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. 

   Joanne Wahl

   Thank you for the valuable info you provide. I’m located north of Boston and looking for affordable quality cabinetry in white Shaker to remodel 20 year old kitchen, which we plan to sell in 7 years. Appreciate any input on Universal Factory Direct in Portsmouth NH ? Also, J&K cabinetry? Trying to locate showrooms offering Fabuwood or 6square in my area as well.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   I would never buy cabinets on line. That is quite likely a recipe for disaster. J&K is inexpensive and pretty well made. You could also start with better designers that carry lines across all price points. Not realizing the value of good kitchen design help is the most common mistake people make. We have a list below of recommended suppliers in your area.

   https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/

2. 

   David

   I am a Kitchen Designer for over 30 years. These articles are excellent. Thank you.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Thanks David!
   Getting praise from an experienced kitchen designer is a great compliment. Especially considering some designers might not approve of my direct and less gentile approach to kitchen design and cabinetry. There are many ways to design great kitchens. The most experienced successful kitchen designers find a way to educate their customers and encourage them into make good decisions. Doug Mottershead who appears in some of our videos has a much softer approach than myself but many approaches work. I never criticize the approach as long as the result is a good kitchen.
   Thanks again for the praise,
   Paul

3. 

   Janet

   Thank you so much for all this great information and your responses to comments. It’s my new kitchen remodel bible.

   I’m looking for the most durable, non-cracking, non-peeling, and nice looking white cabinets without spending more than I need to. I’m comparing the upgraded Schrock (Entra) and Omega framed. Should the door inserts be all wood or what do you think of veneer inserts? I know to stay away from Thermafoil, but I don’t know if I should go with veneer or painted.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Door panels can be wood, veneer or MDF with painted cabinets and all are fine. Painted finishes no matter from what company are simply less durable and will easily be nicked, scratched and sensitive to water. Touch ups can be done by furniture refinishers like Guardsman so there are ways to fix damages. I believe we spoke so I think we answered your other questions.

4. 

   Kyle

   *Sorry, Shenandoah quote was for $14k.

5. 

   Kyle

   Hi,

   We are trying to choose between KraftMaid, Shenandoah, and 21st Century. The Kraftmaid quote came in at $18.5k and Shenandoah and 21st Century quotes were between $12-13k. We are first time home owners/renovators and we don’t want to make the wrong decision. Would you suggest we save up a little more and buy the Kraftmaid? We are looking for a simple shaker door in dove white and an island in distressed or plain medium gray. Thanks!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Kyle,
   Upgraded to all plywood construction both Kraftmaid and Shenandoah are built well. Kraftmaid will have more customization available and have somewhat nicer looking finishes. I haven’t heard of 21st Century sounds like an import which can be good or bad.

   As always when customers worry about construction especially when working with home center designers they are most likely overlooking that for the 4 1/2 K difference in cabinetry costs they could of had a much better design moving anything! Doorways, walls, plumbing, removing soffits, even enlarging or moving exterior windows. This is why working with a good designer is more important than the cabinet line. Sadly when people send us the designs they are considering and having trouble deciding which cabinet line to choose the designs they send are almost always terrible.

   Shopping for your designer is the most important decision of all. And if you choose well selecting a designer all the other decisions will be made with the help of someone that knows far more than you could ever learn researching.

6. 

   Kendell

   Someone asked about Smithport. Last time I looked there website was horrible and outdated. Please don’t judge them by their website. I shopped a lot of lines. They have a gorgeous product with lots of options, lots of finishes and great quality. They are family owned in the mid-west. Great value.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Smithport appears to be a small custom shop. They could very well do a good job and have a bad web site.

7. 

   Michellr

   Any more info on Cubitac?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   I saw them at KBIS but didn’t stop in. I wasn’t impressed from what I saw at a glimpse. Their web site offers no information on construction features. This makes me even more skeptical.

8. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Pattie,
   We should get to updating our new 2018 review in March.

   I took a quick look at Holiday kitchens and they make a very well made framed and frameless cabinet. So they would get A or A+ for construction in their framed line and a B (the best we give) for their frameless construction. I don’t know their price-point so I can’t rate them in value compared to the market.

