Dry Wood (Wood Warping and Cracking Issue)
There is a shortage of dry wood in Panama. Consequently, with local wood, there is a likelihood of warping, cracking and growing problems with cabinets over time. This is a very serious issue here for items that must maintain their shape; especially true of cabinets - and one of the most compelling reasons for using imported, quality products that have been through standardized quality control.
Overall Quality
The overall quality of the cabinets including the workmanship and constituent components built in Panama varies widely. Some products may look good, but not be as functional as expected or desired. There is also a temptation to cut corners, especially on internal parts. Sometimes quality parts are simply not available here and the carpenter has to make do with what they can get.
Quality Issue Examples: Thickness of Panels and American Hardware
Local cabinet panels and shelves are usually made of ½" or 5/8" wood. Sometimes the wood is made from low quality sugar cane or pine particles from Colombia or Chile. These products are not as durable as cabinets should be and are more susceptible to water damage. The lines offered by Casa Solution have panels and shelves of ¾" Oak with stronger, engineered particle board or solid wood products. Also, all Casa Solution sink bases come with stainless steel water protection as standard in the sink bases.
The local hardware utilized in Panama is not typically of good quality. Local items often break or simply do not work as well as American hardware. For example, the drawer runners produced for the Casa Solution lines are tested extensively and subject to high quality control standards. They also are available with really enjoyable features not available with local products.
Installation Time
As you mentioned, it can take a very long time to complete a project like a kitchen with some local carpenters. Promised timelines can later extend well into the future. Some (not all of course) will use deposits on jobs to complete past commitments. They may regularly not show at times promised. It can sometimes take six months, a year, or even more to complete the job.
Correcting Problems
Most installations encounter some problems. Getting them corrected quickly, efficiently, correctly and without damage can be an issue in Panama. Our partner company, Home Interiors, has a history of solving any problems quickly and correctly.
Design Issues
I recently visited someone who had just "completed" their kitchen. It looked very nice from an aesthetic point of view, but they were very unhappy. In addition to the usual complaints about the lack of dependability of the contractor, there were major design issues with the finished project. As examples of the many problems, the wall cabinets were built such that regular size dinner plates wouldn't fit. The lazy susan had no bottom shelf despite clear instructions and the lazy susan door would not stay shut without a piece of wood stuck into it.
Selection
Casa Solution provides an extremely wide selection in door styles, glazes, designs, trim and customized features. The numerous options available can make all the difference in your experience of enjoying your kitchen. For example, KraftMaid provides five beautiful wood species and 39 fine furniture finishes. You decide what you want from the hundreds of storage solutions as well as extensive decorative molding and hardware options.
Appearence
KraftMaid, Mill's Pride and Johnson products look great and are consistent in appearance. You'll know in advance that your kitchen, bath or closet will look beautiful and the way you intended. Computerized 3D renderings provide an advance look at your customized design.
Price
The price for Casa Solution product lines and installation is surprisingly reasonable. There are offerings available in low to higher end price points.
Track Record
The product lines, installers and company providing Casa Solution offerings have long track records of success in Panama and, more recently, in Boquete..
Warranty
Casa Solution products come with 5 year and lifetime factory and installation warranties.
Environment
Casa Solution product lines made from wood are from managed forests where the trees are replanted. Some of the wood obtained here for cabinets is from logging of unmanaged forests without replanting. The cabinets you buy locally may contribute to deforestation.
Peace of Mind
There are some quality local kitchen installers and some people have been satisfied with their work. However, they just can’t provide the overall value, certainty of quality over time, warranties, and options provided by Casa Solution and Home Interiors. You have enough uncertainty and things to deal with building anywhere and this is also true in Panama. The difference is really about peace of mind. You know the products will be high quality, you will get the result you are looking for, the project will proceed well and any issues will be effectively resolved when working with Casa Solution and Home Interiors.
We appreciate the opportunity to make your experience here more enjoyable.
