How Do You Identify High-Quality Cabinets
When you’re putting the money into redoing your kitchen, you’re undoubtedly going to want to make sure you’re getting high-quality cabinets. But how exactly do you gauge cabinet quality in Phoenix, AZ?
Sure, there’s always going to be a bit of a subjective element that goes into determining what “high-quality” means. There are many different materials available for cabinetry, many more methods of cabinet assembly and a near-limitless range of finishing options. So how do you know what you should be looking for? Here are a few tips.
Analyze the materials
The material the cabinets are made from is important, as it will have a lot to do with the longevity, durability and service the cabinets provide the owner. You need to consider how well the cabinets will hold screws, whether or not the materials are susceptible to moisture and how rigid the materials will be.
Plywood is frequently used for cabinet boxes, with solid wood being used for the face frame. Plywood is strong and durable, and has several layers of wood plies at different angles to provide extra stability. You can also find particle board and MDF cabinet boxes, but they are much more susceptible to water damage than plywood. MDF is also particularly heavy, which can add to the weight you’re putting on your walls.
You typically won’t find solid wood cabinet boxes—doors and face frames, sure, but solid wood boxes would get expensive in a hurry and are rather unnecessary given the strength and durability of plywood.
Consider the box construction
The way the cabinet boxes are constructed will also tell you quite a bit about their overall quality and potential longevity. You should look for thicker side, end, floor and back panels on your cabinets, and reinforcement such as corner braces and I-beam braces. Ideally, you’d have a ¾-inch solid hardwood front frame for framed cabinets, as well as a hanging rail made of hardwood in the back of the cabinet that’s joined to the cabinet box. This rail is what you use to attach the cabinets to the walls.
Generally speaking, thicker panels that have been reinforced properly with a solid front frame will result in a much sturdier and more rigid cabinet box, and there will also be much less of a chance that the box will go out of square. Remember, you’re putting a lot of weight into your cabinets, and they need to be able to support that weight for the long term. Thinner panels run the risk of bowing and twisting, especially when not properly reinforced.
You’ll find varying thicknesses for cabinet box side panels, ranging from 3/8” to ¾” thick. Again, the thicker the panes, the more durable and rigid the construction and the higher the quality.
This should at least give you some idea of how you determine what makes for high-quality cabinets in Phoenix, AZ. For more information, or to get started with a custom cabinet project, reach out to the team at Authentic Custom Cabinetry today. Kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, office cabinets, and more. Contact us today for details!
Categorised in: Cabinet Quality, Custom Cabinets