Trash Compactor Conversions

It is not unusual to receive a request to convert a trash compactor area into a usable cabinet space. Trash compactors are either 15” or 18” wide. The size difference does not impact the cost. The major question is how well we can match the door style and that can only be determined by the client bringing to the Showroom a typical base cabinet door for comparison from among our many options. There are questions of wood specie, color of staining and finishing. As regards the door style the outer edge, the inner edge, the raise panel shape and edge, and finally the width of the stiles and rails are important. We will need the sample door again when we are ready to finish the unit.

• The approach is to build a cabinet the appropriate width to slide into the space width and under the counter top.
  
• The assumption is that the new cabinet has a single door, with no drawer. A drawer at the top is an option for $165. The door can be hinged left or right. We will supply and use our standard hinges or they can supply the hinges. The handle is up to the client to find. We can pre-drill for the handle based on the sample door they bring.
  
• Inside the new cabinet there will be a bottom and 2 adjustable shelves on ½” spacing KV standards.
  
• Pullout trays are available in lieu of shelves at $180 each and are made of dovetailed maple lumber with clear finish.
  
• Vertical tray dividers are available in lieu of shelves.
  
• The cabinet case sides, bottom and shelves/dividers are made of ¾” premium grade particleboard with a ¼” Masonite back, all sized to the inside opening of the face frame thereby allowing the face frame to overhang ¼” on each side for sizing onsite as might be required.
  
• The front face frame will have 1” wide vertical stiles and come with ¾” wide scribe molding of matching hardwood to bridge any space between the new and old cabinets after installation. The scribe molding can be tacked into place.
  
• The width of the top rail and bottom rail will be copied based on what the client measures.
  
• We have to know if the counter top hangs down over the front of the cabinet and if so by how much.
  
• We have to know the total height of the front face frame of the current cabinet and the total cabinet from top to the floor. The difference tells us the toe kick height.
  
• The toe kick setback from the front edge will be copied based on size provided and be stained to match the case front.
  
• The client should be able to take the unit home, slide it into place, screw it to the back wall or side cabinets, and add the needed handle. 

The cost estimate of $780 is based on typical situation: