What makes a Cabinet Nice? 5 things to consider when looking at cabinetry
by Miroslava Ochoa | Jan 16, 2019 | Blog, KOB |
- Material: This may seem obvious, but often the wood (or lack thereof) is difficult to see once the cabinet is installed. Ideally, you want to look inside, behind, and above the cabinet to get a better idea of what it is made of. Is it particle board? Plywood? MDF (Medium density fiberboard)? Solid wood? Once you have found out what material you are working with, you should know which is preferable (Plywood vs Particleboard). On one hand, we have planks made of wood chips or dust such as MDF and particle board. Then there is plywood and solid wood, which is more sturdy, less likely to break and will take longer to show signs of wear. Typically, the highest quality cabinets are constructed with solid wood doors and plywood boxes.
- Construction: Now that we know what the cabinet is made of, we need to find out how the pieces are assembled. Many cheaper brands use staples and plastic to hold the shelves and cabinet in place. On the other hand, quality cabinets are constructed with dovetail joints and metal components. Quality cabinetry also uses pocket screws, so the screw heads are sunk into the wood and do not protrude. These may seem like small details, but these differences will be very noticeable every time you open or close a drawer.
- Finish: Paint vs Stain. It is important to understand that not all paint is created equal. Wood expands and contracts due to temperature and moisture. Painted cabinets are very popular right now, and it is beneficial to know what you are getting yourself into with a purchase as big as a kitchen. When finished with paint, cabinets tend to ultimately show small creases along the joints after a few years of temperature shifts. This can be mitigated by using quality paint, and thicker application. On the other hand, stained cabinets tend to last longer due to the fact that there is no external layer of paint to crack or chip but many people still prefer their painted counterparts.
- Soft close drawer hinges: this may seem like a rather trivial thing to consider when looking at cabinets, but in reality once you make the switch you will wonder how you lived without them before. No more children slamming drawers and no worries about noise when you’re getting that late night snack. This is a feature that comes standard on all of our cabinets!
- Personal Preference: The truth of the matter is that once you have found a quality cabinet, the rest comes down to your own taste and preferences. The obvious considerations are color and which handles you will consider. The biggest process is the layout of the whole kitchen, and how each cabinet will contribute to the functionality of your space. This is one of the contributing reasons that kitchen jobs have historically taken so long. In reality, this time can be minimized by proper design and planning before construction begins.
