Kitchen Cabinet Comparison 2017
Below is our list of the top selling cabinet makers in the United States, and our kitchen cabinet comparison for those brands.
Our reviews rate how these cabinet brands compare for construction quality and for value considering the price point of each cabinet line. Price point is rated from 1 to 6 with 6 being the most expensive cabinetry on the market.
We compare kitchen cabinetry assuming each line is upgraded to the top level of construction available.
Read The Most recently posted cabinet reviews below:
Cabinet Reviews: Ratings for the top 100 cabinet brands.
A grade of A for construction quality will not be equal across different price levels, as the more expensive price point cabinets will have far nicer finishes and construction options.
The value grade we give is not a rating about the quality of the cabinetry but a rating of how good an investment a cabinet line is considering it’s cost.
For example, many of the most expensive well-made cabinet lines receive lover marks on value.
Even though as designers we think the cabinetry is the best in its class. These lines receive lower kitchen cabinet ratings on value simply because there are competitors offering the same quality at slightly lower prices.
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.
FOR PEOPLE OUTSIDE OUR SERVICE AREA OF WITHIN A TWO HOUR DRIVE OF OUR BALA CYNWYD PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE, BELOW IS A LINK TO RECOMMENDED DEALERS IN OTHER AREAS. GOOD DEALERS CLOSE TO YOU CAN BETTER ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT’S AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA:
Recommended Dealers
| Cabinet line | Price level 1-6 | Quality | Value | |
| 6 Square | 2 | B+ | B+ | |
| American Woodmark | 3 | B | C+ | |
| Aristocraft | 2 | C | C | |
| Bertch | 4 | A | A- | |
| Bishop | 4 | A | A- | |
| Bishop Frameless | 5 | B | B+ | |
| Bremtown | 6 | A+ | C | |
| Brighton | 4 | A | A+ | |
| Brookhaven Closed | Closed | A | B | |
| Cabico | 4 | B | B | |
| Candlelight | 4 | A | A | |
| Canyon Creek | 3 | B | B | |
| CNC | 1 | B+ | A | |
| Collier | 5 | A | B- | |
| Crystal | 5 | A+ | A | |
| Decora | 4 | A | A | |
| Design-Craft | 4 | B | B | |
| Diamond | 4 | B | B | |
| Durasupreme | 5 | B+ | B | |
| Durasupreme frameless | 3 | C | C | |
| (Omega)Dynasty Frameless | 4 | B | C | |
| (Omega)Dynasty Pinnacle Framed | 5 | A | B | |
| Fabuwood | 2 | A | A | |
| Fabuwood Frameless | 3 | B | A+ | |
| Fieldstone | 4 | A | B+ | |
| Grabill | 6 | A+ | B | |
| Haas | 3 | B | B | |
| Hanssem | 1 | B+ | B | |
| Homecrest | 3 | B+ | B | |
| IKEA (frameless) | 1 | C | C | |
| Innermost framelss | 3 | B | B | |
| Kabinart | 3 | D | D | |
| Kemper | 3 | B | C | |
| Kitchencraft Frameless | 3 | C | B | |
| Kith | 3 | B+ | C+ | |
| Kountry Kraft framed | 6 | A | B | |
| Kountry Kraft frameless | 6 | B | B | |
| Kraftmaid | 4 | B+ | A | |
| Legacy | 3 | B+ | C- | |
| LifeArt | 1 | C+ | A | |
| Marsh | 2 | B+ | B | |
| Medallion | 5 | B+ | C+ | |
| Merillat | 2 | C | D | |
| Mid Continent | 2 | C | C | |
| Mouser | 5 | A | A- | |
| Mouser Frameless | 5 | B | A | |
| Ovation | 4 | B | C | |
| Plain and Fancy | 6 | A | B | |
| Poggenpohl frameless | 6 | B | C | |
| QuakerMaid frameless | 4 | B | B | |
| Rutt | 6 | A+ | A | |
| Schrock | 3 | B | B | |
| Schuler | 5 | B+ | C+ | |
| Shenandoah | 3 | B | C+ | |
| Shiloh | 4 | C | C | |
| Showplace | 3 | B+ | B- | |
| Solid Wood Cabinets | 1 | A | A | |
| Starmark | 4 | A | B+ | |
| Stylecraft | 6 | A+ | B+ | |
| Thomasville* | 4 | B- | C- | |
| Timberlake | 3 | B | C+ | |
| Ultracraft Frameless | 2 | C | C | |
| Village | 5 | A | A | |
| Waypoint | 2 | B | B | |
| Wellborn | 4 | A | A | |
| Wellsford | 5 | A+ | A+ | |
| Wolf | 1 | B+ | B+ | |
| Woodharbor | 4 | B+ | C | |
| Woodmode Closed | Closed | A | A- | |
| Yorktowne | 3 | C | D | |
* Note:
Home Depot can change who manufactures this line although Masterbrands has been manufacturing the line under the Thomasville name for over ten years.
