Latest 2024 cabinet reviews for the top kitchen cabinet brands. Compiled by kitchen design and cabinetry experts.
Below are Main Line Kitchen Design’s up to date cabinet reviews for the top-selling cabinet manufacturers in the United States. We rate how the manufacturers rate for construction quality and value considering the price point of each cabinet line. Price point is rated from 1 to 6. So, 1 represents the least expensive brands. While 6 is the most expensive custom cabinetry on the market.
How the Ratings Work. Cabinet Reviews explained below:
Cabinet reviews assume each cabinet brand is upgraded to the top level of construction available, usually all plywood construction.
Getting an A for construction quality will not be quite equal across different price levels. The more expensive price point cabinets will have far nicer finishes and construction options.
Note: The highest grade for Quality in any frameless European style cabinet line is a B. While frameless cabinetry is easier to access and is sleeker looking, it is also less durable than the best made framed cabinetry.
The Value Grade
The value grade we give is not a rating about the quality of the cabinetry. It is a rating of how good an investment a cabinet line is considering its cost.
For example, many of the most expensive well-made cabinet lines receive lower cabinet reviews even though as designers we think the cabinetry is the best in its class.
Consequently, these lines receive lower grades on value because there are competitors offering the same quality at slightly lower prices. If price is no object, then we recommend ignoring the value rating in the cabinetry priced in the 6-price point.
Warning: Price Isn’t Everything
If you are comparing cabinet brands, read this first! Because, price comparing your design at different dealers often leads you down a bad road.
Cabinet Reviews (Ratings) for brand names A to D
| Cabinet Line | Price Level (1-6) |
Quality | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 Cabinetry (Formerly Timberlake) | 3 | B+ | B |
| 21st Century | 1 | A | A- |
| Adelphia Kitchens | 3 | B | B |
| Adornus (frameless) | 3 | B | B |
| Alusso by Adornus (frameless) | 3 | B | B |
| All Wood – framed | 2 | A | A |
| All Wood – frameless | 1 | C | C |
| American Woodmark | 3 | B+ | B |
| Aristocraft | 2 | C | C |
| Belmont 1900 Series Frameless | 4 | B | B+ |
| Bertch | 4 | A | A- |
| Bishop | 4 | A+ | B+ |
| Bishop Frameless | 4 | B | A |
| B.J. Tidwell Cabinetry | 3 | B | C+ |
| Bremtown | 6 | A+ | B |
| Bridgewood Framed | 5 | A | A |
| Bridgewood Frameless | 5 | B | A |
| Brighton | 5 | A- | A+ |
| Brookhaven | 5.5 | A | B |
| Brubaker | 5 | A | A |
| Cabico | 4 | B | B |
| Cabinet Depot | 2 | B+ | B+ |
| Candlelight | 4 | A | A |
| Canyon Creek Framed and Frameless (deduct 1 letter grade for frameless) | 4 | A | A |
| CliqStudios (Bankrupt once – customers lost deposits) | 2.5 | B+ | A |
| CNC | 1.5 | A- | A- |
| CNC frameless | 1.5 | B | A |
| Collier | 5 | A | B- |
| Craft Stock Cabinetry | 1 | A- | A |
| Craft-Made Cabinetry framed | 5 | A | A |
