Cabinet Configuration Tutorials
Cabinet Presets
Our cabinet system is organized into logical presets that combine construction methods, materials, and mounting styles. Each preset is optimized for specific applications, allowing you to select the perfect combination for your project requirements.
| Preset | Structure | Case Material | Fronts | Mounting | Best-Fit Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Standing — Paint Grade | Free Standing | Unfinished D3 maple ply | Paint-grade MDF (slab / shaker) | Floor | Any room needing custom paint inside & out; easy to veneer/laminate later |
| Transitional — Paint + Prefin | Transitional | Prefinished maple | Paint-grade MDF (slab / shaker) | Floor | Default kitchen & bath choice; high durability, fast install |
| Transitional — Melamine | Transitional | Melamine core | Melamine or paint | Floor | Budget projects, rental units, commercial fit-outs |
| Transitional — Cantilevered Maple | Transitional | Prefinished maple | Painted / prefin panels | Wall | Floating vanities, gallery credenzas, economical loft kitchens |
| Free Standing — Cantilevered Multiply | Free Standing | Birch multiply | Multiply slab | Wall | Modern floating furniture, minimal bathrooms |
| Free Standing — Edged Multiply | Free Standing | Birch multiply | Multiply slab | Floor | Loft kitchens, cabin retreats; warm exposed edges |
Cabinet Construction Methods
1. Design Philosophy
Function First
Cabinet = compartment grid (doors / drawers / open bays). Form follows required storage logic.
Variable Preset
A "style" is a saved bundle of structure + materials + mounting rules, not a fixed look. Swap fronts/finishes without redrawing boxes.
Context Agnostic Objects
Any base box can become wall, tall, vanity, or freestanding by changing joints & supports. Efficiency = reuse.
2. Core Methodologies
2.1 Transitional
"Box hides in architecture"
Definition
Interior plywood carries load; exterior faces get finish panels wherever exposed.
Fasteners
Through-screws + biscuits; visible but later buried—allows 3-axis machining & rapid assembly.
Back
Plant-on or screw-on panel keeps squareness.
Ideal for
Kitchens, closets, jib-door built-ins.
Material tiers
- Prefin maple ply (premium default)
- Melamine/ply hybrids (Galaxy, Lynx)
- Particle-core melamine (low cost)
2.2 Free Standing
"Case is the finish"
Definition
Exterior of structural case remains visible; no applied panels. Fasteners must be hidden.
Joinery
Biscuits + glue; optional pocket screws from top/bottom only.
Back
Rabbetted or T&G; wall-hung versions inset ½ in. for French cleat.
Variants
- Paint-Grade unfinished maple ply → complete coating freedom.
- Multiply exposed birch edges (floor or floating).
Ideal for
Feature furniture, floating vanities, monolithic modern kitchens.
Design Motifs
Applying cabinet presets based on your desired design aesthetic helps create a cohesive look. The following design motifs showcase how our cabinet presets can be adapted to different styles.
This guide is meant as a suggestion. As a designer, there is no limit to the number of permutations of materials and methods that can be used and adapted to your style.
Shaker Style
Compatible Presets
- Free Standing — Paint Grade
- Transitional — Paint + Prefin
Typical Finishes & Notes
Satin enamel whites / soft grays, 5-piece shaker fronts, nickel pulls
Urban Modern
Compatible Presets
- Transitional — Paint + Prefin
- Transitional — Cantilevered Maple
- Free Standing — Edged Multiply
Typical Finishes & Notes
Matte black or charcoal fronts, mixed textures (fluted panels / metal accents), push-to-open hardware
Scandinavian Minimal
Compatible Presets
- Free Standing — Cantilevered Multiply
- Transitional — Cantilevered Maple
Typical Finishes & Notes
Light birch or whitewashed ply, finger-pull reveals, clear matte lacquer
Mid-Century Modern
Compatible Presets
- Free Standing — Edged Multiply
- Transitional — Paint + Prefin
Typical Finishes & Notes
Walnut veneer slab fronts, brass pulls, tapered legs on freestanding units
Rustic Farmhouse
Compatible Presets
- Free Standing — Paint Grade
- Free Standing — Edged Multiply
Typical Finishes & Notes
Soft whites / sage, visible wood grain or distressed paint, shaker or X-brace doors
Industrial Loft
Compatible Presets
- Free Standing — Edged Multiply
- Transitional — Melamine
Typical Finishes & Notes
Exposed birch edges, matte black melamine, steel angle brackets, open shelving combos
Coastal Contemporary
Compatible Presets
- Transitional — Paint + Prefin
- Free Standing — Paint Grade
Typical Finishes & Notes
Crisp whites + pale blues, rift white-oak accents, brushed chrome pulls
Creating Your Unique Style
While these motifs provide a starting point, your design vision may blend multiple styles or create something entirely unique. Our preset system is designed to be flexible, allowing you to experiment with different combinations of structure, materials, and finishes to achieve your specific aesthetic goals.