   Much like I am a little biased towards a framed cabinet probably due to my engineering and construction background, Holiday seems biased towards frameless. Many cabinet companies that sell both types of cabinets like the versatility of the frameless construction and the European cabinet interior gadgets available. The Bishop and the Wellsford custom line we sell also feel this way. However cabinet builders seem to value being able to offer variety over durability, so take the Holiday enthusiasm for frameless with a grain of salt.

9. 

   Pattie

   Hi Paul, Thank you for all you do to inform and inspire. From an earlier post, you mention an updated 2018 cabinetry rating coming out. Any idea about timeline? I was hoping you might include “Holiday Kitchens” in your forthcoming revue. Thanks again.

10. 

    Debbie

    Hi Paul,

    Any thoughts on Wellborn Select all plywood construction?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Yes we rate them highly and have considered caring the line.

11. 

    th

    Hi Paul,

    Great blog. Just starting my cabinetry research and this has been a great help.

    Your specs for well-made cabinetry have been especially helpful, but one thing you have not mentioned (unless I missed it) is the paint job/technique. I have been told more than once that painting technique is extremely important for durability, just as important as construction.

    We are considering Fabuwood (painted – Frosted White Galaxy) and would like to know more about their painting technique and its long-term durability. One of our potential contractors mentioned that a few years ago, KraftMaid had an issue with their painting technique that has since been resolved.

    According to Fabuwood specs, the Frosted Galaxy doors in the Allure line (the one we are interested in) is a solid wood door frame with a ⅜” MDF center panel. 1) Does MDF help with the longterm durability of painted cabinetry 2) Do you have any long term experience with Fabuwood to speak to paint durability? Fabuwood has only been around for ten years as opposed to other companies like KraftMaid. I would think that a company that is more established has more experience with trial and error and the ability to self-correct if issues like painting technique arise, such as the case with KraftMaid.

    Thank you!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   There is not much durability difference between painted cabinets done in a factory using powder melted onto the cabinetry in ovens, the technique most large manufacturers use. However paints are much less durable than stains. And in the less expensive lines there can be more of a durability issue with the paint on the plywood sides of the cabinetry. This can usually be fixed if a problem arises and in Fabuwood it is uncommon. The problem arises from the fact that Asian plywood is not quite as good for finishing as US plywood. This is why some companies and designers skin the exposed sides of less expensive cabinetry with a matching painted piece of luan. For the huge difference in cost it is a small issue to work around and even in the most expensive US lines we have still occasionally had the issue.

12. 

    Alice

    Should I be worried about drawers made of birch if they have the other necessary characteristics (e.g. thickness)?

13. 

    Leila Nowroozi

    Hi. I was hoping you might share your views on the Omega cabinet line. I am seeing a lot of mixed commentary on various sites and we are about to sign a contract with them on a whole new kitchen. Thank you so much. Leila

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Omega Dynasty is a good Frameless line but since it is frameless can only get at most a B for construction on our rating system.
   Omega Pinnacle is a well made framed line and a little pricey but possibly worth it if you have the money.

14. 

    paul mcalary

    No we don’t work far away or would never reface.

    Not refacing and finding a good designer and dealer would be our best advice. Refacing companies are most often encouraging customers to do projects that are not in their best interest.

    So even if you were one of the 5% of the public that refacing made sense for, you would be working with a company that has a business model that we don’t feel has integrity.

15. 

    Alice

    About your refacing blog. The question isn’t what to do about a bad design but rather what about refacing in a good design. Some of the refacing companies claim to use top-line tracks and glides and provide new drawer boxes.

    Also, I, for one, wish to retain my formal dining room so opening up the kitchen/dining room/living room because the NEXT owner might prefer it is not what I wish to do.

    I am interested to know
    1) what you think of Conestoga cabinet doors and drawer fronts
    2) what companies offer a white or off-white stain (not paint) on maple since several companies have discontinued that finish. Why was it discontinued? Did it not sell? Or is there some technical flaw in it? KraftMaid had a stain called Parchment but discontinued it. Conestoga offers an Alpine stain and Conestoga doors and drawer fronts are used by at least one re-facing company.

    I have not yet decided whether to reface or buy new. As I said, new cabinets will not be as sturdy and well-built as the ones I have.

    AND do you do design for kitchens that are hundreds of miles away? I have precise measurements.

    Thank you very much.

