Question:

How do I know a kitchen cabinet has been made correctly?

Do Your Homework Before Shopping for Cabinets

There are so many innovative cabinet options on the market today: wood veneer, thermofoil, custom-built wood cabinets and even laminate/wood combinations. If you have narrowed your cabinetry selection to the material that best suits your lifestyle, budget and personal taste, be aware that not all cabinets are created equal.

Just because cabinets look nice in a showroom doesn't mean they are manufactured using the best procedures and materials. You should ask questions about a particular cabinetry company's production process -- especially the finishing steps -- so you can adequately compare options and prices. For example, cabinetry typically sold at discount stores may wear more easily and have a limited warranty leaving you unhappy in the long run.

Armstrong, a cabinet manufacturer for kitchens and baths, uses a 17-step finishing process to ensure your investment pays off for years after you have your kitchen cabinets installed. These steps include: hand-sanding, mechanical removal of dust particles, pre-stain application for uniformity, chemical resistant sealers, and proper baking to ensure a complete cure throughout the wood. Before an Armstrong cabinet is sold it goes through some additional final steps, including more sanding, a second removal of all dust, a final coat of Catalyzed Varnish and a pre-cured topcoat application followed by a slow bake.

No matter what type of wood you buy, these 17 steps are followed making your finished cabinets durable, easy-to-care-for and an investment that will retain its value over time. You are going to live with your cabinets for a long time so don't be tempted to buy cheap imitations of quality manufacturers.

Cabinet Frequently Asked Questions

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What type of flooring should I choose to accent my bath vanity and bathroom cabinets?

Can I get custom bathroom cabinets make for my bath remodeling project?

What woods are used in bath cabinetry?

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Where can I see pictures of completed kitchens online?

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How do I make my older cabinetry look fresh again?

What home remedies can I use to hide nicks in my cabinetry?

What home remedies work well for water marks on wood cabinetry?

How do I make old kitchen cabinets look like new?

What kinds of custom-built kitchen cabinets can I buy?

How can I better utilize wasted space in my kitchen?

How do I find pantry space in my kitchen if I don't have a walk-in pantry closet?

How can I customize my cabinets to hold tableware and other items more easily?

How do I incorporate room for decorative items in my kitchen?

How do I get trash and recyclable receptables out of sight in the kitchen but still near where I need them?

How do I accent my custom cabinets with attractive flooring?

What terms should I know before renovating my kitchen and buying new cabinets?

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What types of innovations are now available for kitchen islands?

What are some types of innovative cabinetry I can have installed in my kitchen?

What is wood veneer?

How do I know a kitchen cabinet has been made correctly?

What should I do before I meet with a kitchen designer?

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How do I get the best kitchen cabinetry for the price?

Should I try to remodel my kitchen myself?

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How do I make sure my kitchen is easy to use as I get older?

What are my options for having a kitchen counter top installed?

What type of sink and kitchen faucet should I buy?

What is a kitchen work triangle?

What types of kitchen cabinets should I have installed?

What should I consider before laying out a new kitchen?

Do I have to store everything in my kitchen?

What should I consider when planning a kitchen design layout?

How should I light my kitchen?

What do I do if I prefer my guests to gather outside the kitchen?

How do I utilize space and custom cabinetry to improve my kitchen?

What do I do if my kitchen space is cut off from the rest of the house?

Are cabinet makers environmentally conscious?

Is alder wood a good choice for kitchen cabinets?

Can I use contemporary styling in my kitchen?

Are white cabinets hard to clean?

How should I decorate my kitchen?

How do I choose a color scheme for my kitchen?

How do I create a rustic look in my kitchen?

How do I create a more exotic kitchen?

Will all types of wallpaper work in a kitchen setting?

How do I design a Shaker kitchen?

How do I design a traditional kitchen?

What is an Arts and Crafts kitchen?

What are the benefits of hiring a kitchen designer?

How do I hire a reputable kitchen designer?

What can a kitchen interior designer do for me?

Should I hire an architect to re-design my kitchen?

What is a design/build firm?

What legal issues are associated with kitchen remodeling?

What should a kitchen remodeling contract include?

Why should I get a permit before my kitchen is re-designed?

How do I handle communication with my kitchen designer?





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