How to determine the quality of kitchen carcasses
When you’re looking at kitchen units in a showroom, what do you pay most attention to? If you’re like most people, it’s likely you’ll concentrate on just the doors. However, do you look at the kitchen carcasses too?
Doors do matter, but in structural terms they are the least important part of the unit. The rest — the back, sides, top, bottom and all the mechanisms — is what really matters. These are kitchen carcasses, the structures which have to support the weight of the worktops, appliances and doors.
If the carcasses are low-quality, you’ll soon find yourself having to replace the units, however great the doors still look.
The quality of the chipboard used
High-quality kitchen carcasses are constructed from high density chipboard. High density chipboard will support the weight of the heaviest worktops and will never bow.
In contrast, low-quality carcasses are constructed from cheap, low density chipboard. The problem with cheap, low density chipboard is it bows under the weight of the worktops. The first signs of bowing is usually seen on the backs of the units. Once the backs start to bow, it isn’t usually long before they come away completely, exposing the wall and pipework behind.
The units you’ll find in places like Wren, Magnet, Howdens and Wickes are constructed from cheap, low density chipboard. In contrast, the units you will find in most independent kitchen showrooms are constructed from high density chipboard. Therefore, If you want your carcasses to last the distance, you’ll want to steer clear of places like Wren, Magnet, Howdens and Wickes and stick to independent kitchen showrooms instead.
The quality of the edging
The edging on a unit is far more than just a decoration to make it look good. It is there to protect the delicate front edges from the damage that is inevitable when you are constantly taking items in and out of the cupboards. Good quality edging is also important because it protects the units from moisture ingress.
Low quality kitchen carcasses have a thin melamine edging. Thin melamine edging offers little or no protection to the carcass. In contrast, high quality units will have a thick, durable PVC or ABS edging that’s almost bomb proof!
Again, the carcasses you’ll find in places like Wren, Magnet, Howdens and Wickes usually have the low quality, melamine type edging. In contrast, the units most independents sell mostly have the high quality, PVC or ABS type edging.
Ensuring a solid base for your kitchen
Inspecting the kitchen carcasses is not the most glamorous part of buying a new kitchen, but perhaps the most important. Durable carcasses made from high density chipboard will support the weight of the heaviest worktops and will never bow like low quality carcasses will. Also, a high quality PVC or ABS edging will keep your carcasses looking as good as new for many years to come.
Surely these higher-quality kitchens cost more than places like Wren, Magnet, Howdens and Wickes?
No. Some showrooms who sell them charge similar to places like Wren, Magnet, Howdens and Wickes.
So, how do you find these great-value suppliers?
Simple, just contact us and we’ll tell you who they are.
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