Saved Settings
Save a group of settings when you want to reuse the same specifications across cabinet items or later carts. Start from Quick Settings, a stock preset, or an existing saved setting, then save the combination under a name you will recognize.
Creating a Saved Setting
Open Cart Settings
In Cart, select the cabinet items that should receive the shared settings, then open the Settings tab.
Set Up Quick Settings
In Quick Settings, choose the materials, edgebanding, joint and back-panel methods, hinge and drawer options, and other applicable specifications. You can also begin with a stock option under Load Preset Settings.
Create and Reuse the Setting
Under Load Saved Settings, select + Create New Setting, enter a descriptive name, and select Create Setting. Later, choose it from Load Saved Settings and select Apply to Selected Items. Saved settings are available when you are signed in; you can also update one with Save Changes or remove it with Delete Setting.
Why Use Saved Settings
Project-Wide Specifications
Lock in standardized specifications for consistent ordering across large projects or multi-phase installations. This ensures uniformity in materials, finishes, and construction methods throughout your project.
Define Your Unique Style
Create a signature look for your brand or design practice. Customize presets that reflect your aesthetic preferences and become the foundation of your distinctive design language.
Alternative Construction Methods
Create specialized variations for unique conditions while maintaining consistent materials and edging settings. Adapt construction techniques for different spatial requirements without compromising your design vision.
Remember
Structure ≠ Style. Master the two core box logics—Transitional and Free Standing—then dial finishes to fit any design narrative. The same parametric objects scale from budget rental kitchens to gallery-grade millwork without redrawing a single panel.
Video Tutorials
SEALAB TUTORIAL - INTRODUCTION
SEALAB TUTORIALS - STARTING YOUR CART
SEALAB TUTORIALS - GLOBAL SETTINGS
SEALAB TUTORIALS - CABINET CONFIGURATIONS
SEALAB TUTORIALS - SUBMITTING THE CART
SEALAB TUTORIALS - MANAGING YOUR ORDER
Getting Started with Cabinet Selection
The first step in placing your order is understanding how to effectively use the catalog system. Begin by preparing your basic layout requirements, which can be as simple as a hand sketch or as detailed as architectural drawings. The key is defining your space divisions and cabinet requirements clearly.
When selecting cabinets, remember that dimensions are based on the cabinet box itself, not including the front thickness or bumper gaps. Search the catalog using general terms for the type of cabinet you need, such as "base cabinet" or "sink base." As you find appropriate items, add them to your cart for later configuration.
Consider creating a simple naming convention for your cabinets to track them throughout the project. This organizational step will prove valuable during configuration and installation phases.
Understanding Dimensioning
Accurate dimensioning is crucial for your cabinet order. Remember that cabinet depth measurements refer to the box itself, excluding the front thickness and bumper gaps. When measuring, account for these additional elements in your overall space planning.
Take time to verify all critical dimensions, including width, height, and depth for each cabinet. For special items like side panels, note that some dimensions may not apply. The system's precision is quite high, typically accurate to within a few thousandths of an inch, ensuring your cabinets will fit together precisely as planned.
When working with dimensions, always document your measurements clearly and double-check them against your available space before proceeding to configuration.
Working with Global Settings
Global settings allow you to efficiently manage shared specifications across multiple cabinets. These settings include material selections, construction methods, and hardware preferences. Consider your entire project when setting these parameters, as they can significantly impact both aesthetics and functionality.
Key areas to consider include:
- Carcass material selection and thickness
- Front material choices
- Back panel specifications
- Joint methods
- Edge banding options
- Hardware mounting preferences
- Drawer box specifications
Remember that while global settings streamline the process, individual cabinets can still be customized as needed after applying global parameters.
