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Look for Key Signs When Judging Kitchen Cabinet Quality

Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009

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Kitchen cabinets are sold in a wide variety of styles, finishes, and levels of quality. A custom-made cabinet will have different features than a stock cabinet, for example. Here are features to consider when judging kitchen cabinet quality.

Examine the Kitchen Cabinet Box

The cabinet box will provide important details about the quality of workmanship. Among the features to consider are:

The thickness and type of wood - cherry and maple woods often are more solid than pine or oak.
Whether the cabinet box is made of solid wood (a more expensive feature) or plywood. Plywood boxes still are sturdy, but often lack the thickness of solid wood cabinets. This is important in base cabinets that will hold a large, heavy kitchen sink.
The style and thickness of the cabinet doors.

Look for Kitchen Cabinet Features

Sturdier and more expensive kitchen cabinets often are sold with a wider selection of options. You can find full overlay doors with an upscale style where the wood cabinet doors cover the front of the cabinet face. A wide selection of wood types and finishes are available. Many upscale cabinets can be ordered with glazes and stains to enhance the kitchen design. Sturdy dovetail cabinet drawers, which feature drawer fronts that are merged together for strength, are another option. Thick cabinet drawer glides are one last feature to consider.

Ask Remodeling Contractor for Cabinet Advice

Your remodeling contractor should be aware of the various kitchen cabinet brands and features. Ask for advice on:

Which cabinets withstand the wear and tear of heavy use.
Which cabinets create a stunning kitchen design.
Which cabinet companies are responsive when problems arise.
Whether key features are worth the extra cost.

Price Often an Indicator of Cabinet Quality

When selecting kitchen cabinets, the old adage "You get what you pay for" often applies. Custom cabinets will carry a higher price tag and have more features. Many stock cabinets still are of good quality, but may be made of thinner wood and lack the bells and whistles of custom made cabinets. Whatever your choices, you'll soon be on your way to a beautiful kitchen.