16. 

    paul mcalary

    Compared to Fabuwood for example CNC will be about 15 to 20% less expensive, still well constructed, but there might be more shipping damage, slight paint imperfections, and just more of a likelihood of the cabinets coming slightly out of square etc. If you are not too picky and want something about the price of IKEA that is already assembled and more durably built it is perfect. For resale homes where home buyers don’t put cabinetry under a microscope and just want a good design and soft close solid wood dove tail drawers we think it can especially fit the bill.

17. 

    Concerned

    Paul,

    Can you elaborate on what you mean by CNC being rough around the edges and the intangibles that make it less ideal than Fabuwood, for example? The sample cabinet that the contractor delivered looked ok but the face frame was stapled to the box. Is that a bad sign? Other than that, both cabinets (CNC and Fabuwood) have 1/2″ plywood boxes, 3/4″ face frame, soft close hinges, etc — so it is hard to understand the difference between them just by reading the specs. Thank you SO much for your help.

18. 

    Leila Nowroozi

    hi. our designer is recommending Omega cabinets, but they are not on your review list and i am finding mixed reviews – some really bad. thoughts on this line?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Omega cabinetry is most often referred to by the line name Dynasty. I added (Omega) to the front of the Dynasty name in our reviews.
   Omega Dynasty is frameless
   Omega Pinnacle is Framed

   Pinnacle is a great cabinet but on the expensive side. Dynasty is a well made frameless line but being frameless can’t get higher than a B for construction on our review.

19. 

    Alice

    I said “replace” but I meant “re-face” so as not to replace the cabinets but rather to change the color by changing the doors and refacing the frames.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Refacing kitchen cabinets is nearly always a poor investment. Here is our blog on why:
   https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/refacing-kitchen-cabinets-good-idea/

20. 

    Alice

    What do you think about refacing with Cabinet Cures or Kitchen Magic? I have 50-year-old cabinets and they’re rock solid so I hate to exchange them for modern ones which will not be made as well. They are a dark color and I want to replace with a light stain to brighten my kitchen. Also, why have so many manufacturers discontinued the white/off-white stain? Was it just not selling or is there something wrong with it. I don’t want paint.

21. 

    Dan Whalen

    I am shocked and kinda saddened on how this list gets to the top of google search results. Its misleading at best, and the fact that you are passing off a couple brands of Chinese cabinets as a quality manufacturing should give you a guilty conscious.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Dan,
   95% of these lines we do not even sell. So we have no vested interest in rating a line like Kraftmaid, or Wolf high for their price point.

   People that are knowledgeable about cabinetry know that the lower priced cabinetry that is well made will always have doors and fronts made in Asia.
   You can not make a well made inexpensive cabinet at competitive low prices completely in the US. Labor is too expensive. So much like an iPhone would cost about $3000 were it made in the US, inexpensive but well constructed cabinetry will always be partly made in Asia.

   Of course the more expensive US made semi custom and custom lines have beautiful finishes and offer other features and customisations not available in less expensive lines.

   But not accepting where the cabinet market is right now is simply not being realistic and also not understanding what makes a cabinet well constructed. Expensive US lines like DuraSupreme are beautiful but if you don’t upgrade the box it is 1/3″ particleboard and so terribly made and not even as well built as IKEA.

   To me what is sad is how misleading cabinetry information is. This is why we have our lists and attend the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show every year. To keep current and to help people better understand what they are buying.

2. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   I also notice Dan that you are a sales rep for several of the lines we rate poorly in our cabinet analysis. So you do have a vested interest in the ratings we give.

22. 

    pmcalary[ Post Author ]

    36″ corners are very accessible 33″ are not. We carry CNC cabinetry but they are a little rough around the edges as far as finish and other intangibles go. We usually recommend them for flipping houses and not for long term when you are staying in your home. Spending about 20% more on cabinets gets you a nicer looking product like Fabuwood. Upgraded CNC is well constructed though.

23. 

    Concerned

    Hi Paul,

    I just wanted to circle back and thank you for your help a month ago. I was the one who asked about the GHI cabinets. Thanks to your insights about construction of the boxes, those cabinets were taken back and now the contractor is offering CNC cabinets (Elegant line) in white shaker instead. Is this the line that your ratings are based on? Also, do you ever recommend the 33″ corner cabinets vs 36″ or is the 36″ much more functional. Thank you again!

24. 

    Paul McAlary

    Hanalee- I would say Fabuwood is a better buy. Please get help locally we can’t be the primary resource for the entire US.

25. 

