Kitchen Units – How times haven’t changed

I sometimes forget that we are into the second decade of the new millennium when I consider the lack of progression of fitted kitchens since they first became popular in the 1960’s

Why? Because the prevention of certain issues haven’t moved on as one would expect in over 40 years. A quick browse around the web will return a lot of results regarding water damaged cabinetry and doors that stretch from the 60’s to today.

Surely the technology and R and D budgets of the manufacturers isn’t beyond creating a  cabinet that doesn’t result in total destruction at the first sign of a leak. Let’s face it – prevention in this area isn’t rocket science is it?

Cabinets are the unseen, unsung, yet essential element in all kitchen designs  In my opinion not enough attention is given to cabinetry by the marketeers of kitchens and as a consequence the structure behind the doors is rendered fairly inconsequential to the buyer. Most designers I’ve worked with over the years like to demonstrate their creativity with language that doesn’t fit well with the specifications of a boring carcass that sits behind the colourful, exciting fascias. Perhaps a trendsetter might come up with some eloquent phrases to raise awareness after reading this.

Let’s just consider this – your project is completed to a stunning design, perhaps even our new Silestone Love worktops, dazzling high gloss doors and top notch appliances. Perhaps your project set you back a cool £25,000 or so but hey it’s the envy of your friends and a delight to cook in (or just to socialise in if you’re the type that burns water).

Now then, let’s move on a few weeks. A leak has developed under the sink and, by the time you’ve discovered that it was there, the base or bottom shelf of your sink cabinet resembles a mini version of thePyrenees. You’ve just become the victim of Water Ingress. To cap it all, the kettle which fitted in very nicely under the wall unit beside the extractor, has caused the wrapping of the door above it to peel away leaving you with a totally new design concept.

You may have insurance cover for the task ahead but here’s the extent of the upheaval second time around.

1. Removal of the worktops and sink
2. Removal of the affected cabinet after the plumber has disconnected and cut the pipework.
3. Replacement of the same type of cabinet that proved useless in the defence against water leaks in the first instance
4. Replacement of the worktops and sink if they were fet free from damage when removed
5. Arguing the toss with your insurance company who you hope will cover all the costs
6. A replacement wall unit door a new location for the kettle

I think most would agree that some type of prevention here would negate the need for a cure and with a number of suitable waterproof materials that would be more than up to the job why is it that nothing is available to act as a barrier against the damage water can do?

Some years ago when I were just a lad I fitted kitchens for a living and over a period of 20 years I would guess that 80-90% of the sink cabinets I removed fell to shreds like a Weetabix in my hands. The inventor in me came up with what I thought was a great solution and I had a prototype made of Unitsaver: an ABS sink liner specifically designed to ensure that cabinet was protected from such eventuality. I never did progress much further with it although a meeting in Edgeware Rd with MFI some years ago seemed hopeful until a change of management at the time saw fit to, and forgive the pun – shelve it.

Unitsaver

I still place great faith in its protective capabilities and receive enquiries as to its availability from around the world but alas my time of late is dedicated to other business and the operation and creation of injection moulding equipment to churn out volumes and keep down costs is frankly, outside of our remit or expertise.

I installed the only one that exists in the country in an edition of ITV Better Homes in 2002 and called the recipient some years later to find out what condition her sink cabinet was in and despite the odd leak occurring over time it had stood up to the challenge which pleased this old inventor no end!

I’m just still gobsmacked that, with the technology that now exists a buyer still cannot source a fully waterproofed cabinet and I do find it strange that no manufacturer, I know of, has entertained the thought of how such an offering might raise their profile among buyers.

So concluding this blatant self promotion of my invention– the call is going out to any manufacturer of cabinets out there who wish to steal a march on their rivals by incorporating it into their range – call and speak to me.  I’ll promote it to the hilt here because it makes sense to have protection in every kitchen and bathroom installation and I have the very thing……