It’s easy for cabinet companies to use claims of “high-quality” and “custom standard” to try and communicate their product excellence. However, if everyone is using the same vague terminology, it can be hard for designers to know what companies actually manufacture quality cabinets and which fall short of their expectations. One way designers can ensure product standards is choosing manufacturers that are certified by regulatory bodies. The KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) is an example of such organization and is a primary benchmark for cabinet quality in North America.
What is KCMA?
The KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) is an non-profit organization that establishes benchmarks that set the standards for the cabinet manufacturing industry. They are an advocate and partner for manufacturers and offer quality certification programs that are nationally recognized. (source).
For designers, the KCMA quality standards provides a shared reference point when you are comparing cabinet lines. KCMA runs two main certification programs:
A161.1 Quality Certification
A primary standard for cabinet quality that sets high expectations for cabinet products.
This gives designers something concrete to speak on when a client asks why your specified line costs more. The answer is not “it is better quality.” The answer is that they passed rigorous industry quality testing standards, with 40 to 50% of manufacturers failing initial certification attempts.
Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP)
The ESP standard sets expectations for a manufacturers environmental impact. Certification in the KCMA ESP is achieved only after completing a thorough process of documentation and review.
Why do third party standards matter for designers and their clients?
Third party standards created by non-profit organizations and legislative bodies exist so that quality is measured by someone with nothing to gain from the cabinet sale. They also easily and simply answer client concerns of longevity, quality, and price. That is the difference between telling a client the cabinets are well made and being able to show them why.
Case Study: Decor Cabinets
In 2026, Decor Cabinets achieved KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program certification for the 18th consecutive year. Decor first earned the seal in 2007, for the 2008 certification year, and has held it without a gap since.
The ESP is built around continuous improvement rather than idle maintenance, so the scoring requirements get more challenging from year to year. The program’s requirements have been revised six times since it began in 2006.
Decor meets the program’s mandatory requirements and has acquired points towards certification through environmental efforts including but not limited to:
- A documented energy conservation program
- 80% of particleboard and MDF meeting the CPA ECC 4-19 standard
- 100% of particleboard, MDF, and hardwood plywood is compliant with TSCA Title VI (formaldehyde regulations)
- Compliance with applicable provincial and national legislation; with no environmental fines or violations
- Renewably sourced electricity statement
- Charitable support locally and globally, (an area Decor is particularly known for)
Why Should Kitchen Designers Choose KCMA Certified Cabinets?
Kitchen designers should choose KCMA certified cabinets because certification gives you confidence that what a manufacturer says about their cabinets is actually true. It sets a quality standard that is the same for everyone, so you are comparing lines on the same terms instead of on marketing.