    Sharon

    Interested in your opinion on Allen & Roth cabinets at Lowe’s in Bowie, MD. I see no reviews on your site. They do include soft drawers closing, 21-inch drawers, concealed glides on drawers & roll out accessories, full depth shelves on their select cabinets. I got a price on them, then went to Home Depot and got price on Kraftmaid cabinets. Kraftmaid are more expensive but then they may be worth the thousands of dollars difference. I would like your opinion of Allen & Roth , if you know.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Sorry I know nothing about Allen and Roth. They are a rebranded line Lowes sells. We aren’t fans of rebranded lines in general. You are stamping a brand name that doesn’t exist for kitchen cabinets on somebody else’s line and charging a premium to do this. Home Depot has Martha Stewart and Thomasville. Now Lowes is doing this. I find it unethical to rebrand.

26. 

    Hanalee

    Hi Paul, Thank you for your list of showrooms. Unfortunately on their website the one in Tampa does not list Fabuwood as a brand they carry.
    I would still love your opinion on the Wellborn MDF vs the Fabuwood. Also, I would really appreciate if you could answer the other questions.
    Thank you, and thank you again for this blog!

27. 

    Hanalee

    Hi Paul,
    Thank you so much for all this information. Choosing cabinets is very overwhelming!
    We are building a new house in Tampa, Florida. We are deciding between Fabuwood’s Galaxy Frost and Wellborn’s Select Series.
    The Select Series is MDF doors and drawers. We would upgrade to wood drawers and dovetail and soft close but the box would be furniture board on 3 sides except where there are sinks, it would be upgraded to plywood.
    We are not sure of the additional cost to have the factory assemble Fabuwood and our builder would like to order directly from them.
    We found a kitchen designer that we liked for Wellborn but not for Fabuwood.
    My questions are:
    1. What do you recommend between these two cabinets?
    2. I have heard that MDF is better for a painted door because it does not expand and contract like wood does so theoretically there might be less chipping and cracking of the paint. What is your opinion?
    3.iIs the center panel of the Fabuwood door MDF? I thought I read that somewhere.
    4. Could you recommend a Fabuwood dealer in the Tampa are to design our kitchen?
    5. I feel like we need to get estimates from both lines for exactly what we want in order to be able to compare cost but really would appreciate any advice or opinion or recommend action you have about quality.
    Thank you so much!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   These are the dealers that we recommend in your area. I’d start there.
   https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/

28. 

    Rod

    We are doing a complete remodel and the Design company has recommended Integrity cabinets. Are you familiar with them. I think the bid is high. Some of the items KraftMaid has standard are extra with Integrity. Would KraftMaid be a better choice? Thanks Great site by the way!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   We give Kraftmaid a better rating.

   These are the dealers that we recommend in your area. I’d start there.
   https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/

29. 

    Nancy Untiet

    Hi Paul, Thank you for the great information. My husband and I are looking to remodel our kitchen. We can find great designers, but the quality of cabinets offered are either high end (Crystal, Shiloh or inexpensive). We are thinking about purchasing through a kitchen design store Homecrest (painted maple), but when I looked at their information both online and in their printed booklet it seems their rail, back and sides are all 3/8. This is even with their optional all plywood. From reading your article, It appears you don’t recommend 3/8. I don’t see they offer an upgrade. Can you please advise if I’m reading this correctly?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Nancy,
   I checked and HomeCrest offers 1/2 inch plywood sides on their All Plywood Construction upgrade. This would be the construction we rated on our web site’s 2017 review. Un upgraded to this Homecrest would not meet our construction minimums and would get a pretty poor rating. If Materbrands has downgraded their APC construction from what is still on their web site that would be a serious issue. But I think you are just not reading the full spec book.
   Here is their link page:
   LINK REMOVED

30. 

    Kas

    Looking for a comparison of kraftmaid vs. Martha Stuart pure style.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Kraftmaid Hands down.

31. 

    Jessica

    We had a complete kitchen loss and are replacing. We are currently getting 2 quotes the first one came in with HAAS, at first we were really excited about them, our designer has nothing but great to say but online reviews have me doubting.. can you give a second opinion

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   We rate Haas on this blog. They are OK construction and OK value. Just not the best out there for the money. The better values will be spending more to get a really well made high end US semicustom or custom cabinets. Or spending less on a US company line with an Asian plant for US assembled but Asia fabricated parts in a framed line. That is really how all these ratings are breaking down for the best values.