Remember that choosing the designer, the cabinet dealer, and the installer you are working with is just as important as the cabinet line.
Do you need updated rankings for these cabinet lines and an additional 30 popular cabinet lines?
Below is the most up to date kitchen cabinet comparison.
Link to: Cabinet Reviews for 2022. Ratings for Kitchen Cabinet Brands. – (mainlinekitchendesign.com)
Are you looking for more general reviews of cabinetry from 2015 explaining types of cabinetry construction?
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/2015-popular-kitchen-cabinetry-brand-comparison/
For those sensitive to the fumes new cabinetry can give off:
Cabinet Off Gassing, Carb2 Compliance, and VOC’s.
Hoping you make all the right choices…and of course…Bon Appetit!
Main Line Kitchen Design
Paul, John, Stacia, Ed, Tom, and Julie
1 Replies to “Kitchen Cabinet comparison for 2017. Reviews of the top selling cabinet lines.”
Joanne Murray
continued from above…. I meant to ask why you would shy away from the “Select” Wellborn cabinets. We are looking for a well made cabinet and don’t necessarily need the fancy embellishments offered in the more expensive lines.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
It makes no sense to buy any cabinets that don’t meet our construction minimums. IE
All plywood construction
1/2″ plywood sides
1/2 plywood back or Solid wood hanging rail or at the very least a total of 3/4 ply hanging rail or a 3/8″ entire back
5/8″ solid woo dovetail drawers.
Blum Blumotion soft close tracks and soft close hinges.
Once you have met these minimums then pick the finish and style that you like best for the money.
Joanne Murray
Paul,
Spent some time on your website and reading your blog. Very helpful information- thanks you. I am specifically trying to decide whether to purchase cabinets from a more expensive company like Wellborn, choosing their less expensive “Select” line (upgrading to all plywood) versus purchasing from a less expensive company like Wolf and choosing their top tier “Designer” or “Signature” line. From reading your blog, it appears that you tend to choose the best cabinets that a company offers, so I am guessing that you would recommend the best line within Wolf products. Could you please tell a bit more about why you feel this way and why you would shy away from the “Select” Wolf cabinets, especially if we upgraded to all plywood. Thank you for your time and the information you provide on your blog.
Joanne
cmarie
HI, I noticed that you have not ranked DeWils Cabinets. They seem to feature alot of the components you reccommend. Could you respond if you have an opinion on these regarding their quality and where they fall price-wise with other comparable quality brands.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
We don’t know them and how much they cost but they look like a OK made cabinet. Probably not as good a value as some of the Asian produced American manufacturers.
Keri
How are you comparing all of these cabinet lines across the board, and what are dependant on their ratings. I was surprised to see Kabinart with such a low rating, as I sell it and haven’t had any bad issues with them. As a semi-custom line, I feel they have a lot more options and “customizations” per any other semi-custom brand that I have sold, and for a decent price point.
Same with the Woodharbor …
I am interested to hear your thoughts and how you came to your decision.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Keri,
Poorly made cabinets never have issues immediately after installation which is why IKEA cabinetry gets such good reviews from home owners and poorly informed professionals.
