There has to be a certain about of space between the door and the frame because of expansion (which inset doors will do when it's humid), but 3/8" seems bigger than usual. But let's say 3/8" is what it needs to be, in my opinion the gaps should be even around the whole cabinet and not different sizes.

It's hard to tell from a photo, but the gaps look fairly even from here. 3/8" is excessive. Are you sure it's that big? It doesn't look that big in the photo. If you don't like the black space, why did you get inset? There will always be a gap there, it's part of the look of inset.

Is the 3/8 on the side of the hinges?

3/8" is huge, those photos don't look that bad. But to answer your question- ALL the reveals should be consistent whatever it is...

Maybe you meant 3/16"?
Can you do a closer photo?

Just measured my inset cabs and the reveal is 1/16" to less than 1/8"

Also regarding consistency- some of that can be fixed with hinge adjustment. Mine were a little off at first but then they went around and adjusted them.

I think you mean 3/16" since I don't see anything close to 3/8" in your photo. That's well within the acceptable range for most stock inset cabinetry, though of course a benefit to using a custom cabinetmaker can sometimes be a smaller reveal. That said, too small in an area with humid summers and you can get doors rubbing. Ours are not 100% consistent (we used a cabinetmaker who was relatively new to custom, and charged us accordingly) but the biggest is 3/16" and the difference is not noticeable if you aren't looking for it. If they aren't the same and the bigger gaps bother you, I'd ask for it fixed unless you agreed to a range of tolerances.

This post was edited by artemis78 on Wed, Feb 13, 13 at 23:27

Thanks, everyone. We did talk to the cabinet guy and he said they need to settle and then they would adjust the hinges. As several mentioned, part of the problem is that the gap is inconsistent--so perhaps when they make adjustments it won't be as noticeable. It's definitely worse when you see it in person--this is just a cell phone picture. The guy doing the finish work noticed it as well. I will try to remeasure the space later when there's light (still no electric in the kitchen). Thanks for the feedback. I do love the cabinets, and am glad I got inset--I guess I'm just picky!

Hi, just checked again--it is 3/16" not 3/8"--sorry! Hopefully the adjustment will fix it visually! And yes, these are custom built.

It depends on the wood that was used. If it is a wood that expands more than others then starting with a wider gap is a good thing. I have had clients want a very, very small gap and I have them sign something stating that they know that it is going to scrub at some point. When we build inset we use 3/16 gap as our standard and we have a metal flat bar that we use for a spacer when fitting.
Travis Alfrey
Pinehurst, NC

Even in the pictures, I can see that final adjustment needs to be done yet. Drawers need to be jacked a little, and probably again, when you get them loaded.

I think it will be fine.

Inset usually requires a couple different adjustment periods before they truly settle in.

and then show the customer how the 3 way hinge adjustment works, and how the drawer jackers work, so theyre not calling me everytime a reveal bothers them.

Its all about averages..

As a cabinetmaker, I can tell you that quality work demands a 3/32" reveal. Anything larger is just poor workmanship.

Yeah!! I read correctly. My source (if you tell, I'll have to kill you) was Barker doors measuring guides!

BTW. No, you're not being too picky. Now is the time to make it exactly what you want. Don't look at something and say, "Oh, I'll get used to it" or "... I'm too picky".

If you find yourself making any statements starting with, "I really like it ... but..." FIX IT NOW. Really. You're probably not going to like it later and you (not everyone else) will probably see it for ever.

Your cabinets are so pretty.
I have cabinet envy.

It's inherently bound to vary seasonally, unless the doors are composite. Solid wood will shrink and expand greatly across the grain, with varying humidity.
My gaps are more than 1/8 right now, with the boiler running and 16* overnight temps. In the summer they are half that. I wisely chose non-adjustable mortise hinges so I can't obsess over it. ;)
Casey