32. 

    TLGarr

    @pmcalary thank you for your feedback. Your input is extremely helpful and puts our decision in perspective. Go with Fabuwood or go all out with true inset cabinets…

    A few last questions now that I know we do not want St. Martin….

    We also obtained quotes from another designer for inset cabinets from Greenfield and Omega Dynasty. Any opinion on Greenfield vs. Omega Dynasty Inset Cabinets? We have also considered frameless in these lines which isn’t nearly as expensive….

    And finally, the designer who recommends St.Martin also quoted us for a semi-custom line called cuisine ideale (frameless)….he quoted us on this line only because I expressed my concerns regarding the quality of St. Martin. Any experience with this Cusine Ideale?

    Thanks again!

33. 

    TLGarr

    Your blog is very helpful! Thank you! I’ve read through your posts and have seen a few comments regarding St. Martin cabinets but I’m still not sure it’s the best way to go. We have been working with a really great designer who stands behind SM. We are building a new home and our builder uses Fabuwood. Our preference is to upgrade from this from fabuwood and the designer recommends St. Martin. I like the style of an inset cabinet and St. Martin (if designed properly) can give the look of inset cabinets at a more affordable option.] The panels and doors are also 7/8″ thickness which looks very nice. What I am hesitant on with SM are the bad reviews (MANY). I mean I know consumers can be pretty honest and post more negative vs. positive reviews but there are very few positive reviews. The biggest concern is the cracking of the doors (painted finish which I know most painted finishes will crack). They are a relatively new mfg (about 5-6 years). The materials are also imported from China…. Have you had any recent experience with SM or any recommendations of going with SM over Fabuwood. We also have a quote for Greenfield (inset cabinets) which is in another league from Fabuwood and St. Martin. I like to do my research. I want a quality construction and high end look. We are building a new home and want our kitchen to age well (timeless look). If relevant, we plan to go with a shaker style door, painted finish, inset cabinet. Thank you in advance for your input!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Fabuwood is a better constructed cabinet than St Martin and a better value. St Martin can make a frameless kitchen look a little like a well made framed inset cabinet by boxing their cabinet with particleboard panels but it is far from the real thing. That your designer recommends this and the St Martin over Fabuwood tells me that while they could be very nice to work with, they aren’t that knowledgeable.

   That your builder uses Fabuwood tells me that they are up to date with the cabinet market and so probably up to date on other aspects of construction.

   Fabuwood isn’t perfect and it is a far cry from custom framed inset cabinetry, but it’s almost half the cost. And it beats ST Martin hands down. Like most things in this world you can’t fake real quality so expecting the ST Martin to be close to the same thing as a custom framed inset cabinet will come back to bite you in the long run. Get the real thing or save money and use the Fabuwood if that are your choices.

34. 

    Mary

    Thanks so much for your response regarding the MDF core. That’s helpful to know. The designer I chose represents Design Craft, Medallion and Ovation. From your ratings list, and because we want to go with a mid range cabinet in cost, I am leaning towards Design Craft. The cabinets are for the bathroom. Any comments on those lines that you could make that would be helpful in moving us forward with a decision would be helpful. Perhaps we should look at a different designer who carries different lines, although I’ve found her suggestions so far helpful and not sure I want to make a change.

35. 

    Mary

    Hi,
    I found the following on the Design Craft website and have a question about #2. The question is: are they using MDF and calling it plywood? Is “engineered plywood” another name for MDF? Thanks for any help you can give:

    ” Design-Craft uses two types of plywood in constructing our cabinets with a plywood
    upgrade:
    1. Plywood with all fir crossbands in the core may be used in standard parts such as shelves, stretchers and hanging rails.
    2. The engineered plywood utilizes an MDF crossband beneath the veneer which creates a superior surface for accepting stains and paints. For this reason, Design-Craft uses engineered core plywood on all finished surfaces such as finished ends and finished interior. It’s also manufac- tured to more exact tolerances which make it ideal for the precision of Design-Craft cabinets”

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   An MDF core on a frameless cabinet side is not a bad thing. However the cabinet is still frameless and so not as durable or able to handle stress as well as a better constructed framed cabinet. If you are getting a modern style kitchen with slab doors in exotic woods or foils, these styles will usually only come on frameless cabinetry so you needn’t worry about the MDF core. However if you are getting a more traditional style kitchen such as a shaker or any raised panel door why get the less durable construction? It doesn’t save any money in the United States and the tiny bit of added drawer space isn’t worth the downgrade in durability in my opinion.

