buying tips

With so many suppliers to choose between, buying high quality furniture can be a minefield. We firmly believe an informed purchase is the key to success, so here are our top tips on investing in the best:

- High quality features to look out for include dovetail joints, solid-wood drawer boxes, full-extension and soft-close runners. They will cost more but will pay dividends in the long term.

- A simple way to access the quality of a cabinet is to take a close look at the drawers. Put weight on the drawer at full extension and check for excessive movement or wobble. Also look for quality hinges from the likes of Blum that are rigorously tested for longevity.

- Door hinges are also critical hardware elements. European or ‘concealed’ hinges are generally the most trouble free. Check for adjustability; concealed hinges should be able to be reset and fine-tuned with the cabinets in place.

- Many cabinet carcasses are made from Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC). MFC is strong, doesn’t warp and is easy to maintain. However, do check the edges are made from 3mm-thick polypropylene, which vastly reduces potential chipping and water ingress.

- Always ask for references from past customers. A reputable furniture maker will be delighted to provide a list of happy customers.

- Never underestimate the benefits of a well-designed kitchen. A qualified designer will bring fresh ideas and innovative ideas to the table, and can make the difference between a kitchen that’s a pleasure to use, and one that just looks good.

For further advice please do get in touch, our experienced team is always happy to help.

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