subject: Quality Without Compromise: How To Choose Good RTA Cabinets [print this page] Quality Without Compromise: How To Choose Good RTA Cabinets
There is a saying: "Beggars can't be choosers". Most of us are still coping in the bad economy. Everybody is looking for more ways to save, which goes without saying that a lot of companies are doing the same. Most of the time this translates to a decline in the quality of their product. Nowadays, consumers usually find it easier to look at the attractive price tag, rather than to take time to scrutinize the product and do a careful cost benefit analysis before purchasing. Take for example home remodelling, more specifically, the kitchen remodelling. Constructing your dream kitchen is something that takes time, not to mention a considerable amount of money. In an unstable economy, budget is volatile; money set aside for home improvement can easily be snatched up unforeseen expenses. However, unfinished kitchen is a terrible inconvenience, not to mention a huge eyesore, which is why it is understandable that most homeowners oftentimes rush constructions and go for cheap discount kitchen cabinets.
Homeowners who wish to construct or remodel their kitchens will be glad to know that not all manufacturers skimp on quality. Even better, there are still a select few who, miraculously, are able to sell beautifully crafted furnishings made out of quality materials at really competitive prices. Here are some quick tips on how to spot good RTA cabinets and where to get them.
High quality RTA cabinets are constructed of solid wood. Although RTA kitchen cabinets made out of particle boards and/or MDF (medium density fiber) are cheaper, these won't be as durable. These will also be more susceptible to rot, since particle boards and MDF are much more porous. Once moisture is able to get in, the wood will soften and cause the screws to loosen. Solid wood kitchen cabinets will last almost as long as your house but expect particle board/MDF cabinets to show signs of wear within a few years from installation.
Good RTA cabinets will feature excellent craftsmanship. After all, a manufacturer will rarely purchase high quality wood just to have it depreciated by a bad finish. A lot of manufacturers use low quality wood then spend a bit on high end finishes in order to drive up the value of their product but almost NEVER the other way around. Mortise and tenon, tongue and groove joints which fit snugly and look as if airtight are some indicators of good craftsmanship.
This might take a bit of a keen eye to spot, but one good way to determine the quality of a cabinet is by looking at the hinge. A good hinge installed properly will ensure that the cabinet doors close effortlessly without no sound whatsoever. A good hinge will also seal the door tight down to the millimeter! Most high end kitchen cabinets will have fully concealed, European Style adjustable hinges, check if the cabinet you are looking to order features it.
These are only some of the things that should be present in a good RTA kitchen cabinet. Homeowners who are on a budget need not compromise quality and aesthetics, they just need to know where to look. A good starting place would be to check out stores like In Stock Kitchens.com (http://www.instockkitchens.com). Some of their more popular offerings like the "Society Hill Collection" is constructed from solid wood, featuring a medium mocha colored stain and a rich dark brown glaze. This RTA kitchen cabinet is virtually indistinguishable from a high end kitchen cabinet which can cost around $15,000.
