Cabinetry is a part of the home that gets used daily, and it is something that should last. It is important to be able to tell the difference between low quality and high-quality cabinetry. On the surface, much of cabinetry can look the same, so the differences can be difficult to spot. The reality is that the differences are felt more than they are seen, and many of the factors that impact quality lie buried within the construction of the cabinet. The joinery, the materials used in construction, and the thickness of that material all affect the longevity of the cabinet.
Strong Joints Are Necessary for Long-Lasting Cabinetry
Joinery is what holds the cabinetry together, connecting each part to the next. If these are not strong, the cabinet will not hold together over time. A good way to tell a strong joint from a weak one is looking at how much material is being engaged in the joint and how it locks the pieces together.
Weak Joinery Shortens a Cabinet’s Lifespan
A weaker joint will have little material contact between the pieces and will not interlock the grain well if at all. A good example of this is a butt joint that is not properly supported. This is where two square edges butt up against one another and are glued or fastened together. This kind of joint is often used in low stress areas that bear little to no weight such as back or side panels. When supported or fastened properly, this can be a strong joint suitable for low stress areas. But without the proper fasteners creating a solid mechanical joint, it can fall apart very quickly.
Strong Joinery Creates High-Quality Cabinetry
Alternatively, a strong joint will have a larger area of contact as well as interlock the two pieces together mechanically. This mechanical connection holds the two pieces together before any glue or fasteners are used. Once the pieces are glued and/or fastened together, the joint becomes incredibly difficult to separate. Good examples of strong joints are mortise and tenon and lock miter joints. When done correctly, cut with no gaps and the edges lightly sanded for a tight fit, these joints hold each part of the cabinet together incredibly well and allow it to last for many years.
Material Type and Thickness Matter
While the joinery used is vital to a cabinet’s longevity, it is not the only factor to consider. The materials used and their placement also play a major role in determining the quality of the cabinetry.
Low-Cost Materials Typically Do Not Last
Budget grade cabinetry will often use lower-cost materials like particle board or thin MDF in structural areas to make a more cost-effective product. The issue with this is that these materials are not designed for structural use. While they can be cut into shape a strong joint, the connection created is only as strong as the material itself, which is prone to failure under pressure. These materials also do not hold fasteners well and often lead to issues such as doors coming out of place or boxes becoming loose over time.
High-Quality Cabinets Use A Combination of Materials
Higher grade cabinetry will use a combination of materials intentionally designed for strength and longevity. Plywood is common for interior structure as it offers stability and strength. Hardwoods, plywood with a veneer, or high-grade laminates are often used for cabinetry faces to give a beautiful, finished look. MDF is used, but selectively. Often used for the exterior of painted cabinetry due to the lack of grain pattern which offers a smooth finish. At this level of cabinetry, it is not used for structural purposes because manufacturers focus more on quality and longevity than making the cheapest possible product.
Material Thickness Matters
A final consideration when it comes to cabinetry material, is the thickness of materials used. Thicker materials will hold up better than thinner ones. This adds strength to the panel itself and gives fasteners more material to grip and for joinery to lock the piece together.
Many cabinet shops will use ½ inch material, which is often enough to create a lasting piece given the proper materials and joinery. Any thinner than this, and the cabinetry becomes much more liable to failure. Our cabinetry utilizes ¾ inch material, giving more structure and surface area for the joinery to bond the pieces together resulting in an incredibly long-lasting cabinet.
The Real Difference Between Budget Cabinetry and High-Quality Cabinetry
The best way to tell the difference between budget cabinetry and high-quality cabinetry is to look at each of these factors together. Strong joints still will not hold if the wrong material is used. Conversely, if the joints are not stable, even the highest quality materials are unable to create a strong cabinet. It is the combination of the proper joinery and proper material that creates a long-lasting end result.
Book Your Cabinet Consultation in Grand Rapids and West Michigan
There are many factors that come into play when considering the longevity of cabinetry. Our team of cabinet builders understands all the nuances of those factors, and is here to build the best cabinetry possible for your home.
If you’re ready to get started, our cabinet builders in Grand Rapids, MI, are here to bring your vision to life with expert craftsmanship and personalized design solutions built for West Michigan homeowners. Call Align Cabinetry at (616) 940-5001 or contact us online.
