Greensboro, N.C. – Independent testing of the revolutionary Cabinotch Cabinet Box System conducted by HPVA Laboratories demonstrates the impressive strength and durability of these custom-sized American hardwood cabinet boxes when assembled.

In fact, Cabinotch products exceed the levels of the ANSI/KCMA A161.1-2012 Performance and Construction Standard for Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets by passing test measures substantially more rigorous than the typical measures.

HPVA Laboratories conducted structural, deflection, static load and impact tests on Cabinotch wall cabinets, base cabinets and shelves. This testing resulted in receiving “pass” designations in all testing categories.

HPVA Laboratories noted that the integrity of the cabinet boxes was not negatively impacted in any way – even after applying “enhanced” rigorous testing methods that exceed the ANSI/KCMA standards.

According to Josh Hosen, HPVA Laboratories’ manager of certification services, the Cabinotch cabinets were first subjected to the standard ANSI/KCMA static loading test, which stipulates 15 pounds per square foot to be applied to the shelves and cabinet bottoms for a one-week time period. “Once the cabinets passed that standard, we doubled the loading to 30 pounds for two weeks of tests, which they passed as well,” he reported.

Additional static loading tests were performed to simulate wall cabinets’ ability to withstand the weight of items inside and still hang on the wall. HPVA Laboratories increased the amount of weight specified in the ANSI/KCMA standard by 25%, equating to over 750 lbs. of force being applied to the wall cabinet face frame. The Cabinotch products passed with no visible compromise to the structural integrity of the cabinets.

Finally, drop impact tests were performed on the cabinets’ shelves and bottoms. Where the KCMA/ANSI test calls for a 3 lb. ball to be dropped from 6 inches, the Cabinotch products were tested with a 14 lb. ball from 12 inches – and passed.

Commenting on the impact testing, Brian Sause, HPVA Laboratories’ director of testing, certification and standards, remarked, “The impact test on the cabinets was very impressive. Going well beyond the normal specification designed to test the dropping of cans and other items, we dropped a bowling ball from the highest point possible within the cabinet. There wasn’t even a dent in the plywood afterwards.”

Todd Vogelsinger, Director of Marketing, said that the shops using the system today are all quite satisfied with the integrity of the materials and final assembly. “Due to the unique wood-to-wood joinery system we use with Cabinotch, with its self-aligning action and the quality of the American hardwoods we use in the PureBond® plywood, the ½” sides and bottoms are clearly more than sturdy enough to meet – and exceed – the current performance standards for cabinetry.

“Our customers appreciate the handling advantages of a lighter panel as well,” Vogelsinger added.

The Cabinotch system, which includes an innovative, patent-pending interlocking side panel-to-face frame, wood-to-wood joint, has been shown to help cabinet shops reduce costs and improve productivity.

Cabinotch products help shop management minimize the low-profit hours spent at a table saw in favor of the time spent designing, selling, finishing and adding value to their cabinet projects, while offering a premium-quality product that features Columbia Forest Products’ domestically produced, formaldehyde-free PureBond hardwood plywood.

Mike Lee, manager of the Cabinotch program, reports that the system is receiving a highly positive reception in the marketplace. “Through our Cabinotch offering, we can deliver a set of custom-sized American hardwood parts – from the face frame through the sides, backs, bottoms, tops and shelves – that the fabricator can finish and assemble along with adding their doors and drawers,” Lee said. “It delivers production efficiencies that shop owners can put to good use, and see positive results instantly.”

Through a web portal (www.cabinotch.com), customers can register, then specify face frame and interior face species, adjust sizes and order their cabinet box parts, which are then shipped directly to their shop. Instructional videos found on the website illustrate the ease of the box assembly, made possible through the notch in the back of the face frames, and the strength and alignment of the box when assembled.

“You can order your box parts from Cabinotch and start working on your doors, drawers, range hoods and trim. When the Cabinotch parts arrive, usually within a calendar week, finishing them and putting everything together is a snap,” Lee noted.

“On top of the noteworthy efficiencies and time savings, cabinet shops are receiving a top-quality ‘cabinet box’ that they can build out and finish to their customers’ specifications,” Lee added.

“It also means they can market an all-wood cabinet box that’s made in America and features PureBond formaldehyde-free technology. These are three of the most powerful selling points in the consumer’s mind today,” Lee summed up. “This is a product that shops can promote as a true reflection of their individuality and workmanship.”

Columbia Forest Products, which acquired Cabinotch last fall and operates it under its CFP Components Division, is expanding awareness of the Cabinotch cabinet box system through industry promotion and through the company’s network of independent wholesale distributors. Customers order their products online and receive them directly from the plant.

Visit www.cabinotch.com or email [email protected] for more information and to view instructional videos.

Source: Columbia Forest Products