Understanding ANSI Cabinet Certification: What Every Designer Should Know

When it comes to cabinetry, designers know that aesthetics and functionality must go hand in hand. But there is another crucial factor that is often overlooked — certification. Specifically, ANSI cabinet certification. While color, style, and finishes are critical design professionals must ensure the products they specify meet exacting standards for safety, durability, and performance. This is where ANSI & CP Build step in. If you are a design professional or developer, understanding ANSI cabinet certification can add value to your designs and credibility to your recommendations. Let CP Build dive into what ANSI certification is, why it is important, and how it benefits your design process and client satisfaction.

ANSI, or the American National Standards Institute, is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards in the United States. ANSI does not create standards themselves; instead, they accredit organizations to develop standards that meet rigorous criteria for openness, balance, and transparency. In the cabinetry world, ANSI has approved standards through the International Code Council— under the designation ANSI A161.1. This is the national performance standard for cabinets. CP Build’s cabinets comply with ANSI A161.1 certification.

The ANSI A161.1 standard certifies that a cabinet meets 14 performance requirements in areas like:

• Structural integrity
• Finish durability
• Drawer and door functionality
• Load capacity
• Moisture resistance

To get certified, cabinets undergo a series of independent laboratory tests through the International Code Council that simulate years of normal household use — and abuse. These tests include:

• Door and drawer operation tests (opening and closing 25,000+ times)
• Weight load testing (for shelves, bottoms, and drawers)
• Heat, humidity, and stain resistance testing.
• Impact tests to simulate dropped kitchen tools.

The result is a cabinet that is proven to perform under real-life conditions — something both you and your clients can trust. To learn more about ANSI A161.1 certification contact your CP Build representative today.

Specifying ANSI-certified cabinets means you are recommending products that meet or exceed industry benchmarks. That translates to fewer callbacks, happier clients, and less liability for you as a design professional or developer.

Certification is not just a marketing buzzword — it is a verified third-party evaluation through the International Code Council. When clients ask why you are recommending the CP Build cabinet line, pointing to ANSI certification shows your advice is grounded in tested performance, not just aesthetics.

Design is about long-term satisfaction, not just first impressions. ANSI-certified cabinets are built to last, which protects your clients’ investments. Even in budget-conscious projects, choosing certified products can prevent future costs related to repairs or replacements.

Many ANSI certified cabinets also meet environmental standards, such as CARB compliance (California Air Resources Board) and ESP certification (Environmental Stewardship Program). This aligns with LEED projects or clients who value sustainability. CP Build’s cabinets are ANSI A161.1 certified, CARB2, & TSCA Title VI compliant.

Knowing which manufacturers meet ANSI standards can help you narrow down options quickly, especially in large-scale or multi-unit projects. It reduces the guesswork and simplifies specification documents and procurement.

ANSI A161.1 certification applies to:

• Framed and frameless cabinets
• Wood, laminate, and thermofoil finish.
• Residential and light commercial applications

Whether you are designing a modern flat-panel kitchen or a traditional inset cabinet bathroom, you can find ANSI-certified CP Build cabinetry products across a wide range of styles and price points. Contact a CP Build representative today for design or procurement guidance.

When selecting cabinets, look for:

• The ANSI A161.1 seal: A small label inside the cabinet door or drawer indicating ANSI certification.
• Reference to ANSI A161.1 in the spec sheets or product documentation.
• The date of certification — ANSI certification is renewed annually, so status matters.

Pro tip: If a brand claims their products are “built to ANSI standards” but not certified, ask questions. Only certified cabinets have passed the International Code Council lab testing process. CP Build’s cabinets are ANSI certified.

For interior designers, selecting ANSI-certified cabinets from CP Build is not about checking a box. It is about ensuring that the heart of multifamily homes — the kitchen — is designed not just to look beautiful, but to stand up to real life abuse from tenants. Next time you are specifying cabinetry, remember ANSI certification is not just a standard — it’s a safeguard. It is a way to build trust, deliver quality, and protect your clients’ investment. And that is something worth designing for.