| Crestwood Framed | 5 | A | A |
| Crestwood Frameless | 5 | B | A- |
| CrownPoint Cabinetry (framed) | 5.5 | A+ | A |
| CrownPoint (frameless) | 5.5 | B | A |
| Crystal custom | 5 | A | A |
| Crystal semi-custom | 4 | B+ | B+ |
| Cubitac | 1.5 | A- | A |
| Cuisine Ideale (frameless) | 4 | B | B |
| David Bradley Cabinetry (frameless) | 4 | B- | B- |
| Decora | 4.5 | A | B |
| Designers Choice | 4 | A | A |
| Design-Craft | 4 | B | B- |
| Diamond | 4 | B+/A- | B+ |
| Diamond Now Stock | 1 | B | B |
| Durasupreme | 5 | B+ | B- |
| Durasupreme frameless | 3 | C | C |
| Dynasty by Omega (frameless) | 4.5 | B | B+ |
| Dynasty by Omega (framed) | 4.5 | A | A- |
| Dynasty Pinnacle (framed) | 5 | A | B+ |
Cabinet Reviews (Ratings) for brand names E to N
| Echelon Cabinetry No longer sells individual kitchens. | |||
| Eclipse by Shiloh | 4.5 | B-/C+ | B |
| Eurocraft Frameless | 3.5 | C | C+ |
| Everlasting Cabinetry (Assembled) | 1.5 | A | A |
| Evoke (from R.D. Henry) | 4 | B | B |
| Executive (frameless) | 4 | B | B |
| Fabuwood | 2 | A | A |
| Fabuwood (frameless) | 2 | B- | B |
| Fieldstone | 4.5 | A- | B+ |
| Forevermark | 1.5 | B+ | B |
| Grabill | 6 | A+ | B |
| Great Northern Classic | 5 | A | A |
| Green Forest | 2 | A | A- |
| Haas | 3 | B | B |
| Hampton Bay (frameless stock) | 1 | D | C+ |
| Hanssem (now different at different locations so can’t be rated) | * | * | * |
| Holiday (frameless) | 3 | C | C |
| Holiday Kitchens | 4 | A | B+ |
| Homecrest | 3 | B+ | B+ |
| Homestead Custom | 4 | A | A |
| Ideal Cabinetry | 2 | B | A- |
| IKEA (frameless) | 1 | D | C |
| Innovation | 2 | C | C |
| Integrity | 3 | A- | A+ |
| JSI Cabinetry | 1 | B+ | B+ |
| J&K Cabinets | 2 | A | A- |
| Kabinart | 3 | C+ | D |
| Kahle’s | 5 | A | A |
| Kemper | 4 | B+ | B+ |
| Kitchen Kompact | 2 | B- | C- |
| Kitchencraft | 3 | C | B |
| Kith | 3 | B+ | B+ |
| Koch Classic | 5 | A | B |
| Kountry Kraft (framed) | 6 | A | B |
| Kountry Kraft (frameless) | 6 | B | B |
| Kountry Wood | 2 | C | C |
| Kraftmaid (New slightly adjusted ratings) | 4 | B+ | A- |
| Kraftmaid Vantage (New slightly adjusted ratings) | 4 | B+ | A |
| Legacy | 2.5 | B+ | B |
| Legacy Presidential | 3 | A | B |
| LifeArt | 1 | C+ | A |
| Luxor Collection Frameless | 4 | B | B |
| Mantra by Masterbrand | 2 | B+/A- | B |
| Marsh | 2 | B | B |
| Marsh (frameless) | 2 | B- | B |
| MasterCraft | 2 | B | B |
| Medallion (Now owed by ACPI) |
5 | B+ | B |
| Merillat Classic Plywood upgrade | 3 | B | B |
| Merit Kitchens | 4 | B+ | B |
| Mid Continent with all plywood upgrade | 3 | B | B |
| Mouser | 5 | A | A- |
| Mouser (frameless) | 5 | B | A |
| NatureKast Waterproof Cabinets | 5 | A | A |
| Norcraft (every upgrade used) | 3 | B | D |
Cabinet Reviews (Ratings) for brand names N to Z
| Omega Dynasty (frameless) | 4.5 | B | B+ |
| Omega Dynasty (framed) | 4.5 | A | A- |
| Omega Pinnacle | 5 | A | A- |
| Ovation | 4 | B | C |
| Plain and Fancy | 6 | A | B+ |
| Plato Woodwork | 5 | A | A |
| Poggenpohl (frameless) | 6 | B | C |
| ProCraft | 1 | A | A- |
