Observation of dealer lot inventory

[d23haynes57]

When it comes to cabinets, probaly the best ever for budget builds is the late 80's VW Vanagon Camper. Near white of beige laminate over the true plywood core that made for a near indestructible combination. Age now in the 40-year range most still look almost new with hinges and latches still intact.
While I like the craftmanship of real wood and proper finishes they do make a rig look a bit dated but worse, over time they require maintenance. Finger and handprints on doors, even with handles leave mark. At some point heat, cold, humidity, take a toll on the finishes. Steam, vapors, grease, oil, from cooking. And at some point, every RV is going to have a water or moisture event. Having done a home kitchen a few years a go, the cabinet trend to "colors" is not just RV's.
My problem is the use of poor core materials, cheap hardware, and lousy fit and finish. Good materials and veneers can really make for some nice cabinet options. I tend to like the wood look, darker colors. Classy. Cabinets though are just one part of an RV and my gripe is MDF and other core materials that can't hold screws and withstand moisture and hinges, latches that do not operate smoothly and keep the cabinets closed and not rattle and squeak.

Dennis

 

[TheLooks]

I recall the same anecdotal b.s. surrounding the Vietnamese refugees in S. Texas in the 70's and 80's. That the only reason the Vietnamese shrimpers were doing so well was they were fishing illegally. The truth was they were doing well because they were working their tails off and knew what they were doing. Go down there today (Aransas Pass, Rockport,....) and see who owns the fish houses and the fleets.

There is no anecdotal to it. There are no quality builders in the this region because there is no demand. At least not in my finding and I installed cabinets that cost over $100,000 in a single house. In fact, the most expensive cabinet install I did the people owned a lumber company and should have known better. They sold the house without moving in. It was the most crooked house I ever worked in. The finish guy put visible screws down thru the newel post to tighten them up.....I had to send cabinets back to the shop that were supposed to be a snug fit on each side of the fireplace. The walls were 1 3/4 out in 8 ft and the cabinets were 10ft high. That is with one person on the job speaking English. Besides me. I don't ever denigrate their work ethic, but that is not what we are talking about.