Kitchen Cabinet Construction- Buyer Beware!

One of the key selling points of our kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities has always been the fact that they are made from solid wood on the face frames and doors, and they use 3/4" plywood for the sides of the cabinet- creating a really strong box.   I have heard people complain about the strength of the cabinets that are sold at the big retail stores, but I learned something new the other day.   We had a customer contact us about buying the Chestnut Glazed Maple Cabinets.  The first thing he aske was how much weight they could suport.  I thought it was a strange question, so I asked why..  apparently, the name brand manufacturers will not honor the warranty if certain types of countertops are installed.   This customer in particular was told that if he had concrete countertops installed, it would void the manufacturers warranty.  I couldn't believe that these hundred million dollar companies wouldn't stand behind their product.  But it makes perfect sense... they are using particleboard or fiberboard for the sides of the cabinets.  Either of these materials would buckle under increased weight because they are not made of a solid material.    With our plywood sides it creates a much sturdier frame to support any countertop surface.  So when you are out there shopping for kitchen cabinets, make sure you check the quality of the cabinet construction!