What to Look for When Buying Kitchen Cabinets
Hi everyone, Nikki Grassmann here from Crowned Cabinets in Dunedin, Florida! Buying
kitchen cabinets is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, and you
want to ensure the product you choose will look beautiful and perform reliably for
decades. Since the quality isn’t always obvious from the outside, you need to know
exactly what details separate truly high-quality cabinetry from options that won’t stand
the test of time. Here at Crowned Cabinets, we guide our clients through a few key
areas that are essential to evaluating the value and durability of any cabinet line.
The first place we look is the cabinet box construction and materials. The box is the
structural skeleton of your kitchen, so it needs to be robust. The best cabinet boxes are
made from all-plywood construction, typically 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch thick. Plywood is
the superior choice over particleboard (furniture board) because it holds screws and
fasteners much better, resists moisture more effectively, and is less prone to sagging
under the weight of heavy stone countertops or fully loaded shelves—all crucial factors
here in the humid Florida climate. Look for a full-height back panel made from thick
plywood as well, as this provides rigidity and allows the cabinet to be securely attached
to the wall studs at any point, guaranteeing structural integrity during and after
installation.
Next, you must inspect the drawer boxes and joinery . High-quality drawers are built
with solid hardwood (like maple or birch) sides that are at least 5/8-inch thick. The
hallmark of superior craftsmanship is the dovetail joint, where the sides are milled with
interlocking “teeth” and glued together. This type of joinery provides unmatched strength
and ensures the drawer box will never separate, even with years of heavy use. Pair that
with full-extension, undermount, soft-close glides made from durable steel. “Full-
extension” means the drawer comes all the way out so you can access items at the very
back, and “soft-close” prevents slamming, reducing wear and tear and keeping your
kitchen a quiet, enjoyable space.

Finally, pay close attention to the finish and the hardware. A durable finish is what
protects your investment from the daily assault of steam, grease, and cleaning products.
Look for multi-step catalyzed conversion varnish or lacquer finishes. These are
baked on and offer superior resistance to scratches, chips, and fading compared to
simpler finishes. When inspecting the cabinet doors, ensure the paint or stain is applied
evenly with no streaks or visible rough spots. For the doors themselves, look for six-
way adjustable, soft-close hinges. These allow you to fine-tune the alignment of your
doors over time as your house settles or as wood naturally expands and contracts with
seasonal humidity changes. High-grade hardware not only enhances the function but
also guarantees your cabinets maintain their beautiful alignment years after installation.
Choosing cabinets is a process of checking all these boxes—from the hidden
construction of the box to the visible quality of the finish and hardware. By prioritizing
these structural and functional details, you ensure you are investing in a kitchen that will
be a durable, beautiful centerpiece of your home.
Until next time, this is Nikki Grassmann reminding you that your kitchen is the heart of
your home and the heart of your kitchen is great cabinets.

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