Kitchen Cabinet comparison for 2017. Reviews of the top selling cabinet lines.

1 Replies to “Kitchen Cabinet comparison for 2017. Reviews of the top selling cabinet lines.”

1. 

   RPilli

   Do you have any experience with Conestoga Wood? The have aome nice inset cabinets. Who do these compare to others?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Ad far as I know Conestoga does not make anything except RTA cabinets and doors and drawer fronts. Other cabinet makers could use their doors to make inset cabinets but Conestoga does not make inset cabinetry themselves.

2. 

   Pete

   Paul – I was talking about Wellsford. I am in NJ and within the 2 hour service area you mention. I filled out the contact form on your website so should be talking to your folks soon. Thanks again.

3. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Mike,
   Thank you so much for sending the specs.

   I am still OK with the Kraftmaid construction, although the plywood reference and other issues make me think that the company is heading in the wrong direction. Since the base cabinets still use 3/4″ hanging rails and on the wall cabinets the 1/2″ hanging rails are on top of the 3/16 plywood making the combination very close to 3/4″ The construction is still good.

   You must make sure to upgrade Kraftmaid and most other all US made cabinet lines to all plywood construction to get the same level of durability as many of the the US lines that are using Asian doors and cabinet fronts..

   Seems funny, but today some inexpensive lines are better made un-upgraded, than the most expensive cabinet lines unless they are upgraded.

   Lines like Medallion, Durasupreme, Diamond, Starmark, Fieldstone, and others are beautiful looking but made poorly unless they are upgraded.

   This may change as consumers become better informed.

4. 

   MikeZ

   Paul
   I got the info about the Kraftmaid hanging rails from-
   http://www.Kraftmaid.com/product-specifications/
   There are three downloadable pdf specification books linked from that page, for Lowes, Home Depot, and independents. On the Lowes pdf see the Construction Options page C17 which states hanging rails are 3/4″ on bases and 1/2″ on wall and solid wood. On page C14 they say the hanging rails may be either solid wood or plywood. I saw the same in the Home Depot spec download but not sure if the page numbers are identical. For 2016-2017.

5. 

   Peter Despres

   Hi – Your site and this page in particular are outstanding and have such great info. Researching kitchen cabinets is a daunting task, but you make it manageable. How much difference is there in both price and quality between Kraftmaid and Wellsford? Would you recommend one over the other and if so for what reasons? Thank you!!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Peter,
   Wellsford is a custom line made is Pennsylvania that is one of the 8 cabinet lines that we carry. Wellborn is a larger National brand so I’m wondering if you mean Wellborn and not Wellsford. Wellborn has many different lines and their higher end cabinetry is like Kraftmaid and possibly a little more versatile. Right now we do not carry either Kraftmaid or Wellborn although we have considered carrying both at different times.

   Wellsford we do carry. It is a custom line and better made and more expensive than Kraftmaid. If you are considering Wellsford you would probably be in our service area and if so I would wonder why you aren’t working with us directly? We carry every price point for cabinetry from very well made cabinetry 40% less than Kraftmaid to very expensive custom cabinetry that would certianly be more. Our company is less expensive than traditional showrooms for cabinetry because we have a different business model. So by not working with us if you are in our area you will be spending more on cabinetry and probably working with a less skilled designer. We will travel within a couple of hours drive of Philadelphia so if you are within that radius I would suggest calling and discussing your project.
   Thanks,
   Paul

6. 

   MikeZ

   Two questions: Do you know anything about Woodland Cabinetry out of South Dakota? Website says little about construction materials or methods but per local dealer it is fairly high end. I have an enquiry in to them about construction.
   Also in reviewing Kraftmaid All Plywood Construction the wall cabinet backs are 3/16 inch plywood along with a 1/2 inch mounting rail. Also drawer bottoms are 3/16. Is that OK? I did not even know there was plywood that thin.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Mike,
   Kraftmaid is a 3/4″ hanging rail unless it changed in the last year. If they did and you have documentation please send that if you could. We would need to adjust our rating and amend some of our blogs. The captured drawer bottoms and backs don’t make any difference. Sorry we never heard of Woodland.