Kabinart falls short on construction in several categories we value for a framed cabinet. The most important are listed below.This is from their web site:
Cabinet Sides – 3/8″ laminated plywood (WE RECOMMEND and sell NO LESS THAN 1/2″)
Hanging Rail – Walls – 4″ x 3/8″ plywood concealed hanging rail. Bases – 2-1/2″ x 11/16″ solid wood hanging rail. (WE RECOMEND A 3/4″ SOLID WOOD HANGING RAIL OR A 1/2″ THICK ENTIRE BACK)
Cabinet Backs – 5/32″ plywood dadoed into end panel
These particular construction deficiencies will cause wall cabinets to fall off the wall over time and base cabinets while having the security of sitting on the floor will be more likely to pull apart and rack. Being deficient on both the backs AND the sides of the cabinets makes problems worse. If it was only the backs of the Kabinart cabinets that were problematic they might be OK. The combination gets them poor reviews.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Wood Harbor is a better choice and I actually upgraded their construction after further review. They do have a back that we don’t like but since the sides are 1/2″ unlike Kabinart they will probably be fine over time.
rick coloccia
great website!!!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Thanks!
Fins
Thanks for all the great info!
We have been looking at doing shaker white cabinets, but now are a bit concerned regarding how the finish will hold up vs stained. I have read that painted cabinets are much harder to touch up if they get chipped, etc.
Is this a real concern with painted white cabinets? We entertain, but we don’t have small children living with us anymore.
Thanks!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
While white painted cabinets do show chips, scratches and dirt far above what a stained cabinets would there are furniture refinishers like the national firm Guardsman Furniture Refinishers that can touch up an entire kitchen like new for a few hundred dollars.
Eric
Paul – I’m in the process of selecting a designer. One gentleman on the short list partners with Wood-Mode, a firm very highly rated on your list. In general, I feel very good about the company and their product line. The designer is in favor of their “European” look and use of the Wood-Mode seamless door style. Is this style the same as frameless construction you caution against? If I do choose a Wood-Mode product, what is the best design option from a quality perspective (inset or overlay doors)? Thank you for your help.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Eric,
We do not recommend frameless construction for any kitchen other than a very modern one that would lend itself to the ultra tight spacing of doors and drawer fronts frameless cabinetry offers. Other than those modern kitchens it would make little sense to get a lower quality constructed cabinet.
Full overlay or inset are just looks and don’t make a framed cabinet better made. If you are getting custom cabinets like Woodmode inset and beaded inset cabinets are the instantly recognized feature of custom cabinets. The inset look is also more traditional so if you wanted a more contemporary look full overlay would go better with that style.
N Oregon
There is a lot of great info here! I am undergoing an unplanned kitchen Reno…. Therefore we are on a budget. It is really hard to tell where our money would be best spent. I would love to hear what would be the top two picks and why out of Homecrest, Kemper, Medallion, Thomasville, and Diamond. We’ve met with designers for all and have bids on all. I agree that design is very important so I have a bit of an idea where I want to go but not sure what the pros & con’s are between these lines. They are all in the same price range for the bids we received.
Secondly, I would really like to do a painted off white, or with very slight grey hue. I’ve read the response that the paint will show any and all problems. I’m kind of a particular, protectionist (without the budget to back it up). I’m worried I may not be happy with what I want for finish in our space. We have a smaller kitchen with dark hard wood floors. I respect a stain finish, I’m just having a hard time seeing what stain cabinet would look good and not too dark with dark floors and somewhat closed in. Do you have suggestions? Is painted finish a poor choice with the lines mentioned above?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
You can’t be comparing apples to apples when you are pricing your kitchen which is worrisome. For example Medallion and Homecrest upgraded to all plywood construction would be 50% different in price. If you were actually getting Medallion upgraded to there best box for the same price as the other lines you would be getting such a giant discount that you would have to choose the Medallion. I suspect though that all the lines you are comparing have different upgrade levels and probably different wood types and door styles as well.
Rebecca
I found two building supply stores, not HD or Lowes, and worked with their cabinets sales staff. I have a layout that is a combination of online and local cabinet sales staff ideas. I wish I could find a kitchen designer, but It is a very rural area. .The local cabinet supply stores only have a few cabinet brands. Welborn Forest and Norcraft seem nice. Welborn Forest is different from Welborn. Please add these lines for review in your 2018 ratings. Thank you.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Wellborn Forrest is the choice here they are a well made cabinet line. Norcraft I believe is frameless which we give lower ratings to automaticly.