| QCCI Quality Custom | 6+ | A+ | A- |
| QuakerMaid (frameless) | 4 | B | B |
| RiverRun Cabinetry | 3.75 | B | B- |
| R.D. Henry Heartland (framed) | 4 | A | A |
| R.D. Henry Revola (frameless) | 4 | B | A |
| Rutt | 6 | A+ | A |
| Schrock | 4 | B+/ A- | B+/ A- |
| Schuler (Rebranded Medallion) | 5 | A- | B+ |
| Shenandoah (Rebranded American Woodmark) | 3 | B+ | B |
| Shiloh | 4 | B | B |
| Showplace | 4 | A | B++ |
| ShowplaceEVO (frameless) | 3.5 | B | B+ |
| Siematic | 5.5 | B | C |
| Signature Custom | 5 | A+ | A+ |
| Siteline Cabinetry | 3.5 | B- | C |
| Solid Wood Cabinets | Closed | Bankrupt | |
| St. Martin (frameless) | 3.5 | B | A |
| Starmark Plywood upgrade | 5 | B+ | B |
| Starmark inset or 3/4″ back panel | 5 | A+ | A |
| Stylecraft | 6 | A | A |
| Tedd Wood Custom Cabinetry | 5 | A | A |
| Thomasville (Rebranded Diamond) | 4 | B+/A- | B+/A- |
| Thomasville Nouvell | 3 | D | D |
| Timberlake (Rebranded American Woodmark) | 3 | B+ | B |
| Tribeca Cabinetry | 1.75 | A- | A |
| Tru Cabinetry | Closed | Bankrupt | |
| Ultracraft (frameless) | 2 | C | C |
| Ultracraft 3/4 ply upgrade | 3 | B | B+/A- |
| Urban Effects (frameless) | 3.75 | C- | D |
| US Cabinet Depot (framed) | 1.75 | A | A |
| US Cabinet Depot (frameless) | 2 | B | A |
| Village Handcrafted Cabinetry Framed Inset | 5.5 | A+ | A |
| Village Handcrafted Cabinetry Frameless | 5.5 | B | A |
| Waypoint | 3 | B+ | B |
| Wellborn | 4 and 5 | A | A |
| Wellborn Forrest | 3.5 | B+ | B+ |
| Wellsford | 5.5 | A+ | A |
| Wellsford (frameless) | 5.5 | B | A- |
| Wolf | 2 | A | B+ |
| Wolf Signature Series | 3.5 | A- | C+ |
| Woodharbor | 5 | B+ | C |
| Woodland Cabinetry | 5 | A- | A |
| Wood-Mode (Bankrupt once – customers lost deposits) | 6 | A | A- |
| Yorktowne (Now owed by ACPI – big quality upgrade!) |
4 | B+ | B+ |
(!) Note About Painted Cabinetry
The finish on painted cabinetry is less durable than stained cabinetry on ALL cabinet brands, SO DO NOT:
1) Purchase expensive cabinetry believing the finish will be more durable, or
2) Blame a less expensive cabinet brand for being responsible for paint chipping, scratching, or being damaged by water. All painted cabinets have this issue, but finishes can be easily repaired by professionals.
Outside Our Service Area?
FOR PEOPLE OUTSIDE A TWO-HOUR DRIVE OF OUR BALA CYNWYD PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE. HERE IS A LINK TO RECOMMENDED DEALERS IN OTHER AREAS. GOOD DEALERS WHO ARE CLOSE TO YOU CAN BETTER ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT’S AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA. Or call in on Fridays 2-4 pm for free design help on our helpline and Podcast. Dial 610-5OO-4O71 with your cabinet review questions and designs ready to email. Paul answers cabinetry and design questions free of charge most Fridays.
Continue Reading
Kitchen Cabinet Brand Comparison.
There are two basic ways to construct cabinets. Most cabinets are either framed construction or frameless construction, also called European or easy access construction. Read below:
Which Cabinet Brand is Best for Me?
