6 things you should know about kitchen cabinets

Planning to invest in stone countertops or other permanent elements?

Make sure that the quality of your new cabinets, that will support these heavy counters, will stand the test of time.

  1. Wood doors expand and contract with humidity but paint does not. Paint requires a more stable substrate than wood. High-density fiberboard (HDF) is inert. It is not affected by the humidity in  kitchens or bathrooms, making painted high-density fiberboard (HDF) much more durable than painted wood. HDF comes in several grades, the higher the density the better.
  2. HDF needs to be sealed before painting and door fronts and backs require multiple coats of primer and finish to build-up otherwise fragile edges.
  3. Cabinet strength comes from the back and method of construction. Backs vary from 1/8” to 5/8” thick. Less than ½” is not great. Best construction is glued mortised joints with mechanical fasteners such as screws.
  4. Cabinet interiors, shelves & drawer bottoms are wear surfaces. A premium grade of Melamine like Hardrock Maple wears better than lacquered plywood.
  5. PVC edge banding will avoid yellowing over time.
  6. Hinges and drawer glides make cabinets work. Buy the best and you will get a positive feeling of quality every time you use your kitchen.

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