In Mozaik, PAC's "panels and sections" method builds a closet island as a single-sided run of alternating panels and sections instead of full boxes. From the PAC Closet Library you drop in islands > panels and sections, alternate panel / section / panel, close each section with a panel and an end cap, then add a full back panel. Choose this method when you want shared panels between bays or need to flat-pack the island for shipping — otherwise full boxes are simpler.
When should I pick panels and sections over full boxes?
PAC's island offers two construction methods: full boxes and panels and sections. Reach for panels and sections only when you want to hold to shared panels between bays, or when you want to flat-pack the island and ship it to the job site. If neither applies, full boxes are the easier path. Phill's advice: try both and use whichever you prefer if you're new to it. You can also assemble a panels-and-sections island in the shop and ship it whole — your call.
One trade-off to know up front: unlike full boxes, the panels-and-sections pieces come out the way they are — there aren't many per-piece options to change. They are what they are.
How is the single-sided island actually built?
In wireframe it looks like the other perimeter cabinets aside from the full back. It carries a full line bore and outriggers in the toes, much like PAC's full-back cabinets. Because of that, you build the whole island on its back and then roll it up — assembling it upright is very hard.
How do I lay out the panels and sections?
From the PAC Closet Library, go into islands, then panels and sections. In this demo the layout goes:
- Start with the run (in this example the demo's own sizes — not Mozaik defaults).
- Place a single end cap.
- Then alternate: panel → section → panel + section → panel.
- End every section with a panel and an end cap.
- Then add the back (see below).
If a section won't drag out cleanly, click on the cabinet's photo/image to grab it instead of the part.
What changes for a double-sided (two-sided) island?
The only difference between single-sided and double-sided is the end cap: single-sided uses a single cap, double-sided uses a double end cap, which comes out essentially identical on the back side so you can run a back there. For a double, use the double end cap. Phill plans a separate video on the end caps.
How do I add and position the back panel?
- Go to panels > back panels and pull in the back.
- Give it a negative 3/4 inch offset and drag it over.
- It won't collide with the end panels — its red bounding box doesn't "see" them, so bumping it right is safe.
- To select it later, use the product drop-down menu (it's hard to click directly in plan view) and find "back panel."
- To position precisely, dimension it rather than nudging with the green arrow — set the bottom dimension to the offset you want, knowing the bay width and panel height for your run.
Selection tip: if the back panel is hard to click while you work, temporarily lift it about 50″ in the air, or switch to elevation view to click it easily, then return it to zero elevation when you're done.
Get it done-for-you
You can set this up by hand (above). If you build these regularly, the PAC Mozaik Closet Library from PAC has it ready in Mozaik. → phillanton.com
Full disclosure: Phill Anton Consulting makes this product.
FAQ
When should I use panels and sections instead of full boxes for a Mozaik island?
Use the panels-and-sections method when you want shared panels between bays or you need to flat-pack the island and ship it to the job site. If neither matters, full boxes are simpler — PAC offers both, so try each and use the one you prefer.
How do I add the back panel to a single-sided Mozaik island?
Pull in the back panel from panels > back panels, give it a negative 3/4 inch offset, and drag it into place. It won't collide with the end panels because its bounding box doesn't see them. To position precisely, select it from the product drop-down and dimension it rather than nudging with the green arrow.