Frequently Asked Questions

Is Modeller compatible with Cado/Royal Systems?

Yes, Modeller is compatible with Vintage Cado and Royal system components, with some exceptions. The only difference is that our rail hole spacing is 32mm. In addition, we have designed a unique series of hardware components to make Modeller compatible with older Cado/Royal systems.

Modeller Cabinets on Cado rails

Modeller Cabinets can hang on Cado/Royal System rails. Special modeller shelf support rods that correctly span the Cado rail holes that replace the originals are required. We make these in brass or aluminum

Older Rail Systems

We have, in the past, made some rails with the Cado/Royal System hole spacing. Because our shop is not optimized to make Cado/Royal System rails, it is much more expensive, thus, often cheaper to reproduce new Modeller rails with our 32mm hole spacing. For this reason, plus maximum flexibility and consistency, we recommend replacing all your support rails with new modeller rails.

Cado cabinets on Modeller rails

Cado/Royal System Cabinet can hang on Modeller rails with the standard modeller rail hardware.

Cado shelves on Modeller rails

Cado/Royal System shelves can hang on Modeller rails in most cases. Special modeller shelf support rods that correctly span the Cado/Royal System rail holes that replace the originals are required. We make these in brass or aluminum.

Can you use other types of wood ?

We can provide quotes in teak to match Vintage Cado/Royal System Components. Still, clients have almost invariably chosen to go with domestic walnut over teak. Not only for the substantial price difference, but In our experience, walnut works nicely with vintage teak, especially old teak that has darkened significantly with age. In addition, sustainability is a big part of our company; we choose domestic FSC-certified hardwoods over exotics, where the origin and forestry practices could be more transparent.
Please feel free to reach out to us directly. So we can come up with the best solution for your unique situation.

What finish do you use?

Modeller shelf systems are finished with a blend of linseed oil, tung oil & beeswax, providing excellent protection against liquids and long-lasting durability in a lower-gloss, antique sheen. Wipe off spills immediately if left standing water could cause a stain to appear. Use a 3M Scotch-Brite Light Duty Cleansing Pad (white) to buff out as much of the affected area as possible. Then, apply a small amount of our wood finish. Coasters should protect the surface from very hot to cold glassware.

Do you use stains or have other wood finish options?

We can do custom finishes with natural pigments with our finish to achieve many different wood colours. Just ask for a quote or send a sample to match.

What is required to maintain or repair any damage to the finish?

Maintenance:
Reapply our penetrating oil finish periodically depending on how much wear it receives to bring the wood back to its original finish, just like a pair of leather shoes that need to be polished periodically to maintain the leather.
Repair:
Wipe off spills immediately if left standing water could cause a stain to appear. Next, use a 3M Scotch-Brite Light Duty Cleansing Pad (white) to buff out as much of the affected area as possible. Then, apply a small amount of our wood finish. Use coasters to protect the surface from very hot to cold glassware.

Where do you Ship?

We ship to Canada and the Continental USA via Canada Post. Shipping costs vary based on the size and weight of your order, usually approximately 10% of the value of your order.

How much weight can the shelves hold?

The short answer is that the shelves will hold more than you can fit on them.
The wall anchors determine the weight limit of the system.
You don’t need to sacrifice your preferred layout to hit the studs because using the proper screw anchors will provide more than enough support.
Screwing the rails into a wood wall stud is the easiest and strongest method. The included GRK Torx finish head wood screws are all you need.
For hollow drywall, the anchor we recommend is SnapSkru® Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors.
Use Snap toggler anchors for larger weights; however, the larger machine screws that come with the anchor will need wider holes in the rail to fit the #10 screw

What type of hardware do you use?

All the hardware we use is from the best European manufacturers to ensure life-long functionality for generations. Our drawer slides and hinges are Blum soft, close and touch to open with Italiana hinges and stays for our cabinets.
Blum
Italia Ferramenta

What is “bespoke” ?

Bespoke means custom-made—made based on the specifications of the person ordering it. We do offer some “bespoke” or customization for the system. For example, we can make widths up to 36″ and custom rail lengths up to 8′. Ask us for a quote.

What is “heirloom quality” ?

Some need clarification on what we mean by Heirloom Quality. Yes, your children will fight over your modeller system, but more than that, we design our furniture in several ways to facilitate maintenance and repair so it can last.
  • Our fastener system. Just as a fine pair of leather shoes sewn together instead of glued makes cobbler repairs possible, our fasters system does the same.
  • Our natural oil finishes Most furniture today uses polyurethane varnish, a plastic coating that is not easy or affordable to repair. Our penetrating oil finish is easily reapplied at any time in whole or in part for minor repairs or to bring the wood back to its original finish, just like a fine pair of leather shoes that is polished periodically so the leather will last.

Why do you use plywood?

We use all-wood veneer core hardwood plywood because it is stronger and more dimensionally stable than solid lumber.

Can I get Design Help ?

Yes! Our free professional design service can help you decide on your setup. What would work best in your space? Our online form can help. Tell us about your room and what you want to achieve, and we will design a 3D layout with dimensions, a quote and shipping included.

Can I Design my own?

Absolutely! Design it Yourself (DIY)
If you already know what you need, you select the components.
Planner: Plan Perfect with Paper & Pencil
We have created a paper planner to help you design your wall system.
Use the Grid Planner as your guide. The dotted lines are spaced for our standard widths of 24″, 30″ & 32″. Cut out and place the components you want from the scale samples on the Component Page. Print as many copies as you need, or draw right on the grid.
1) Download our Paper Planner PDF here
2) Measure the wall
First, measure the wall space available, considering any obstruction like light switches or bulkheads. Remember the baseboard.
3) Choose your rails
Choose your rails’ length and spacing using the planners’ graph paper.
4) Choose your components
Select the components for your system, considering the spacing required for each, included on the paper planner.
5) Send us an email to get a quote, or Place your order using our online order system here.
6) Install your system following our instructions here.

Do you offer designer discounts ?

Because we sell directly to the customer to keep prices low and cut out any intermediaries, we don’t offer designer or professional discounts.

Why is your packaging so ugly?

Our packaging is hideous because beautiful packaging is not our priority; elegant furniture is. We reuse all the cardboard we get from our suppliers; we try never to buy new packaging materials when we can get everything we need from the recycling bin.

Who is the dog in your photos?

Her name is Dexi; she was trained as my sons’ diabetes-alert dog, but now he has a constant Bluetooth glucometer, so she spends most of her time with me.
Dexi The modeller dog

What are your terms and conditions?