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. 

   Britt

   Thank you so much for this helpful list of rating on cabinets– it is an incredible resource. I am in the market for white kitchen cabinets (i.e., shaker style with some detail in the door) and I am interested in inset with finial hinges. I have looked at the following brands: 6-Square Cabinets (cheapest), Omega, Decora, Cabico, Starmark, Brighton, and Candlelight Cabinetry. My questions are two fold. First, which company do you think I will get the best value for my money for inset cabinets (considering I only want white cabinets without much detailing, so not very elaborate)? I know 6-Square Cabinets is probably the cheapest of these lines and does inset, but am concerned about quality. I know you sell this line…have you ever sold inset by them? Second, if I didn’t go inset due to price, but did full overlay, would you recommend the same company or a different one? Thank, in advance, for your thoughts.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Britt,
   We carry and really like 6 Square BUT you can’t do inset cabinetry cheaply. We would NEVER sell 6 Square inset cabinets for a kitchen. Brighton we recommend for inset cabinetry as the least expensive way to get a full custom look. Some of the other lines you mention are nice too. But cheap and inset don’t go together. In a full overlay shaker door style you can even spend less than 6 Square and get a nice product.

2. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   I think that they are smart not trusting designs you had done for free.

3. 

   Andrew

   Thank you very much for the quick reply. I misspoke about them dealing with Belmont exclusively. They also work with grand j&k, another brand I can’t remember the name of, and another local Oregon brand called Huggy Bear Cupboards. As frameless goes, would you say Belmont is good quality, or are there better frameless options out there (if we decide to go that route)? I don’t like Kraftmaid because they put their brand name on the inside of every drawer (at least, that’s what I saw at Home Depot and the rep there said that it was standard) and I find it incredibly ugly. Another brand I have found with another designer is crystal, which I see you give a good rating for. But most of these places want to come out and charge me to take measurements and draw up designs before doing anything else, but I already have all of that done through the first designer, who did it for free. But they want their people to do it and don’t trust my designs.

4. 

   Andrew

   Thanks for the very helpful list. I cannot seem to find a whole lot of information about the Bellmont line, and it also doesn’t appear on this list. Are you at all familiar with their stuff? A lot of designers in my area (Seattle) carry it, and one designer in particular that I’ve been working with and who has been very helpful carries it, almost exclusively. I just want to make sure if I go through them, that I’m getting a good cabinet.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   The Belmont line is a frameless line made in Washington and uses particle board sides. If you are getting a modern slab door style it might make sense. But this is not a line I would recommend. A designer that works almost exclusively in this product would also worry me.

5. 

   kathy

   Hi Paul…trying to decide between Mouser and Starmark cabinets. The list on this blog has Mouser rated higher and I was wondering why you felt that way? I have estimates for both and they are priced about the same. Also, thank you for such an informative blog!!!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Kathy,
   Starmark also sold under the Fieldstone name now has upgrades available making them A or even A+ rated for construction. I think I would select the finish and door style I liked best between Mouser and Starmark price being equal and Starmark upgraded to their best box. I am changing their construction rating now. Make sure you upgrade the back of the Starmark box to 3/4″.

6. 

   Joan

   We got a quote from a designer for Woodland inset cherry stained cabinets with a glaze. We told her we were going to think about it for a while due to the price. When we went to pay her for the plan she had a second quote using Brighton cabinets, walnut, no glaze. That price was about $10,000 less than Woodland. Are you familiar with Woodland? If so, are they about the same as Brighton in quality? I’m am wondering why the designer did not show is birth options initially. Any thoughtsuggestions on that?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Joan,
   Sorry I never heard of Woodland. But I doubt you could tell the difference from one custom line to another. Brighton is a particularly reasonable custom line which is why we carry it.

7. 

   Judy

   We are considering Great Northern cabinetry for a kitchen in a new home. We have asked questions about construction, and it seems that their Classic line meets your criteria. Do you know anything about this company? Thanks so much.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   No we don’t know and haven’t looked up or rated Great Northern yet.

