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.”
NH
Hello thank you for this wonderful blog. I listened to your advice and followed your ratings and chose the Fabuwood line for my kitchen. I am excited to have them installed. I am updating my bathroom as well and I haven’t seen any bathroom vanities I like that and the fact that many of them are very expensive for MDF products. I know your expertise is in kitchens but do you think I can use Fabuwood for my bathroom as well? I only have room for a 60 in double sink vanity. So I would have two 24 in bases and a 12 in drawer in between and would have to purchase my own sinks and counter-tops. I would love to hear your opinion. Thank you
Amy
Hi Paul. I am considering Fabuwood. Two questions: 1. Is there a considerable con to getting a birch cabinet line (like Fabuwood) vs. maple (like Wolf)? and 2. I am considering a farmhouse sink. You made mention to them possibly being problematic. Why would a farmhouse sink be problematic and would it be ok with the Fabuwood line? Thanks in advance!!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
On a painted cabinet there is little advantage to maple over birch. On stains the maple can be a more durable finish.
Farm sinks require difficult installation for contractors. Paint can easily be damaged by water and farm sinks tend to let water drip onto the cabinet doors below the farm sink, ruining the paint on the tops of the doors over time.
Dbgiii
Hi pmcalary:
Have enjoyed your blog and have been giving me some good insight. Picking out cabinets is like picking out wallpaper.
I have been Looking at cabinets for a full kitchen remodel. Have narrowed it down to Decora, Diamond and Kitchen Craft. The Diamond brand also comes in Diamond Vibe.
Your thoughts?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Our thoughts are expressed in our ratings and all three are rated in this blog. Decora is the best choice.
Cathy
How would you rate Wellborn Forest Kitchen cabinetry? How does it compare to Showplace?
LOL
We are remodeling a kitchen in an extremely humid environment. We want white shakerish doors and will upgrade to all plywood construction. I am honestly confused about what material to use for the best durability and function considering the possible expansion and contraction of wood. We are looking at Decora or Kraftmaid for wood, Martha Stewart for Laminate or Kraftmaid Evercore for MDF. What material would you recommend and do you have better recommendations for brand if you recommend laminate or MDF? For wood, is one type of wood better than another in humodoty? Thank you so much in advance!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Martha Stewart is a re-branded line which I don’t like. Decora and Kraftmaid are well made lines upgraded. White thremafoils for anything but a slab door have never been tasteful in my opinion and are very unpopular at the moment. You don’t give me a door style but I’ll assume it’s Shaker in which case I would select a solid wood door with an MDF recessed panel. In the lines you are considering hard maple is your only choice I believe. Asian birch or soft maple would be fine in other lines. US birch will show grain through the finish which some people like and if so that would be fine too.
Laura
This is a great article. My problem, however, is that it doesnt go into the different lines under the brands. We are buying and remodeling a condo in south Florida that is right between the beach and intracoastal with sliding glass doors all around. This means high humidity. Many people I talk to are scaring me to death about wood cabinets and losing function due to expanding and contracting. Others have said laminate peels in that environment. One recommendation is for Kraftmaid Evercore. Kraftmaid is not a bad brand but I dont know about Evercore specifically and MDF doesnt particularly thrill me. Any comments or suggestions? Or any woods that are less susceptible to expansion?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
MDF doors and drawer fronts will look nicer painted than solid wood doors but will easily be dented and scratched if you are hard om things.
I would never use them in my home but I am very rough on everything. I have known families that had MDF doors and drawer fronts for decades without even a scratch. The cabinet boxes should always be solid wood and all plywood construction. But the doors and drawer fronts are really a case by case basis depending on how rough a family is on cabinetry fronts. If you do get MDF and you damage a door you can always get a custom made replacement even a decade later if the color has changed slightly and the door is no longer available from the manufacturer. It will just be expensive and a pain.