Eric in Las Vegas
Paul – Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and honest opinions. I’m starting to plan a full kitchen remodel. Quality of construction and finish are very important to me. A local design firm recommended using Fashion Cabinet Mfg. in West Jordan, Utah. Please let me know if your aware of the company and the quality of their products. Thank you!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Sorry I don’t know the line and can’t find construction info on their web site.
Andy nelson
I was wondering if anyone had experience with Styl Cabinets (Canadian company). Our designer is pushing the “high quality composite” material Styl uses, but I am very uncomfortable with materials in a kitchen that might fall apart when wet.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Never heard of them
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Lisa,
You would probably have been unhappy with any medium high end US line. Other than chips, the end grain and expansion joints you are describing are to be expected. All the complaints you read are from similarly poorly prepared customers. A less expensive line might have been a better choice actually. Asian made doors usually don’t show these issues. Paying more to get a product and then complaining about the properties you should have expected having paid more to get them, is a symptom of your designer not educating you on what to expect. Home centers are known for this which is why most of the negative Kraftmaid reviews come from home center customers.
Lisa Gigliotti
I appreciate the response and the frankness of your reply. Your right, our cabinets are maple. My husband and I researched 6 months before we chose KraftMaid. I’m a bit offended you implied we didn’t familiarize ourselves about the cabinets. No where online or in their catalogs did they state there would be expansion cracks, or dents or unfinished rough edges not fully sanded, or dents or cracks. Neither did our kitchen designer. I am not exaggerating. Would you accept doors with long cracks on the inside of doors? With chipped and exposed corners? With rough raised panels that look dirty on ivory paint? With obvious dents on front panels? If this is what is “normal ” and customers expecting smooth, painted door front and drawers as unrealistic, shame on you and the cabinet industry. It’s a bit sad that average income people need to buy $20,000 cabinets for the best quality. Unfortunately, we read another online blog (too late) where there were 250 complaints about the exact same problem were having on KraftMaid cabinets. Over half stated they it took 4 or 5 doors to replace one damaged door. Isn’t that wasting money? Why can’t they get it right the first time. Like I said before and I stand buy it, it’s about making money, quantity over quality.
Sharon in Seattle
Thank you for all the information you have provided and the time you have taken to answer so many questions. After reading your blog, I realized that I was about to make the biggest mistake of all–not fully exploring my best design options. Now that I understand what to look for in the cabinetry, it’s time to try and find the right designer and perhaps rethink our approach and where we allocate our budget. I live near a major metropolitan area (Seattle)–so I know there are plenty to choose from. What questions should I be asking to determine if they will have my best interests in mind vs impractical or wasteful design? Again, thank you for all the information you have provided for consumers like myself.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Sharon – You are the favorite customer of any good kitchen designer. You get it! And what a great question. Here are two blogs that sort of cover this:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/whos-the-best-kitchen-designer-in-philadelphia/
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/picking-cabinet-dealer-important-cabinets/
All the best and hoping you get the kitchen you deserve!
klam
Could you point out which top cabinet lines on your list makes inset style cabinet?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Any framed cabinet line that is a 5 or 6 pricepoint will make inset cabinets as well as a few 4 pricepoint lines like Brighton, Bishop, Starmark, and Fieldstone. Any line below a 4 pricepoint that sells inset should be avoided getting inset from. It is harder to make inset cabinets and the lower lines that attempt it often don’t succeed.
