For decades now, Americans and Europeans have understood a common stereotype concerning Chinese manufacturing. When they encounter shoddy workmanship or a product that no longer functions properly, they blame their problem on the Made in China tag on the back.
The real issue, however, has nothing to do with where the product in question was made. The real concern Americans and Europeans should have is how the product was made. No matter where you are on Earth, with the right materials, tools, and techniques, you can always construct high quality products. The same applies for poorly made products using suboptimal materials.
Unfortunately, many Westerners may balk outright at the idea of choosing a Chinese manufacturer for their kitchen cabinets. But what if we told you that by choosing that Chinese cabinet manufacturer, you could find far higher quality at a more affordable price point?
Today, let’s take a look at how many Chinese kitchen cabinet manufacturers one-up their competition abroad and overseas.
Most American-manufactured cabinets use particleboard in their construction and have since the early 1900s. While particleboard is an industry standard for kitchen cabinets, Chinese manufacturers usually use plywood for their cabinet construction.
The main reason for this is surprisingly simple: Chinese kitchen cabinet manufacturers understand that their products will be shipped overseas. During shipping, their products will be exposed to high humidity, which can cause swelling, warping, and other forms of damage. The last thing they want is for their cabinets to arrive in a terrible condition for their customers.
As a result, Chinese kitchen cabinets are often more durable and feel sturdier to the touch than American-made cabinets. That means that by sourcing your kitchen from China, you can benefit from superior material selection during the manufacturing process.
Think about how many times your kitchen cabinet drawers and doors will be interacted with on a daily basis. We’re talking about thousands of times each year! This means that the way your cabinets are assembled is of the utmost importance to their longevity.
Fortunately, most Chinese kitchen cabinet makers use dovetail joints, which are considered the strongest joints used in kitchen cabinetry construction. These joints require careful attention and skill when putting the pieces together, so you can trust the craftsmanship that goes into each cabinet you purchase.
Also, many Chinese cabinet manufacturers use mortise and tenon joints to connect their face frames while American made cabinet face frames use inferior pocket screws. The mortise and tenon joint method is part of a long history of quality construction methods which have stood the test of time, whereas the pocket screws of American construction methods are more about cutting corners than ensuring quality.
When we say Chinese cabinets, you may think we mean that all aspects of the product come from China. But in reality, the Chinese manufacturing network is connecting across the globe to a wide range of designers, suppliers, and manufacturers.
For instance, many of the designs for the latest lines of kitchen cabinets produced by Chinese manufacturers come from European designers. The cabinets you order from China today were very likely first imagined by an Italian or French interior designer.
Many of the materials that go into the creation of Chinese cabinets also originate from outside China. From wood and glue to fasteners and finishes, your cabinets are simply the byproduct of a worldwide distribution network that chooses to locate its assembly facilities in China.
Just because they are assembled in China does not mean your kitchen or bathroom cabinets will be made from the same quality materials and careful assembly as we have detailed here. It’s critical to work with a reputable supplier or sourcing agent for Chinese kitchen cabinets who partners with the best manufacturers throughout the country. That way, when it’s time to order your new kitchen cabinets – either in bulk or for your new home construction or renovation project – you can rest assured that your cabinets will outlast the competition.
At Kitchen from China, we’ve spent the better part of 15 years identifying and working closely with the best names in the Chinese cabinet manufacturing industry. When you choose us as your China sourcing agent, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing we’ve done the research and quality assurance testing ahead of time. That way, once you receive your new cabinets, you’ll know you’re getting the best quality at the best prices.
For more information on Chinese cabinets or how Kitchen from China can help you with your cabinetry needs, contact a representative from our team today.