Austin
Paul, Thank you for such invaluable cabinetry information. My wife and I have sought a experienced designer in my Encinitas CA area and we were very pleased with the outcome. The designer showed us the specs and they meet your expressed level of full plywood/hardwood construction, I-beam dado upper sides for lower cabs, 3/4″ melamine coated full-depth shelving(white exterior cabs),5/8″ hardwood drawer box with dovetail joinery, under mounted soft-close Blum drawer glides,steel 6-way soft-close adjustable hinges,3/4″ hardwood face frame, full overlay cab doors, integrated toe-kick and limited lifetime warranty. The designer was encouraging us to go with Upgraded Shrock but also sold Decora which we were originally interested in and why we chose the designer’s company. The design for the two comparably built cabinet brands were $4K apart. My question is what could make up the difference in costs between the two brands? Both are made by Masterbrand cabinets.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Decora has some nicer finishes and is a more custom line. Schrock upgraded to 1/2″ plywood sides would be fine. It really comes down to can you tell the difference in finish and is it worth it to you. Durability if upgraded to the same construction would be no different. Also some designs might not be able to be done in a cabinet line with less customization. But if the designs the same too than spending the extra money becomes harder to rationalize.
Paul McAlary
Hi Robin,
I answered you directly I think, but the short answer for others reading this, is that 3/4″ dovetail drawer boxes are no better than 5/8″ You get a tiny bit less drawer space for no needed advantage in construction. Most companies have switched to “5/8 once that size hardwood became readily available.
K. Fisher
Thank you Paul. Great advice!
K. Fisher
Not responding to any comments, but want to mention this site is a wonderful resource. Your cabinet ratings have been invaluable to me since I started my dream kitchen quest!
Do you have any information or input about Costco’s Tuscan Hills by Ultimo full-custom cabinetry? The samples sent seem to be very high quality but wondering if anyone has had experience with ordering on-line & phone with designers.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Yikes! Kitchens are complex and the more experience you have the more you realize there is to know. Ordering a kitchen from Costco would be crazy. Ordering an appliance from them is fine – a complex kitchen design is not. This is why even though we all have decades of experience we DO NOT sell kitchen over the phone. We get asked to nearly every day. Selling kitchens by phone is unethical.
Robin
Last question. In general, does the 1/8″ difference between 5/8 and 3/4 inch make a significant difference for the drawer box? We are finding that some companies tout the 3/4″ as obviously being superior. Thicker is probably better. But is it one of those areas of cost saving that should be considered or avoided? In other words, should we stay away from any company that uses 5/8″ for the drawer box? I so appreciate the time you are taking to answer these questions. We are hearing conflicting opinions from local dealers where we live — probably because they have a vested interest in making a sale.
Paul McAlary
Hi Robin,
We think Shiloh is a poor choice. It is the back of the cabinet and the hanging rail that are sub standard. Cabinets will pull off the wall with any significant weight or stress. The other construction features are fine. Why they cheap out on this important feature is a mystery.
Paul McAlary
Hi Lucy,
Not yet but it is in the works. They presently only have a slab shaker drawer front on a standard overlay shaker door that makes no sense since it is not really the combination that anyone wants.
Lucy
Does Fabuwood offer a full overlay white shaker style door with slab drawer front? Couldn’t find one on their website. Thanks
Robin
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I have one more question — a local cabinet shop is recommending Shiloh. What is your opinion of this cabinet-making company. Also, is there a noticeable difference between a drawer being 5/8″ vs 3/4″? It is only an 1/8 difference, but maybe in the cabinet world, that is significant. Shiloh comes 5/8″ but you can upgrade to 3/4″.
Jon
Good morning Paul, I have been trying to find the nearest CNC and 6 Square dealer to me but have had no luck. Any chance you could help? My zip code is 13205.
Also, I am intrigued by your ranking of Solid Wood Cabinets. They seem to only have stores in PA and NJ so unfortunately I guess I cannot see these cabinets locally near me unless by chance a dealer would carry them near me. Any further detail on the high ranking for them?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
I would use our recommended dealers page to find a good dealer near you. They should have a full range of brands. Link below
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/
Lucy
Hi Paul, Thanks so much for the speedy response. I am looking for simple and traditional white shaker style cabinets with slab front drawers. Having difficulty deciding between Fabuwood, Wolf, Waypoint, Shenandoah and 6 square.