Lisa Gigliotti
Hi there. We just received our KraftMaid pine painted ivory cabinets. We are very upset and frustrated with the quality. Doesn’t these companies believe in quality over quantity any more? Out of 12 doors, 7 needed replaced, out of 10 drawers, 3 needed replaced and two whole cabinets needed replaced. Some were severely damaged, cracks on inside door, chipped corners, but most were on the raised panel edges. They were rough and not enough paint. They looked dirty. We received all replacements and only 3 are acceptable.The others are even worse than the originals!!! The worst of all came with an inspection sticker! And even worse, when we showed our kitchen designer, he said repeatedly, “They’re not going to replace it. That’s what the touch up out is for”. If we could do it over again, we would not buy KraftMaid. We are very, very disappointed and really upset. I wish I can talk to the owner…
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Lisa,
Unfortunately customers need to understand what they are buying. You obviously haven’t been informed well about what you bought. Your cabinets are not pine I’m sure they are maple, and painted finishes on high end US made semi custom cabinets all show expansion cracks on some doors and drawer fronts. You would have needed either less expensive Asian doors or MDF doors or a very expensive custom line to not have many of these issues.
In general, all kitchen cabinet manufacturers stand behind their products. So when a customer says that the kitchen designer says the manufacturer won’t replace something we know that the customer’s expectations were unrealistic. Learning about the products you purchase is both the designer and the customer’s responsibility.
Erik
Hi. A few months ago, I had inquired about CWP. You had mentioned that it has 1/4″ back but after some more investigating, found out it was 3/4″. Maybe because of the 1/4″ birch on 1/2″ you were implying? spoke to someone there and seems their construction is similar to Brookhaven (after considering them too)
Believe it or not, I’m unsure of the route. Looking into Greenfield also. Any thoughts on them?
Thanks.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
A 1/2 inch plywood hanging rail not as durable as a 1/2″ plywood back or a solid wood 3/4″ hanging rail both of which we prefer. A 3/8″ plywood back is also better than a 1/2″ plywood hanging rail so the CWC construction technique comes in a distant 4th to better made lines. Use our 2017 ratings to compare cabinets. We no longer answer questions about lines not reviewed. Our 2018 review will review an additional 25 lines. Non customers must wait until then for the review of those lines.
SLErickson
I am trying to decide between Cabico Essence natural cherry shaker cabinets($10k) and American Woodmark stained maple shaker cabinets ($6k).The difference in price will pay for 80% of the cost of the kitchenaid appliances. Any thoughts as to whether the Cabico cabinets are worth the extra money. Thanks
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Your not comparing apples to apples. But if everything is upgraded to plywood with the same tracks and drawers and you like the American woodmark I’d get them. Be careful though the Home Depot designer could have mistakenly left things off the order and that part of the reason for the big price difference.
Greg
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question
Greg Czechowicz
Hello how do you feel about Fieldstone cabinets? Our kitchen designer is pushing them, we are going to get white shaker cabinets. Are there any must upgrades that you would recommend getting?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
I like Fieldstone. With Fieldstone you MUST upgrade to 1/2″ plywood sides. Un-upgraded I believe Fieldstone still comes with 3/8″ particle board sides.
They have very nice finishes but with a white shaker door style you really won’t be taking advantage of some of the reasons they are a more expensive cabinet line.
Rachel
Thank you for the information you have provided. I am in the process of narrowing my search for a designer. I was using the cabinet lines and the knowledgeability of the individuals at the cabinet store as some indication of which store and which designer to choose. Do you have a blog on how to choose a designer that I have overlooked? Also, I looked at Greenfield cabinetry, but do not see it on your list. Would you speak to it for me? I have not been able to locate information about the construction in their brochures or website, which I was leery of, as you have noted. On the other hand, they were the higher end cabinet in two of the stores I visited and the cabinets themselves look much lovelier, the dovetailing, the smoothness of the drawers, the finishes, etc. Thank you again for the information you have provided!
Susan Hufford
I have been considering Kraftmaid cabinets (all plywood construction) but have been reading reviews from buyers complaining of receiving broken cabinets and finishes poorly done. Do you have any knowledge of Kraftmaid’s current quality assurance? I would be buying from an online dealer for a laundry and home theater.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
I would never buy online. It’s just asking for trouble. You have bigger worries than shipping damage but buying online dramatically increases those.
Kathy
Hello. We are considering Starmark and Shiloh cabinetry, white painted. Any thoughts about one brand over the other? We only have a quote on Starmark right now.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
This blog rates both.
Carol Graff
I am upgrading a bathroom vanity. I’ve narrowed down my choices of cabinetry to Holiday Kitchens, Bertch or Hanssem in white. Quoted prices were comparable. Which company would you recommend for durability?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Holiday Kitchens or Bertch are the best choice here either is great I’d get the finish I liked best.
