Product Partners

CRYSTAL CABINETS • CAMBRIA QUARTZ

Crystal Cabinets

Many people are under the false assumption that “custom” cabinets mean they have to come from a local shop and can’t be done in a factory. Customers must not be fooled by superficial similarities and should understand how high quality boxwork materials and construction can make a major difference in the overall quality, performance, and value of their cabinetry.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE IN THE FINISH?

CRYSTAL:

Crystal’s finishes are done in a dedicated finish area with positive airflow (to keep dust out) and drying ovens versus air dried. This creates a much more durable and ultra-smooth finish. Crystal’s plant is humidity controlled with misters so that there is always an optimal moisture content in the air/wood.

Crystal has a multi-million dollar finish system. Equipment is routinely regulated by onsite reps from the largest suppliers of furniture finish in the industry.

Multiple steps are used for Crystal’s finishes. Paints for example have two coats of pigmented primer, are hand-sanded in between and finished with final paint top coat, then ovenbaked using halogen drying ovens.

Each door is meticulously sanded using different equipment/techniques creating the smoothest possible surface.

LOCAL SHOP:

A typical shop either finishes in a small room in their shop
which is exposed to all of the dust in the air or it is finished
by a painter on the job site (even worse). By finishing this
way not only is their more foreign debris in the finish but
there is a real good opportunity for too much/or little moisture in the wood prior to finish.
Shops use hand painter sprayers.
Typical shop has a primer and maybe a combined topcoat/
pigment coat. Nowhere near the depth or durability.
Shops use orbital hand sanders.
Most local shops do not have the technology to offer environmentally friendly finishes.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN MATERIALS AND QUALITY?

CRYSTAL:

Much like our construction and manufacturing methods, the
hardwood plywood used by Crystal is the best in the cabinet
industry, featuring high end panels and high grade face veneers and is American-made. Particleboard or MDF are also
extremely durable and shops do not take advantage of this.
Our purchasing department has access to the finest
materials which are all quality inpected upon arrival.
Crystal is a custom shop that makes our own doors in any
wood and finish that you want.
Wood is measured for moisture content before it is received.
Crystal’s humidity is monitored throughout the plant around
the clock. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR INSET
CABI-NETRY WHERE TOLERANCES ARE CRUCIAL.

LOCAL SHOPS:

Shops use more multipurpose materials which are often
lower grade because they cannot buy enough for specific
purposes to be profitable.
In most cases shops buy their doors and put on their boxes.
For example on painted products, a lot of shops will paint
on birch veneer plywood which causes a wavy or uneven
surface.
Most local shops will not do inset because they cannot control the moisture content well enough and if they do they
tend to undersize the doors which gives a lower quality look.

WHAT IF I HAVE AN ISSUE ONCE MY CABINETS ARE INSTALLED?

CRYSTAL:

Crystal is committed to backing your investment
with a lifetime warranty and has been in business
for 72 years.
Crystal has an entire department dedicated
to after the sale “issues.” Should you need additional parts,
that is handled without having to wait for the shop to stop
making their next job and address yours.
Look at a job done today, versus 12 months ago and it will
be identical. Crystal has state of the art computer equipment
that is calibrated to our finishing systems. If a replacement
door or part is needed Crystal can produce an exact match.

LOCAL SHOPS:

What warranty does the shop have (especially on finish) and
how long have they been in business. Many shops are going
out of business.
What happens with the shop? If they need to match the
finish do they have computer equipment on site that is calibrated to their finish system that can do this? A local shop
will not have this technology to produce such a match.

I’M CONCERNED WITH THE ENVIRONMENT AND WANT A “GREEN” CABINETRY 

CRYSTAL:
Crystal has documented policies for making decisions with
regard to reducing waste, recycling waste and manufacturing by-products, conserving energy, and using recycled or
rapidly-renewable materials in our products and processes.
Crystal’s intent is to continue pursuing all avenues to ‘green’
until it truly becomes a way of life. We have a strategic objective to be a leader in green, both in terms of our product
offerings and our manufacturing processes.
Crystal is certified under the KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program.

LOCAL SHOPS:
Most local shops will not have such strict policies in place
or have the ability to maintain and qualify for these green
certifications.

 

Cambria Quartz

From CambriaUSA.com:

NOTHING BEATS CAMBRIA
We are defined by our values, animated by our passion, committed to sustainability, and focused on our customers. Cambria is American made and family owned. Our products are made of the finest natural quartz. They are distinctively durable, nonabsorbent, and easy to maintain. We back them with robust service and support and a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty.

Visit Cambria Quartz

SUSTAINABILITY
As an American-made, family-owned company privileged to work with a precious resource, we’re committed to the well-being of our customers, our team, our community, and the environment.

Beginning in our company-owned mine and continuing through processing, we employ sustainable best practices in our operations and encourage our partners to do the same.

What are the differences?

CAMBRIA VS. GRANITE
There’s a real joy in a truly clean surface. Because it’s not porous like granite, quartz is easier to clean and easier to keep bacteria-free. Quartz is also harder than granite, making it more durable.

CAMBRIA VS. MARBLE
Quartz shares marble’s elegance, but it’s much harder—and much less likely to stain—so that elegance lasts.

CAMBRIA VS. CONCRETE
Quartz is as practical as it is sophisticated. Concrete needs time to cure; it cracks over the years and generally requires more maintenance.

CAMBRIA VS. SOAPSTONE
Quartz countertops are significantly more durable than soapstone countertops, which can scratch easily and must be oiled regularly to maintain their appearance.

CAMBRIA VS. WOOD
Quartz countertops provide much more strength and durability compared to wood or butcher block countertops, which can stain, scratch, and need frequent sealing, sanding, and oiling.