Robin
The information you have presented has been so helpful. Glad I stumbled upon this before making our cabinet selection. One line of cabinetry I do not see listed, or mentioned, is Clique Studios. We were drawn to them because of their inset cabinets. Their color/stain options are limited, but it might be because it enables them to keep their prices down. Have you had any experience with them? We were very close to purchasing their cabinets. Then someone recommended we take a look at Shiloh. After reading this blog, I have reservations about that. We are in the process of building a home with a rather large kitchen. Only looking for simple shaker-style cabinets — wall cabinets white; islands stained. It is a huge investment and don’t want to make a mistake by being penny wise and pound foolish. I don’t need over-the-top, but do want something that is structurally sound.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Robin,
We do not mention online cabinet dealers because we don’t believe it is wise buying cabinets on line. The Clique Studios cabinetry is in fact well made for an inexpensive brand and is sold by dealers like ourselves under the name of 6 Square. However no reputable dealer would sell an inset cabinet for a whole kitchen from an inexpensive line like Clique Studios/6 Square. Return issues, terrible design choices, and bad advice such as selling their inset line are all reasons to buy cabinets through a local dealer.
You can not make good decisions and have responsible people help you when you buy on line. This is why Main Line Kitchen Design does not sell cabinets farther away then is convenient for our customers to drive. We are asked to sell cabinets outside our service area nearly every day. And all our suppliers ship throughout the US. However we do not sell outside our service area. Responsible dealers know that every kitchen needs to be measured by the designer creating the design and face to face meetings with customers are essential in making sensible choices. I would use our recommended dealers list to find a responsible dealer near you. They will be able to advise you, measure your space, and be responsible for your cabinetry and design choices. Link Below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/
Pat
GREAT website, thanks for sharing your knowledgable thoughts and expertise. I am considering WOLF cabinets for our kitchen remodel. Will be in home for another 5-7 years. I know most reviews are often from unhappy customers that had a poor experience, but researching WOLF cabinets is concerning with the negative results. I see you scored WOLF very favorably. Was hoping you could detail this a little further. Also, saw you mentioned Wolf Classic would likely be better than Wolf Signature (granted classic has less options), why do you think this? I like WOLF price point but a little worried about quality of product.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
We don’t sell Wolf so I can’t be completely up to date about their recent issues. I know they have been having some extreme delays on certain products. Like the Fabuwood line we carry they do have some sketchy dealers so you should Google the dealer you are buying from. If they are a good dealer they should be better help than I and know what styles are delayed and be honest about lead times. Delays can be the problem when cabinets are very popular and most of the parts are coming from China.
Lucy
Hi Paul, love the website. Could not agree more about your repeated responses regarding a knowledgable and truly skilled kitchen designer. Have been doing research on cabinets for 2 weeks now. Looking into Fabuwood, Wolf, Waypoint, Shenandoah and 6 square. Looking to stay within our budget and will likely not be in the home longer than another 5 years so looking for good quality at a good price point (I am realistic about the flaws of cabinets in my price range). Of the 5 mentioned, what would you recommend? Thanks so much
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
With all of these well made inexpensive cabinet lines it would come down to the door style, color, and the designer which line I would choose. Wolf has been having some manufacturing delays for certain colors. Shenandoah from Lowes might have the least qualified designer. Fabuwood has some sketchy dealers. And all things being equal I might place Waypoint 4th. Google the dealers and use the one with the most positive reviews. Or if there is a door style and finish you like above the others I’d lean that way.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Jerry,
That’s one good thing about home centers. While many dealers go the extra mile, some don’t. Home centers are safe if you know nothing about the reputation of an independent particular dealer. Kraftmaid is a good choice although designers tell me that they don’t have the customer service and quality control that they once did. And while I am not a fan of Masterbrands in general, Decora has always been the shinning star of their many different lines. Decora has remained a quality line for decades since being bought by Masterbrands, so hopefully it isn’t in danger of being compromised by their parent company.
