subject: Pricing Kitchen Cabinets? What to look for when comparing online vs Direct Buy Clubs [print this page] Are you looking for the best price on kitchen cabinets? Perhaps getting lost in the sea of manufacturers of kitchen and bath cabinetry? That is completely understandable. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of manufacturers of kitchen and bath cabinetry out there, and while there are many subtle differences between brands, there are few main points you will want to keep in mind when comparing. Here is a short list of 5 things to keep in mind when pricing kitchen cabinets to make sure you are comparing "apples to apples" as they say.
*"RTA" or Assembled (semi-custom)
"RTA" means Ready-To-Assemble. That's right, these will need to be put together before they are installed, as opposed to higher quality modular, or semi-custom cabinetry that comes assembled, and ready to install. RTA cabinets are popular at places like Ikea and many online dealers (most of what is sold online is RTA from China) Manufacturers are able to ship the cabinets easier from overseas when they are unassembled.
Semi-Custom cabinetry is sold assembled, is of higher quality, and typically made in North America.
*Plywood or MDF (medium density fiberboard)
Plywood is considered higher end by most wood-workers and consumers, it typically costs more as well. There are pro's and con's to using both. Just remember when comparing, that MDF is a much stronger product than the particle board used in cabinetry 20 or 30 years ago.
*Dove-tail wood drawers or melamine
Most manufacturers of mid-range to higher end cabinetry have moved to offering dove-tail solid wood drawers as a standard as opposed to melamine or composite material. Manufacturers have made significant improvements here. We feel strongly about this option. Don't skimp here!
*Traditional (framed cabinetry) or frameless (Euro-style)
Frameless or full access, Euro-style cabinets are typically considered higher end with a couple of exceptions (remember that many importers of RTA cabinets make them this way and this is not what we are talking about here!) There are also some mid-range lines of cabinetry that are every bit as good as the popular Euro-style brands.
*Warranty
This is often symbolic of a manufacturers' belief in their product and quality control. Many RTA manufacturers' have a 2 year warranty, while mid-range or higher end cabinet makers (traditional or Euro-style) offer limited lifetime or even 100 year warranties!
