Quality work
Where cabinets are of better quality, you’ll find dovetail-style drawer construction rather than stapled drawers.
Cabinets will come fully assembled, not ready to assemble. Buying RTA cabinets is a great way to save money, but it’s often not the best way to get quality cabinets. Instead of using the cam system of RTA cabinets to quickly assemble the cabinets, the pre-assembled cabinets are glued together and built with power fasteners, along with the previously mentioned dovetail style.
In the corners, instead of plastic corners, you’ll also find that the workers have installed I-beams that run the depth of the cabinets. I-beams are much stronger than plastic corners.
Cabinet backs are also an area where some cabinetmakers try to use less or poor quality material. Often the back is just a piece of 1/8-inch-thick particle board. In some cases, the board even comes folded and needs to be unfolded and nailed into place on the back. Quality cabinet work will always use a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch plywood panel, triple-secured with glue, nails, and a gasket.
Style
If something is relative, style certainly is. But does style have to come at a high price?
Not always. IKEA kitchen cabinets have achieved a luxurious sheen over the years, primarily through marketing. While its styling mimics high-end European cabinetry, its construction is decidedly basic: lots of MDF (medium-density fiberboard), heat foil, basic hardware, and European-style hinges and slides.
