A dream house is never complete without high-quality kitchen cabinets to match the owner’s style and personality. High-quality cabinets, whether for the kitchen or bathroom, determine a space’s aesthetics, feel, and functionality. So, what exactly makes a cabinet high-quality?
The top five characteristics of high-quality cabinets are:
- Durability of materials.
- Precision of construction.
- Customization options.
- Overall design.
- Final touches.
The top two characteristics tie. Low-quality materials don’t produce durable cabinets, and poor carpentry makes low-quality cabinets out of high-end materials.
Let’s get into the details by first defining high-quality kitchen cabinets and then explaining why these five characteristics are essential to consider when ordering kitchen cabinets online.
What Does High-Quality Kitchen Cabinets Mean?
People like to be associated with high-quality products, and they draw pride and status from owning them. Folks will always be willing to pay a premium price for the value they receive.
But what makes any product high-quality? What sets it apart from the rest, making it a cut above the competition?
1. Durability
First and foremost, quality is often associated with durability. A product that can withstand repeated use over time without losing its functionality or appeal is considered high quality. In contrast, a product that breaks or wears out quickly is considered low quality.
Structural integrity is a key component of cabinet durability. From joinery techniques to the hardware used, every aspect of the cabinet construction should be designed to withstand everyday use.
For more information on this, read: “How to Choose Kitchen Cabinets Online.”
2. Material Selection
Durability is just one aspect of quality. But it’s just an outcome of using high-quality materials that are crafted with precision and care. The materials you select for constructing kitchen cabinets affect their overall quality.
High-quality products often use premium materials, contributing to durability and overall performance. For example, high-quality cabinets are often curved out of real wood, not particle boards or MDF. So it’s more durable and offers a more luxurious look.
The best kitchen cabinets have lasted centuries, with some even surviving up to 200 years. Their design and material selection make them stand out from the rest.
But how do you determine the quality of materials for kitchen cabinets? Here are some factors to consider when selecting materials for your kitchen cabinets:
- Strength and Durability: As mentioned earlier, solid wood is often the preferred material for high-quality kitchen cabinets. However, there are soft and hard solid woods, with hard ones being more durable and less prone to scratches and dents.
For example, oak and maple are popular for their strength and durability. You can also think outside the box and choose bamboo or reclaimed wood for a more eco-friendly and unique option.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Your kitchen cabinets’ visual appeal is essential, as it adds to the overall aesthetics of your kitchen. High-quality materials like cherry, walnut, or mahogany can elevate the beauty of your cabinets and make them stand out.
But remember, the material’s texture and finish can also affect its visual appeal. For instance, a polished wood cabinet will appear differently than a distressed or matte one.
- Maintenance and Longevity: In addition to strength and aesthetic appeal, you should consider the maintenance and longevity of your kitchen cabinet materials. We recommend materials that are easy to clean and maintain without aging too quickly.
Moreover, resiliency to moisture and temperature changes is crucial, especially in a kitchen environment. Materials like engineered wood or thermofoil are excellent choices for their resistance to warping and cracking.
3. Craftsmanship
In addition to materials, a product’s design and craftsmanship can greatly impact its perceived quality. A well-designed product with attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship is often considered high quality. It has all the must-have kitchen cabinet features.
It’s observable in high-quality kitchen cabinets, where the joints are seamless, and the finish is flawless. Cabinet makers who insist on hand-crafted joinery over inexpensive glue and nails, like Norcraft Cabinetry, often produce high-quality products.
Similarly, high-quality cabinetry incorporates features like soft-closing drawers and adjustable shelves. These features enhance the product’s overall aesthetic and functionality, making it more valuable.
Moreover, quality can also be determined by the brand behind the product. A company with a strong reputation for producing high-quality products will likely have higher customer trust and loyalty.
Customers are willing to pay more for a product if they believe in the brand’s commitment to quality. It’s evident via the success of brands like Kraftmaid, JSI Cabinets, and Ultracraft Cabinets.
Most of these brands specialize in specific lines, such as Kraftmaid in semi-custom and Ultracraft Cabinets in full-access cabinetry. It allows them to focus on producing top-notch products.
4. Cabinet Design and Customization Options
Cabinet design and customization options also affect a product’s quality. High-quality cabinets offer various customizable options to meet multiple customer needs and preferences.
It’s about having options like different door styles, finishes, hardware, and organizational features. You enjoy a generous selection of designs, so you have better odds of getting cabinets that match your style and complement your current interior decor.
For example, some companies like JSI Cabinets offer a selection of numerous door styles, finishes, and accessories. So, it empowers its customers to create a unique look for their cabinets.
Other brands, like Ultracraft Cabinets, offer fully customizable cabinetry options, including size, shape, color, and materials used. They empower you to design your dream kitchen cabinet.
Why is customization important? Every cabinet design seeks to achieve a specific look and functionality. Customization options allow for a more functional and efficient use of kitchen space.
Features like pull-out shelves, Lazy Susans, and built-in spice racks can make a considerable difference in organizing and accessing items within the cabinets.
You might see advertised cabinets that you like in terms of functionality, but the sizes aren’t a fit for your space. Customization allows you to tweak the design to fit your specific dimensions. Moreover, you may retain the functionality but improve the aesthetics to complement your home design.
Customization also gives customers a sense of ownership over their cabinets, making them feel more connected and invested in the product. It results in higher satisfaction levels and increased loyalty to the brand.
5. Finish and Surface Treatments
Aside from customization options, the finish and surface treatment are other aspects of cabinetry that can significantly impact its appearance. The final coating or top layer applied to the cabinets can greatly affect their durability, maintenance, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Some common finishes for cabinets include paint, stain, and laminate. Each has unique advantages and disadvantages.
A rainbow of color options for painted cabinets makes it easy to match your desired look. Paint also provides a smooth and consistent finish. However, it can easily chip or scratch, and touch-ups may be noticeable.
In contrast, stains enhance the natural beauty and texture of wood. They are available in various shades that add depth and character to the cabinets. While less prone to chipping, stains may require more upkeep and regular reapplication.
Laminate finishes are a budget-friendly option that offers a wide range of colors and patterns. They are also resistant to scratches and moisture, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. However, they may not have the same premium look and feel as painted or stained cabinets.
As for surface treatment, the options include graining, distressing, and antiquing to add depth and character to the cabinets. Graining involves painting a thin layer of paint on wood to imitate particular wood grains or marble patterns to create a subtle, aged look.
Distressing creates intentional marks and dents on the surface for a rustic or vintage feel, while antiquing uses techniques such as sanding and rubbing to mimic the worn look of aged cabinets.
Final Thoughts on What to Look for in Quality Kitchen Cabinets
Though this term is relative, there are a few key things to consider when looking for quality kitchen cabinets. For starters, the material used plays a crucial role in determining the durability of the cabinets. Solid wood is generally considered the best option because you can prolong the cabinet lifespan by sanding it and refinishing it during remodels.
We’ve also agreed that the crux of quality cabinets lies in the construction, hardware, and skilled finishing. Check for sturdy joints, strong hinges, and smooth drawer slides when inspecting potential options.
Trends change; prioritize your tastes when deciding between painted, stained, or laminated finishes. Lastly, only order cabinets online from Designer Cabinets where you can find reasonably priced, high-quality cabinets.