8. 

   Matt

   Have narrowed our choices to Wellborn Premier (per your suggested guidelines)and Brighton. Pondering cherry wood with a stain. Very impressed with Brighton and the Wellborn seems to be well made. Is the Brighton worth the $2500 in price? The designer seems high on the cabinet installation but the designer is the only Brighton dealer in the area. Your thoughts?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   To be honest I really can’t say. We carry Brighton so I know that line better. But both lines are great. Brighton is the more custom line. If you are getting inset cabinetry and other customizations or the stain finish is nicer it might be totally worth it. I all depends on the individual design, finish and door style.

9. 

   Jackie

   What is your opinion of the Schrock cabinets from Menards? We are planning to buy white painted shaker cabinets and love the price point of these cabinets. Should I expect cracks and chips when they arrive? You also mentioned the “new smell” I’m very sensitive to smells. How long will it last? Thank you for any information.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   We rate Schrock in this blog. They will have no more issues with paint then all painted cabinets do.

10. 

    Debbie Collins

    Thank you for such great information- truly a resource. Wish I was on your coast- lol

    I am looking at two choices in cabinets- Fabuwood wellington line and the Solid wood recessed- the design is the same and they are wthin 400 bucks between. I like them both, but the Solid wood warranty “APPEARS” to be better with lifetime compared to Fabuwood 5 year- Construction of both lines seems to be comparable and in line with your recommendations-

    Can you let me know what you think?

    thanks-

    Deb

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   This is a easy choice. Fabuwood is a superior cabinet line hands down. If you like the styles equally I’d use them.

11. 

    Mikki S

    Back on April 26, 2017, you indicated that DuraSupreme line has a 1/3 inch backing but I am on their website and see (with an upgrade) their backing is 1/2 inch plywood. Is there something that I am missing? Would this affect your quality ranking?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   DuraSupreme is a cabinet line we sold until a couple of years ago. The backs then were 3/8″. However they are a company we wouldn’t recommend. They did not honor their warranty to our customers.

12. 

    Tony M.

    Thanks for the great info Paul!

    Pricing considered equal, would you recommend going with Omega Dynasty cabinets OR Homecrest cabinets upgraded to Full plywood boxes?

    Also, any pros or cons to full overlay vs traditional overlay cabinet doors? Or just matter of aesthetics?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Both these lines are rated above. Omega Dynasty is a frameless line so it can only rate a B on our construction scale. Frameless cabinetry only comes full overlay since there is no face to the cabinet and only sides. The doors must cover the fact that there is no cabinet.

13. 

    LWilson

    This is very informative. Do you have an opinion on Smithport from TN? (I’m sorry if you’ve addressed this already. I may have missed it in the long thread.)

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Sorry never heard of them

14. 

    Frank Golabki

    How do the J&K cabinet lines compare to Fabuwood? Pretty similiar?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Similar I like Fabuwood better. But we carry them so I know them better.

15. 

    Dnelson

    Thanks pmcalary:
    I was told from Fabuwood I could order online through a dealer (they gave me a few east-mid coast names). Is that a bad idea?
    Otherwise, I can get any of the 3 above from a local dealer, but don’t see obvious differences between 6 Sq, Waypoint, or J&K…..putting me into a state of analysis paralysis.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Ordering on line has no professional responsible for things fitting or working.

16. 

    DNelson

    Outstanding information! Based on your post, I have tried to find a Fabuwood dealer but the manufacturer said there aren’t any in Northern California right now…too bad.
    1. Thoughts on ordering Fabuwood online?
    2. We visited several showrooms and the following 3 probably fit our budget; would love your thoughts on comparing. . .
    – 6 Square
    – Waypoint
    – J&K (Grand J&K – not listed in your blog..any feedback)?
    Thanks!!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   All 3 are good inexpensive lines. Here I would go with the better designer and the dealer with the best reputation.