7. 

   Jamie

   What a great site. We have a 33 year old kitchen. Cabinets are by Merillat.Solid oak doors and frames. Slide out shelves and not much for then that. We just found a broken waste pipe and a cabinet became molded from the moisture. This is inside, end. The insurance company requested us to find estimates for a cabinet builder to rebuild, or replace the cabinet. I have had no luck in this process. So, I have been researching new cabinets. Kraftmaid, Shenandoah,Schuler and American Woodmark. Home depot, Loews and Consumers Kitchen and Bath.I was happy with the Merilatt, they preformed very well over the years, for being builder grade. Just the upgrade of the solid oak doors.
   33 years later I am looking for better choices. Lazy susan,better pull outs and crown moldings.
   I have tried to do my research but it is daunting to say the least. Which cabinets would you recommend over the
   other? And any thoughts over Loews, Home depot and Consumers. I am also having whoever I go with give me the estimated cost to replace what I had, and then I will upgrade to new. thank you so much for this great site. We are located on Long Island NY

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Kraftmaid is the best cabinet you mention. Our 2017 report rates them all. Lowes or Home depot has more to do with who the designer is. I never heard of Consumers

8. 

   John P.

   You gave the Solid Wood Cabinets two A’s. Is this the company you mean? LINK REMOVED There is another company called Sollid Wood Cabinets with two “L’s” in Sollid.

   Also, can you confirm if solidwoodcabinets.com are made in the USA not assembled in the USA, actually material sourced and manufactured in the USA? You gave them two “A’s” so I would like to confirm if we are talking about the same company.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Yes this is the same company, in PA you can get them assembled. And buying cabinets assembled by the manufacture is important. They are very well made for the LOWEST price point level cabinetry. All well made inexpensive cabinetry is now assembled in the US by US companies but has the cabinet doors and fronts coming from Asia.

   Strictly all US made companies that are at very low price points can’t be well made for the low price. Higher end cabinetry is better made in the US but even there some doors may be coming from Asia. Some things can’t be done cheaply and be all US made. No one would buy an iPhone if it cost $2,500. So you can’t get INEXPENSIVE well constructed cabinetry that is all US made, it just doesn’t exist. The inexpensive cabinetry that is all US made is either a company that is lying, which many are, or the cabinetry must be either poorly made or more expensive.

9. 

   JC

   My GC is installing Wolf Classic Dartmouth Cabinets and my wife and I are a little nervous as a lot of reviews on-line indicate poor quality control and finish with the classic line. Your review gives Wolf a solid “B” score. Should we be concerned?? We were told they were a mid-grade cabinet.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   They are a good value for the money but the lower lever of pricing for cabinetry so expect some issues but to upgrade to a more expensive line might be expensive.

10. 

    Steve

    If you had to choose between Kith and TRU lines, which would you suggest?
    Thanks!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Finding another company to work with

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   We don’t like the backs and the hanging rail. It is too small to be secure and the backs are not thick enough to compensate. Why do everything else so well and leave such an important feature sub standard. That is the most concerning feature here.

11. 

    TDVH

    We are considering Shiloh cabinets for our new construction house and we are wondering why Shiloh cabinets received a C grade. Here are the cabinet specifications posted on the company’s website.

    Any guidance on this would be very helpful. Many thanks!

    1. Solid wood hanging rail for secure fastening to wall.

    2. Solid wood corner blocks in base cabinets add strength and stability.

    3. 5/8″ hardwood dovetail drawer box standard (3/4″ hardwood dovetail drawer box available)

    4. Guides are Blum TANDEM edge 7/8″ extension with integrated BLUMOTION soft closing mechanism standard (optional Blum Tandem full extension guides with integrated BLUMOTION soft closing mechanism)

    6. Durable and easy-to-clean interior.

    7. 3/4″ plywood adjustable shelving with solid metal shelf clips.

