What should you look for in a kitchen cabinet manufacture? Make sure your kitchen cabinet manufacturer has a good warranty. When asked "What should you look for in a kitchen cabinet manufacture?", Ellen...
When asked "What should you look for in a kitchen cabinet manufacture?", Ellen Mercer, who has been a kitchen designer for eighteen years and is currently a designer at Cabinet Solutions, states, "You want to make sure that they have a good warranty. With the manufacturer of our cabinets, we have a hundred year warranty on them. You definitely want to make sure you have a good warranty and that the company has been around for a fair number of years. You want reliability. You might have the need for that warranty. This is one of the major things that separate manufactured cabinets from local cabinetmakers. The local cabinetmaker may build an excellent box, but he is not necessarily going to be around when you need a warranty item."
Next to the warranty, cost is probably the next thing that people consider when it comes to shopping around for a kitchen cabinet manufacturer. Sometimes, having a better warranty is worth paying a little extra. While comparing prices, you have to also take in to consideration what is included in the charges. Are there customizing options available like organizational items, such as pull-outs and dividers? Finding out exactly what choices you have in the manufacturer's cabinetry is important to your design as well as your budget.
The book "Home Project Manager: Kitchen Planner", published in 1997 by Cowles Creative Publishing, states, "The quality of construction is as important as the materials in determining the life of your cabinet. The drawer slides and door hinges should be carefully made. Hardware should be solid and well engineered, and should allow for simple adjustments...Joinery- the technique of creating strong, durable joints between separate pieces of wood- greatly influences the quality of the cabinet. In the best cabinets, the joints are screwed and glued, while in less expensive cabinets you may find joints secured with staples. In fine custom cabinets, you may find much more elaborate joinery, such as dovetailing."
The book goes on to discuss another element of cabinet design that you should discuss with the manufacturer- the different finishes that are available. It states, "The type of finish on a cabinet determines how well it protects wood from scratches and cooking vapors. Hardened lacquer is the best, and most expensive, finish. Enamel finishes are found on the majority of less expensive cabinets."
Since cabinetry is one of the elements of a kitchen re-model that a good portion of the budget is allotted for, it is important that you find a reputable manufacturer. This can be accomplished through "asking around" and inquiring about references as well as being prepared with questions to ask at the initial meeting. This is another area where it is helpful to have a professional, such as an interior designer like Ellen, or a knowledgeable contractor in your corner. More then likely, they already have a good, long-standing relationship with a manufacturer, enabling you to check one last thing off your list.
