It is hard to disagree with those who believe that the main influence on the quality of kitchen renovations is the kitchen cabinets. Given that there are so many variables in materials, and the means of constructing kitchen cabinets, such as production lines or cabinet makers, it is true to say that in kitchens everywhere the quality of the cabinets is going to vary.
This brings us to the question “What determines the quality of kitchen cabinets?”, and the importance of the answer to that question is that it is what every homeowner should be looking for when they wish to have high-quality cabinets installed in their kitchen. So, without further ado, let us examine the ten characteristics to look for when you wish to buy quality kitchen cabinets.
Quality Kitchen Cabinet Characteristic #1 – Made By Cabinet Makers
Whether it is furniture, clothes, or, in this case, kitchen cabinets, we all know that anything which is created by hand will invariably be made to a higher standard and offer a greater level of quality than products made on a production line.
Quality Kitchen Cabinet Characteristic #2 – Plywood Construction
There are normally one of two material types used for kitchen cabinet construction, namely plywood and particle board. Of the two, plywood offers much greater durability plus it is more able to secure the screws, fasteners and glue that hold the cabinet together than particle board.
Quality Kitchen Cabinet Characteristic #3 – Hardwood Front Frames
The best quality kitchen cabinets will have many features that lower quality ones do not, and one of those is a hardwood front frame. Apart from adding further the rigidity of the cabinet, it also provides a more secure means of attaching door hinges and drawer glides.
Quality Kitchen Cabinet Characteristic #4 – Full Height Back Panels
The back panel of the kitchen cabinet plays a more significant role in its strength and durability than many people realise. This is why you will find that better quality kitchen cabinets have full-height back panels that allow them to be attached directly to the wall’s studs.
Quality Kitchen Cabinet Characteristic #5 – Fully Assembled
In kitchen renovations where quality cabinets are to be used, those cabinets will arrive on site fully assembled having been made by skilled cabinet makers. Low-quality cabinets are likely to turn up as flat packs and require assembling.
Quality Kitchen Cabinet Characteristic #6 – Dovetail Joints In Drawers
The drawer assembly in quality kitchen cabinets will utilise dovetail joints which, as the drawers are used, will prevent bowing, bending, or the front fascia from coming loose. In low-quality drawers, its parts are held together with staples which provide little long-term durability.
Quality Kitchen Cabinet Characteristic #7 – Soft-Close Hinges
In kitchens with cabinet doors that can be slammed shut, you can tell that the hinges are not the highest quality. Alternatively, where the doors close softly with little noise, you have a quality cabinet with hinges that help to protect the doors and the frame of the cabinet.
Quality Kitchen Cabinet Characteristic #8 – Soft-Close Drawer Glides
Just as you want cabinet doors closing softly, the same applies to the drawers. As such, you will find quality kitchen renovations utilise soft-close drawer glides that enable drawers to open and close smoothly and silently. They also allow the drawer to hold a heavier load than standard drawer glide systems.
Quality Kitchen Cabinet Characteristic #9 – Non-Porous, Wipeable Interiors
On low-quality kitchen cabinets, you will find that the interior surfaces can bubble, stain, and suffer from wear and tear. The converse is true in quality cabinets which tend to have non-porous interiors that are easier to wipe clean and last longer without staining.
Quality Kitchen Cabinet Characteristic #10 – Customisable
One of the most advantageous traits of quality cabinets, especially if they are made by cabinet makers, is you may have the option to have them custom-built. This opens up almost limitless options for size, style, and colours plus they can be made to fit awkward spaces to maximise storage space.