    8. 1 1/2″ wide solid wood frames.

    9. 3/8″ plywood top (on wall cabinets) and bottom.

    10. Catalyzed conversion varnish topcoat that is smooth, very durable and resistant to most household chemicals

    11. 1/2″ plywood sides with finished ends that feature matching hardwood veneer on 1/4″ substrate panel for a great look and outstanding quality

    12. Blum COMPACT BLUMOTION 6-way adjustable hinges with integrated soft closing mechanism available on most hinges. (excludes knife, demountable and 3/8″ inset hinges)

12. 

    Connie Black

    Which would be a better buy for 96″ bathroom cabinetry, American Woodmark or Waypoint?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Bathroom cabinetry takes so little stress that either upgraded to plywood would be fine.

13. 

    Suzanne driscoll

    Hi I am wondering what your opinion is on hanssem cabinets vs fabuwood for wood finish. Thank you

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Even though Hanssem is a popular line none of us has ever sold them and we can’t find info on line so we don’t know. It would be unlikely that they would be as nice as Fabuwood but that is only a guess.

14. 

    pmcalary[ Post Author ]

    Actually Bertch for only 20% more than Cabico is a great deal.

15. 

    Chris

    Thanks! Is Bertch worth 20% more in total project cost v. Cabico?

16. 

    Chris

    Thank you so much for this helpful blog!

    We are trying to decide between Bertch, Cabico and DuraSupreme. We are able to pay for a quality product, but don’t want to unnecessarily overpay. Do you have an opinion about the three?

    Thanks

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   I’d go Bertch. We used to carry Durasupreme but found the company disreputable. So we would recommend avoiding them and Bertch we like more than Cabico.

17. 

    pmcalary[ Post Author ]

    Hi Pattie,
    Even though we are a new company and have only been in business 7 years. 2 months is a very short time. The first customers that bought kitchens from us were longtime business friends that I am so thankful for now. If you didn’t know the people in this company before now it is too risky and I would find a more established dealer to buy from.

18. 

    Pattie

    Hi Paul, I tracked down a local rep who carries Brighton on Long Island. Because his shop just opened about 2-months ago I am concerned about potential cabinet issues down the road if this place goes out of business (a number of kitchen places here have).

    Should I seek out another (more established) shop that sells Brighton? Or is it a matter of the Brighton company standing behind their product no matter where I buy their cabinets?

19. 

    paul mcalary

    Never heard of them. They have a simple web site with no information

20. 

    Regina

    Our kitchen/bath design company has recommended a brand of cabinets called Kemp. Kemp is an Amish company in Indiana. However; I can not find any more information on them. Are you familiar with this company?

21. 

    pmcalary[ Post Author ]

    Hi Karen Yes We carry Clique Studios sold as 6 Square by dealers as well as Fabuwood. Both are well made. But designing remotely is dangerous.

22. 

    pmcalary[ Post Author ]

    Hi Pattie,
    I don’t know how the backs of the Holiday cabinets are made. 1/2 backs or Solid wood hanging rails are best.

23. 

    Karen

    Another brand is “Cliqstudios” made in Indiana. Are you familiar with them or their reputation?

24. 

    Karen

    I am in Kentucky and the dealer is offering an “upgrade” on the soft hinges and drawer closes but I see they are “standard” on Fabuwood according to your information? Thanks so much–your posts are very helpful.

25. 

    Karen

    Hello,

    I’m looking a Fabuwood Gallery in Linen. Your reviews suggest these are a high quality cabinet, however I’m concerned they only offer a 5 year warranty. How does this compare to other warranties?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   We give all the cabinets we sell a limited lifetime warranty Including ones that only offer 5 year ones like Fabuwood. In general any problems that are warranty-able happen in the first 2 years and no one warranties against wear and tear so longer warranties are more about marketing than construction. IKEA gives a long warranty and they are junk but a smart company when it comes to marketing.

