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Product Standards: Remodelers Drive Cabinet Industry

Sept. 1, 2001
4 min read

If it weren’t for the remodeling industry, the cabinet-manufacturing business would be different. Much smaller, for starters, says Dick Titus, executive vice president of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association. Remodeling accounts for 75% to 80% of cabinetry sold, he says.

"This is quite a change from about a decade ago, when the mix [of remodelers and new-home builders] was about 60/40," he says. "Now the industry is more focused on remodelers’ needs." Titus attributes the wide variety of cabinet styles, finishes and options to remodelers and their customers.

When it comes to choosing cabinets for their kitchens and bathrooms, many customers take a "been there, done that" approach, especially baby boomers whose earlier homes were often tract houses identically furnished with builder-grade cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms. Now that boomers are older, more sophisticated and more affluent, they are demanding cabinets that will either add value to their homes if they decide to sell them and downsize at retirement, or have styles and features with which they can live happily ever after. Titus points to special storage features, such as pantry units with fold-out shelves and lazy susans, that once were found only in custom cabinets but are now available in all but the lowest-priced lines.

"There has been tremendous growth in semi-custom cabinets," he says. "Remodelers have triggered more complicated designs and more choice in sizes, colors and special finishes such as glazing. There is also more interest in cabinets for other rooms of the house, where they are being used as entertainment centers and home-office furniture. And manufacturers have responded to that interest."

DECORA: Two new kitchen cabinet door styles are available in cherry and maple. Covington is a recessed-panel product with full-overlay doors. Lexington (pictured) features a raised center panel, full-overlay doors and mitre style with solid-slab drawer fronts.
Contact: 812/634-2288, www.decoracabinets.com.

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KRAFTMAID: The company now offers 21 finishes on its semi-custom cabinetry with the additions of Toffee (pictured), Black Glaze, Chicory Glaze, Ginger Glaze and Chestnut.
Contact: 440/632-5333, www.kraftmaid.com.

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ARISTOKRAFT: The Westbury Roman Arch with Stonewash finish brings a glazelike look to the bath. Stonewash also is available on Oakland and Highland, and comes in standard, select and ply select construction methods.
Contact: 812/482-2527, www.aristokraft.com.

MID CONTINENT: Cottage is a 11/4-inch, full- overlay, beaded panel door with Victorian style and dimensional feel. It is offered in oak, hickory, cherry or maple.
Contact: 800/297-0661, www.midcontinentcabinetry.com.

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CARDELL: The Odyssey Collection of semi-custom cabinetry is available in oak, maple, cherry, hickory and white, with various stains and optional white or brown glaze. Features include dovetail wood drawers, all-wood sides and concealed hinging.
Contact: 210/225-0290

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CANAC: A sharp-edged center panel helps give Bristol solid-maple doors an exaggerated profile. Finishes include Cerise (pictured), Natural, Gold Dust, Honey, Antique, Spice, Cinnamon, Honey Antique, Earthstone, Sandstone, Riverstone, Old Ivory, Chestnut and Sandstone with black antiquing.
Contact: 800/CANAC4U

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YORKTOWNE: Highlight a valance, punctuate a range hood or accent a sink base louver with the carved Acanthus Valance Applique, which can be stained to match or accented with a glaze. It’s part of the company’s Decor Creations Accents, a collection of more than 50 ornamental cabinet accessories.
Contact: 800/777-0065

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HOMECREST: Maple Crest kitchen cabinetry features solid-maple doors, drawer overlays and front frames. Corner cabinets continue the natural flow around the wall while providing extra work and storage space. Appliances can be hidden in the corner garage with roll-up door. Maple Crest is offered in square or arch styling with natural, caramel, sorrel or frost finish.
Contact: 219/535-9300, www.homecrestcab.com.

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Also See:

Quality Cabinents

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