Hutch Cabinets

“Hutch” describes a set of shelves or cabinets placed on top of a lower unit with a countertop. Think of a traditional china hutch.

Hutches are often seen in closets, desks or media centers. They are most commonly a set of 12” deep shelves or doors above a 24” base cabinet, but the depth can be customized to suit the design. They are characterized by outside partitions that always extend to meet the component or countertop below.

There are different ways that users can draw a hutch, and the complexity will vary based on the design. Always start by adding a base cabinet (or multiples) with a countertop and follow the steps below. Make the adjustments to the height of the uppers and add any parts as desired.

1

SINGLE HUTCH

Like adding an upper cabinet, add an empty component and move the curser towards the countertop before placing. This will automatically set the bottom shelf of the new component directly on top of the countertop. This determines the appropriate partition height of the upper component.

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Depending on the design requirements, users may chose to move the bottom shelf higher up. If adding full-length doors, a bottom shelf must sit directly on top of the component below.

2

BOX HUTCH

If building a single base cabinet that will have a single hutch above with other components surrounding it, it is referred to as a Box Hutch.

Typically, a box hutch will have a base cabinet with a shallower component above, and be flanked by shallower components on either side. Usually, users start with a base cabinet (typically 24” deep) then add components to the side(s) (typically 14” deep). Finally, add a shallower upper cabinet in the open space above the base cabinet.

There should be double pars between the base cabinet and the components on either side because of the change in system depth.

If Auto Partitions is enabled, the hutch component will also share partitions with the components on either side, if they are the same depth. Adjust the partition length to create the desired space between the lower and upper cabinets.

3

MULTI HUTCH

If building a media center or desk-type unit, there is typically only the two upper end partitions resting on the top of the base cabinets.

If this is the case, add base components and then add all shallower components above as regular upper components. Make sure that the spacing of the uppers match those of the lowers (use Measuring Tape in the Tools section of the ribbon toolbar). Change the partition length as needed, and add or copy across.

To extend the exterior partitions, change the height extensions in partition Properties [Part]. Under Height Extensions, check the box for Extend Below. Apply to Select partitions to replicate.

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