26. 

    Jane Anne Sherin

    Do you know the quality of Bishop Cabinets? The kitchen design center I am using deals with Bishop and Greenfield. My Greenfield quote was very high.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   We Like Bishop and we are a dealer for them. Upgrade to their Deluxe or Untimate box and soft close drawers and doors

27. 

    Pattie

    Hi again Paul, After reading about what to look for on your site, I tracked down a phone number and spoke directly with Holiday Kitchens.( I paid attention to what you said about cabinet companies that don’t put their construction info on their web sites.)
    I am told their framed cabinets are built with a 5/8″ plywood box, 5/8″ solid wood drawers (back,front and sides) 1/4″ bottom standard or upgrade to 1/2″ bottom of drawers.
    Holiday Kitchens use Hettich full extension glides (not Blum). In your opinion, how does Holiday Kitchen compare to other lines you have seen? I had never heard of Holiday Kitchens before as they are not widely available on Long Island where I live.
    While your point is well taken with regard to bringing in a good kitchen designer, I have been disappointed with some of the designers I’ve spoken with as they are not as creative as I would have liked and in many cases have contradicted one another. I don’t want someone to rubber-stamp my own designs- I want them to improve upon them and be more creative. Maybe I am expecting too much. I have been playing with graph paper and paper kitchen cabinet cut-outs for years trying to figure out the best layout for our odd-shaped kitchen to make it as functional as possible because I really cook.
    Getting back to the cabinetry: I don’t have an actual quote on HK yet, but having looked at Woodmode’s Brookhaven line, I find it hard to justify spending about $10-grand more for “furniture-grade” particle board construction.
    In terms of the bottom line, I live in a 1000 square foot house in an area where even similar sized homes are going for over $400,000. I’m not looking to sell. For me, I want a solid quality product with nice detailing. It is hard to compromise on features and construction after “seeing Paris” but I don’t want to put a “Bentley” kitchen in my one-car garage either, if you know what I mean.
    Anyway, given what I’ve relayed about Brookhaven and the Holiday Kitchen line, what are your thoughts? Any other lines I might look at?

28. 

    Pattie

    Hi Paul, Yours’ seems to be the only voice of reason in what feels like a nightmare of mumbo-jumbo jargon in kitchen-reno-world. THANK YOU for the wonderful service you provide to educate and inform. Please help me if you can.
    I am looking for white painted shaker-style recessed-panel framed cabinets with a little more detailing. Ideally I would like inset, but am leaning toward full-overlay doors to avoid fit issues with mid-priced cabinet lines.
    While I would love Rutt Regency or Woodmode cabinets (gorgeous) I don’t know if I can justify the cost, We have a small kitchen in a modest house. Holiday Kitchens (made in Wisconsin) were suggested to me and up close seem to be a quality line, but I can’t find much information out there from others with first-hand experience. Have you heard of the line?
    The dealer, who carries a number of cabinet lines including Decora, said Holiday Kitchens was comparable to Decora, but that Holiday Kitchens had a better finish in painted cabinets. Any feedback you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Pattie,
   Sorry I don’t know the Holiday line well. They are not a popular brand in this area. They look OK but give very little construction information on their site. Decora I do know and they are well constructed. If you have a modest home all of these lines might be more than you need to spend and a line like 6 Square might suit your needs equally well. They are sold as Clique Studios on line. Of course the design itself is the overlooked area of most importance. And the designs we get sent are nearly all very poor which is either a testament to how bad most kitchen designers are or of how unwilling they are to criticize the poor designs that customers initially want. The easiest thing for any kitchen designer to do is to give a customer the design that they think they want. The best kitchen designers find ways to educate their customers so that they understand why they might want something else.

29. 

    Michelle

    Hello,

    Do you have any experience with Harlan Cabinetry or Dutch Made Cabinetry out of Indiana? They seem somewhat similar but curious as to your thoughts. Thanks!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Michelle,
   I don’t know either line but their website’s are not very impressive nor informative. I would try to find better known brands that are more transparent in their products.

