How to determine the quality of kitchen carcasses
When you are examining kitchen units in a showroom, what do you pay most attention to? If you are like most people, it is likely you will 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 and bottom — is what really matters. These are kitchen carcasses, the structures which have to support the weight of the worktops and appliances.
If the carcasses are low-quality, you will 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.
low quality carcasses are constructed from cheaper, low density chipboard. The problem with 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 will find in the high street chains and trade-only suppliers are constructed from 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 will want to steer clear of the chains and trade-only suppliers and use an independent kitchen showroom instead.
The edging on Kitchen Carcasses
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. In addition, a good quality edging will protect the units from moisture seeping in.
Low quality kitchen carcasses will have a thin melamine edging. Melamine edging does little to protect the carcasses. 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 the chains and trade only suppliers will usually have the low quality, melamine type edging. In contrast, the units in Independent kitchen showrooms will usually have the high quality, PVC or ABS type edging.
A Secure Foundation 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.
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