While imported cabinets are
priced about 15% less for a similar quality American made cabinets it is hard
to argue with a better product for less money. However, let’s look a little
closer at the whole picture.
Chinese Imported Cabinets have low quality by using a 5 ply panel stock that is
weak and delaminates in a few years or upon getting wet. Formaldehyde weakens
any glue and they use plenty of these dangerous toxins when manufacturing their
plywood. Screws and nails do not do well in the assembly of plywood, therefore
biscuits are recommended.
Chinese cabinets are laden with
formaldehyde, sulfur, lead content and other glue resins which are illegal for
American manufacturers to use because they are banned by the EPA and violate
the CARB initiative. Chinese import cabinets are illegal in California (section
93120.12(d)(A)1.) because of their high formaldehyde content. The Chinese have
no environmental restrictions or health organizations like we have here. Yet we
allow those products to be imported here without question. People exposed to
formaldehyde are at great risk of cancer at worse and asthma at best. Other
glues and resins used in the manufacture of Chinese brand cabinets are banned
in the USA but permitted to be imported. This includes other products like
Chinese made sheetrock/drywall which also have thousands of documented cases of
families getting sick and even several deaths.
Chinese Cabinets have a low quality finish. The finish
almost looks like the cabinets were used. In some cases the finish appears dull
and thin. The finishes seem to have an orange cast caused from using cheap
lacquers. They do not use hardening agents in their clear coat. Hardening
agents also allow the finish to dry instantly preventing dust to settle on the
finish. You could scratch their doors with your finger nail. Or apply finger
nail polish remover and watch the finish come off.
Hardware used in the drawer guides are a stamped light gauge white
metal, not steel and are of such low quality that it is common to see the
drawer collapse under just 15 pounds. Any American cabinet company uses Blum or
Grass guides and their drawers are rated at 75 to 125 pounds. The Chinese cabinetry is improperly dried wood that creates
warping and finish issues later on.
Chinese made cabinets only have limited sizes and styles and
special cabinet boxes are not available.
You will
never ever see a warranty on a Chinese Cabinetry. Say you scratch a door 3 months
after your new kitchen is installed, with most domestic manufactures you can
call up your cabinet supplier and order just the replacement door you need.
With Chinese suppliers you have to reorder THE ENTIRE CABINET!! Make sure you
ask your supplier about this and if they say you can actually get the part you
need without ordering THE ENTIRE CABINET be sure to get it in writing!
Always be sure that you are
getting a fair quote when comparing products. Whether it is in cabinetry,
drywall, or any other imported products, Always ask questions. Remember we have
our Free Second Opinion, just bring your cabinetry drawings to us and we give
you our professional opinion and suggestions before you buy. You can email your
drawings to us at designs@needco.net or
call 205-871-2066 to set appointment with one if our Design/Sale Consultant
today! 