to work with but water-based ones will look better after the paint job. You can also opt for staining and sealing to highlight the natural color and texture of the wood. A lot of homeowners do this especially if the wood they chose is expensive.

Custom cabinets in Fairfax, Alexandria, Manasass, and surrounding areas in Northern Virginia are available. To ensure that you’re getting the best quality and accurate designs contact the professional cabinet makers at Brave Custom Woodworking Solutions.

#customcabinetsfairfax #kitchencabinetsnorthernvirginia

Owner Jesse Cline honored by the Woodworking Network

Sun, 09 Sep 2018 22:06:30 GMT

Woodworking Network’s 40 under 40 award recognizes those individuals that have made a difference in their careers, their companies, their communities and to the industry. Benchmarks include productivity, profitability, social good, innovation, peer inspiration, product development and organizational leadership.

Congratulations Jesse!!!

Home Office Alternatives

Sat, 09 Jun 2018 22:18:17 GMT

Close to half, 43% of America’s workforce report spending at least some of their time working remotely in 2016 according the Gallup’s State of American Workplace report.

With the growing number of homeowners working from home, there is a need for a dedicated work-space in the house. In some instances, space or budget may not allow for a whole room to be used for an office – consider these alternatives:

Guest Rooms:

An extra bedrooms are not used would make a perfect office. By using Murphy beds, sleeper sofas or a day bed the room could be still used for an occasional guest.

Dining Rooms:

Many formal dining rooms go unused for their intended purpose. Adding French doors to the opening would give some privacy. We designed and installed a stand-alone (not attached to the wall) double desk work space in a dining room in Herndon, VA.

Closets:

A large reach in closet can be converted into a work-space. We recently did one in Alexandria, VA that the client wanted to save space in a small bedroom.

Other Options:

Similar to a closet, a nook could be used as a simple desk with shelving above. Areas in a basement can be explored for potential use.

In conclusion, we can help you can think out the proverbial “box” and come with a clever home office design in an underutilized space.

What is the difference between MDF and particle board?

Sat, 09 Jun 2018 22:10:30 GMT

MDF is made by breaking wood down to it's basic fiber. The process is very similar to how we make paper. Water is used to unravel the wood cells or fibers, then the water is removed. An adhesive is added to the fibers which forms a mat that when heat is applied under pressure.

Particle board is manufactured by cutting logs or pieces of wood into chips. The chips come in different sizes from large (also called wafers of flakes) to small to even tiny. The small and tiny chips fill in any gaps the the large chips create. The chips are then mixed with adhesive and pressed.

Shaker cabinets are the most popular door styles

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 23:15:59 GMT

According to 2018 Houzz Kitchen Trend,

Shaker cabinets are the most popular door styles (57%) among those updating cabinets, followed by flat-panel (18%) and raised-panel (17%) cabinets. After shaker, urban homeowners are more likely to choose flat-panel (26%) cabinets, whereas suburban and rural dwellers opt for raised-panel cabinets (19% and 18%, respectively).

Why get custom built-in cabinets?

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 23:05:38 GMT

Durability - built to last the life of the home.
Storage, storage and more storage - organization that mates form and function.
Real estate re-sale "wow" factor - separate your home from all the other cookie cutter homes.
Fill under utilized areas - use odd shaped spaces that regular furniture will not fit.
Custom tailored - made to fit your family's unique needs; mudrooms, offices and craft rooms.
Looks great!

#whygetcustombuiltincabinets #cabinetstorage #realestatecustomcabinets

Interior designer predicts the top looks: Warm gray for built in cabinets popular.

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 22:24:03 GMT

Warm Gray Cabinets.

According to Builder Magazine, Courtney Rogers, a senior interior designer at Atlanta-based builder Edward Andrews Homes predicts gray is here to stay: Stating "It’s just been refreshed with new life. When gray cabinetry first made a splash, we saw it paired with cool hues and chrome hardware. Now, we are seeing gray take on a warmer tone, paired with brass hardware in bathrooms and as accent cabinetry in kitchens."

#custombuiltincabinets #popularcabinetcolors

Every cabinet gets the Brave Seal of Approve

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 23:23:06 GMT

We proudly announce our new quality control inspection process. Each cabinet will get a "Brave Seal of Approval nameplate upon a successful review.

#Manassas #Customcabinets #builtins #qualtity #wwwbuiltincabinetcom

How to Choose a Cabinet Maker

Sun, 09 Jul 2017 23:26:50 GMT

These are a few of the things to look for in a cabinet maker:

A good cabinet maker will always have a portfolio for you to look at - preferably on an easy to navigate web site.
Ask a cabinet maker for references. Satisfied customers are always happy to answer any questions you may have, so don't hesitate to call them.
If the cabinet maker has a showroom, visit the showroom to examples of their craftsmanship.
If possible, it's always a good idea to tour their shop. You can learn a lot about a cabinet maker's skill and conscientiousness from their workshop. Is it kept organized? Do they have the modern equipment and tools? Are there projects in various stages production being well made?

After you have decided on a cabinet maker, it is time to get down to business. Get a written proposal on the scope of the project before signing a contract or giving a down payment. If the cabinet maker is going to be installing something in your home, make sure they have their own liability insurance and are a licensed contractor. If the cabinet maker's service includes design, insist on getting a detailed 3D drawing before committing financially to the job. This way, there will be no misunderstandings on either side.

#howtochooseacustomcabinetsmaker #builtins #3ddrawing #cabinetmaker

Built-ins for the Mudroom

Sat, 10 Jun 2017 04:42:52 GMT

Feeling disorganized when you come home? Backpacks, jacket and shoes thrown about? Maybe it is time to think about adding a mudroom organizing system with built-in cabinets.