17. 

    Jason

    First, thank you so much for taking time out from your actual day job to donate your experience to the community and help educate us all to make more informed purchases. I was trying to put together a cheat-sheet of your bottom line recommendations/ minimal requirements for cabinet features. Here is what I gathered through the blog – did I miss or overstate anything?

    1) Cabinet Box = All plywood construction
    2) Cabinet Sides/Top/ Bottom = 1/2″ plywood sides
    3) Back Panel = 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
    4) Cabinet Front = 3/4″ solid wood
    5) Base Cabinet Braces = plywood tops or I beam construction
    6) Shelves = 3/4″ full-depth plywood (from 6 square)
    7) Drawer Box = 5/8″ solid wood dovetail drawers with a captured plywood bottom
    8) Drawer Glide = Blum’s Blumotion Full-Extension Soft Close Drawer Tracks or equivalent
    9) Other Features = Clear soft round door bumpers (from 6 Square), and for full overlay a 6-way adjustable concealed hinge (from 6 Square)

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Jason,
   That says it all and more clearly than in our blog. Well done!

18. 

    Steve Martin

    Design center Pulte homes I choose timberland level 5 new haven cognac
    Real wood outside and plywood inside. My wife is concerned with glue
    In the plywood having harmful chemical like formaldehyde. I am told that Timberlake states they are green technology. And this is made in California. Do you think I have a worry here? Wife is thinking about painting the plywood. Would appreciate any help. Thank
    you.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Timberlake like many if not most cabinet manufacturers is now carb compliant and so reaches the highest standards for off gassing available to be documented. So painting the cabinets would be foolish. And for those exceptionally sensitive to chemicals extra precaution could be taken by storing new cabinetry unwrapped in the garage for a few months before installing.

   To put things in perspective, carb compliant cabinetry gives off a tiny fraction of the chemicals given off by painting a new home, new carpet, floor sanding and sealing, a new car (you know that smell), and other chemicals we routinely expose ourselves to. I think possibly the worst is that in the US we use Roundup a highly toxic weed killer to harvest nearly all our wheat.

   I am a firm believer in both leaving a small carbon footprint in this would and in exposing ourselves to as little toxins as possible. We are inundated with chemicals and radiation from an infinite number of sources and the hardest part for sensible people is trying to put these dangers in perspective. Some fears are out of proportion to the danger. For example, lead paint while dangerous is only dangerous if ingested and so while pealing paint can be deadly to infants in a home if the house is well kept there is little or no danger. In our area Radon can be extremely dangerous and we all should test our homes, but eliminating radon can be done inexpensively.

   An entire industry has sprung up that feeds on mostly younger people who are rightly concerned about toxins, lead, radon, and mold. The companies that treat these issues very often prey on fear. The key is educating yourself about what are our biggest dangers.

   In the cabinet industry unfortunately “green” has become a bad word. Because the consumers that focus on “green” can be one issue buyers and easily swayed with hype and marketing. The companies that promote how “green” they are first above other issues are usually no greener than their competitors and are most often poorly made and over priced.

19. 

    pmcalary[ Post Author ]

    The review sums it up.

20. 

    Patty

    Thoughts on Homecrest?

21. 

    Patty

    *Kemper

22. 

    Patty

    Have my builder trying to steer us toward Aristocraft cabinets instead of Kempor, thoughts?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Not a real fan of either line. They are popular among builders that don’t know any better.

23. 

    danmartin

    thanks Paul- how about compare of the American woodmark all plywood construction verses Fabuwood-

24. 

    Clark

    thank you for your response. I guess Decora it is. What is an estimated cost per linear foot (base and wall)for Decora?

25. 

    Beth

    Which are the companies that still use the painted doors from China. I’m looking for the best quality white painted cabinets (at a reasonable price).

