How to Compare the Quality of Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets are one of the most expensive aspects of remodeling a kitchen. Sturdy, well-built cabinets with quality finishes will last a lifetime if cared for properly. There are hundreds of brands of cabinets available, with prices that vary hugely, so comparing them can seem like a Herculean task. Here are some things to look for when choosing kitchen cabinets.

Instructions

1

Your budget will play a big role in the types of cabinets you consider. A good rule of thumb is to allot 25 percent to 30 percent of your remodeling budget to cabinetry. If you choose a relatively inexpensive brand of stock cabinets (like those found at big-box stores), this amount should be sufficient to outfit a kitchen with 20-25 linear feet of cabinets, i.e., two 10-12' walls with both upper and lower cabinets.

2

Consider your space and limitations. If you have an oddly shaped kitchen or you desire cabinetry that is drastically different in height/size from normal cabinets, choose custom-made cabinets. Custom cabinets can range from reasonably inexpensive to extremely expensive, but they can also vary widely in quality.

3

Select a material. The type of wood or other material that you choose for your cabinets will affect both their price and durability. Cabinets made with particle board can be less sturdy than solid wood, but solid wood can warp in extremely damp environments. Oak is generally the least expensive choice, while cherry, maple, mahogany and bamboo are more costly. Cabinets now also come in alternate materials like metal. When comparing cabinets, check the finish on samples for evenness of color, drips and patchy areas--these can be signs of inferior finishing.

4

Inspect doors carefully. Door style can also affect the price of your cabinets. Intricate doors with a lot of decoration are harder to finish properly and are more expensive than simpler doors. Glass doors are expensive and fragile. Check the thickness of the wood used for the door, and make sure that cabinet doors are made of solid wood, not plywood--which looks and feels flimsy.

5

Focus on the details. Hinges, drawer glides, dividers and other accessories seriously affect the user friendliness and durability of cabinets. Make sure the hinges and glides work smoothly. Drawer bases are rated by the amount of weight they can hold, but make sure the bottoms of the drawers feel secure. Also make sure that they offer the accessories and sizes you need.