36. 

    Robin v.

    Help! We know nothing about cabinets. We are on our third cabinet retailer. We started with echelon. Realized it was junk then went to showplace and got a 26,000 estimate. Now we are at kraftmaid advatage and durasupreme?!? We are trying to replace brookhaven cabinets we had with something comparable in price and quality. This site has been the most helpful by far! Thank You!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Kraftmaid is a better constructed cabinet and a more reputable company. DuraSupreme does have very nice finishes but since they didn’t honor their warranty for one of our customers I wouldn’t buy cabinets from them.

37. 

    Sharon

    I’m at the point in my kitchen remodel that I need to make a decision between Brookhaven cabinets and Kemper cabinets. Price is about a $2000 difference, with also the Brookhaven cabinet not going all the way to the ceiling, without adding molding to the top. Any advise on quality?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Brookhaven is a better cabinet. The design itself is equally as important so moldings need to reach the ceiling and many other design features that kitchen designers help you with.

38. 

    Phil

    Great information.
    What could you recommend to someone in southern California? It seams all great value options come from the north-east and are unavailable for us here, or did I miss something..
    Also, right on the beach, humidity, salt… I want it to last.
    Thank you for this site, Phil

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   We are posting recommended dealers on our site for California in the next ten days. Here is a link to the page:
   https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/

39. 

    Jean Kronmiller

    Our designer recommended mouser centra semi custom square inset, painted maple. Do you have any feedback on this line. Would you recommend another company that might be less expensive but similar quality. Thanks Jean

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Mouser is a good cabinet. I would focus on the design – is that good? Do you have any of the typical mistakes in it? See this blog below:
   https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/kitchen-design-style-tips-pros-know/
   If you find mistakes in your design you might want to switch designers. If not you should be good to go!

40. 

    Pat, Grand Rapids, mi

    Thank you! I did see that you had put together a list of designers and dealers but you hadn’t gotten into the Midwest yet. So I am very pleased to know a list will be out next week. After spending more time than I want to admit reading all the info on your site I am happy, relieved and looking forward to receiving this last bit of guidance. Thanks again, Paul.

41. 

    Chrissy

    Hello Paul,

    Thank you so much for this informative blog. We are purchasing 1930s house and will be remodeling the (small) kitchen. Kitchen designers we are working with have recommended Waypoint, Kabinart, and Showplace as good mid range options for us. I see that kabinart gets a terrible rating on your scale! I would love to know why as it seems I should be crossing them off the list. Do you have a recommendation of Waypoint vs. Showplace? We will be going with a white shaker door style.

42. 

    Chrissy

    Hello Paul,

    Thank you so much for this informative blog. We are purchasing a 1930s home and will be remodeling the (small) kitchen. Kitchen designers we are working with have recommended Waypoint, Showplace, and Kabinart. I see that Kabinart gets a terrible rating on your scale and would love to know why – it seems I should be crossing them off the list. Between Waypoint and Showplace what would you recommend? We will be going with a white shaker style cabinet.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Kabinart doesn’t come close to the construction minimums we recommend. Showplace and Waypoint do. Waypoint is less expensive and a better value usually.

43. 

    Bob Mooney

    Best sight I have found for cabinet information yet. Found you on the Consumer Report comment section. Was hoping to find information on Tedd Wood Cabinets? Any info would be most appreciated

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Don’t know much about Ted Wood. They look like a small custom manufacturer that also sells some inexpensive lines. Here I would worry that a company that makes cabinets might do that very well but might not also have good designers. You can’t be good at everything and trying to often means you don’t do either or at least both well. They could be the exception to the rule, but the outside cabinet lines they selected to sell aren’t my favorites so that worries me.

44. 

