When it comes to durable, stylish, and timeless cabinetry, the materials used in construction are everything. At Cardinal Cabinets, we take immense pride in our commitment to quality, longevity, and American craftsmanship. Our cabinets are more than just storage—they are investments built to stand the test of time.
High-Grade Hardwood: The Foundation of Strength
At the heart of every Cardinal cabinet is premium, solid hardwood. We source only select-grade lumber, ensuring that each panel, face frame, and drawer front delivers exceptional structural integrity and aesthetically pleasing grain patterns. The species we rely on most include:
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Maple: Known for its dense structure and smooth, uniform appearance, ideal for painting or clear finishes.
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Cherry: Valued for its rich reddish tones and natural aging process that deepens color over time.
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Oak: With its pronounced grain and impressive strength, oak is perfect for traditional and rustic styles.
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Hickory: Our go-to for maximum durability, with a bold, natural look and unmatched hardness.
We kiln-dry our hardwoods to precise moisture levels to prevent warping, shrinking, or cracking, ensuring your cabinets maintain their form and function for decades.
Plywood Over Particleboard: Engineered for Excellence
Unlike many mass-market cabinet manufacturers who cut corners by using low-grade particleboard, Cardinal commits to using furniture-grade plywood for the box construction. Our plywood offers:
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Multi-layered strength with cross-grain construction
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Superior resistance to moisture, especially in kitchens and bathrooms
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Screw-holding power for durable hinge and drawer slide attachment
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Low formaldehyde emissions, meeting CARB Phase 2 compliance
Each cabinet box is constructed using ¾” thick plywood panels, ensuring that your cabinets won’t sag under weight or degrade under pressure. The backs are fully enclosed with matching plywood panels for added rigidity.
Dovetail Joinery: The Signature of Craftsmanship
At Cardinal, joinery is not just a technique—it’s a tradition. Our dovetail joints, used on all drawer boxes, are a mark of high-quality craftsmanship. This interlocking design:
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Maximizes strength and durability
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Prevents loosening over time
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Resists daily wear and tear, even with heavy use
We use solid hardwood sides for drawer boxes and finish them with a clear UV coating, enhancing both durability and visual appeal.
Soft-Close Hardware: Smooth Operation, Silent Functionality
Every Cardinal cabinet is equipped with premium soft-close hardware, sourced from industry-leading brands like Blum® and Grass®. These components include:
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Full-extension drawer slides, allowing complete access to the drawer’s interior
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Soft-close hinges that eliminate slamming and extend the life of the doors
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Adjustable mounting systems for easy alignment and long-term reliability
All hardware is engineered to withstand over 100,000 open-close cycles, ensuring your cabinets perform like new even after years of daily use.
Water-Resistant Finishes: Sealed for Life
Cabinets are constantly exposed to moisture, oils, and cleaning products. That’s why Cardinal applies multi-layered, catalyzed conversion finishes that:
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Seal the wood pores for enhanced water resistance
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Provide UV protection to prevent color fading
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Resist common kitchen and bathroom chemicals
Our finishing process includes sanding, staining, and sealing, followed by a final clear coat that cures to a hard, protective surface. This process creates a luxurious feel and a finish that won’t crack, peel, or discolor over time.
Eco-Conscious Materials: Built for the Future
We believe in sustainable craftsmanship. All wood used in Cardinal cabinets is responsibly harvested from certified, renewable sources. In addition:
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Low-VOC adhesives and finishes protect indoor air quality
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Recycled content is used where appropriate without compromising quality
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Manufacturing waste is minimized through advanced CNC technology and scrap reuse
We are proud to offer cabinetry that is GreenGuard certified, reflecting our commitment to eco-friendly construction and healthy living spaces.
Customization with Purpose: Tailored Materials for Every Project
Cardinal offers an extensive array of customization options that let you choose materials to match your specific needs, including:
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Exotic veneers like walnut, mahogany, and teak for luxury designs
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Textured laminates for contemporary or high-traffic areas
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High-gloss acrylics for a modern, minimalist aesthetic
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Paint-grade MDF options for flawlessly painted finishes without grain visibility
We work with homeowners, designers, and contractors to specify the perfect material combinations for beauty, durability, and performance.
Built in America: Locally Sourced, Expertly Crafted
Cardinal Cabinets are proudly designed and manufactured in the USA, supporting local suppliers, craftsmen, and small businesses. Our facilities adhere to the strictest quality control standards, ensuring every cabinet meets or exceeds industry benchmarks.
Our domestic manufacturing model allows for:
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Faster lead times
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Better communication and design flexibility
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More consistent quality control
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Reduced environmental footprint
Lifetime Durability Backed by Warranty
We back our cabinets with a limited lifetime warranty, a promise that reflects our confidence in the materials we choose. Every hinge, every joint, every panel is built with intention and tested for long-lasting performance.
In the rare event of a manufacturing defect, Cardinal will repair or replace the affected part at no cost, demonstrating our commitment to quality assurance and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
When you choose Cardinal, you’re investing in more than cabinetry—you’re investing in peace of mind. From the strength of our hardwoods to the precision of our joinery, and the beauty of our finishes, we use only the finest materials available to build cabinets that are truly built to last.