“What kitchen cabinet line is best?” and “What kitchen cabinet line do you recommend?” are the most common questions we hear. Read the most common answers below:
288 Replies to “Cabinet Reviews: Ratings for the top 150 cabinet brands.”
MH
Hi Paul,
Thanks very much for all the information you’ve put together here, it’s been invaluable. We’ve found a style of cabinet we like from Fabuwood, and a nearly identical style from ProCraft (slim shaker, Fabuwood calls it Timber, ProCraft calls it Karamel). I’ve visited two Fabuwood dealers and the ProCraft Chicago location. The price difference for nearly identical layouts is staggering. As I said, they look nearly identical to me in construction and appearance. What are the benefits, if any, to paying a premium for Fabuwood in this situation?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi MH,
The price difference shouldn’t be staggering if the ProCraft is coming assembled. It should be about 20% higher in Fabuwood. There are many slight differences in designs that can make a huge difference in the price you get quoted. Read this blog:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/price-comparing-kitchen-cabinets-and-why-it-is-a-bad-idea/
We carry Fabuwood now and have carried ProCraft in the past. They are both well made. Personally for my own home I would pay 20% more for Fabuwood. If flipping or renting a home I would definitely NOT pay the extra 20%, as there will be little difference in durability.
Fabuwood uses the best Blum tracks and hinges. ProCraft uses imported copies of this soft close hardware. We had more mistakes and damages with Procraft but they were all replaced so you have to decide if a slight better experience and product is worth the added cost. But you must compare apples to apples pricewise and there should not be a “staggering” difference. Much over 20% difference in pricing suggests that the designs are not in fact covering the same thing. Especially since you went to two Fabuwood dealers.
Emily
Thank you for your help. We are using one of your recommended designers and they suggested Decor cabinets. Any thoughts on their quality. I think they are suggesting the Talora line of Decor. Any sense on how they compare to Showplace in terms of quality/value. Thank you as always
https://talora.decorcabinets.com/?_gl=1%2A1b1n8v0%2A_gcl_au%2AMTYwOTI1MTkzMy4xNzI3MzAyMDA5%2A_ga%2ANDc0MzE4NzUwLjE3MjczMDIwMDk.%2A_ga_JH8RRBR2TT%2AMTcyODY1NTgxMi43LjAuMTcyODY1NTgxMi42MC4wLjA.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Emily,
The Talora line of Decor is a custom frameless line so both expensive and not as durable as any well made inexpensive framed brand. I never recomend people getting frameless cabinetry UNLESS they are getting a modern slab door style. Then the sleekness of the frameless cabinetry because of how tight the spaces are between doors and drawer fronts makes sacrificing the better construction quality of the framed brands worth it.
You have to be careful when designing a kitchen in a frameless brand not to over stress the cabinets. For example no drawer bases or cabinets with roll outs should be wider than 30″. And no cabinet doors should be wider than 18″.
You don’t say what the door style is but if you are getting any door style other than a slab modern style I would recomend a framed brand. Showplace makes both framed and frameless and they will be less expensive than Decor. Nowhere on their website does Decor tell anyone how they construct cabinetry which is why we can’t rate them. I find the lack of transparency worrisome.
If any designer is recommending a frameless brand for a more traditional door style then I think that shows a lack of construction expertise. These designers will be the same ones that DON”T take any precautions concerning cabinet sizes, cabinet depths, and interior cabinet roll outs and pull outs when designing in frameless cabinetry.
Maria B.
Hi Paul,
Thank-you for your the list of cabinet companies and their ratings. I’m in the midst of renovating a kitchen and are considering a place in FL called Cabinets-to-Go which I don’t see in your list. They have a variety of colors and styles which is what makes it appealing. I also got a quote from a kitchen designer that uses US Cabinet Depot for a shaker style cabinets, with reasonable prices but not as much selection as Cabinets-to-Go. I see that you give US Cabinet Depot an A both for price and quality so I’m inclined to go with them but wanted to know if you have an opinion on Cabinets-to-go.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Maria,
Cabinets-to-go is a brand much like Solid Wood Cabinets used to be where they only carry their own cabinetry and offer rudimentary design services. While the cabinets could be OK the design help is not. US cabinet Depot is carried by some real cabinet dealers with real kitchen designers so you might get more knowledgeable help from there.
