Cabinets and casework are storage units and storage components. They are made of wood, plastic, steel, aluminum, glass, or composite materials.

Cabinets are rectangular storage unit with doors, shelves, and drawers. They may be free-standing or wall-mounted. Cabinet doors have handles and hinges to allow access and hold the door open or closed. Cabinet drawers ride along roller tracks to reduce friction and keep drawers secured when not in use. Casework for cabinets can include many different types of components and accessories.

Types of Cabinets and Casework

There are many different types of cabinets and casework. Examples include wall-mounted cabinets, general-purpose storage cabinets, wardrobe cabinets, library cabinets, and moveable cabinets.

• Wall-mounted or wall-hung cabinets are attached against a wall. They may include sliding glass doors or glass back with removable stops.
• General-purpose storage cabinets are also available with different types of doors. They may feature angled shelves and an integral or separate dust panel.
• Wardrobe cabinets are designed to store clothing and personal protective gear such as goggles. Open wardrobes have a shelf and pole. Split units have shelves, mirrors, locks, and hooks.
• Library cabinets are designed to store and display books and periodicals. Products include magazine racks and book returns.
• Moveable cabinets are made of lightweight materials and have wheels or casters to provide mobility.

Selection Criteria

Most cabinets are selected based size, material, and application type.

• Sizes vary based on the height, width, and depth available for cabinet placement, as well as the desired storage space and number of shelves.
• Material types exhibit different properties which vary in importance based on the application. These properties include strength, durability, weight, corrosion resistance, aesthetics, and opacity.
• Specialized applications can also narrow cabinet and casework selection, as many fields have pre-established or commonly used types of products.

Specific Applications

Cabinets and casework can be used for specific applications such as in medical and laboratory environments.

Medical storage cabinets are usually made of stainless steel or other materials that are hygienic and capable of being washed down. Medical cabinets may feature adjustable shelves, double doors with locks, leveling guides, and other special features. Medical cabinets and casework is designed for use in hospitals, operating rooms, and other medical or surgical facilities.

There are also many different types of laboratory cabinets. Examples include pesticide cabinets, paint cabinets, acid storage cabinets, narcotic storage cabinets, and specimen storage cabinets. Each type of laboratory cabinet may have special features.

Regulations

Cabinets and casework differ in terms of approvals and certifications. In the United States, products such laboratory cabinets must comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA also establishes standards for the heights, widths, and depths of casework assemblies. Cabinets and casework (e.g., kitchen cabinets) that complies with woodworking standards is also available.

Image credit:

Terra Universal, Inc.