Kitchen cabinets come in a vast range of quality levels. Some may look sleek and sophisticated but use sub-par materials. Sagging drawers and warped boxes can make your kitchen’s appearance fall apart shockingly quickly. As you begin your kitchen remodel or update, you will want to make sure you are investing in high-quality kitchen cabinets. Fortunately, there are particular signs to look for to ensure superior quality, ensuring that your cabinets can be trusted for the long haul.
All-Plywood Construction
The best kitchen cabinets often utilize all plywood construction. Plywood is durable, holds weight well, and handles moisture much better than other cabinet alternatives. For example, particleboard is a cheaper option, but deteriorates much more quickly and tends to sag much sooner than plywood.
Dovetail Drawers
Drawers are frequently the first component to show damage or strain. By purchasing cabinetry that incorporates dovetail drawers, you are ensuring increased longevity for your product. The interlocking joints result in a much more durable, longer-lasting drawer compared to cheaply-made alternatives.
Soft-close Hardware
The hinges and glides found within the cabinetry are essential to a high-quality product. Well-made, soft-close hardware guarantees that your cabinet doors and drawers stand the test of time. You want smooth, silent drawers that don’t warp or sag as the months and years continue. Many companies will take shortcuts with hinges and glides, but trustworthy companies using superior hardware will not.
The Choice of Woods
The best wood kitchen cabinets employ durable, dense woods. They not only look great, but they avoid damage much more efficiently. Different woods have different looks and can be stained or finished to achieve the specific appearance you are trying to attain. However, some standouts as far as quality are hardwoods such as maple, oak, and walnut. Not only are these tried and true woodworking materials, but they allow kitchen designers to create their dream kitchens. Your hardwood cabinets should last for many years, and minor damage is often easy to repair.
Full-Height Back Panel
Full-height back panels will supply added strength for your kitchen cabinets. Choosing solid back panels can support the cabinet for years to come. Cheaper panels can break, collapse, or warp, and will not support the cabinet. Full-height back panels are also more straightforward to install and can be modified easily. These also should be full plywood. Particleboard and other varied materials will not hold up nearly as well.
I-Beam Design
I-beams are incorporated into the design of high-quality kitchen cabinetry to supply extra strength and durability. This construction also ensures that the cabinets withstand the rigors of shipping and the installation process. Cabinets with I-beam construction will not warp or sag as quickly as others. Cheaper designs do not strengthen the cabinet and often allow deterioration quickly.
Conclusion
Updating a kitchen can be an enormous undertaking, and cabinets are a significant piece of the puzzle. Purchasing cheaply-made, inferior products can lead to disaster. You will want to make sure that you are getting only the best, high-quality cabinets for your kitchen.