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   All Level 1 and 2 cabinet companies will almost certainly be using Asian doors and paints. We see no difference in durability with cabinets painted in Asia. In some RTA lines the paint is sloppier but in most lines the seams between stiles and rails are less obvious then lower priced US lines. The best paint jobs are certainly the high end US manufactured lines but they will be at least 50% more.

26. 

    danmartin

    What a great blog, appreciate the time you spend answering and your ratings. We have enlisted the help of a designer and are pleased with the overall design. We are looking at two cabinet options- American Woodmark- Savannah maple series white painted with auburn glaze with upgraded all plywood construction and option 2 is Solid Wood cabinets-Devon raised painted white with glaze.

    The construction details all look very similar between these two using the guidelines you provided once you upgrade to the all plywood on the American Woodmark. It appears the American is probably 10 plus percent less with the current promo that are being run. We liked the look and value of the American woodmark and looking for our cabinets to last for 20 plus years. Wondering your thoughts and which you would rate higher quality, and if you feel the Solid wood is higher quality is it worth the additional price.

    thank you in advance

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   The American Woodmark is a very good deal if you can get it for less than Solid Wood Cabinets. This is a no brainer especially since the guarantee from a home center is a better one. Home center designers while less sophisticated than most private showroom designers are usually better than Solid Wood Cabinet designers.

27. 

    Brian C

    Crazy there is nothing else out there like this blog post. Super helpful. I was curious why the Mouser Centra line did not make the cut. They are the semi-custom line below Mouser custom. They offer an inset option at same price as overlay. It’s a beautiful cabinet made by a high end brand (evidenced by your rating). Any thoughts on it, or consideration for adding to the list?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   We just haven’t gotten to it. Probably in 2018 or 2019 when we get the chance to do reviews again. My guess is that they would fair very well.

28. 

    Clark

    What do you know about Forevermark Cabinetry? We are leaning towards Decora but the huge difference in cost is something to consider and asking a second opinion from a pro?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Clark,
   Forevermark is a very low level RTA “ready to assemble” cabinet. There are much better inexpensive lines available. Decora is a completely different animal.

29. 

    Chris G

    Hi

    I’m working to instal a wet bar wall in the great room of the house we are buying. The plan isto have the 2 tall pieces on the left and right look as much like a piece of furniture as possible. So far I have been talking to HD about Kraftmaid, Reico about WoodHarbor, and Cabinet Discounters about Brighton. Potentially, I may have the furniture like pieces made from the vendors custom line and the more cabinet like pieces from semi-custom lines. I’m also considering talking to small local custom cabinet makers here in Annapolis Md. Of the option above, which cabinets do you like

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   The best designer would be the best fit for you and Home centers and small custom cabinet makers don’t usually have very accomplished designers. A larger independent cabinet dealer would be the best bet.

30. 

    Chris

    Hello Paul. Thank you for all the time and effort that you must put into this. Question: do you know anything about the desirability of a particle board material called “Evercore” that Kraftmaid has for stabilizing cabinet door fronts against shrinking and swelling?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   No but it is MDF I’m pretty sure and fine for a recessed door or drawer front on a painted cabinet only.

31. 

    Harold

    Have you ever heard of Home Decorators Collection Semi Custom Cabinetry sold at the Home Depot? I believe they are manufactured by Ideal Cabinetry. All plywood construction, full plywood backs, dovetail drawers and soft close doors and drawers. Any thoughts? They are special order like the other offerings in the kitchen area.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   I don’t know the line but they appear to be an Asian made line that meets our construction recomendations

32. 

    Harold Coghlan

    Have you ever run across Home Decorators Collection Semi Custom Cabinets sold at Home Depot? They are all plywood construction, full plywood back, dovetail drawers and soft close doors and drawers. They are made by a company, I believe named Ideal Cabinetry. They are special order just like the other brands at Home Depot. Just wondered what you think.

33. 