30. 

    Jen

    Paul,

    Thank you!! You are truly a life saver. If we lived closer to your showroom we would definitely be coming to see you. (We’re in Central Maryland.) I’m going to look at the Fabuwood after work today. I’m still trying to find a local dealer of 6 Square. Apparently the online company Cliq Studios sells 6 Square. What do you know about them? I am skeptical about someone designing my kitchen without seeing it in person, but can they do a good job just based on measurements and photos? Our design is fairly simple.

    Thanks again,

    Jen

31. 

    pmcalary[ Post Author ]

    Hi Jen,
    Fabuwood will be less and on on painted Birch. 6 Square and Home Crest will be more and on Painted maple. Strikly on durability the cabinets would be ranked as they cost with Homecrest first the 6 square then Fabuwood but the differenced is so small and the cost differences are an added 15% and 40%.

    Unless my design needed added customization which most people’s don’t because their designs are overly uncomplicate, I would probably get the birch Fabuwood knowing that I am saving 40% or at least 15% and that I may get some added chips with birch over time.

    Having a Guardsman Professional Furniture refinisher out to touch up a kitchen in 10 years only costs $500 which is why I worry less about birch and any added chips. Especially since with any painted cabinet the biggest problems with the paint will be due to water and moisture. Farm sinks and painted finishes are particularly problematic. If you want to be extra cautious pay jut the 15% more for the 6 Square.

32. 

    Jen

    Hi Paul,

    I am following your advice and looking into more inexpensive options for a Shaker white kitchen. We were quoted $15,000 for Bishop (not including installation) by a local dealer. My understanding is that we could get Fabuwood or 6 Square for less than half of that. The other inexpensive option I can get from a local dealer is Homecrest.

    Of these 3, which do you think is the best and why? I know you carry both Fabuwood and 6 Square. What is the difference between them? They seem very similar. Does Homecrest have any advantages over either of these?

    Thank you so much for your help.

    Jen

33. 

    Erik

    Hi. I can’t appreciate this blog enough.
    My question is in regards to CWP / New River.
    I’m actually a designer for a kitchen cabinet supplier here in NJ and considering adding them to our showroom.
    I would love to know your thoughts, if you’ve had a chance to check them out?
    A big plus is their recessed line; amongst other overlay options.
    But obviously finish & construction quality is a concern.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Looks like both the framed and frameless lines have no hanging rail and only 1/4″ backs, so I’d stay away from the line. Also inexpensive lines that do inset cabinetry are dangerous. We would only use high end lines for inset. If you are a Jersey Showroom looking for inexpensive cabinetry to carry I’d consider Fabuwood or CNC which is a little less.

34. 

    Jen

    Paul,

    Thank you so much for your quick response! I really appreciate your advice about being able to look at cabinets that are cheaper than Bishop or Kraftmaid as I want to do Shaker white cabinets. Which mid range brands would you suggest I consider? I am going to see if I can find a local dealer for 6 Square and Fabuwood, as those are the two you sell and recommend. Any others? The Fabuwood seems like it is made with birch, and I thought maple was better?

    My husband and I plan on living in our house for a while (10-15 years), so we want something we can enjoy using, as well as something that will still look good years from now when we sell the house. Even if the next generation of home buyers feels about Shaker white cabinets the way I feel about 1970’s harvest gold! Lol!

    Thanks again for all your advice. You are potentially saving me a lot of money and time.

    Jen

35. 

    Jen

    First of all, thank you SO much for your very informative website. I am grateful I stumbled across it in my search for information on cabinets. Your ratings list and your blog topics have really helped me to make some sense of this unknown territory.

    Two questions:

    1)Bishop vs Kraftmaid? I see that they are in the same price category and that you rate them about the same. How do they compare? Pros? Cons? We just want to do the basic Shaker white and make a kitchen island as well.

