The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) was founded in 1955. This association represents companies in both the Unites States and Canada that are in the business of manufacturing kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities, fabricating countertops or supplying this industry in general. The association currently has 360 member companies, all dedicated to producing quality goods for the homeowner.

One of the primary functions of KCMA is to certify the quality of the cabinets made by the member companies. Each member company can choose which product lines will be tested for receiving the KCMA seal of quality. Just because a company has one product that has achieved the quality seal does not imply that other products meet the same level of quality. Only cabinets that bear the seal inside the door are certified kitchen cabinets. Agencies of the U.S. government as well as architects and others in the construction industry specify KCMA certified cabinets in their specifications because these cabinets will withstand the daily use that kitchen cabinets usually receive.

All the testing performed on the kitchen cabinets is done by an independent testing laboratory. While manufacturers submit the original cabinets for testing, KCMA requires that unannounced visits are made to the factory. During these unannounced visits sample cabinetry is removed from the assembly line by the independent testing laboratory personnel and brought in for follow-up testing. Customer complaints may prompt additional testing. Manufacturers who voluntarily submit their product to this kind of testing must remain open to these unscheduled tests of random product.

Before a cabinet can receive the quality certification, rigorous construction standards must be met. For instance, all upper cabinets that are wall hung must be fully enclosed; its counterpart, the lower cabinet, doesn't need a top since these are covered by a countertop. As obvious as this may sound, the less expensive and lower quality cabinets may not contain a back enclosure. All cabinet hardware must adhere to Builders Hardware Manufacturing Association finish standards, according to KCMA quality standard.

Some rather interesting tests are done at the testing lab for the sample cabinets. For instance, every drawer is loaded with weights. The cabinet drawers are then open and closed 25,000 times. Cabinet doors are similarly tested but are opened to a full 90 degrees and then closed 25,000 times. All hardware must still be fully operational at the completion of these tests. The finish on the cabinet is also tested for durability by exposing it to common household products like orange juice, alcohol, vinegar and detergent for 24 hours. The finish is also tested in a hotbox at 120 degrees F. There are many more tests that cabinets are put through.

If you are looking for quality kitchen cabinets for your new home or for remodeling your kitchen, look for the KCMA seal inside the cabinetry. Ask your salesperson to show you the location of this seal before you purchase cabinets. When you see this seal you know that the product you are buying has been rigorously tested.

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