1. Look for the KCMA seal. This means the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association has approved the construction of the cabinets and the materials used to build them meet minimum industry standards.
2. Are you familiar with the brand name? Does it carry a Best Buy seal or other evidence of independent testing and approval?
3. Does the manufacturer offer the variety of parts and pieces that will be needed to complete the design of your kitchen in the style that you choose? (Are there matching cabinets for other rooms in your home for a coordinated wood species, finish color, styling theme throughout your home?)
4. Can the manufacturer deliver the cabinets on a timely basis for your project? Length of time between order and delivery can vary greatly from brand to brand. Get an approximate delivery date in writing, if you can.
5. The manufacturer's warranty can be a very valuable part of what you pay for when you make your cabinet purchase. Warranties may vary from one year to 'lifetime' (meaning the length of time the original purchaser owns the kitchen. Lifetime warranties are usually not transferable). Look for the warranty that gives you the most 'comfort' for your investment.

Specific Considerations

1. Quality and consistency of finish. This includes the 'touch test' of the surfaces, inside and out. Ask for printed information about the manufacturer's finishing materials and methods. See Finish Types. More on Wood Species Characteristics .
2. Quality in the interior. Look for careful finishing with either high-solids varnishes on wood veneers or wipe-clean interiors that do not require paper liners to protect against water-rings, scratches and other damage common to use.
3. Quality in function. Look for high quality drawer suspension systems and hinges that are easy to adjust and require no special maintenance. Are there interior functional features and options that will maximize the specific storage you require?
4. Quality in construction. Look for corner gussets or i-beam struts that reinforce face frame construction. Thicker shelves span wider cabinets and support more weight without sagging. All shelving should be adjustable. Look for full depth shelves in standard base cabinets.
5. Quality in details. Look for sanded edges on frames (inside and outside). Generally, high quality finishes do not have a high sheen, but a softer, satin sheen that best enhances the character of the wood you choose. Look for other quality touches like magnetic door latches ( for nonself-closing hinge types) or high quality 'bumpers' that won't fall off. Are doors with panels the 'floating' type to prevent cracking and tell-tale finish lines? Do open or decorative cabinets have finished wood interiors? (Avoid 'wood grain' or 'patterned' finishes on the interior of open cabinets, which will not age with light exposure the same as their wood exteriors. Are moldings solid wood, rather than 'wood grained wraps' that could delaminate and also not age to match the real wood components?
6. Quality in service. Choose both a dealer and a manufacturer that offer the level of service you expect for the level of investment you are planning to make. How much down payment is required to place your order? (Consider the interest on money you may lose or be required to pay during the time you are awaiting delivery.) Ask for assurances that both the dealer and the manufacturer will assist with problems or warranty issues, should you have them.