May I please get some opinions/guidance on the placement and positioning of nailers in upper (wall) cabinets. I can't find any info in the Tolpin book that I have about placement (other than top and bottom of course) and number of nailers.

I am making 42" uppers and I'm wondering if just a top and bottom nailer is enough. Should I add a third in the middle?

Also, many moons ago when hanging cabinets on tracts, the nailers were visible and I have always ( actually very few times) made them that way since. But I've also recently seen nailers behind the backs.

As far as material, I guess that I could edge band the plywood nailer and put a decorative edge on it so that there's not a plywood edge (shaped or not) showing. Or should I use matching hardwood, in this case oak?


What about width? Is there a standard width for nailers? I have used 2 1/2" because it seems wide enough to provide support but not too wide to look too ugly.


Thanks very much for your help.