As always I stress:
People worry about cabinet quality and price far more than they worry about their designs. This is because they aren’t kitchen or bath designers themselves and don’t understand how poor their designs usually are. If you listen to one of our podcasts this is usually a central issue. The Podcast below illustrates how different designs can be from what a homeowner might expect, while still staying within their budget. So, it makes little sense splurging on cabinets, appliances, and other expensive upgrades, when there are design improvements left on the table.
Below is a podcast that focuses on this issue:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/calls-with-paul-the-kitchen-design-podcast-episode-28-finding-a-kitchen-designer/
Nina
We are deliberating between Omega frameless cabinets, Belmont 1900 and going with a local custom cabinet company. Looks like Belmont and Omega are comparable in your ratings evaluation. We want a contemporary look for our kitchen cabinets and a local cabinet maker can build us quarter sawn oak cabinets that match the look we want much closer that Omega/Bellmont. They said they do 5 coats of paint and 2 coats of sealant on top. How does this compare to the baked on paint finish that Omega uses? I’m concerned about longevity and durability.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Nina,
I’m a little confused you said you wanted quartersawn oak cabinets but then you said the cabinet company uses 5 coats of paint. You do not paint quartersawn oak cabinetry the cabinets are stained. and stain only gets applied once. Generally when people ask these type questions they should stop shopping for cabinets and shop for a good cabinet dealer and kitchen designer instead. Also small custom shops don’t employ the best designers because the best kitchen designers get paid much, much, more working for larger cabinet dealers.
Below is always my best advice for people thinking about renovating a kitchen:
People worry about cabinet quality and price far more than they worry about their designs. This is because they aren’t kitchen or bath designers themselves and don’t understand how poor their designs usually are. If you listen to one of our podcasts this is usually a central issue. The Podcast below illustrates how different designs can be from what a homeowner might expect, while still staying within their budget. So, it makes little sense splurging on cabinets, appliances, and other expensive upgrades, when there are design improvements left on the table.
Below is a podcast that focuses on this issue:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/calls-with-paul-the-kitchen-design-podcast-episode-28-finding-a-kitchen-designer/
Bren
Hi Paul!
Any advice on Tribeca, KCD, or CNC cabinets? Doing a kitchen remodel and contractor gave me a list with these names for cabinets. I am reading a lot of info online but am overwhelmed. Any help is appreciated.
Thank you,
Bren
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Bren,
Of those brands CNC I know best and it is an inexpensive well made brand. The nicest brand in that category is Fabuwood which is about 15% more and generally worth the added cost.
Bren
Another company I can choose from is Matrix cabinets. They say they are KCMA certified. I believe they may be associated with Forever Mark? Can you share anything about these cabinets with me? Thank you so much! I appreciate any help!
Bren
Hi Paul!
Just getting ready to do a kitchen remodel. Our cabinet person gave me a list of possible cabinets to choose from. Tribeca, CNC, and KCD were on the list. Are any of these good products? Very overwhelmed with all the info I’m reading on cabinets. So much to learn and not a huge budget. Please share any helpful advice.
Thank you so much,
Bren
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Bren,
Matrix is an RTA brand which I always recomend against. You are worrying about brand and yet have no kitchen designer helping you. Homeowners always need kitchen design help and contractors are NEVER qualified giving it. Find a cabinet dealer that gets good reviews first. Have them design your kitchen THEN get three or more quotes from contractors. You are spending a fortune on a major home renovation that will effect the value of your home dramatically. Not finding the best kitchen designer you can is missing the elephant in the room.
See my mantra below:
People worry about cabinet quality and price far more than they worry about their designs. This is because they aren’t kitchen or bath designers themselves and don’t understand how poor their designs usually are. If you listen to one of our podcasts this is usually a central issue. The Podcast below illustrates how different designs can be from what a homeowner might expect, while still staying within their budget. So, it makes little sense splurging on cabinets, appliances, and other expensive upgrades, when there are design improvements left on the table.