Pkhurana
Thank you for the very useful information! Could you share your thoughts on Dewils cabinets?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Dewils looks equivalent in construction to American Woodmark at Home Depot or Shendoah at Lowes upgraded to a plywood box.
Mike in Oak Forest
We are considering Bertch and Kraftmaid. Would you recommend one over the other?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
I like both lines equally.
RSaw in FL
You are telling me what I need to know. Appreciate it.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Sorry about the tough love but if you find a knowledgeable expert and listen to them your project will proceed in an organised manor, cost less, and look better when it’s done. When you hear kitchen project horror stories they always involve designers that just sold customers what they wanted without being ethical enough to protect them.
RSaw in FL
Thanks for your advice.
paul mcalary
I’m sorry to have to say this rsaw but you may be the kind of customer that will always get a poorly designed kitchen and spend their money unwisely. You shouldn’t shop around to validate your own preconceived ideas. Shop around to find a good designer that will advise you well and prevent you from making mistakes. Keeping any cabinetry in this situation is absolutely a waste of money and will look worse and cost much more. Your ceilings also sound like they are 96″ high and you should be using 36″ high uppers and not 42’s. Your designer may have told you this too.
rsaw in FL
Thanks for such a quick response.
I have inset cabinets that are pretty, but very dark for the house – it’s a beach house and the cabinets are a very dark cherry and just don’t fit the style of the house. They are in good shape and good quality (all wood, soft close) so I don’t want to discard them. I am having new uppers put in since the soffit around the kitchen is being removed to open up the space, replacing the uppers with 42 inch cabinets. I’m also expanding the kitchen size to add 2 pantry cabinets and 2 bases with deep drawers. I’d be saving the sink base, 2 36 inch drawer cabinets, a corner cabinet and 2 smaller base cabinets. Ideally I’d like to reface the existing bases to match the new cabinets by replacing the drawer fronts and doors. Everything will be changed from a very dark cherry finish to off-white or white. My designer is recommending I replace everything existing and purchase new because the existing cabinets are inset. I can deal with having inset bases and overlay uppers if it will save money and limit waste. I’m told this will be either impossible or very difficult to do since the existing cabinets are inset. I’m investigating various cabinet lines and want to stay with plywood construction without busting the budget. Thoughts on Omega? This is what my designer has me looking at. Thanks.
RSaw in FL
Can you tell me more about Solid Wood Cabinets? In your 2017 ratings you list it as affordable (1) and A in both Quality and Value. Is this a particular line of cabinets or just solid wood cabinets in general? Thanks.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
It is a particularly inexpensive line of cabinets that is also well made. Much like the CNC line we carry. Most of the time it makes sense to spend a little more and get a line with nicer looking finishes like the Fabuwood or 6 Square lines we carry but if you want inexpensive and well made and aren’t too fussy, it’s a good choice. Especially if you are flipping a home.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
When you see stripes on doors that is BECAUSE they are solid wood and more expensive. Many customers can’t tell the difference between the finishes on the more expensive cabinetry and they might even like the finishes on less expensive finishes more. When that’s what you are paying thousands of dollars for just make sure you appreciate the beauty of the wood because the finish won’t last any longer it simply looks better. At least to some of us.
Phil
Thank you very much for the reply. The question that still hangs for me and many others is do the top semi custom cabinet makers, like Decora, Kraftmade, Omega and Fabuwood use a higher quality wood for their stained cabinets? Looks like not much difference in box construction between say Diamond and Decora. I understand the finishes are probably better at the more expensive companies but what has been your experience with wood selection. We have all seen photos of a door panel that looks like it was made from different types of wood. The hard part of buying stained cabinets is you don’t seem to know what you will end up with. Thanks for your comments on this subject.
