Basic Introduction
Although appearing similar, not all kitchen cabinets are constructed the same. Kitchen cabinets are built with the purpose of storing kitchen related items or non-perishable food items, the materials used in the construction of kitchen cabinets varies significantly. From a few hundred dollars to over one-hundred thousand dollars, kitchen cabinets are one of the most expensive items installed in new home construction or the remodeling of an existing kitchen. With some newly gained knowledge when purchasing your new or replacement kitchen cabinets, you may possibly save hundreds or thousands of dollars, that you didn need to spend to achieve your dream kitchen.
Basic Construction
The majority of cabinets, with the exception of custom kitchen cabinets, are constructed in a box formation of varying sizes which create an overall competed design. For ease of reference kitchen cabinets may be classified into the following categories:
Lower end
Mid-range
High-end
Custom built Lower-end kitchen cabinets, those costing a few hundred dollars are individually constructed with laminated or thin materials of varying densities and thickness. The higher the density and increased thickness, the higher the overall cost. Lower-end kitchen cabinets are often finished using melamine (particle board) cabinet substructures, with the appearance of real wood in a relatively wide selection of colors and finishes depending on the manufacturer. Often used in low to middle income apartment complexes or single-family rental units, lower-end kitchen cabinets are inexpensive offering replacement as needed at economical prices. Doors of lower end kitchen cabinets are typically not solid wood and may be constructed in a similar fashion to the box structure. Lower-end kitchen cabinets are often pre-built with limited selection availability.
Mid-range kitchen cabinets, are often constructed with the use of particle board or MDF (Medium Density Fiber) in varying thicknesses and densities. As implied earlier, the greater the thickness and density of the particle or MDF board used in mid-range kitchen cabinet construction, the subsequent increase in the overall price per cabinet. The box construction of mid range cabinets may be veneered, meaning a thin layer of real wood is glued to the underlying particle or MDF board. Typically, mid-range kitchen cabinets doors are of solid wood construction of varying qualities with overall construction practices that include glued and screwed together joints for added strength and durability. Mid-range kitchen cabinets are generally available in pre-built or RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) forms.
Higher-end kitchen cabinets, may use a combination of particle and MDF board in conjunction with solid wood sides and backing for rugged durability. With the introduction of RTA (Ready-to Assemble) kitchen cabinets, you get a type of construction that uses NO particle or MDF board. Our RTA cabinets are all plywood boxes and hand selected solid wood doors and frames. Our RTA cabinets offer superior quality and durability, as well as reduced overall costs. Uniquely designed and engineered, RTA kitchen cabinets incorporate specialized cam locking mechanisms, eliminating all gluing and screwing of cabinet components, tightly securing all members of the cabinet frame into one well-built cabinet. Assembled in a less than ten-minutes, RTA kitchen cabinets may well be the future of kitchen cabinetry with specialized pricing and promotions that are appealing and attractive. Generally speaking, RTA kitchen cabinets are an excellent choice when compared to similar available cabinetry with stunning end results upon installation.
Custom kitchen cabinets, as the name implies, are built to specific dimensions with a pre-determined specified wood selection, often exotic or of the hard-to-find species. Reaching well into the thousands of dollars, custom kitchen cabinets are often the selection of affluent, seeking a one-of-a-kind style or preference. Production of custom kitchen cabinets may require several months for completion with installation by qualified experienced master carpenters.
With a basic knowledge of kitchen cabinets construction, the consumer can be well versed, arriving at a more informative decisions when selecting kitchen cabinets that will meet your individual guidelines, specifications without breaking the bank.
When it comes to RTA Kitchen Cabinets, you won find better service than IDEAL Kitchens. We carry cabinets that offer a 5 year warranty and our Premier line is a Lifetime Warranty, that can be beat.
When you are ready to buy new cabinets, come to IDEAL Kitchens.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or just need a little knowledge to help you in your decision.