    Sivi

    Please help! I have lost so many sleepless nights trying to select our cabinetry for our remodel/addition. Long story short, we have it narrowed down to Decora and Yorktowne-upgraded to all plywood. We are looking at about $24K total, including a hutch for our dining area. I thought Decora was the way to go, but everywhere I look online, Decora gets horrible reviews for quality. But then I see you give it an A grade. My gut tells me to go with the Decora, as it APPEARS to be a better quality, but I would absolutely love and greatly appreciate your feedback.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Decora is far better than Yorktowne. Reviews from people that know nothing about cabinetry are not meaningful.

34. 

    Carol Lynn

    You’re blog is the best on the web!

    We are ready to order cabinets for our kitchen remodel. The kitchen has been professionally designed, as well as having a lot of my own input since I have designed several kitchens on my own remodels and flip houses.

    *We want a painted off white shaker cabinet on the wall cabs, and a darker gray painted shaker cab on the island. It sounds like you don’t think it’s worth spend extra money on higher end cabinets when painted.

    *There is a need for some customization when it comes to working in the current “in wall” pantry closet with a “faux” pantry front that is flush with the cabinets.

    *Money is not unlimited but we do want good quality cabinets since this is for our own custom built home.

    Two Questions:

    In your opinion, what cabinet line would you suggest? and,

    Is there any good quality cabinet lines that would meet our needs that we can order online directly? I work with an excellent contractor and carpenter who can work with minor issues/problems should they arise via the online direct buy cabinet.

    Thank you.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Carol,
   You have lots of alarm bells that go off in your email. And responding is too complicated to do on our blog. Try calling late on a Friday and I may be able to answer some questions for you.

35. 

    Grace

    Hi Paul,
    we are looking at Brookhaven cabinets, what other brands do you recommend that are equivalent? I want ot make sure we compare apples to apples.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   There are many. Kraftmaid, Decora, Bertch, Starmark, Fieldstone, we sell and like Brighton because they are a slightly more custom line than these other lines and are no more expensive.

36. 

    Debbi

    Hi just want a sanity check. We are getting wellborn premier light maple cabs which we were told is a step above fabuwood cabinets. Is wellborn hopefully a better cabinet. If we got fabuwood it would be a painted wood if that makes a difference. We don’t have any out of pocket money. This is all thru insurance for water damage and we are using a reconstruction co as project manager. We were told thru their vendor that wellborn is a step up above fabuwood.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Wellborn is a more expensive cabinet line but not better constructed. However the light maple finish isn’t available in Fabuwood. Fabuwood only sells Birch cabinets which is one reason they are less expensive. I like the light maple finish and have it in my own home but the construction is equal in both lines.

37. 

    Lisa M

    Your blog is so helpful. We have a coop in NYC and are renovating the kitchen and bath. Looking at both Decora, Kraftmaid and Wellborn. Upgrading to all plywood, etc. Also looked at Fabuwood and Hannsem – not interested in those. Can you say which of the first 3 is the better investment. I believe they’re all rated the same.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Lisa,
   These are all good lines. When cabinetry is that close it is even more important to pick the best designer to work with.

38. 

    Violette

    To Paul…Thanks so much for the wealth of info you provide to those of us with a passion for beautiful kitchens.. Am working on (designing) my 8th kitchen for young couple with 2 kids and they def want frameless, white painted cabs. We’ve decided on OG trimmed shaker style but concerned about paint issues. I discovered the “Philadelphia” door style in Ultracraft’s Eurotek finish, laminated onto an MDF core which eliminates expansion and contraction and can be upgraded to 5/8″ plywood. Thought I had found solution for them til I read your low ratings for UC. Question for you: shall I abandon this option totally and explore Fabuwood or other sources for white painted cabs that survive effects of expansion/contraction? Appreciate your help.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   The best reason to get frameless cabinetry is that your customer wants a contemporary door style. This style looks better and has the most options in frameless. Never Never get framelesss cabinetry with less than 3/4″ sides. It is just cheap junk. IKEA is better and is 3/4″. If a customer wants a shaker style door then they can spend less and get a better made cabinet in Framed cabinetry like Fabuwood or many other lines. A good designer will convince a customer of this. Less experienced designers just give people what they ask for.