Phil
Great information. Thank you. I have been struggling with the decision between Diamond , 8K and Decora, 12K. Both companies seem to have the same basic all plywood construction but the door stiles and finish look better on Decora. Also Decora has better options for tall oven cabinets. I am a designer and wood boat builder so I do understand how a good design AND good construction should play a part in cabinet decision making. I am probably going with the Expensive Decora cabinets because it will save cost on installation. One thing I don’t see discussed: Is there a difference in the quality of wood between cabinet makers? For painted cabinets probably not so important but For a light stained Cherry door the wood needs to be high quality. Please give your opinion on quality of wood for stained cabinets at Decora, Diamond, Kraftmade etc. Thank you very much.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Phil,
Great Question. Yes in painted cabinetry customers can’t tell the difference in cabinetry. But in a light cherry wood the price of the cabinetry will dramatically effect the look of the wood and finish. Expensive custom cabinetry should look more like expensive furniture than kitchen cabinets. So in a stain most customers can appreciate the more expensive cabinet lines. And probably you in particular considering your background.
Lala
I have found conflicting opinions about Kraftmaid cabinets (Home Depot). Can you be the deciding factor? I am looking at Shaker style painted black.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
We rated Kraftmaid well in this blog so that should answer your question.
Deeree
Do you have any information on Jackson and Kaiser cabinetry? They are *supposedly* all wood, soft close doors and drawers… very good price point in New Orleans area, but I cannot find anything about them online at all.
Michael
Hello, I’m working on finalizing decisions for our kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and have a couple of questions I am hoping you could answer. I appreciate your previous input and I made the choice to upgrade all of the Marsh cabinets (kitchen and bathrooms) to plywood construction. First, I am looking at the 2″ stiles and rails vs the 3″, and wondering if one or the other is preferred or a more popular style right now, or is it just basically what we think looks better? Second, the drawer faces with the cabinets we selected seem to have a center veneer like the cabinet faces, is that sometimes the case and if so, can the pulls be attached to the veneer on the drawer face so they are centered, or does it have to be above it? Thanks in advance for any advice on these.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Michael,
These kinds of questions are for the people you are buying cabinets from. We do not carry Marsh
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Linda,
If you missed the response here it is again:
There are solid wood reverse raised shaker panel doors. They are heavier and can look beautiful in a light maple color. If fact I have them in my own kitchen. But be prepared for stripes on the recessed panel where each piece of wood is glued to another. Many customers prefer a veneered center panel not because it is less expensive, which it is, but because the grain goes all the way across the center panel without stripes. Both type doors are equally durable. Don’t pay more and then complain about the stripes you paid extra to get. I believe Kraftmaid carries both type shaker doors. Homecreast will only have a veneer center panel which might be what you want anyway. I prefer those lines to Showplace, but upgraded, all are good lines.
Linda
Thank you for this wonderful blog. If you mentioned anything about veneer verses solid wood doors, I missed it. Someone told me that veneer is required on the insert of shaker style doors due to expansion. I am looking for stained maple rather than painted wood and want them to look good when I sell my house in about 10 years. I had considered Kraftmaid raised panel styles because some have solid wood doors. (I never liked the idea of veneer). But is this concern necessary? Also, I am trying to decide where to compromise to better keep to my budget. You seem to favor HomeCrest. Would that be a good alternative in stain? Another contractor deals with Showplace and insists he’s seen no problems, but I am leery. If I get them with plywood, is that a good choice? Thank you!
Dee
I sent my last comment just as you sent yours. Got it. Thanks!
Dee
I just read the kitchen craft book and it says the upgraded boxes would have 1/4″ plywood back with 5/8 thick mounting strips. Is the mounting strip the same as the hanging rail? I’m assuming the mounting strip is plywood but I will need to clarify. Would you steer away from this brand or could it be okay?
Dee
Hi. Thanks so much for this information! I know you’re not a huge fan of frameless, but I’m considering Kitchen craft in a painted maple, upgrading to plywood boxes. So cabinets will have plywood boxes and wood drawers and doors. Wondering why with the upgrades you give a C for quality? I remember that you don’t give above a B for frameless. Thanks for answering these comments!! Its so very helpful.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Kitchencraft makes the sides of their cabinetry 5/8″ thick instead of 3/4″ like most other frameless lines.
Skimping on an already inferior construction technique shows that they are clueless. They are lucky to get the C.
