Frequently Asked Questions.
Where can I purchase Api Cabinets Inc cabinetry?
We’re located in Vancouver, BC.
Our office address is: 6020 Halifax, Burnaby, BC
Our showroom address is 13508 108 Ave, Surrey, BC.
Our showroom hours are:
Mon: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun: Closed
View our full contact information or contact us online.
Can I purchase my kitchen direct from your manufacturing factory?
Absolutely, if you live in BC. If you live outside of BC you’ll need to purchase them through our website.
What kind of warranty do your cabinets have?
Our Api cabinets warranty varies based on the component in question. Our cabinets carry a 10 year warranty, and we have a lifetime warranty on slides and hinges. There are some components that have a different warranty; be sure to speak to your designer to learn about any exceptions.
Where do your prices start for a new set of cabinets?
Our quality cabinetry prices will vary depending on the number of cabinets, the wood you choose, interior organizing accessories and the level of customization you need. Some clients want completely custom cabinets which cost more than a non-custom cabinet system.
Where do I start when thinking of designing my dream space?
If you haven’t already done do, get some inspiration photos from magazines and the internet.
Then, make two lists:
What I Need in my Kitchen
What I Don’t Want in my Kitchen
It’s important to keep in mind that the perfect kitchen for you is based on your family’s needs and how you work in the kitchen. Your designer will ensure that good kitchen design principles are factored in.
I have made my list, what is the next step?
Measure your kitchen. We will need the overall room measurements and the dimensions of any appliances that you’re keeping. If you plan to buy new appliances, get the measurements from the store.
Do you offer design ideas and help for my kitchen?
Absolutely! You’ll be working with one of our professional designers who will oversee the planning and make sure your kitchen will be wonderfully usable as well as beautiful. They will guide you through the process of choosing the types of cabinets and accessories you need, and balancing costs. They understand the rules of good kitchen design and how to adapt them for your needs.
What should I keep in mind when sitting down with one of your designers?
Your designer knows how important it is that your kitchen is functional and is customized to how you work. They will prioritize a good design that helps make your cooking and cleanup tasks easier. This includes things like:
Ensuring a clear path and practical distances between sink, stove and fridge.
Ensuring appliances, large and small, are positioned effectively.
Ensuring there aren’t any places where doors interfere with each other.
Ensuring that as many people as possible can use the kitchen at the same time without getting in each other’s way.
Once your kitchen has a good “skeleton”, then it’s time to have fun choosing colours and finishes. These things are easier because it’s mostly a matter of personal taste.
How long does it take to get my cabinets after I place an order?
Assume the cabinets will take about 3 – 5 weeks. This is independent of any other timelines for your kitchen renovation, for example, additional plumbing or electrical work.
How far ahead should I plan my kitchen?
To be safe, allow 3 months in total. Of course, it will all depend on the extent of your renovation project. Demolition contractors, electricians, tile setters etc. will need time to do their jobs effectively.
In terms of the cabinetry work, allow 8 weeks in total:
1 week for design and planning of the overall kitchen.
7 weeks for cabinet manufacture and installation.
Can I customize Api cabinets cabinetry to suit my own needs?
Definitely. That’s what our professional designers are there to help you with. We have a huge selection of organizing and space saving accessories to choose from.
Is your cabinetry available in standard sizes, semi-custom or custom?
Yes, you can have any of these. Cabinets in standard sizes are the most budget friendly option. Read about the pros and cons of custom, semi and prefab cabinets. You can also see some of our custom cabinetry work here.
How do I make sure the design of my kitchen is trend-proof?
Classic kitchens never go out of style – you can see some examples here. It also helps to stick with white or off-white when it comes to colours – they’re not always trendy but white kitchens are never “done”.
What if we don’t agree on colours or styles for our new kitchen? Can you help?
Don’t worry, we’ve seen this before. Your designer will help you work out the compromises. We often take a look at the rest of your home to ensure the kitchen harmonizes well with the colours and styles in the rest of your space.
How often do you get new styles?
Every year we add new designs and colours. We also keep customer favourites around as the years go by – some things never go out of style.
Can I see my kitchen in full-colour 3D before the final decision is made?
Yes. We want to make sure you can fully visualize the final look.
Do you have cabinets that I can lock for baby-proofing?
Absolutely, just mention your needs to your Api Cabinets designer. We get a lot of requests for locks, especially on lower cabinets.
Help! Our house is always a mess, can you help us get organized?
