Buying Kitchen Cabinets Online
Buying Kitchen Cabinets Online
Buying kitchen cabinets online can save homeowners money, but it’s important to know what to look for. Past cabinet tests conducted by Consumer Reports have revealed that some online cabinet companies can offer premium features like dovetail drawer boxes but deliver shoddy workmanship.
Customers should make sure they have access to clear instructions for assembling their new cabinets online. They should also find out what the return policy is before purchasing.
Quality
Online shopping can give you access to more options and higher quality than what you would find at a local showroom or big box store. This is because companies without showrooms or big locations save money on overhead and pass the savings on to consumers.
Look for a website with clear, detailed descriptions for each cabinet option. Make sure to read them carefully to determine if the cabinets meet your quality standards. For example, you might notice that one cabinet features solid wood drawers while another has particle board shelves.
The restocking fees return shipping costs, and open package policy should also be clearly explained. It’s important to know these things before making a purchase, especially when it’s an expensive investment like new kitchen cabinets. The last thing you want to do is end up with low-quality cabinets that will fall apart after a few years of use.
Design
Online shoppers can save money on cabinet pricing by avoiding the overhead costs of brick-and-mortar stores. They also have access to a wider selection of cabinet styles. They can even get a free kitchen design input from a professional at no additional cost. Then they can use software that simulates how their choices will look in their space before making a final purchase decision.
However, there are some disadvantages to buying cabinets online. It can be difficult to compare cabinet pricing and features when shopping online. Customers must also deal with shipping fees and long lead times.
A good way to avoid these problems is by finding a local cabinet dealer that specializes in the type of cabinet you’re looking for. For example, Main Line Kitchen Design is a local cabinet dealer in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania that offers a wide range of cabinets and has a showroom. Customers can schedule a physical or virtual appointment with a designer to discuss their needs.
Installation
Cabinet installation is a major undertaking. If you are not comfortable drilling or screwing and don’t have the proper tools, it is best to hire a professional. Having said that, with clear instructions, plenty of time, and standard tools, most homeowners can install cabinets themselves.
The first thing to check when buying cabinets online is the company’s shipping policy. Some companies have a flat rate that includes all parts, including toe kicks and wall fillers. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Also, look for a company that has a quality guarantee. This will ensure that you are getting the best value and highest quality cabinets. This way, you can be confident that your cabinets will last for years to come. You should also look at the product description to make sure that the materials are top-notch. You want to avoid particle board or MDF, as these materials do not hold up over time.
Warranty
Online kitchen cabinet retailers recognize the fact that not everyone has an unlimited budget for their home remodeling project. Without a showroom to inflate overhead costs, these stores can sell their products at bargain prices.
Regardless of whether you choose to shop for your cabinets online or at local big box stores, it is always best to order samples before making any final decisions. Samples can help you see the wood quality and finish color, as well as give you a more realistic look at how your new kitchen cabinets will match the existing decor.
Keep in mind that natural wood characteristics and aging can cause product samples to vary from actual new kitchen cabinetry. Humid air can cause slight swelling and drier air can cause slight shrinkage in wood parts. This dimensional change is normal and unavoidable. These changes are not covered by the warranty unless it is caused by a defect in material or workmanship.