Below is a podcast that focuses on this issue:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/calls-with-paul-the-kitchen-design-podcast-episode-28-finding-a-kitchen-designer/
Nereyda
Hi Paul!
We are looking forward to remodeling our kitchen. And are undecided on two brands. Forevermark and kraftmaid from home depot. I did some research and have found that forevermark have less quality than kraftmaid. Can you please advice me of which of those two are a better quality. Thank you
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Forevermark is WAY less expensive than Kraftmaid because Kraftmaid offers so many different species of wood, door styles finishes and custom options. However Kraftmaid must be upgraded to all plywood construction to be equal to the Forevermark construction. This is because Forevermark only comes with a plywood box and soft close hardware. Home Depot kitchen designers will also not usually be the best designers.
Read blog below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/why-you-shouldnt-buy-a-kitchen-from-home-depot-or-lowes/
Ash Strickland
Thank you for putting together this list. I’ve referred to it multiple times. We’ve used Forevermark cabinets in past renovation and rental projects. Now, we’re looking for a cabinet company with a bit more variety, specifically offering both stained and painted options.
One feature we really appreciate about Forevermark is that the interior matches the exterior—a standard feature for them. I’ve struggled to find another company that offers this without charging for an upgrade. I might be willing to compromise on this as long as the interiors don’t look like a poorly applied woodgrain laminate.
However, one thing I really dislike about Forevermark is the clips they use. We’ve visited a Kraftmaid shop and another company (whose name escapes me), but neither had the same build quality, and their interior finishes were unattractive. Do you have any recommendations for cabinet companies to check out? Maybe a middle-of-the-road type and then one that is a little nicer but doesn’t break the bank (maybe a 4 or 5 rating at most).
I’ve briefly looked into Fabuwood, and their pricing may be a good fit for us. Are there any other similar companies you’d suggest?
I know Forevermark didn’t rate highly on your list, but they’ve held up well for us despite many tenants! Thanks again!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Ash,
Forevermark is one of the only companies that doesn’t use natural maple or birch interiors with an all plywood box. If you don’t like their clips buying shelf clips is very inexpensive in bulk. Better and more expensive cabinet brands upgraded to all plywood construction will still come with natural maple or birch interiors as that is standard in the cabinet industry. Even the most expensive custom cabinet brands will charge 20% more for matching interior cabinets. So the Forevermark anomaly just happens to be something you like that the cabinet world doesn’t.
On reason is that if you choose a painted finish then the painted inside of your cabinets are far less durable. The most durable inside of a cabinet is a natural polyurethaned finish. It will not be damaged easily by water or show scratches because it has a natural finish.
In more expensive brands you must upgrade to get an all plywood box and soft close hinges and tracks. In the better less expensive brands like Fabuwood, Cubitac, CNC, and Forevermark these features come standard.
Integrity is the brand we carry that is the best bargain for having many wood types and finishes.
Tonya
Hello,
Does Fabuwood have appliance panels for panel ready refrigerators and dishwashers?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Tonya,
Yes Fabuwood makes custom Panels. Be careful though. Ordering Custom appliance panels is tricky and some Fabuwood dealers might not be experienced enough to order correctly. Fabuwood custom panels take 8 weeks to make versus 3 weeks for most cabinet orders.
Anna
What do you think of Dover Woods? I haven’t seen them on your lists. Thoughts?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Anna,
I have never heard of the brand Dover Woods and their web site doesn’t give any information on how they are made, so I can’t comment.
