The Hidden Costs of Bargain Cabinet Hardware: A Contractor's Perspective
As a contractor, we frequently discuss the importance of using quality materials. Unfortunately, we sometimes face a negative perception that emphasizes spending more money to increase our profits. However, this is not our philosophy, and we would like to shed light on a scenario that may not have been considered.
To stick to a budget, some individuals opt to purchase cabinet hardware online from sources like Amazon, which may appear aesthetically pleasing but doesn't necessarily match quality of other brands. We ar not even referring to top-tier brands like Anthropologie (yes, they do sell cabinet hardware) or Rocky Mountain, which can charge as much as $69 for a basic cabinet pull bar. We are specifically comparing Amazon to mainstream retailers like Home Depot or Lowe's.
Consider a 5 5/8" or 5” center-to-center bar handle available for $3.00 on Amazon compared to a similar style at Home Depot priced at $7.00 per handle. If you need 20 handles, this translates to a cost of $60 from Amazon versus $140 from Home Depot.
We've have heard from others and have encountered ourselves, one common issue, which is inconsistent spacing from center to center, varying by millimeters. What does this mean for you? It means if you're bothered by handles not looking exactly the same length, you'll have to deal with that discrepancy daily. You might eventually want to replace them, especially if the finish wears off after a few years. However, finding the exact same handle spacing is unlikely, resulting in multiple holes in your cabinets. Who wants multiple holes in their new cabinets?
From a contractor's perspective, using a cabinet hardware jig to streamline the installation process isn't feasible with these non-uniform handles. Each one must be installed manually, consuming both time and budget. Moreover, our warranty, which covers workmanship and materials, lasts for just one year from the date of completion. No contractor wants clients to deal with issues that shouldn't have arisen, and we strive for perfection that extends far beyond just a few years.
In conclusion, we don't insist that you must invest in high-end handles like those from Anthropologie. However, we strongly advise against compromising quality for the cheapest option. The potential headaches, including inconsistent spacing, finish wear, and the challenges of replacement, make the additional investment in quality hardware well worth it, both for contractors and the clients.
Disclaimer: The image provided is not representative of the specific handle under discussion; it is simply a zoomed-in view of handles in one of our kitchens for illustrative purposes.
