Kitchen cabinets are the most expensive and visible part of most kitchen renovations. Understanding what separates high-quality cabinets from cheap ones helps you make smart decisionsβwhether buying new, refinishing, or painting existing cabinets.
Cabinet Construction Types
The way cabinets are constructed affects durability, appearance, and price:
Face-Frame
Premium traditionalSolid wood frame attached to cabinet box front
β Pros
- Traditional look
- Very strong
- Easy hinge adjustment
β Cons
- Slightly less interior space
- Higher cost
Frameless
Premium modernNo face frame, doors mount directly to box
β Pros
- Maximum interior space
- Modern aesthetic
- Easier cleaning
β Cons
- Requires precision manufacturing
- Less forgiving with alignment
Stock/RTA
BudgetReady-to-assemble, basic construction
β Pros
- Affordable
- Quick availability
- DIY-friendly
β Cons
- Limited customization
- Shorter lifespan
Cabinet Materials Compared
| Material | Quality | Durability | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood | Premium | Excellent | $$$ | Real hardwood cabinets. Timeless, can be refinished multiple times. |
| Plywood | High | Very Good | $$ | Layered wood sheets. Strong, moisture-resistant, great value. |
| MDF | Medium | Good | $$ | Medium-density fiberboard. Smooth for painted finishes, heavier. |
| Particle Board | Low | Fair | $ | Compressed wood chips. Budget option, swells with moisture. |
Quality Indicators: What to Look For
These features separate quality cabinets from cheap ones:
Drawer Construction
Box Thickness
Hinges
Drawer Slides
Finish
Assembly
Drawer Quality Matters Most
Drawers experience the most wear. High-quality drawers feature:
πͺ΅ Dovetail Joints
Interlocking wood joints that won't pull apart. Sign of craftsmanship.
π― Full Extension Slides
Drawers that pull out completely, giving access to entire contents.
π Soft-Close
Smooth, silent closing mechanism. Reduces wear and prevents slamming.
π¦ Solid Wood Sides
Real wood drawer boxes, not particle board. Much more durable.
Cabinet Door Styles & Quality
Solid Wood
Real hardwood doors. Can be stained or painted. Most durable and refinishable.
PremiumMDF (Painted)
Smooth, no grain. Excellent for painted finishes. Won't warp like wood.
High QualityWood Veneer
Thin wood layer over substrate. Looks like wood at lower cost.
Mid-RangeThermofoil/RTF
Vinyl-wrapped MDF. Affordable but can peel near heat or moisture.
BudgetQuick Quality Checklist
Cabinet Hardware: The Hidden Quality Indicator
Hardware makes or breaks cabinet longevity. Here's what to look for:
Hinge Types & Quality
π§ European Cup Hinges (Concealed)
Best choice. Hidden when door is closed, fully adjustable in 3 directions, available with soft-close. Look for steel construction with nickel plating.
π§ Face-Frame Hinges
Traditional exposed hinges. Good for classic styles. Less adjustable but very durable. Choose solid brass or steel.
π§ Pivot Hinges
Budget option often found in RTA cabinets. Limited adjustability, prone to loosening over time.
Drawer Slide Quality
When to Refinish vs. Replace Cabinets
Not all cabinets are worth refinishing. Here's how to decide:
β Good Candidates for Refinishing
- Solid wood or plywood construction
- Structural integrity is sound
- Good layout you want to keep
- Doors/drawers close properly
- No water damage or swelling
- Hardware can be upgraded
Cost: $3,000-$8,000 for average kitchen
β Replace Instead
- Particle board construction (swells)
- Water damage or delamination
- Broken hinges/drawer slides
- Layout doesn't work
- Thermofoil peeling
- Cabinets over 30 years old
Cost: $15,000-$40,000+ for new cabinets
π‘ Pro Tip: The Water Test
Place a drop of water on an inconspicuous cabinet surface. If it soaks in quickly, you have particle board or damaged finish. If it beads up, the surface is well-sealed and likely higher quality.
Cabinet Brand Quality Tiers
While we can't cover every brand, here's how major cabinet lines typically rank:
| Tier | Typical Brands | Construction | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | Wood-Mode, Clive Christian, Plain & Fancy | All solid wood, custom sizes | $500-$1,500/linear ft |
| High | KraftMaid, Medallion, Thomasville | Plywood boxes, solid wood doors | $300-$600/linear ft |
| Mid-Range | Diamond, Schuler, American Woodmark | Plywood/particle board mix | $150-$350/linear ft |
| Budget | Hampton Bay, IKEA, Ready-to-Assemble | Particle board, melamine | $75-$200/linear ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
Solid wood or plywood construction, dovetail drawers, soft-close hinges, full-extension slides, and durable multi-coat finishes.
Yes, plywood is much stronger, moisture-resistant, and long-lasting. It holds screws better and lasts 2-3x longer.
Real wood has unique, irregular grain patterns. Check edges and inside surfaces. Veneer has repeating patterns; MDF is smooth with no grain.
Cabinet Refresh Experts
Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes works with all cabinet types. We assess your cabinets' quality and recommend the best approachβpainting, refinishing, or refacing.
Get Free Estimate π (980) 408-8122