I am going to make a 2nd kitchen in the basement. I looked at
cabinets from Lowes and a speciality outlet.

The Lowes' cabinet is solid wood (Oak) facing with particule board
inside (American Woodworking), and the speciality store cabinets are
solid maple all around.

However the better quality cabinets cost about 50% more than the
Lowes' cabinets. Since this kitchen is in the basement, we probably
will not heavyly use it, and probably will not recover much of the cost
at sale (10 years). We can easily afford the better quality ones,
but not sure if it is worth it.

So the question is, how long a poor quality cabinet lasts? If they usually
lasts more than 20 years, I would probably get the cheap ones.

TIA for any information or pointed references.

Y.