Not all cabinet construction methods are created equal. The way your cabinets are held together affects everything from durability to install time. Let’s break down the 3 most common joinery methods — and explain what we use at Affordable Cabinets.
🔩 1. Screws
Screws are a strong, straightforward way to connect cabinet panels, often used in pre-assembled cabinets.
Pros:
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Very strong hold
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Long-lasting under load
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Easy to repair or tighten over time
Cons:
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Requires accurate placement
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Can split wood if not pre-drilled correctly
✅ We use screw-based joinery on all Affordable Cabinets for a solid, long-lasting structure.
🧱 2. Dowels
Dowels are small wooden pins inserted into pre-drilled holes, often combined with glue.
Pros:
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Clean, hidden joinery
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Good alignment during assembly
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Strong when glued properly
Cons:
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Glue-only builds can weaken over time
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Requires precision machinery to avoid gaps
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Not ideal for DIY or on-site assembly without training
📌 Dowels are more common in European and high-end factory builds — less so in fast-turnaround standard cabinetry.
🧩 3. Cam Locks
Cam locks are the most common method used in RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets. A metal locking mechanism connects parts with a turn of a screwdriver.
Pros:
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Easy to assemble for DIY customers
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No power tools needed
Cons:
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Not as strong as screws or dowels
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Prone to loosening over time
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Can shift or sag under weight
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Not designed for long-term use
📌 We do not use cam locks at Affordable Cabinets. Our cabinets come pre-assembled and ready to install — no locking systems or toolkits required.
🆚 Quick Comparison
| Joinery Type | Strength | Used in RTA? | Used in Pre-Assembled? | Used at Affordable Cabinets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screws | ✅ Strong | 🔄 Sometimes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Dowels | ✅ Strong | ❌ No | ✅ Occasionally | ❌ No |
| Cam Locks | ❌ Weak | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
💡 Our Recommendation
Cabinets should feel solid from day one — and still feel that way years later. That’s why we use screw-based joinery on all our pre-assembled cabinets. No shortcuts. No wobble.
📨 Want to See Inside Our Cabinets?
We’ll send you photos of how our boxes are built — just ask.
📩 info@affordablecabinets.com
📍 4271 Duluth Ave, Rocklin, CA 95765, USA
