Kitchen Cabinetry Questions & Answers

Before You Start

Most cabinetry regret traces back to decisions made too quickly at the beginning: a layout accepted without questioning it, a specification chosen on appearance alone, or a budget set without knowing what sits outside cabinetry scope.

Spending an extra week on the layout and the storage plan pays back for the entire life of the kitchen. Finishes can be admired from a photograph; layout can only be judged by imagining a normal Tuesday evening in the room.

Questions Worth Asking Any Cabinetry Provider

• What are the boxes made of, and is the sink base the same material?
• Are drawer boxes dovetailed hardwood, and what glides are used?
• Are all surfaces sealed, including backs, undersides and cut edges?
• What is the realistic production lead time for this specification?
• Who performs the field measure, and when does it happen?
• What is excluded from the price?
• What happens if a piece arrives damaged?
• How are hinges and drawers adjusted after installation?

Living With Cabinetry in South Florida

Coastal conditions are manageable with ordinary care. Wipe spills promptly, run the range hood when cooking, keep air conditioning reasonably consistent rather than cycling the house between extremes, and check under the sink occasionally for slow leaks.

Hardware near the coast benefits from periodic wiping to remove salt residue. Solid stainless steel and living finishes handle the environment best; thin plated finishes are the ones most likely to disappoint over several years.