When you are remodeling your kitchen, quality cabinets should be at the top of your list. Low-grade and poorly constructed cabinets are often a source of frustration for homeowners. They can lead to deteriorating drawers, loose hinges and crooked doors. Poorly made cabinets are also expensive to repair and maintain. If you choose quality, your cabinets will last the life of your home and add to its value if you are ever ready to sell.
A good starting point is to look for cabinets that are built with full-height back panels. Cabinet backs are important because they help keep the cabinet square during installation and keep dust and pests out of your food. The best cabinets use a minimum of 3/8-inch thick plywood panels, secured with glue and nails, for stability.
You should also look for cabinets that are constructed with durable dovetail drawer boxes, full-height backs and at least 1/2″ thick cabinet sides. Some of the top-rated manufacturers include Aran, Smallbone and Wood-Mode Inc. These companies offer custom quality cabinets to fit the unique nooks, crannies and spaces of your home.
The box of a cabinet is the heart of the cabinet, so quality construction is vitally important to longevity. Many low-quality cabinet makers use particle board, which degrades quickly. The best cabinets are constructed using cabinet-grade multi-layer plywood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) – not the cheap stuff you find on the bulk racks at the home centers and lumberyards. The inside surfaces of the cabinet should be lined with either melamine or laminate. Unlike solid wood, these materials are water resistant and will not rot or warp over time. quality kitchen cabinets