Kitchen Cabinets 101: Basic Introduction

Although appearing similar, not all kitchen cabinets are the constructed the same. Whereas all 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 applied knowledge when purchasing new or replacement kitchen cabinets, the following information may possibly save hundreds or thousands of dollars unnecessarily spent.

Basic Construction

The majority, with the exception of custom kitchen cabinets, are constructed in a box formation of varying sizes which comprise an overall competed design. For ease of future reference kitchen cabinets may be classified into the following categories:

• Lower end
• Mid-range spectrum
• Higher-end spectrum
• 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 with a wood veneer glued on pressure treated on kitchen cabinets substructure, giving the appearance of real wood in a 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 constructed in similar fashion. Lower-end kitchen cabinets are often pre-built with limited selection availability.

Mid-range kitchen cabinets are often constructed with the use of particle or MDF (Medium Density Fiber) board 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. 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 often 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, RTA cabinets offer superior durability with 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. Exceeding 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 basic knowledge of kitchen cabinets construction, the consumer may be well versed arriving at more informative decisions when selecting kitchen cabinets that meet individual guidelines, specifications without exceeding allotted budget restrictions.

When it comes to RTA Kitchen Cabinets, you won't find lower prices or better service than RTA Cabinet Store.  We carry a three months supply, offer a 5 year warranty on all of our cabinets (most other RTA suppliers only offer one year), and we lowest price guarantee.   When you are ready to buy new cabinets, come to RTA Cabinet Store.