The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Certification Program assures the specifier or user of kitchen cabinets and bath vanities that the cabinet bearing the blue and white seal complies with the rigorous standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and sponsored by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA).

5 reasons why certified cabinetry a must for today's performance-conscious homeowner:

KCMA's rigorous, in-laboratory compliance program measures the integrity of your cabinetry through five tests. These tests evaluate cabinet structure, door and drawer operation, and the cabinetry finish, making certain each feature complies with the nationally recognized standards developed by KCMA. In today's competitive homebuilding industry, the KCMA cabinetry standards are well respected and serve as a best-in-class benchmark for cabinet manufacturers.

1. Weight Tests: For seven days, in a laboratory environment, cabinet shelves and bottoms are loaded with 15 pounds of weight per square foot. Technicians monitor the cabinetry for signs of joint separation or other failures of the cabinets or their mounting systems. Other weight tests include gradually loading 500 pounds into mounted cabinets, simulating the stress on a heavily loaded cabinet, and dropping a three-pound steel ball onto cabinet bottoms from six inches above the surface, replicating dropped cans.
2. Slide Tests: Few families will open and close cabinets as frequently - or as vigorously - as they are during KCMA certification testing. But that's the point. After the KCMA slides cabinets for 25,000 cycles, while they hold 15 pounds per square foot, you know your KCMA-certified cabinetry will keep pace with your active lifestyle.
3. Swing Tests: How do you avoid the shoddy look of loose or unaligned cabinet doors that often occurs over time? You buy certified cabinets. During two separate tests - focusing on the cabinet doors and hinges-the KCMA test their ability to withstand 65 pounds of weight and 25,000 swing cycles. KCMA-certified cabinetry continues to operate flawlessly with no signs of damage or looseness.
4. Spill Tests: Because the finish of your cabinetry is one of its most visible features, the KCMA test it to make certain it's manufactured to withstand potentially abrasive substances. KCMA exposes cabinetry to such stain threats as vinegar, grape juice, coffee, alcohol, and even mustard for varying amounts of time. The result? Cabinets that earn the KCMA certification seal show no discoloration that can't easily be polished away.
5. Heat Tests: After sweltering in a humid, 120-degree hotbox for 24 hours, how do KCMA-certified cabinets respond? Beautifully. With no discoloration or blistering, your certified cabinets prove they can handle the inevitable temperature hazards in your kitchen.