    Pat, Grand Rapids, MI

    Hello Paul, I have been reading and learning so much from this site! Thank you for being so candid about the different cabinets. Question: Are kraftmaid cabinets only available through the big box stores? The kitchen designers I have found online through houzz seem to deal with only a few particular brands. Is that typical?
    Also, I have sent in the form on Fabuwood’s site without response, then called them at number given on site and was assured I would hear back very quickly about finding a dealer. Still haven’t heard and sent a note again without reply. Is Fabuwood unavailable in western Michigan?
    We are feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure of how to go about this but I do thank you for the valuable information you provide here.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Pat,
   Kraftmaid is sold at independent dealers as well as Big Box Stores. Some lines like Kraftmaid Advantage and particular door styles might not be available at all places but most are and cabinetry can be upgraded anywhere to the best construction. Most dealers including home centers carry about 4 of 5 lines. To carry too many lines doesn’t really make sense. For example we carry 8 but our reps in some of the lines we don’t sell too much of can be frustrated having to service our account with limited sales of their product.

   In an effort to help the many consumers we get on our web site out of our service area we are putting together a list of dealers across the US that look like they carry good brands and are competent designers. The list is only along the East cost so far but we are finishing the rest of the country next week and will post all the recommended dealers in about two weeks. Here is a link:

   https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/

45. 

    NASA quality guy

    Paul,
    I am looking between Kemper, Ultracraft, Wolf Signature, and Bridgewood Advantange for our Harvey damaged home. I’m guessing your review of Wolf was for their classic line since you rated it a 1 for cost. I’d prefer framless but it’s not a showstopper and I am more interested in overall bang for buck. In terms of overall costs which brand would give me acceptable quality (e.g. not fall apart in 10 years of normal wear and tear) for the least cost.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   The Wolf Classic is a better made cabinet than the Signature as it has 1/2″ plywood sides which meets our minimum for the top level of construction. I have to admit that the Wolf line is expanding so fast, improving in some cases and taking a step back as in the Signature line, that I can’t keep up. Signature I see has themafoil doors which while easy to clean and very durable looks cheep to me and has a history of beginning to peel after about 15 years when the glue adhering the foil to the MDF begins to breakdown. Manufactures will give you all kind of assurances regarding the peeling but they are worth nothing and with a budget line like Wolf I would be especially leary.

46. 

    Julie

    Hi Paul , I was wondering what you think of the Evercore “ line by Kraftmaid . Considering the Hayward evercore line with the upgrade to all plywood construction:

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Julie,
   Many custom lines use MDF doors for painted finishes because the paint looks better on MDF than on solid wood. However while this looks better and saves money the doors are easily damaged by getting dinged and scratched and outside corners especially can get dented easily with the very soft MDF.
   We have had customers that have had MDF kitchens for 25 years without a significant nick or scratch. However their families were unusually gentile. It depends on your family. Are you rough on things like mine? If so steer clear of the better look and stick with at least a solid wood outside frame on your doors.

   Do you happen to know if home centers sell the Evercore line? I would think that would be a huge mistake given their customer base and return policies.

47. 

    Renee

    Thank you so much!

48. 

    Paul Laferte

    Just came across your site and find it very informative and helpful. I am in the planning stage of redoing my modest kitchen with no major changes in the layout. I am considering Shanandoah, SunnyWood and NEKC(New England Kitchen Company) cabinets. Wondering about your opinion on SunnyWood and NEKC since they were not in your review?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Never heard of those lines

49. 

    NH

    Thank you for your response. I initially was going with the St. Martin line and wanted all the bell and whistles i.e. trash pull out, sponge storage, a side cabinet for my broom and cleaning supplies etc… After thoroughly reading your forum I have learned that it is more important to have a great designer. I wish you were close to me… I tried reaching out to the one designer you have recommended in my area and unfortunately both their numbers on their website are not in service so I am uncertain if they are still in business. Is it possible to send you the current design I have and offer any suggestions? Also if I am able to increase my budget and just go with a standard St. Martin line is it worth it vs Fabuwood?

50. 

    NH

    I was looking at going with Fabuwood but I have read alot of negative reviews online which is making me second guess myself. I also looked at Ultracraft because I want white cabinets and although they aren’t wood I was informed that I would not see the lines from the expansion and contraction of the wood. Budget is also a huge issue. Can you share your thoughts?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Bad reviews are nearly always from customers that are poorly informed about the product they are buying. And cabinet lines that are good values and well made can get bad reviews simply because the designers and sales people aren’t good at explaining cabinetry to their customers. Fabuwood has some inexperienced dealers and can get bad reviews from people that simply weren’t informed about what they bought and so don’t know what they are talking about. Kraftmaid falls victim to the same fate by being a well made line but sold in home centers where designers are often also very inexperienced.

   Fabuwood is a much better cabinet and investment than Ultracraft.