Linda
Thank you for this wonderful blog. If you mentioned anything about veneer verses solid wood doors, I missed it. Someone told me that veneer is required on the insert of shaker style doors due to expansion. I am looking for stained maple rather than painted wood and want them to look good when I sell in about 10 years. I had considered Kraftmaid raised panel styles because some have solid wood doors. (I never liked the idea of veneer). But is this concern necessary? Also, I am trying to decide where to compromise to better keep to my budget. You seem to favor HomeCrest. Would that be a good alternative in stain? Another contractor deals with Showplace and insists he’s seen no problems, but I am leery. With a plywood upgrade, is that a good choice? Thank you!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Linda,
There are solid wood reverse raised shaker panel doors. They are heavier and can look beautiful in a light maple color. If fact I have them in my own kitchen. But be prepared for stripes on the recessed panel where each piece of wood is glued to another. Many customers prefer a veneered center panel not because it is less expensive, which it is, but because the grain goes all the way across the center panel without stripes. Both type doors are equally durable. Don’t pay more and then complain about the stripes you paid extra to get. I believe Kraftmaid carries both type shaker doors. Homecreast will only have a veneer center panel which might be what you want anyway. I prefer those lines to Showplace, but upgraded, all are good lines.
Deeree
Do you have any knowledge of Tru Cabinetry? They have a good price point in the New Orleans area. Trying to decide between Tru, Homecrest and Waypoint. They are all falling with the same range. Thanks for the help.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Deeree,
Upgraded to all plywood construction Homecrest is the best choice of the Three. Tru cabinets have thinner shelves bottoms and a plywood hanging rail.
cjeffrey
In general how much less are white shaker Fabuwood cabinets vs Kraftmaid purchased priced at Home Depot.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
That depends on the dealer. We sell Fabuwood for about 40% less than Kraftmaid.
Helen M
We are gutting our kitchen and are trying to find out the differences between Crystal and Brighton cabinets. Can you make any recommendations?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
I have sold and like both. Brighton might be a slightly better deal cost wise. Reminder never do ANY demolition until the kitchen plan is finalized and the cabinets are ordered. Starting quickly will save no time especially with cabinet lines with extended lead times. Getting organized and having everyone on the same page and working quickly and efficiently will save time and costs. Starting demolition early is the mark or amateurs.
nrichard
Thank you for prompt response. Could you explain what you mean by this kind of project and why you would not undertake it? Suggestion for an other approach without tossing out a kitchen full of expensive like-new cabinets? Thanks very much for Kountry Kraft tip, will check that out right away.
nrichard
We are expanding existing kitchen which contains 10-year old CE solid cherry (glazed cherry finished) frameless custom cabinets. CE is a Canadian company and has since gone out of business so we can’t match the existing cabinets which are beautiful and like new. We don’t want to replace the existing excellent cabinets and contractor idea to use totally different (like white or a painted color) style to the existing is not an option, would be awful. Also not up for stripping the existing and laminating or other contractor ideas which all sound terrible. Looking at Brookhaven cherry cabinets in a practically identical stain and very close style, but cabinet dealer says they must come with frames. New cabinet run would not be connected to existing, is across the large room, but how different would framed product look from the existing frameless? They can’t show me a sample. Thanks!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
These kinds of projects we would never recommend nor do ourselves. That being said Kountry Kraft is a custom frameless line also out of Canada that might do similar or custom stains to match.
Amy
This is a fabulous site with great information! I am redoing my kitchen and am trying to decide between Fabuwood and Ikea. It seems Fabuwood has a higher ranking but I worry about Formaldehyde and VOC levels from Chinese products. What would be your thoughts on that? Thanks!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Amy,
Fabuwood is Carb Compliant and to be frank IKEA while also Carb Compliant is junk. The difference in construction quality between the two is monumental. Using IKEA furniture can be sensible because you can get your home or bedroom furnished cheaply and when everything falls apart hopefully you will be older and have more money to purchase real furniture. Used furniture is an even better value if you have consignment stores in your area.
Kitchens are major expensive construction projects. Using poorly made cabinetry as the foundation of your expensive project is foolish.
Here is a video on the subject:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSLpIyrS4XE