Cabinets are one of the most visible and frequently used elements in any kitchen, bathroom, or laundry. Whether you’re renovating your coastal home in Mornington, Victoria, or purchasing a new build, cabinetry is a major investment. But how can you tell if cabinets are cheap or low quality before you commit?
With Leona Rodriguesi of Mornington Cabinet Makers, we’ll walk through expert insights to help you identify poor-quality cabinetry, understand the red flags, and know what to look for when assessing materials and craftsmanship—especially in the Mornington Peninsula property market where smart renovations add significant value.
Why Cabinet Quality Matters
Cheap cabinets don’t just look inferior—they age poorly, sag under weight, and can bring down the entire aesthetic and value of your home. Given that kitchen renovations in Mornington often exceed $25,000, it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting cabinetry that’s worth the price.
Whether you’re hiring a Mornington cabinet maker or evaluating flat-pack options from major retailers, recognizing the signs of cheaply made cabinetry is your first step toward a long-lasting kitchen or bathroom upgrade.
1. Material Types: MDF vs. Plywood vs. Solid Wood
The core material of a cabinet is a major giveaway. Here’s how to tell if the cabinet is built with budget materials:
- Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF): While smooth and paintable, MDF is prone to swelling and cracking when exposed to moisture. Cabinets made entirely of MDF, especially in kitchens or bathrooms, often indicate a cheaper build.
- Particleboard: Often used in flat-pack cabinetry, this is the lowest-cost option. It lacks structural integrity and deteriorates quickly, especially in humid coastal climates like Mornington’s.
- Plywood: A better choice than MDF or particleboard. Look for plywood sides and backs that are at least ½ inch thick.
- Solid Wood: The gold standard. If you’re seeing genuine hardwoods like Tasmanian oak, blackwood, or Victorian ash, especially from Mornington cabinetmakers, you’re likely dealing with quality construction.
Pro tip: Knock on the cabinet sides. A hollow sound often indicates cheap particleboard.
2. Construction Details: Dovetail Joints vs. Staples
Joinery matters. In high-end cabinetry, drawers and panels are joined with precision.
- Dovetail joints—interlocking wood pieces—are a hallmark of durable cabinetry.
- Stapled or glued joints, or those held with only nails, suggest mass-produced, low-cost manufacturing.
Look inside drawers and cabinets. If you see screws, dowels, or biscuit joinery, you’re in a better-quality range. If it’s all glue and staples? Think twice.
3. Finish Quality: Paint, Laminate, and Veneers
In coastal areas like Mornington, humidity and salt air can wreak havoc on cheap finishes. Here’s what to inspect:
- Laminate finishes can peel over time, especially if applied to MDF.
- Thermofoil (a heat-applied vinyl over fiberboard) looks sleek but can bubble or yellow.
- Painted finishes on solid timber hold up far better, especially if sealed properly.
Run your hand over the surface. Uneven textures, paint drips, or bubbling are red flags.
4. Cabinet Hardware: Hinges, Glides, and Handles
Cheap cabinetry often skimps on hardware. This affects not just durability, but daily functionality.
- Soft-close hinges and drawer glides are features of quality cabinetry.
- If the drawers wobble or slam shut, or the doors don’t align evenly—it’s likely cheap.
- Check for European-style concealed hinges and full-extension drawer runners.
Brands like Blum or Hettich, commonly used by quality joiners in Mornington, are signs of better builds.
5. Cabinet Backs and Interior
Most buyers don’t check the back of a cabinet, but it can tell you a lot.
- Thin back panels (1/8 inch or less) made of cardboard or flimsy MDF are signs of low-quality cabinets.
- Quality cabinets have full back panels (ideally plywood) that support the structure and ensure easy installation.
Interior shelves should be adjustable and thick enough (usually ¾ inch) to hold weight without bowing.
6. Brand Reputation and Local Craftsmanship
Mass-produced brands sold in flat-pack form may look good in the showroom but struggle under daily use. Look for:
- Reviews from other Mornington homeowners
- Inclusions on renovation forums like Houzz Australia
- Endorsements by local builders or joiners
Better still, choose a Mornington Peninsula cabinet maker who offers custom or semi-custom cabinetry. Local craftsmen often use superior materials suited to the area’s coastal climate and back their work with warranties. For professional needs, visit https://morningtoncabinetmakers.com.au/.
7. Price Isn’t Everything—but It’s a Clue
Cheap cabinets may tempt you with low upfront costs, but replacement and repair costs add up fast.
If a full kitchen cabinetry package costs under $5,000, including installation—it’s probably using lower-tier materials, thinner panels, and mass-produced parts. In Mornington, where real estate values are on the rise, investing in mid- to high-end cabinetry can yield long-term ROI.
What to Ask Before You Buy
Whether you’re buying from a Mornington kitchen showroom or working with a bespoke cabinetmaker, ask these questions:
- What materials are used in the cabinet box, doors, and shelves?
- What type of joinery is used in drawer construction?
- Are the hinges and runners soft-close and adjustable?
- Is there a warranty on materials and workmanship?
- Who installs the cabinets? Are they licensed and insured?
Final Thoughts: Invest Wisely in Your Mornington Home
Knowing how to tell if cabinets are cheap is a skill every savvy homeowner or renovator should master—especially in Mornington, where coastal conditions demand higher standards of construction. Look beyond aesthetics. Examine construction, materials, and finishes. Engage with local experts, and when in doubt, ask for samples or visit showrooms like those in Mornington, Mount Eliza, or Rosebud.
Cheap cabinets may seem like a bargain, but in the long run, quality cabinetry elevates your home’s value, comfort, and resale appeal.
Need Cabinet Advice in Mornington?
If you’re unsure whether your cabinets are up to standard, consider scheduling an in-home consultation with a Mornington Peninsula cabinetry expert. From custom kitchens in Mount Martha to bathroom vanities in Frankston South, choosing the right cabinetmaker can make all the difference.