Guides & Resources
The Cabinetry Resource Library
Everything we’ve written to help Treasure Valley homeowners plan custom cabinetry — in-depth articles, materials and finish selection guides, and clear explanations of how the design-build-install process works. All of it drawn from the people who do the work.
Start Here — Topic Hubs
Kitchen Cabinet Styles
Shaker, flat-panel, inset, two-tone, transitional and farmhouse — the looks that suit Treasure Valley homes.
ExploreCabinet Door Styles
Shaker, slab, raised-panel, beaded and glass-front doors, and how each changes a kitchen.
ExploreCabinet Cost Guide
An honest look at what drives cabinetry cost — with illustrative ranges, confirmed after an in-home measurement.
ExploreMaterials & Selection Guides
Choosing wood species, door styles, finishes and hardware. See all materials guides
Materials Guide · 6 min read
Cabinet Wood Species Guide
A practical guide to the cabinet woods we build most for Treasure Valley homes — knotty alder, white oak, hickory, maple, and walnut — and where each one fits.
Read the guideMaterials Guide · 6 min read
Cabinet Door Construction: Inset vs. Overlay vs. Frameless
How cabinet doors are built — inset, full-overlay, and frameless (European) construction — and what each means for cost, fit, and the look of a custom kitchen. For the visual door styles, see our cabinet door styles guide.
Read the guideMaterials Guide · 6 min read
Cabinet Finishes Guide
Painted vs. stained cabinet finishes, two-tone schemes, and how each holds up in Idaho’s dry climate — a guide to choosing a durable, good-looking finish.
Read the guideMaterials Guide · 5 min read
Cabinet Hardware Guide
Choosing cabinet pulls, knobs, and finishes — plus the functional soft-close slides and hinges that make custom cabinetry feel right every day.
Read the guideProcess & Planning
What to expect working with a design-build cabinet maker. See all process guides
Process Guide · 6 min read
Our Design-Build-Install Process
What to expect working with Alderwood — the stages of a custom cabinetry project from first conversation through design, in-house manufacturing, and installation.
Read the guideProcess Guide · 6 min read
Planning a Custom Kitchen: A Homeowner’s Checklist
A practical checklist for planning a custom kitchen in the Treasure Valley — priorities, budget, layout, selections, and timing — before you start the design.
Read the guideFrom the Journal
In-depth articles on materials, design, cost and process. Visit the journal
Buying Guides
Materials & Finishes
- Glazing & Finishing Techniques for Custom Cabinets
- Caring for Custom Cabinets in Idaho’s Dry Air
- Choosing a Countertop to Pair With Your Cabinets
- Quartz vs. Granite vs. Marble for Idaho Kitchens
- Wood Movement & Finishes in Idaho’s Dry Climate
- MDF vs. Plywood vs. Solid Wood in Cabinet Construction
- Painted vs. Stained Cabinets in Idaho’s Dry Climate
- Veneer vs. Solid Wood: When Each Belongs
- Conversion Varnish vs. Lacquer: Cabinet Finishes Compared
- Best Cabinet Woods for Idaho Homes: Alder, White Oak, Hickory & Maple
- Matte vs. Satin: Choosing a Cabinet Sheen
Planning & Budget
Design & Details
- The U-Shaped Kitchen: Layout & Cabinetry
- Single-Wall Kitchen Cabinetry
- Wine Storage Options: From a Display Wall to a Cellar
- Galley Kitchen Cabinetry: Making a Narrow Kitchen Work
- Designing an L-Shaped Kitchen Layout
- Peninsula vs. Island: Which Suits Your Kitchen
- Cabinetry for an Open-Concept Kitchen
- Framed vs. Frameless Cabinets: A Deep Dive
- Corner Cabinet Solutions
- Organizing Deep Kitchen Drawers
- Laundry Room Cabinetry Ideas
- Spice, Tray & Baking-Sheet Storage
- Appliance Garages: Hiding Countertop Clutter
- Matching Cabinets to Mountain-West Architecture
- Designing a Mudroom & Drop-Zone That Works
- Pull-Out Pantry Cabinets
- Pantry Organization Systems That Actually Work
- Cabinet Lighting: Under-Cabinet, In-Cabinet & Toe-Kick
- Ceiling-Height Cabinets: Ditching the Soffit
- The Butler’s Pantry & Scullery
- Soft-Close and Cabinet Hardware Mechanisms Explained
- How to Size a Custom Kitchen Island
- Wainscoting & Wall Paneling
- Designing a Home Bar or Wet Bar
- The Kitchen Work Triangle & How to Plan a Layout
- Black, Navy & Green: Choosing a Dark Cabinet Color
- Home Office Built-Ins
- The Natural-Wood Revival in Kitchens
- Fireplace Surrounds & Flanking Built-Ins
- Choosing Cabinet Hardware for a Custom Kitchen
- Mixing Metals in the Kitchen
- Window Seats & Breakfast Banquettes
- Kitchen Cabinet Trends in Treasure Valley New Builds
- Planning a Custom Pantry
- Inset vs. Full-Overlay vs. Frameless Cabinets
Ready to Talk About Your Project?
When the reading is done and you’re ready to build, tell us about your kitchen, cabinetry, or millwork and we’ll begin with a design conversation.