The Importance of KCMA Certified Kitchen Cabinets
At Miramont Cabinetry, we produce thousands cabinets annually, each proudly carrying the KCMA certification. Here’s why you should choose KCMA Certified kitchen cabinets for your home.
The Value of KCMA Certified Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen and vanity cabinets with the ANSI/KCMA A161.1 certification seal have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their structural integrity, drawer performance, door operation, and finish quality. This certification signifies that the cabinets meet stringent performance and construction standards, including tests for weight capacity, slide endurance, swing durability, and stain resistance. The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) oversees this certification process.
The Unique KCMA A161.1 Standard
According to Chuck Arnold, Director of Certification, the KCMA A161.1 standard stands out as the only performance standard specifically for kitchen and bath cabinets. To earn this certification, cabinets must adhere to 14 construction requirements, ensuring they are fully enclosed, structurally sound, and made of durable materials. These standards cover everything from the proper alignment and closure of doors and drawers to the moisture content of the wood used.
Rigorous Testing for Durability and Performance
Certified cabinets must pass eight categories of tests, which are conducted by accredited independent laboratories. These tests assess structural integrity, drawer and door operation, and finish quality. The certification ensures that the cabinets can withstand the stresses of everyday use and maintain their functionality and appearance over time.
Structural Tests
Structural tests verify the strength and durability of the cabinets. For example, shelves and bottoms are loaded with weight to ensure they don’t sag or show signs of joint separation. Wall cabinets are tested to support up to 600 pounds, while base-front joints are subjected to heavy loads to ensure they remain secure under stress.
Drawer and Door Operation Tests
Drawers are tested by being loaded and cycled thousands of times to ensure they remain operable without failure. Similarly, doors are tested for their ability to withstand weight and repetitive opening and closing, ensuring they stay functional and secure.
Finish Quality Tests
The finish tests simulate years of exposure to kitchen conditions. These tests check for the cabinet’s ability to withstand high temperatures, humidity, and exposure to common household substances like vinegar, mustard, and coffee. The finishes must show no signs of discoloration, blistering, or other forms of degradation.
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
KCMA’s certification program, which has been in place for over 45 years, is continually updated to reflect advancements in technology, materials, and construction methods. This ongoing revision process involves input from a balanced committee of consumers, suppliers, builders, remodelers, government representatives, and other stakeholders to ensure the standards remain relevant and rigorous.
Miramont Cabinetry is proud to have all our cabinets KCMA certified, adhering to these high standards for over four decades. For more information on the certification process or to find certified cabinetry manufacturers, visit KCMA.org. Review KCMA-certified cabinets with your account manager and see why you should choose only KCMA-certified cabinets for your multifamily properties.