39. 

    Joan

    Hi Paul,

    Thank you so much for your response. I wish I had found you while I was still in the planning stage. I feel much more comfortable with my choice of fabuwood.

    This is the fourth kitchen I have laid out on my own. I just never thought to have a professional designer — probably should have. I would love to have had input from someone like you.

    My priority in laying out a kitchen is convenience and ease-of-use. I have many times jokingly commented on the kitchen that I was currently using “This kitchen must have been planned by a man who never cooked a meal”. For example, I am left-handed. The location of my current sink is so awkward that I’d like to rip it out — the designers at Lowe’s and HD never asked whether I am right or left handed which can make a difference. Also my current dishwasher is located directly in front of the cabinet where the dishes go. So it is necessary to remove all the dishes from the dishwasher, put them on the counter, and then put them into the cabinet above. My new kitchen will not have that issue. I will stand between the dishwasher and the cabinet so that I can remove the dishes, swivel around and put them into the cabinet in one move.

    Little things — but annoying on a day-to-day basis, which emphasizes your point that good design makes a big difference.

    If I ever do another kitchen, I’d be very interested in your design services.

    Joan

    BTW, I did sit down with the designers both at Lowe’s and Home Depot. I was appalled at the plans that they drew up. anyone who could add two and two would see that they wouldn’t work. Also Home Depot priced out Woodmark cabinets $3,000 higher than the fabuwood and that was without the upgrades of plywood boxes and soft door closures.

40. 

    Joan

    I’m in the process of renovating my kitchen and am replacing Builders grade merillat cabinets with fabuwood. I wish I had seen your blog before I proceeded. I probably would have engaged a kitchen designer but that ship has sailed so I am where I am.
    the cabinets have been delivered and will be installed shortly. I’m somewhat relieved to see your high opinion of the Fabuwood cabinets since I did not research except to avoid home depot offerings. I am curious though to know whether they are completely made in China or just the doors. Also how do you distinguish Fabuwood from the higher-priced A-rated cabinets. What is the difference in quality?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Fabuwood is a US company that has all the wooden parts made in China in an American supervised factory. Wooden parts are shipped to New Jersey to be assembled. Hinges and tracks are Blum’s softclose in all but the Value line. Cabinetry is all birch and limited in style and color but well made and reasonable. The best made US lines will have many different woods, stains, and colors to chose from. And more custom US lines will have inset and beaded inset styles as well as other custom sizes and features.

   However since most kitchens are designed so simplistically and possibly in a shaker white or off white door style, wasting money on more expensive high end US lines doesn’t make much sense in my opinion. More custom lines are great and we can design amazing kitchens in the higher end lines but if the design you want can be done in Fabuwood and you like the color and style spend you budget on other things that will make a difference.

41. 

    Maria

    Let me start by saying this blog has been hugely helpful and I appreciate that. I have a question, I’ve been to a design center and priced Decora in a black painted finish with a distressing technique. They came in quite a bit over my budget. The designer is trying to work with me and said that maybe she can come closer to my price point using Shrock. Would love to know your thoughts on that seeing as Shrock got one step lower rating across the board. Thank You.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Upgraded Schrock now does 1/2″ sides so I think they are fine. The black distressing is the expensive part of the order. You could get black cabinets less expensively but not distressed. That requires a higher end cabinet line.

42. 

