How Can You Tell Cheap Cabinets?

How Can You Tell Cheap Cabinets?

You walk into a kitchen showroom.

Everything looks sleek, glossy, and ready for a magazine cover.

But somewhere in the back of your mind, a little voice whispers, “Are these cabinets actually good… or just good-looking?”

If you’ve ever wondered how to spot a cheap cabinet before it sags, warps, or gives up on life—you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the red flags of low-quality cabinetry with just the right dose of sass.

1. Tap on the Cabinet. Does It Sound Like a Hollow Secret?

Cheap cabinets have a feeling—and not the good kind. Tap on the sides or doors. If it sounds like knocking on a cardboard box filled with broken dreams, it’s likely made of:

• Particleboard

• MDF (medium-density fiberboard)

• Laminate stuck on with hope and glue

These materials might look fine on day one, but let’s just say they don’t handle stress (or steam) well.

Pro Tip:

Always ask: “Is this all wood?” If the salesperson dodges the question like it’s jury duty, walk away.

2. Open the Drawer—Now Yank It Like You Mean It

Cheap drawers will either:

• Wiggle like a loose tooth

• Slide out like they’re exhausted

• Or, worst of all, fall out entirely

Quality drawers use dovetail joints and soft-close glides. If you see staples, glue blobs, or thin metal tracks that bend with a dirty look, that’s a flashing red light.

Drawer Test Checklist:

• Does it glide smoothly?

• Does it slam or softly close?

• Can you pull it fully open without drama?

If not: red flag. Cheap drawers = daily frustration.

3. Peek Inside. Is It Just a Pretty Face?

The inside of the cabinet reveals the truth. Check for:

• Thin back panels (1/8" thick? That's a no.)

• Plastic or foil finishes that peel

• Staples or glue-only construction (no bueno)

If it’s held together by willpower and edge tape, it won’t last long. You want full back panels, solid box construction, and wood interiors—not cardboard impersonators.

4. Check the Hinges. Are They Holding On for Dear Life?

Cabinet doors get used 10,000+ times in their lifetime (rough math, but probably true). Cheap cabinets use flimsy hinges that:

• Wiggle

• Rust

• Or can’t handle actual use

Look for:

• Adjustable, steel hinges

• Soft-close options

• Screws in solid wood—not crumbling pressboard

Hinges should feel like they mean business. If they creak or sag now, they’ll throw in the towel by next spring.

5. Ask About the Finish. Will It Survive a Toddler With a Marker?

Cheap cabinets often use thin melamine or vinyl wraps—great for showroom sparkle, not so great for real life.

A quality finish is:

• Painted or stained wood

• Sealed properly to resist moisture and scratches

• Smooth to the touch, not bubbly or uneven

Bonus test: run your fingernail along the edge. If the finish lifts or flakes? That cabinet is already waving the white flag.

So… What Makes a Cabinet “Quality”?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

In Real Life: Cheap Cabinets Don’t Age Well

They might look cute in the store, but they age like milk.

• Corners chip

• Drawers sag

• Doors swell from steam

• Hinges fail

And suddenly your “budget kitchen” needs another budget

Looking for Cabinets That Last in Orlando?

At Timeless Kitchen Outlet, we believe your cabinets should feel as good as they look.

✅ All-wood construction
✅ Dovetail drawers, soft-close hardware
✅ 50+ designer styles
✅ Factory outlet pricing (without the cheap shortcuts)

📍 Visit us at 2591 N. Forsyth Rd Suite A & B, Orlando, FL 32807

☎️ Call us at (321) 284-2580 for expert advice or to test out a drawer in person. We dare you.

Final Thought?

Cheap cabinets are easy to spot—when you know what to look for.

So go ahead, poke, prod, knock, and inspect. Your future self (and your future kitchen) will thank you.

Here you go!