The heart of your home is undoubtedly the kitchen, and one of the key elements that significantly impacts its functionality and aesthetics is the quality of the cabinets. Used multiple times a day, your cabinetry will be tested over time.
The importance of quality kitchen cabinets is felt in your everyday life, so that’s why we’ve put this article together to help you choose the best quality kitchen cabinets.
Why quality matters for your kitchen cabinets
Quality Cabinets are Built to Last
They are constructed using superior materials and craftsmanship, making them more resistant to wear and tear over time. Investing in durable cabinets means they will withstand daily use and remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Customization Options
High-quality cabinets often come with a range of customization options. You can choose from various finishes, styles, and hardware to match your kitchen’s design and create a personalized look that reflects your taste.
Aesthetics and Beauty
Cabinets serve as a focal point in the kitchen and significantly impact its overall aesthetics. Quality cabinets with fine craftsmanship and attractive finishes add a sense of elegance and beauty to your kitchen space.
Increased Function in Everyday Life
Preparing meals can be a chore in itself. Having functional, well organized cabinetry can make cooking that much more enjoyable. If you spend lots of time in the kitchen, a high quality functional kitchen is well worth the investment.
What is the best quality cabinet?
The best quality kitchen cabinets are custom cabinets made of plywood interior, maple dovetail drawer boxes, maple pull out shelves, and solid wood or HDF doors.
Types of Kitchen Cabinets (& What’s best)
There are 3 main types of kitchen cabinets. Custom, semi-custom, and stock or RTA kitchen cabinets. Custom cabinets are often considered the best of these options due to the customization and quality of construction.
Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets are built one-of-a-kind for your home. Since they are built custom for your space and preferences, the choice for upgrades and aesthetics is up to you. Colours, material choices, cabinet configuration and size are all hand picked, with various options to choose from. Custom cabinet companies don’t make cabinets in bulk batches, which means each order gets special attention. The materials used are the highest quality.
Semi Custom Cabinets
Semi-custom cabinets are the in-between of custom and stock cabinets. There are likely pre-defined or standard size cabinets to choose from and in pre-selected colours and materials. The materials are often higher quality than stock cabinets and you get the cabinetry shipped assembled. This is often a great middle ground for those who want something elevated in quality but more budget conscious.
Stock or RTA Cabinets
Stock cabinets and RTA cabinets are very similar. Size, colour, drawer combinations, and materials are already selected and sold as a finished product. Stock cabinets are ready to ship, assembled cabinets that you choose as is. RTA cabinets stand for Ready to Assemble, which like the name suggests, is a cabinet pre-selected and sold in flat packed boxes (which you assemble at home). These cabinets are made in large batches for the everyday homeowner. This option is the most accessible, and lowest quality.
What to Look for in High Quality Kitchen Cabinets
So how can you be sure your cabinets are high quality kitchen cabinets? Here are some tell tale signs to look for.
Frameless Cabinets
Higher quality cabinets have a frameless construction as opposed to framed cabinets. Also referred to as Full Access Cabinets or European Style Cabinets. This style means that the doors are attached directly to the sides of the cabinet box, having hidden hinges. This cabinetry style allows you full access to the entire cabinet without being hindered by a bulky frame.
Includes a Full Back Panel & a Top Floor
Some cabinet manufacturers only include a partial back panel for the cabinets (meaning part of the wall will be visible when looking inside the cabinet). High quality cabinets will have a full back panel (where none of the wall shows through) and a top floor that encloses the entire cabinet. Not all companies include a top floor, leaving the countertop to finish the top of the cabinet.
Hardwood Dovetail Drawer Boxes
The highest quality kitchen cabinets have hardwood (usually maple) drawer boxes with dovetail (interlocking) joints. This style of drawer box is the longest lasting.
Soft Close Drawer Glides and Hinges
No one likes slamming cabinet doors and drawers! Higher quality cabinets have better hardware that includes a soft close feature to prevent slamming (which can cause damage to the cabinet over time).
Decor Cabinets have all of the above qualities, and we recommend you look for cabinet manufacturers that have the same if you want the highest quality kitchen cabinets.
Are expensive cabinets worth it?
Okay here is the catch, usually the best cabinets are more expensive. This is because of a few reasons:
- the materials to make the cabinets cost more (higher quality raw material is more expensive)
- they are not made in large batches (they are more expensive to manufacture)
- these cabinets have more expensive hardware (eg. soft close drawer glides)
- you’ll usually go to a kitchen designer to have your quality kitchen made just the way you want (instead of designing yourself)
So is it worth it? It is for those who are looking for their dream kitchen, or a kitchen that they want to last a long time. If you are a first time homeowner, or are looking to fix up a rental property, a quality custom kitchen doesn’t make much sense. The benefit of a high quality kitchen is the return on investment over time.
So if quality cabinets matter for your kitchen…
If you are looking to see and feel the benefits of quality kitchen cabinets then you are in the right place. Decor Cabinets sells custom cabinetry at design centers across North America. Manufactured in Canada, these custom cabinets create one-of-a-kind kitchens. Invest in the heart of your home with Decor Cabinets. Find a decor kitchen designer near you!