We sure can. We design great closets using hundreds of options for storage and organization. You can take a look at some of the closets we’ve created in this gallery. As with our kitchen or bathroom designs, you’ll be working with a professional designer who will make sure you get exactly what you need to make staying organized easy.
How should I prepare for installation of my new kitchen?
It depends on what’s being done in your kitchen. Generally, the old kitchen cabinets and appliances needs to be removed. If your kitchen layout is changing then plumbers or electricians may be involved, as well as contractors who will patch the walls and take care of flooring and tiling.
It can take several days for your cabinets to be installed. We recommend that you cover the path to your kitchen with cardboard to protect your floor, and remove any artwork or knick-knacks that may get damaged. There can be a lot of sawdust flying during the installation process, so you may want to cover or move nearby furniture. You should also keep in mind that you won’t have a kitchen, so you’ll need to make alternate arrangements for food. You can get some ideas in our Kitchen Renovation Survival Guide.
There is no “normal” – every project is different, so you’ll need to talk to your designer to get the full details. We’re happy to recommend contractors or work with your favourite teams.
Does Api cabinets also install kitchens?
Yes. If you would like us to manage installations, we will work with contractors we trust on your cabinets and also entire kitchens.
If you do my entire kitchen for me, do you work with outside contractors?
Yes, we can work with your favourite renovations contractors, or recommend contractors we trust.
Do you make custom cabinets?
We love any chance we get to make something completely customized. You can see some examples of our elegant and creative solutions in this gallery.
Do you provide countertops as well?
Yes – we have a wonderful selection of materials and colours to suit everyone. We work with everything from affordable Formica through all kinds of engineered stone to natural granite. You can explore the countertops we provide here. If one of our industry partners makes it, we can provide it, so if you see something you love on one of their sites we can get it for you. For example, we have over 150,000 options on handles and knobs thanks to our partnerships with Richelieu and Hafele.
Can you make my kitchen larger?
We all want larger kitchens, it seems! We usually work within existing room layouts, but we would be happy to work with renovations companies capable of the kind of structural changes this would require.
Do you do laundry room renos?
Yes we do. We also do mudrooms, home offices and any other room that could use some cabinets or closets to help you stay organized.
Do you do closets if I don’t have a walk-in?
Yes. We can help any closet with enough room for cabinetry. You can see some inspirational photos of our closet designs here.
Is the wood in the cabinets sourced in an eco-friendly way?
We do offer several eco-friendly options, including particleboard made from 100% post-consumer recycled sawdust (FSC and EPP certified).
Your new cabinets can be as eco-friendly as you require, but certified sustainably harvested hardwood will cost more.
Are any of your cabinet finishes VOC-free?
Yes. Most of our finishes are water-based and low-VOC while retaining the wonderful look and smooth feel we love.
What should the humidity level be in my home to avoid warpage of cabinet doors?
Keeping your home at 40 – 50% humidity will keep all of the wood in your home stable. We recommend you invest in a humidifier for winter and air conditioning in the summer.
How do I clean and care for my cabinets?
A mixture of dish soap and warm water is perfect for everyday cleaning. We also like “Trade Secret” as a periodic treatment to revive lustre.
My kitchen is very sunny – will the UV light fade or damage my cabinets?
We use a UV inhibitor in our finishes that will help protect the colour of your cabinets and limit yellowing.
It’s important to remember, however, that wood is a natural material. Every piece of wood is unique and will age and change over time even when protected – that’s an essential part of its appeal.
For example, with cherry wood that has a translucent finish, the reds will get redder and the blonds will get blonder as the years pass. Oak will gradually yellow somewhat.
Is there anything I need to avoid to keep my cabinets looking new?
It’s really important to avoid abrasive cleaners on your cabinets, as they’ll wear down the finish. You should also avoid using Pledge; even though it’s advertised as a product for wood care, it contains chemicals that can react with the finish. Use Trade Secret if you need to restore your cabinets to their original life.
Further, as a general rule, do not allow water or food to dry on your cabinets. Some cabinet finishes are more forgiving than others, but prolonged exposure to water, juice, coffee—and even food debris—can damage your cabinetry. So clean up spills quickly, and you’ll keep your cabinets looking like new for years to come.
What is the best way to care for my countertop?
It depends on what they’re made of, as Corian or Caesarstone are very different from granite. As a general rule avoid abrasive cleaners and keep liquids away from the seams.
