THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Paul Berryman
Material and Manufacturing Quality in the KBB Industry
Paul Berryman, Head of Life Trade, explains how behind every well-installed project lies a series of decisions made long before products reach the showroom floor.
judged by the finished aesthetic: the smoothness of a door, the alignment of cabinetry or the reassuring feel of a drawer closing. Yet behind every well-installed project lies a series of decisions made long before products reach the showroom floor. For industry veteran and Head of Life Trade,
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Paul Berryman - who has spent more than 33 years in the KBB sector, including 17 years in manufacturing and product development – those decisions begin withmaterials, processes and standards that ultimately determine how furniture performs in the real world.
Material Integrity and Core Construction “At the heart of any cabinet lies its core material, and the quality of this core has a significant impact on long-term durability. During production processes such as cutting, edgebanding, routering and drilling, materials must behave consistently to maintain both accuracy and structural integrity. One of the most important considerations is
the quality of melamine-faced chipboard (MFC). Lower-grade boards often feature what manufacturers sometimes describe as a ‘Weetabix-style’ core - light, crumbly and lacking density. The result is a weaker substrate where threaded fixings struggle to grip effectively. In cabinetry, fixings need something solid to
bite into. If the board lacks density, you immediately compromise the long-term strength of the furniture. By contrast, a high-qualityMFC core provides the stability required for secure fixings and structural reliability, ensuring cabinets remain solid throughout years of daily use.”
Edgebanding and Adhesives “While core materials provide the structure, edgebanding plays a critical role in protecting panels - particularly in moisture-prone environments such as bathrooms and utility areas. Polyurethane reactive (PUR) glue has become
the preferred choice formanymanufacturers due to its strong bond and water resistance. Once cured, PUR adhesives create a robust seal that protects boards from moisture ingress while maintaining a clean edge. Material selection is also evolving. For many
10 BKU APRIL 2026
n the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms sector, quality is often
years, 2mm ABS edging was widely used on cabinet fronts. However, manufacturers are increasingly shifting towards thinner 0.8mm ABS solutions. Thicker edging can expose the plain- colour core on woodgrain finishes, disrupting the visual effect. Thinner edging produces a cleaner appearance without compromising durability.”
Precision and Tolerances “Consistency in manufacturing is another essential element of high-quality KBB furniture. Even minor deviations during production can create challenges during installation. Industry expectations remain tight, with tolerances typically held within 0.5mm for both panel dimensions and drilling positions. Achieving this level of precision ensures components align correctly, reducing remedial work andmaking life easier for installers on site.”
Hardware andMechanisms “When it comes to hinges, runners and lifting systems, themarket includes well-known brands such as Blum, Salice, Titus and Hettich. These names carry strong recognition within
the trade, but retail consumers are often less brand-aware when it comes to internal cabinet hardware. From my experience in global sourcing formajor retail groups including Kingfisher plc and B&Q, performance criteria ultimately matters more than labels. Products are assessed against benchmarks such as cycle testing, load capacity, durability and
reliability. If the hardware performs and meets the specification at the right price point, it can be just as valuable as a premium brand.”
Installation Quality and Fitters’ Confidence “Ultimately, the success of any KBB project depends heavily on the installer’s experience. Fitters need products they can trust - components that arrive accurate, consistent and ready to assemble with minimal adjustment. Rigid cabinets remain a preferred choice for
many installers thanks to their stability and straightforward installation, although they also introduce logistical considerations such as higher transport costs and reduced packing efficiency. Regardless of format - flat-pack or rigid - the goal is the same: furniture that performs reliably and gives installers confidence.”
Why Quality Matters to the End Consumer “For homeowners, a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom project represents a significant financial commitment and often involves disruption and complex decisions. As a result, customers place considerable trust
in retailers andmanufacturers to deliver products that justify that investment. Every specification decision - from the density of the board core to the durability of a hinge mechanism - influences the long-term performance of the finished room. The customer may never see what’s inside the
cabinet, but they experience the result of those decisions every single day.”
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