DRAWER-BOX CONSTRUCTION
Premium: Solid wood sides, plywood bottoms, secured with dovetail joinery that fits grooves on all 4 sides.
Ok: Metal sides with staples at the back of drawer bottoms.
Lesser Quality: Stapled particleboard, which is less sturdy.
DRAWER & PULLOUT HARDWARE
Premium: Full-extension drawer guides.
Ok: Side rails integrated into a metal box or an undermount double-roller design for drawers, or integrated metal side rails for pullouts.
Lesser Quality: Enamel-coated metal side rails for drawers or pullouts, which don’t withstand impacts as well.
SHELVES
Premium: Medium-density fiberboard or ¾” plywood.
Ok: ¾” particleboard.
Lesser Quality: ½” to 5/8” particleboard, which might sag.
CABINET BOX
Premium: ½” to ¾” furniture-grade plywood.
Ok: 3/8” unfinished plywood, or ½” or thicker coated particleboard.
Lesser Quality: 3/8” coated particleboard, which might
not hold shelf pins and drawer hardware well.
MOUNTING STRIP
Premium: ¾” hardwood or metal with bolt holes.
Ok: ½” thick or thicker particleboard, pine, plywood, or medium-density fiberboard.
Lesser Quality: Thin materials, a concern for heavily
loaded wall cabinets
DOORS
Premium: Solid-wood frame, with a solid wood or plywood panel.
Ok: Veneered particleboard or medium-density fiberboard
Lesser Quality: Laminate or thermofoil over particleboard.
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