Skip the worry when deciding which cabinets to purchase. Choose KCMA-certified cabinets - and know you've made a smart investment.
When you select KCMA-certified cabinets for your kitchen or bath cabinets, rest assured we’ve done your homework for you: Your cabinets pass the toughest tests of durability and performance in the marketplace today and have earned the prestigious KCMA A161.1 Quality Certification Seal.
In fact, the KCMA A161.1 Quality Certification Seal is so trusted that This Old House recommends only purchasing cabinets that have the KCMA Quality Certification Seal.
Why is certified cabinetry a must for today's performance-conscious homeowner?
We’ll give you five reasons.
KCMA’s rigorous, in-laboratory compliance program measures the integrity of your cabinetry through over a dozen tests in five categories. These tests evaluate cabinet structure, door and drawer operation, and the cabinetry finish, making certain each feature complies with the nationally recognized standards developed by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association. In today’s competitive homebuilding industry, our KCMA cabinetry standards are well respected and serve as a best-in-class benchmark for cabinet manufacturers.
First, we weight test your KCMA-certified cabinets. For seven days, in a laboratory environment, we load cabinet shelves and bottoms with 15 pounds of weight per square foot. Technicians monitor the cabinetry for signs of joint separation or other failures of the cabinets or their mounting systems. Other weight tests include gradually loading 600 pounds into mounted cabinets, simulating the stress on a heavily loaded cabinet, and dropping a three-pound steel ball onto cabinet bottoms from six inches above the surface, replicating dropped cans.
Next, we slide test your certified cabinets. Few families will open and close cabinets as frequently – or as vigorously – as we do during our certification testing. But that’s the point. After we slide cabinets for 25,000 cycles, while they hold 15 pounds per square foot, you know your KCMA-certified cabinetry will keep pace with your active lifestyle.
Third, we swing test the cabinetry. How do you avoid the shoddy look of loose or unaligned cabinet doors that often occurs over time? You buy certified cabinets. During two separate tests – focusing on the cabinet doors and hinges—we test their ability to withstand 65 pounds of weight and 25,000 swing cycles. KCMA-certified cabinetry continues to operate flawlessly with no signs of damage or looseness.
Then we spill test.Because the finish of your cabinetry is one of its most visible features, we test it to make certain it’s manufactured to withstand potentially abrasive substances. KCMA exposes cabinetry to such stain threats as vinegar, grape juice, coffee, alcohol and even mustard for varying amounts of time. The result? Cabinets that earn the KCMA certification seal show no discoloration that can’t easily be polished away.
Finally, we heat test your KCMA-certified cabinets. After sweltering in a humid, 120-degree hotbox for 24 hours, how do KCMA-certified cabinets respond? Beautifully. With no discoloration or blistering, your certified cabinets prove they can handle the inevitable temperature hazards in your kitchen.
So, why insist on KCMA-certified cabinets?
A recent study by Hanley-Wood shows that 3rd party testing is one of the top reasons for choosing a cabinet company. So trust the KCMA certification, because you deserve the comfort that comes with knowing your cabinetry will take whatever life dishes out.
Trust KCMA, the organization that has set the standard for cabinets since 1965.
The Importance of the Environmental Stewardship Program
It’s no secret why “Going Green” has been both an upwards trend and one of the biggest environmental challenges facing our population. Many manufacturing companies are embracing environmental sustainability for not only environmental reasons, but also to reduce costs and meet consumer demand for sustainable products. Some of the challenges the cabinet manufacturing industry faces include air pollution, energy conservation and waste management.
When it comes time to purchase furniture or cabinetry for the home, there are endless options out there. Between styles, finishes, materials and more, choosing these products can take some time and research. You want products that not only look good, but are good for your home and the environment. By purchasing KCMA ESP responsible and sustainable certified cabinets, you are not only helping to improve your home, you’re doing your part to help protect the environment.
5 Reasons You Should Purchase from a KCMA ESP Certified Cabinet Manufacturer:
- Safe Air Quality & Pollution Prevention- ESP certified cabinets are made with materials and finishes that greatly reduce emissions from the cabinets
- Sustainable Product Resource Management- The materials used in making the cabinets are sourced in an environmentally friendly way
- Waste Minimization- In making the cabinets the process is environmentally friendly. Process waste is tracked, reduced and recycled and there is a focus on energy conservation.
- Environmental Stewardship- The manufacturer has a written policy statement concerning a firm commitment to environmental quality. In addition, the facility may have an environmental management system, requires review of vendor’s environmental policies, uses renewable/recycled materials and ships cabinets through an EPA SmartWay Transport partner.
- Community Service– The manufacturer has a commitment to the community through service and/or charitable giving.
