DALE, IN -  Wood products CNC manufacturer Thermwood Corp. has launched YouBuild, an online order system aimed at getting cabinetmakers into closets and office furniture markets.

Home Depot and Columbia Forest Products are part of a supply chain for Thermwood's YouBuild project. Rather than particleboard, the YouBuild system uses Columbia Forest Product hardwood plywood. Thermwood says the high quality, formaldehyde free plywood is available in any quantity through local Home Depot stores under a special order program.

The program, an extension of an existing eCabinet Systems network for cabinetmakers, is built around YouBuild.com, which has a locator to identify program participants. It offers  thousands of design combinations for home and office furniture and closets, some by renowned furniture designers, according to Jason Susnjara, Thermwood marketing director.

Susnjara says YouBuild is in preliminary release as Thermwood promotes it to potential cut centers over th next 60 days. Initially these centers will be drawn from  registered users at eCabinet Systems, which Susnjara says number about 10,000. Afterward the YouBuild program will be marketed to consumers and designers.

The designs can be customized and are available in four real wood species - walnut, maple, oak and cherry, either finished or unfinished. Sizes of most items can be adjusted. 

Manufacturing is done locally by cabinet shops who participate in YouBuild, becoming “YouBuild Cut Centers.” Orders are placed online at the YouBuild site, with Thermwood is encouraging cabinet shops to establish commissioned sales relationships with retail dealers and designers.

YouBuild cut centers access CNC programs online, using their CNC machined control, then cut and edgeband parts. Customers can assemble themselves, using unique joinery, or they can have the cut center assemble for them.

While the YouBuild cabinetry and furniture program is intended to be restricted to Thermwood users, the existing eCabinet Systems site offers a utility for export of cut lists to ShopBot CNC users for $1.295.