Kelly
Thank you for posting such helpful information. I am interested in finding high quality shaker style kitchen cabinets in a white oak that has a white oak stain that that has no yellow, orange or pink undertones. I’ve always understood that solid hardwood cabinets is worth the investment but based on what I’ve read on your site, plywood might be an okay option that will deliver the quality and longevity. Our design/build firm works with Wellborn Forest. Unclear if they have other relationships since we are in initial discussions and haven’t entered the design phase (one would assume they have other options available). Is there any particular companies that make quality white oak cabinets with a neutral white oak stain? Mouser has an option that is beautiful but I’m anticipating a crazy price tag.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Kelly,
I’m really not a fan of the Design/Build business model. These companies can be good installers and general contractors but they NEVER will have very good kitchen designers because the best kitchen designers make too much money working for cabinet dealers. Read this article below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/design-and-build-and-why-splitting-the-two-can-make-sense/
So I would first find a good cabinet dealer and have THEM design my kitchen. After the design is complete, I would have different general contractors bid on the construction. If you need an engineer or an architect for permitting I would use one recommended by the general contractor or the cabinet dealer.
Of course the design and build firm you are considering can bid on your project. But DO NOT purchase anything through them. They will be skimming money from you as most are in cahoots with any company that they recommend.
Unlike builders, good cabinet dealers will carry several cabinet brands. For example Main Line Kitchen Design sell 8 different brands across every price point. As this blog shows there are dozens of well made cabinet brands at every price point.
Let an expert in each field advise you and give you independent pricing. Surprising to many home owners, renovations run far more smoothly this way. Because no one is inserting themselves in between the experts in each field. So buy cabinets from cabinet dealers, countertops from those dealers or from outside countertop companies, appliances from appliance dealers, flooring and tile from those retailers. Then have at least 3 general contractors bid your project. You can take a recommendation from the suppliers for general contractors but always get some outside quotes as well.
Jennifer Bee
Wow- this is an incredibly rude comment. I believe I am an excellent kitchen designer and I work for a design/build company. Your remarks are outlandish!! We certainly don’t skimp on design nor are we in cahoots with anyone. You are giving poor advice to people and it’s pretty insulting.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Jennifer,
The best kitchen designers generally don’t work for Lowe’s, Home Depot, or at a design and build firm because these places are training grounds for kitchen designers and they usually pay a fraction of what the best kitchen designers make at cabinet dealers. Good cabinet dealers will carry well made cabinetry across all price points so that all customer’s budgets can be serviced. And their designers know more about cabinetry because they sell many brands. Our company carries 8 brands.
Yes this isn’t always true because there are exceptions to the rule, but those exceptions are uncommon. Our top designers make between 100 and 200 K per year. I know other kitchen designers that make well above that. Why would a really good kitchen designer work for 35 or 45 K which is what home centers and design and build firms pay in our area?
The answer is that they wouldn’t unless they were the owners of the firm and happened to be good designers themselves. However, even though these companies can design great kitchens they tend to be overpriced because they aren’t competing for the construction part of the job.
This is how our industry works. So if you are a great designer you should be looking for a higher paying job with an independent kitchen cabinet dealer.
Some independent cabinet dealers also offer construction and pay their designers well with commissions on both. These places would generally do a better job doing design and build but splitting the job is more often still the best route for customers.
Linda
Hi Paul,
I have an additional question to the one I just asked. I have looked into Adornus, Holiday, Cubitec, Decora and Fabuwood (all frameless) in addition to Kraftmaid. I seem to be leaning toward Kraftmaid probably because I have Kraftmaid Maple stained framed cabinets now and have never had a problem with them. Are they all relatively equal in construction and durability? Because I am looking for painted shaker style, which they all have, and I’m not looking for a lot of choices other than color and edge design on the stiles and rails,it would seem the I need advice on construction and durability. Can you comment on the above or suggest any other brands?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Linda,
I don’t think you are understanding what “frameless” means as many of the brands you are mentioning don’t make frameless cabinets or like Fabuwood and Cubitac don’t offer a frameless shaker door style.
For a shaker door style I would recomend getting a framed cabinet. Framed cabinets are much more durable which is one of your requests.
Shaker door styles will also not have different edge styles. The definition of a shaker door is having a square eased outside edge on all the doors and drawers and either a square or beveled edge on the inside of the stiles and rails. All other variations would not be called shaker. Many cabinet brands offer what’s called a “skinny shaker” style which is a slab door style with a outside corner molding added to it. That is more modern than regular shaker and way more modern than any door style with a profile on the inside or outside edge of the door frame.
