If you are remodeling your kitchen, you might be looking for cabinets to replace the old ones. You can get ready-to-assemble cabinets or ones that are already assembled for you. There are advantages to both; you just need to know what is best for you and what your budget is. Usually, it is easier to install the ones that are preassembled, and they work less for you.
It is more work for the ready-to-assemble cabinets because you must put them together. If you have assembled cabinets, you will only need to put them up. You can also choose the style that you want.
This article will help you to learn more about cabinets and what to look for. This can go for both ready-to-assemble cabinets and those that are already assembled. You can also look for more information by doing a little research.
Characteristics of Well-Built Cabinets
Plywood Construction – Some are made from a combination of plywood and particle board. Particle boards can fall apart easily, especially if it gets wet. That is why premium ones are made from all plywood. These will last you longer and you will not need to replace them as often.
Back Panels – You want back panels that go all the way up. This provides more strength and durability for them. If you have weak back panels, you are at risk of your cupboards falling. You do not want thin panels or metal hang rails. These will cause your cupboards to fail more easily.
Hinges That are Soft Close – Soft close hinges are another thing that you want to look for. These are the best for you because they are quality-made and last longer. They will not fall apart as easily as the cheaper-made hinges. These are made to last longer so that you do not need to replace them as often.
Soft Close Drawer Glides – Soft close drawer glides are another essential for your new cabinets. They should be undermounted and made of quality materials. They should extend to give you full access to the drawer. This way, they will help support the drawers and they will last longer.
Dovetail Drawer Boxes – The drawers should be made of hardwood and have dovetailed construction. Learn more about dovetail cuts here. The drawer joints are usually the first thing to fall apart when your drawers age. This will happen sooner if your drawers are nailed together instead of dovetailed.
Assembled Fully in the Factory – The cupboards should be fully assembled in the factory. They will be sturdier and better built than the ones that are sent to your home, ready to assemble. The factory workers will take the time to make them right. The people in the factory tend to be more thorough than you might be at home.
Face Frames – A framed cabinet has a solid frame made of hardwood. This is where the drawer hinges and glides are attached. You can also have frameless cabinets, but they are usually not as sturdy. The frameless variety is more common in European countries.
Customizable With Modifications – Cupboards that are made in the factory are customizable to fit your needs and the size of your kitchen. They can be modified to fit the specifications of your kitchen, especially if your kitchen is not a normal size. You cannot do this with ready-to-assemble cabinets.
Warranty and Industry Certification – If the cabinets are made at the factory, they are more likely to have a lifetime warranty: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2524716/what-kind-of-warranty-do-your-custom-cabinets-have. This shows that the manufacturer has faith in their work and expects the cabinets to last. There are limited lifetime warranties available, but be careful. You want to have a lifetime warranty – if this is not offered, you should find another manufacturer.
Cabinet Hardware – Once you have your cupboards installed, you can choose the hardware that you want on them. The handles and drawer pulls can match the décor in your kitchen. They can be as inexpensive as you want to the most expensive. You can buy these at the factory, or you can buy them at any home improvement store.
Conclusion
If you want to have cabinets that you want to last a long time, consider having them built at the factory. They are built sturdier and made to last longer than those that are ready to assemble. You can also have them built to fit the needs of your kitchen. This way you will get the cupboards that you want and deserve.
You want to check the quality of your cabinets before they are installed. Make sure that they are built to your expectations. You also want to make sure that you have a full lifetime warranty on them. You do not want a limited lifetime warranty because this means that some of the things might not be covered.