    2)What is Wellborn Forest? Is that the same thing as Wellborn? My understanding is it’s a cheaper cabinet line. It’s not on your list. What do you know about it?

    Again, thank you very much for your help.

    Jen

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Jen,
   Bishop vs Kraftmaid. They both have their own advantages. We carry Bishop because they will do very custom upgrades, inset, and beaded inset cabinetry and custom color match finishes very reasonably. Kraftmaid doesn’t offer most of these options and is slightly more expensive. That being said I like the stains and glazes and distressed finishes better on Kraftmaid. However if you are getting a shaker white door both these lines could be more than you need to get a well made cabinet in that style and color.

   Some of the less expensive cabinet lines that have their doors made in China will actually have nicer finishes than any mid range US brands because the US companies don’t go through the added sanding that the doors made in China do because labor there is so inexpensive overseas.

   Wellborn Forest doesn’t say on their web site how the backs of their cabinets are made. So I can’t give an informed opinion. Everything else looks good but the backs of the cabinets are often the “tell” on a cabinet line.

36. 

    Robin

    Thank you so much for your response regarding the durability of hanssem and cnc. Would you recommend Kraftmaid and St. Martins as better choices for white cabinets in terms of a durable finish? (If so, which one is better?) Do you know if either is carb2 compliant? I cant seem to find that out.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Yes I would recommend both those lines over the first two. However all painted cabinetry is less durable than stained finishes and I doubt there is that much difference between one line and another when it comes to damage by water. Neither Kraftmaid or St Martins advertises Carb compliance but upgraded to plywood that would be less of a concern. If you are especially sensitive to off gassing like with new carpets, new rugs, new cars or fresh paint you could unbox and store cabinetry in your garage for a few weeks before installing which would be extremely effective.

37. 

    RioBrewster - Austin

    You gave Kemper a “B” for quality. That’s not “poor.” And I understand the issues with frameless cabinets, but if the best they can be is a “B”, then it doesn’t seem like “C” is that bad at the 2 price point.
    My options at one dealer are Bellmont, Mid Continent, Starmark, UltraCraft, Legacy and Plato. The other dealer does Wolf, Showplace, Kemper and Decora.

    So why you think the designers involved are not good designers if you haven’t seen the design?

38. 

    RioBrewster - Austin

    I’m planning on doing a cherry or red birch, slab door kitchen in my new house.
    I have two quotes. One is Ultracraft – standard construction which is 5/8″-thick, furnituregrade, medium-density, particleboard. The other one is Kemper – upgraded to all plywood. Both quotes include installation.

    The Ultracraft designer says a slab door kitchen will look better with a frameless line – and the finish on Ultracraft is nicer than Kemper. But the Kemper quote is about $2K less than the Ultracraft and all plywood.

    Both lines have a lot of bad customer reviews – which may or may not have to do with design or installation.

    Should I be wary of the Ultracraft?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   You are asking that question on the comment section of a blog that rates both these lines poorly. That makes me concerned about your project in general. Well thought out kitchens start with finding a good designer first.

39. 

    VADunne

    Thank you for your quick response. The Kraftmaid quote was actually less cost then Diamond making it a better all around value for us. Thanks again!

40. 

    VADunne

    Is the Diamond line from Lowes a decent product? Trying to decide between Diamond and Kraftmaid. We are working with a limited budget.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Diamond MUST be upgraded to 1/2″ plywood sides. With a 3/8″ plywood back it isn’t as well made as Kraftmaid but it should be OK and some of the finishes are particularly nice. I would personally still pick Kraftmaid but Diamond has some nice door styles and finishes.

41. 