With so many misunderstandings I think you are over focusing on brand as many people do. Usually when I see a design from a customer that is confused on cabinetry issues the design itself is terrible. This is because it is the job of the kitchen designer to educate customers and if the designer is poor or not or no real kitchen designer is being consulted the customer will be confused AND it is impossible for the overall design to be any good.
See my mantra below:
People worry about cabinet quality and price far more than they worry about their designs. This is because they aren’t kitchen or bath designers themselves and don’t understand how poor their designs usually are. If you listen to one of our podcasts this is usually a central issue. The Podcast below illustrates how different designs can be from what a homeowner might expect, while still staying within their budget. So, it makes little sense splurging on cabinets, appliances, and other expensive upgrades, when there are design improvements left on the table.
Below is a podcast that focuses on this issue:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/calls-with-paul-the-kitchen-design-podcast-episode-28-finding-a-kitchen-designer/
Removing a wall or moving a window or doorway can cost a few thousand dollars but make the kitchen and a home a completely different with a better layout. This can often increase the home’s value several times more than the cost of the renovation. Whereas upgrading to a more expensive cabinet brand or professional appliances like SubZero can add tens of thousands of dollars to a renovation and if the kitchen design is poor make getting back what you spent on the renovation impossible.
Linda
Hi Paul,
I want frameless cabinets with a white shaker door. Kraftmaid through Home Depot offers Evercore doors on some styles. It seems this may be a good way to go because they are painted (seams don’t show as with wood and there is not supposed to be issues with expansion and contraction). What is your opinion, please?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Evercore is fine but Kraftmaid only makes framed cabinets as far as I know.
Barbara French
You show Koch cabinets at a price point of 6.
Having been a Koch dealer for 12 years I disagree with that price category. It is significantly lower than crestwood or mouser which I also carry. I would estimate Koch at a level 4
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Barbara,
You are right that we have Koch listed too high price wise. Although I think 4 is too low. They might be one of the lower priced 5’s and Crestwood a higher priced 5 and Mouser a very high 5. Not sure why we had them rated a 6. Possibly it’s a holdover from years back when we were working with less data and we never updated them. Kraftmaid is a solid 4 how would you rate Koch compared to Kraftmaid?
Thanks,
Paul
Hunter
I have already gotten a ton of value from your list so thank you. I own a custom cabinet company. Recently we added a Dura Supreme dealer to the team (first time selling any factory line brand). So far, we are happy but I am nervous about them being acquired by MasterBrand as well as your low rating for them. I’m already looking for other factory lines in that same price range (5+) such as and likely adding NatureKast to our offerings. Please feel free to comment on any of the above, but the question I wanted to ask is this: What company or companies should I consider adding as a mid-tier priced factory line (such as Integrity maybe)?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Hunter,
You are lucky that Masterbrands bought DuraSupreme. Masterbrands is a reputable company while DuraSupreme was not when they were privitely owned. NatureKast is outdoor cabinets. We never sold a lot of them but new home builders at the beach might.
The brands we carry in order of price are:
Fabuwood
1951
Integrity
Bishop
Brighton Custom
Wellsford Custom
Hunter
Are you thinking your assessment of DuraSupreme will improve under the ownership of MasterBrands? They are way down on your list. Thanks for the reply!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Hunter,
Yes I would expect the DuraSupreme ratings to get better over time. Possibly MUCH better. However, it’s only been 5 weeks since they were bought out.
For example DuraSupreme used to outsource their frameless cabinetry to unreliable manufacturers. Under Masterbrands that will certianly end as will their not honoring their warranties which was a primary reason we gave them a low value rating. Essentially all the bad reviews they received were from poor company management.
But we will give them some time to work out their kinks before we change their ratings. Based on the Better Business Bureau reviews the frameless cabinets they sold were still shoddy in January.