#mudroom #organization #storage #builtincabinets #hooks #entryway

How Much People Spend To Upgrade Their Kitchens

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 23:42:47 GMT

How much does it cost? The most common budget — as well as actual spend — on a kitchen renovation remains $25,001 to $50,000, according to the survey. Only 9 percent of kitchen renovators spend more than $100,000; just 4 percent spend less than $5,000. We hope the numbers help give your own project some dollars-and-cents context.

By Erin Carlyle - See more Home Design Photos

Millennials deem kitchen most popular room to remodel

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 23:33:00 GMT

Interior design app Planner 5D developers have discovered that most of their millennial users choose kitchen remodeling over bedroom or bathroom renovation.

Interior design platform Planner 5D – which offers separate apps for kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and other spaces - has announced results from their app downloads for the last three months. Out of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom apps, majority of the users choose Kitchen Planner. On Android app alone, Planner 5D got 385K Kitchen Planner downloads in the past three months, while only 108K users chose the Bathroom Planner.

“Planner 5D users, majority of whom are 25-34 years old, choose the app because they want to save on decorating costs, but don’t want to compromise on getting beautifully designed homes,” said Alexey Sheremetyev, co-founder of Planner 5D. “By using an interior design app they don’t have to pay for the professional interior designer services.”

Houzz, an online design community, conducted a survey that confirms the trend, stating that millennials are “twice as likely to be driven by cost considerations than homeowners over age 35.”

“Our users are choosing such kitchen features as integrated living spaces, kitchen islands, decorative and under-cabinet lighting, white wall cabinets and some rustic details,” said Alexey Sheremetyev. “Also, many look for simplicity, and have “less is more” mentality, valuing quality over quantity.”

Book a shower at the Kohler store

Wed, 10 May 2017 04:51:38 GMT

To create a unique and compelling shopping experience, some retailers are adding restaurants. Others are beefing up digital bells and whistles. Kohler Co. is offering showers.

At the Kohler Experience Center in New York City, shoppers can make a one-hour appointment to test out a deluxe bathing room designed with shower heads that spray water at different temperatures from different directions, and includes a bathtub that fills from a tap in the ceiling and comes with options for vibration and color therapy for a little extra relaxation.

Rob Grant Retires

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 04:54:50 GMT

After more than 30 years in the business, Rob has retired to sunny Florida. In 1984 Rob founded Contemporary Woodcrafts, Inc., He began initial manufacturing of fine, custom cabinets for homes and offices for Fairfax County residents out of the basement of his townhouse (yes, a townhouse) in 120 square feet! He continued in that small space until the cabinets were too large for the limited work space. Four moves later, he set up shop in Chantilly with a state of the art equipment and a showroom. Thousands of fine cabinets for local residents, home builders, contractors, kitchen & bath dealers, interior designers, businesses and architects within the metro DC area have been completed.

Rob's professional career includes a teaching degree in Industrial Arts Education from SUNY Oswego. He has taught woodworking both in the public school system and adult education levels. Additional training and education was attained at an architectural cabinet/exhibit firm and business development classes via American University. In 2015 he contributed to the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Education guidelines for the Cabinetmaking curriculum, training and education programs.

Contemporary Woodcrafts, Inc officially closed February, 2014 after 30 years of successful business. Closure was by personal choice and all client order-installations were completed. Rob spent the following year relaxing and in 2015 joined Brave CWS on a part time basis to continue our fine tradition of designing, fabricating and installing beautiful, custom cabinets.

We wish Rob the very best!

brave-custom-woodworking-solutions

The Value of Custom Cabinets

Calculating the Cost: Why should i spend?

Adjusting Your Drawers and Doors

Pro 600 Undermount Slide ﻿

Salice 700 Series Hinge

Sawn Lumber Types

The 4 primary wood cuts used in woodworking

How To Clean Painted Wood?

How Often to Clean Wood Furniture?

How To Naturally Clean Cabinets

When Cleaning Your Painted Cabinets, Avoid the Following:

Step By Step Process to Clean Painted Wooden Kitchen Cabinets

Remain Committed to Routine Deep Cleaning

How To Get Rid of Spots on Kitchen Cabinets

Grease – Cleaning Painted Wood

Splattered Food

Water Stains

Spring Break here In NOVA

[Things You Need to Know] about Kitchen Cabinet Design

The basics

You can get custom designs

Add convenience to your kitchen

Hire the right woodworkers

Kitchen Cabinets in Northern Virginia - [How to Choose the Right Design]

Are there kids around?

What type of kitchen do I have?

How organized do I want it to be?

What door profile do you like?

What’s your taste for function and beauty?

Are you maximizing every inch?

[The Features & Benefits] of Custom Closets in Northern Virginia

Design that fits your lifestyle

More space

Increased home value

Time-saver

Transform unused space

Keeping your home clean

Custom Cabinets - A New Look for Your Kitchen [Guide]

Tailored efficiency

Adding your personal touch

Built with excellence

Built with excellence

Owner Jesse Cline honored by the Woodworking Network

Home Office Alternatives

Guest Rooms:

Dining Rooms:

Closets:

Other Options:

What is the difference between MDF and particle board?

Shaker cabinets are the most popular door styles

Why get custom built-in cabinets?

Interior designer predicts the top looks: Warm gray for built in cabinets popular.

Every cabinet gets the Brave Seal of Approve

How to Choose a Cabinet Maker

Built-ins for the Mudroom

How Much People Spend To Upgrade Their Kitchens

Millennials deem kitchen most popular room to remodel

Book a shower at the Kohler store

Rob Grant Retires

Pro 600 Undermount Slide