    Cj

    I’m considering Woodharbor Cabinets. Why do you rank them in the 2 category and why do they only rate a C? I thought they were very attractive and well made- especially the option for the walnut draw.
    Have you ever ranked Woodland?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi CJ,
   The backs of the cabinets are only 1/4″ thick. They are set back 3/8″ so you have the ability to turn this cabinet into a well made cabinet if you add 3/8″ plywood to the backs of all the cabinets but to need to do this on an expensive custom cabinet got us annoyed. If you really like the finishes just add the 3/8″ ply with liquid nails or glue and some side brads and you will be fine. I would not recommend only adding a 3/8″ hanging rail.

42. 

    pmcalary[ Post Author ]

    Hi Carrie,
    Congratulations very exciting!

43. 

    Carrie

    Well, you’ve done it. We’ve chosen Decora over Starmark… Priced out the cabinets yesterday, which will cost a small fortune and is kinda making my stomach turn at the very thought (LOL) but I’m confident it the craftsmanship and that’s what counts. This is probably the only time we’ll be remodeling our kitchen so the few extra bucks for peace of mind for the long haul is well worth it to us. Even with qualifying for the Buyers Edge discount it’s a few thousand over the amount we’d initially budgeted, but we weren’t at all familiar with current cabinet pricing anyway to know our initial budget wasn’t going to cut it… And at this point upgrading to what we wanted (all plywood) from any other maker would have more than likely got us around this number anyway, but I’m not sure I’d have been as confident in the construction then. So here we are… Thanks for sharing your expertise, it’s been so very helpful. Can’t wait to see this all come to fruition.

44. 

    pmcalary[ Post Author ]

    We review them in this blog. At some point Peggy you need to find a kitchen designer to help you.

45. 

    Peggy

    Can you give me any information about the quality of Showplace cabinets?

46. 

    Sylvia

    Looking at Huntwood Kitchen white cabinets. They are based in Washington State. Do you know if these are quality cabinets?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   I’ve never heard of this company. They look like a small custom manufacturer that makes framed and frameless cabinet with nice finishes. However they don’t
   give details beyond generalities on cabinet construction – always a bad sign, and from the photos they look less well made than other brands. They don’t even say if all plywood construction is available. Being a smaller company is not a crime but a lack of transparency is in our book.

47. 

    pmcalary[ Post Author ]

    Upgraded all plywood construction in Schrock will be better made but probably more expensive. The finishes will be nicer too. Homecrest another Masterbrands line like Schrock will be less expensive and slightly better made.

48. 

    Peggy

    Thanks for responding to me so quickly. Since even the upgraded American Woodmark has the 1/8 back and the 1/2 inch hanging rail, would Schrock be a better cabinet for the price point? The specs page for upgraded Schrock indicated a 3/8 back, but there was no mention of the hanging rail.

49. 

    Peggy

    Thank you for all your extremely helpful information. I was leaning toward American Woodmark for my kitchen due to budget constraints but am now having second thoughts–I checked their website and found that the cabinets have a 1/8 inch “captured’ plywood back, and a 1/2 inch hang rail (wall cabinets) rather than the 3/4 inch you recommend. Need I worry that these cabinets would fall off the walls?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Peggy,
   Thank you so much for catching our mistake. Everyone at Main Line Kitchen Design had seen so many Timberlake/American Woodmark/Shendoah kitchens installed with the visible 3/4″ hanging rail on the base cabinets that we assumed that like most other cabinet lines the the less visible wall cabinets hanging rails were built the same way. Because we were so confident we knew the construction we never checked their spec book for the review, We are down grading the three lines now to B construction and C+ value ratings. With this construction feature it is essential that you never purchase these lines without upgrading to All Plywood Construction. But that is the case for many even expensive lines like Medallion, Durasupreme, Fieldstone and Starmark.

   Thankyou so much. This goes to show that everyday is an opportunity to learn something new.
   Paul

50. 

    Peggy

    Thank you for all of your extremely helpful information. I was leaning toward American Woodmark for my kitchen due to budget constraints, but I checked the cabinet specifications on their website and found that the backs are 1/8 “captured” plywood and the hang rails for wall cabinets are 1/2 inch only, not the recommended 3/4. Need I worry that these cabinets will fall off my walls?