Cabinet Configuration Details
After establishing global settings, focus on configuring individual cabinet specifications. Pay particular attention to reveal gaps between cabinets, as these affect both aesthetics and functionality. Consider how cabinets interact with adjacent units and walls when setting gap measurements.
Configuration options include:
- Individual material overrides from global settings
- Specific edge treatments
- Hardware placement
- Shelf quantity and positioning
- Gap settings for all sides
- Special features like leg levelers (please note, a cabinet's width and depth must both be greater than 10.75" to apply leg levelers) or custom drawer heights
Take time to review each cabinet's configuration thoroughly before proceeding to ensure all specifications align with your project requirements.
Order Management and Flexible Production Planning
Once your order is submitted, you'll gain access to comprehensive documentation through your customer portal within minutes. This documentation serves as both a detailed specification package and a versatile production planning tool that you can adapt to your specific workflow needs.
Documentation Package
The documentation package includes dimensional drawings, complete specifications, and detailed component lists that can serve multiple purposes. You may choose to use these specifications in various ways - as cutting lists for your own workshop, as ordering specifications for third-party vendors, or as production documents for our manufacturing team.
The component lists are particularly valuable, providing precise dimensions for all parts including drawer boxes, doors, and panels. These lists are deliberately designed to be vendor-agnostic, allowing you to source components from any supplier you choose. For instance, you might decide to order drawer boxes from a specialized manufacturer while fabricating doors in your own shop.
Quote Status and Modifications
Your order remains in a flexible quote status until payment is processed. During this period, you can freely modify the configuration by returning it to cart status. While each modification requires reprocessing of the documentation, this flexibility allows you to:
- Fine-tune specifications based on client feedback
- Adjust configurations as project requirements evolve
- Compare different material or construction options
- Coordinate timing with other aspects of your project
Production Options
When you're ready to proceed with production, you can select which elements you want us to provide. Our a la carte options include:
- CNC-cut and edge-banded parts
- Drawer box fabrication
- Hardware supply
- Assembly services
- Finishing services
- Delivery coordination
This flexible approach allows you to maintain control over your project's timeline and budget while leveraging our production capabilities where they best serve your needs. Each element can be added to your order independently, ensuring you only pay for the services that add value to your specific workflow.
The customer portal serves as your project management hub throughout this process, providing continuous access to all documentation and order status updates. This system enables you to make informed decisions about production timing and maintain clear communication channels with our team as your project progresses.
AI Agent Integration
The Sealab MCP server connects your AI assistant directly to your Sealab account. Once installed, your agent can search the catalog, configure cabinets, build carts, and manage orders — all through natural conversation.
Before You Begin
Node.js 18 or later
Required to run the MCP server. Download from nodejs.org — the LTS version is recommended. Verify your version by running node --version in a terminal.
A Sealab API Key
Your API key authenticates the agent to your account. Generate one from My Profile → API Keys before proceeding.
An MCP-Compatible AI Client
Claude Desktop or Claude Code (by Anthropic) both support MCP servers out of the box. Other MCP-compatible clients will also work.
Installation
No separate install step is needed. The MCP server runs on demand via npx, which comes bundled with Node.js. Your AI client downloads and launches it automatically the first time.
Setting Up with Claude Desktop
Open your Claude Desktop config file
The config file location depends on your operating system:
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.jsonAdd the Sealab server configuration
Paste the following into your config, replacing your-api-key-here with your actual Sealab API key:
{
"mcpServers": {
"sealab": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@sealab/mcp-server@latest"],
"env": {
"SEALAB_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here"
}
}
}
}Restart Claude Desktop
Fully quit and relaunch the app. On the next startup, Claude will detect the Sealab server and load all available tools. You'll see a tools icon appear in the chat interface confirming the connection.
Setting Up with Claude Code
If you use Claude Code in the terminal, run this command once from any project directory:
claude mcp add sealab -- npx @sealab/mcp-server
Then set your API key as an environment variable. Claude Code will pick it up automatically on the next session.
What Your Agent Can Do
Catalog & Search
Search by keyword, dimensions, or filter tags. Get full specs and configuration flags for any cabinet.
Configuration
Get the exact material, edgebanding, and hardware options available for each cabinet. Apply saved presets automatically.
Saved Carts & Orders
Build and manage saved carts, add or update individual cabinets, and submit orders — all without leaving your conversation.
Drawing Tool
Place cabinets on floor plans and elevations with precise coordinates. Read and update canvas metadata for full project layouts.