    Tammi

    Thank you for your excellent blog. Do you anything about preassembled kitchen cabinets from Wood kitchen cabinet store/wood cabinets online? Some of their preassembled cabinets meet your construction minimums I think but I can’t find any reviews about them at all which makes me nervous. Thank you!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Tammi,
   New Asian made cabinetry company’s are sprouting up like mushrooms. But even though the construction technique might meet our criteria for well constructed cabinetry, it doesn’t make sense to be buying cabinets from the smaller newer Asian made lines. Let them work out their bugs and stick to the lines that have been around a while. It will probably at most only be only 10 or 15% more expensive. That’s why we sell Fabuwood or even a less expensive line like CNC. They are US owned companies and have been around long enough to get their product right. There are several of these lines listed on our 2017 review.

43. 

    Michael S

    Thank you very much for your informative blog

    Can you please comment on these Cabinets:

    http://www.dlcabinetry.com/image/103150422.jpg

    Thanks!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Michael,
   I don’t know the cabinet line but they look like they meet our construction guidelines.

44. 

    Mike

    Thanks for the incredibly informative blog post. I am wondering whether you are familiar with Signature Cabinets (from Pennsylvania) and have any thoughts about how they compare to Brighton in terms of construction and finish quality.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Sorry I don’t know the signature line

45. 

    Bob Maurer

    Not sure of my 1st post made it through….so i’m going to try again. —–Hi Paul! Hope you are having a great Sunday. My wife and I are renovating the kitchen and looking into cabinets. We have prices from a few manufacturers but would love to get your advice.

    The lowest price we got is from an online cabinet manufacturer called “Cliq Studios”. They seem to be the same company that you sell, called “6 Square”. We plan to be in our house at least for the next 10 years. You gave 6 Square a B+ for quality & value which are pretty high marks. Are these cabinets durable enough for the long haul, compared to other companies?

    Another price we have is from Starmark, and they are approx $12k more expensive than Cliq Studios. You gave Starmark the same as 6 Square (B+) for quality & value. Is Starmark worth the extra money or do you recommend us buying Cliq Studios and keeping the savings of $12k?

    Another Kitchen & Bath place priced out “Signature Select”, and they were approx $20K over Cliq Studios.

    We live about 30 minutes outside of NYC in a nice town – we don’t want to spend less on cabinets if it is going to sacrifice quality and durability and at some point could impact resale value. Please let us know your thoughts! Your website is amazing! Wish we lived closer so we can shop with you!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Bob,
   6 Square/ Clique Studios is just as durable as Starmark. They just don’t have as many door styles, colors and cabinetry customizations.
   If you aren’t doing anything unusual they would be a better value if you liked the door style and finish equally. Buying cabinets online is dangerous though. You are responsible for giving the correct measurements and the designers aren’t particularly good. Personally around New York I would find a reputable Fabuwood dealer if you were getting a painted cabinetry and you liked the door style. A larger dealer that sells several cabinet lines including Fabuwood should have experienced designers.

46. 

    Mary Michael

    I have come to this particular article at least a hundred times – thank you for all of the information!! I went to Home Depot to price Kraftmaid today and right before I left, the designer gave me a pitch on the Home Decorators Collection – I have to be honest and say his pitch as well as the literature he handed me sounded too good to be true. I haven’t been able to find much online other than their website. Are you at all familiar with this line? I had plans drawn up with my interior decorator, so I know I want white shaker full overlay. Any input would be appreciated!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Mary,
   Home Depot has finally gotten into supplying cabinetry with the parts coming from China. The Home Decorators Collection looks like a good version of Asian produced cabinetry. Pricing for the cabinetry should be about 40% less than Kraftmaid and you will be giving up nothing in construction quality only finish, style, and customization choices. When so many people are getting shaker painted white door styles upgrading above a line like this can be almost wasting money.

   All that being said. Having an interior decorator design your kitchen frightens me. The Home Depot designer is probably more qualified to design a kitchen and even he or she will be unlikely to be that good. Good or great designers are very rare at home centers and unfortunately customers aren’t capable of telling the difference until they meet one. Then the difference in the designs is striking.

