Often, you can find cabinet manufacturer brand names or codes by looking for labels, stickers, engravings, or handwriting on the back of sink base cabinets and side panels. A database refers to these codes and can help you identify the manufacturers of your cabinets.
Many kitchen designers use 2020 Design software to design and visualize products for their clients. This tool typically allows for flexible products from cabinet manufacturers’ catalogs to be tinkered with and shown as 3D renderings.
Look for Credentials
A manufacturer should be able to prove their credibility and reliability by showing you their insurance credentials. This includes liability and workers’ compensation. If something goes wrong during your renovation project, these types of insurance will cover the cost and replacement of the damaged products.
Also, look for a manufacturer that has an NKBA or OHBA certification. This indicates that the company follows industry standards and strongly focuses on quality.
Lastly, look for a manufacturer that offers ready-to-assemble cabinets (RTA). This option is efficient since it saves you time and money in shipping rates and reduces the risk of damage during transit.
A reputable California kitchen cabinet manufacturer will sell directly to consumers, stores, and outlets. When purchasing direct, you avoid the markup established by stores and outlets. This can save you a lot of money on your kitchen remodeling project. This is especially true if you plan to order pre-assembled cabinets.
Look for Certifications
Your kitchen cabinets should last a lifetime. However, many homeowners experience problems with their cabinets much sooner, including crooked doors, warped boxes and drawers, sagging shelves, deteriorating hinges, and more. These issues are usually caused by poor cabinet construction.
Look for a manufacturer that uses a solid wood and plywood in-frame cabinet construction technique, dovetail drawer joints, and other technical details that improve durability and longevity. A lifetime warranty is also essential, meaning the company stands behind its products.
Stock cabinet manufacturers offer budget-friendly options but are typically limited in style and size choices. They may use veneered particleboard or foil-covered medium-density fiberboard (MDF) panels. They may also use center-mount or side-mount drawer glides, less durable than full-extension glides that allow you to access all the storage space in your drawer. In addition, they may omit back panels or use metal hangers rather than wooden rails.
Look for a Range of Cabinet Styles
If you want to give your kitchen a truly personalized look, choose a cabinet manufacturer offering a wide range of styles. You want to ensure something for everyone: a modern flat wall cabinet or a louvered door panel that provides excellent airflow and allows dishes to dry quickly in humid areas.
Another essential factor to look for is a cabinet manufacturer that offers stock and semi-custom cabinets. These are the types of cabinets that you’ll find in most showrooms and at building supply stores. Semi-custom cabinets are more customizable and usually come with solid wood door frames around MDF panels and durable factory finishes.
You should also pay attention to the type of hinges, drawer guides, and hardware used on the cabinets. A good quality cabinet will have soft-close hinges to reduce noise and save wear and tear on the drawers. They’ll also have good support for the weight of your dishes and other heavy objects.
Look for a Warranty
The best cabinet manufacturers offer warranties that cover their products for a specified period. Read the fine print to understand what’s covered and how long the warranty lasts. If specific parts or repairs aren’t covered, looking elsewhere for cabinets might be a good idea.
The cabinet maker’s reputation should also factor into your decision-making process. Check online reviews and complaints to see what others say about the manufacturer. You can also contact your state or consumer protection office for information about the company.
A reliable kitchen cabinet manufacturer will offer a warranty and a full line of quality wood, cabinet hardware, and durable finishes for homeowners, designers, builders, and contractors. Some styles and finishes include alder, ash, cherry, hickory, maple, and walnut. They’re also odor-free, a plus for people sensitive to oil-based paint.
