Columbia Forest Products' Cabinotch cabinet box system recently underwent independent testing by HPVA Laboratories, which the company says demonstrated the strength and durability of the custom-sized American hardwood cabinet boxes when assembled.
Testing of Cabinotch products showed the cabinet box system exceed the levels of the ANSI/KCMA A161.1-2012 Performance and Construction Standard for Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets. HPVA Laboratories conducted structural, deflection, static load and impact tests on Cabinotch wall cabinets, base cabinets and shelves, resulting in “pass” designations in all testing categories.
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 said.
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 percent, equating to more than 750 pounds of force being applied to the wall cabinet face frame. Finally, drop impact tests were performed on the cabinets’ shelves and bottoms. Where the KCMA/ANSI test calls for a 3-pound ball to be dropped from 6 inches, the Cabinotch products were tested and passed with a 14-pound ball from 12 inches.
Through a Web portal on www.cabinotch.com, customers can register, then specify face frame and interior face species, adjust sizes and order cabinet box parts, which are then shipped directly to their shop. Instructional videos can also be found online.