   There are an infinite number of ways to design a bad kitchen and only a few good ways for any particular space. Great designers will all come up with versions of those few good designs. Less experienced designers will never even stumble upon them. When customers send us their plans about 95% of them aren’t just amateurish they are terrible. And about a third are actually dangerous. Below is a blog on dangerous kitchen designs:

   https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/is-your-kitchen-designer-going-to-kill-you/

   If your designer is making any of these mistakes you should never buy a kitchen from them. Their design will have many other problems you won’t catch if such an obvious one has been made.

47. 

    Ruth Kaiser

    Hi Paul – your blog is amazing – thank you for what you do! I am building on the water and am concerned about the effects of the humidity on the cabinet doors re cracking at the expansion joints. I am considering custom cabinets or Kraftmaid. In reading your blog I noticed a comment to another person that asian made doors have less issues with this concern. Do you have any brand recommendations for me? Also the custom cabinet maker is pushing his drawers that are not dovetailed stating his approach with pins and glue is just as sturdy. Should I take him off my list or am I getting hung up? Lastly- I understand the need for a good designer and completely agree! Thanks in advance.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Ruth,
   Doweled instead of dovetailed drawers probably doesn’t matter. Painted white cabinets in high humidity can be a challenge. But Periodic paint touch ups from furniture refinishers like Guardsman can take care of the added problems and isn’t too expensive. It’s true that some of the Us manufacturers with Asian made doors do seem to have less of an issue with expansion cracks. We carry and like Fabuwood, 6 Square and CNC. The custom US lines we carry also never seem to have serious expansion problems no matter what the conditions. Inset doors with adjustable hinges are fine with the custom lines we carry for use at the shore.

48. 

    Brett

    I’m not sure I’m following your chart for pricing. Is the rating 1 – 6 where 1 is the lowest cost and 6 is the highest, or vice versa? Also, how do the cabinets at Home Depot rank – just to use as a baseline for all these other brands that you have listed?
    Thanks.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   One is the least expensive. The best cabinet value is Kraftmaid or Decora at Home Depot. And American Woodmark for a less expensive line.

49. 

    Debbie

    Hi Paul. Your website has been very helpful in looking at different cabinet lines. I’m interested in white painted beaded inset cabinetry. Do you have any feedback on CrownPoint Cabinetry from New Hampshire. I have looked at quite a few lines already and have a call into Wellsford to see if there is a dealer near me and will check out Brighton too. Appreciate your advice. Thanks

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Sorry I don’t know CrownPoint but most lines that do beaded inset will be better made.

50. 

    Michigan321

    Hi Paul, Thank you SO much for sharing all of your knowledge regarding cabinetry, the importance of a good designer, and quality construction. Thank you also for the time you take in being so responsive! I read your reviews and blog. We’re doing a pretty complete home renovation in Michigan, which include a brand new kitchen in a new location. I’ve found designers and dealers we like who carry Rutt and Mouser. We have gotten estimates on both of their semi-custom lines- Rutt Regency and Centra (through Mouser). We’re looking at doors similar to a shaker, painted close to white, with a glazed/burnished finish and maybe a rub-through. Can you weigh in on how these semi-custom lines compare? I’m also going to look into woodmode and crystal. I know the importance of a good design and designer. All of our dealers so far have offered that and we have our own interior designer as well. The price variation in the estimates have been massive, so it’s something we have to spend the time looking into. Like you’ve said, we want to spend our money wisely. Thank you Paul!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Only ten years ago: Most new kitchens were stained, and if they were painted they were all glazed; Only the best cabinet lines used Blum tracks and hinges; and it was very expensive to upgrade to all plywood construction.

   Today the more expensive cabinet lines still do stains and glazes far better than the less expensive lines and offer more styles, colors and sizes. But there are now well constructed very inexpensive cabinet lines that have the same hardware, construction, and do solid paints extremely well. The durability of these different lines can be insignificant.

   This makes it even more important to find knowledgeable and honest kitchen designers.