John
Hi Paul,
Your website is a true treasure and so helpful. We met with a kitchen designer who carries Decor Cabinets out of Canada. I think they are different than Decora. Do you have any experience with this cabinetry? Unfortunately their website does not detail how their cabinet boxes are constructed so I am worried about the quality as I can’t find much in the way of online information. Thanks! PS – The KD also carries Wellborn and Plato cabinets.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Yes the Decor website tells you nothing which tells me a lot. To my knowledge Decor is a frameless Canadian line. Not giving more information other then assurances and platitudes and touting themselves “green” is a bad sign. Wellborn is a great line and Plato also carries good choices across the entire cabinet spectrum. Plato doesn’t spell out construction details so while I know their custom cabinetry is great and a expensive, I don’t know the other lines.
Jerry
Thanks for your response on 2/9 about Thomasville cabinets. After I sent my list of issues, the rep chose not to come and look at the cabinets. Instead they responded to H.D. by stating they would take back the defective cabinets at a 20% restocking fee and the ones with decorative panels on the sides could not be returned. Home Depot found their response unacceptable and gave us all of our money back. Great customer service. By the way, the new method that Thomasville uses for drawer front attachment is no longer adjustable. Also, when we looked at the black 30″ drawer fronts again, it was obvious that some were touched up after a poor paint job. We are now looking at Kraftmaid and may also go to other design centers that you suggested in the area. We considered Decora also until I found out they are also made by Masterbrand.
paul mcalary
I think it is worrisome that they don’t say and show this on their web site. I don’t know that I’d be comfortable buying from a company who’s web site lacks any transparency and isn’t up to date.
Molly
Hi again Paul — Just wanted to confirm to you that Cabico does indeed do framed and inset cabinets. FYI.
Molly
Hi again Paul — I was at the kitchen design center today and, as I was told (and saw), Cabico does indeed do framed and inset cabinets. They also do frameless. FYI.
Chris
Where does the Fieldstone lose points in the value rating? There are frequent comparisons to Decora which has a price rating of 4 and an A in constructions like the Fieldstone but is an A in value vs a B+. Is that because you have to upgrade the 1/4″ back on the Fieldstone and you don’t need to on the Decora which looks to have a 3/16″ back and a 3/8″ hanging rail?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
It really depends on the pricing you are getting from each dealer. We consider both lines equal when they are upgraded to the same construction. The Fieldstone would usually be more expensive by about 15% so that’s why we give it a lower value rating. However since different dealers have different mark ups you could get them for the same price in which case I would select the Fieldstone finishes by a tiny margin.
Molly
Thanks, Paul — I’m confused because the Cabico display in the store had inset cabinets. I specifically discussed inset cabinets with the designer and she showed me examples of both the Omega and Cabico inset cabinets… (She thought Cabico does inset better than Omega.) I am taking a wood sample back today and will certainly ask them about it. I appreciate your speedy response!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
With stains you can judge how much you like them for yourselves. Durability is the same so it is simply a preference issue. If you want the best of both worlds there will be framed cabinetry with similar higher quality finishes around the Dynasty price point. A good kitchen cabinet dealer would carry one of these lines too. Examples would be Kraftmaid, Decora, Fieldstone, Bertch, Starmark, etc
Shana
Thanks for your response! We are going for a stained wood. Either cinnamon or a little darker. Is that considered a light stain?
Shana
$28,000* Omega does have a lot more styles and door sizes then Waypoint, but those features don’t help us.
Shana
Hi,
we are building a large new kitchen. Our kitchen designer is offering us omega dynasty cabinetry for 28,000 for our kitchen or waypoint after promos for about 19,000. The impression we are under is that the main advantage of Omega is the nicer finish. Is our kitchen going to actually look significantly nicer from the Omega finish? We have only seen samples of waypoint and its hard to tell how they would look in a full kitchen. Please advise,thanks!!!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Yes the Omega finish will be nicer but the Waypoint is a better constructed cabinet. Which is better for you would depend on the style color and design of your kitchen. For popular painted cabinets in a shaker door style that would be the least noticeable finish difference. To most customers the difference would be undetectable. On light stains the difference would be obvious.
Molly
Hi there — Working on a new construction on the coast in Maine. I am still in the early stages and visited a kitchen design place for the first time the other day. My initial impression of the designer there was very positive. We were looking at Cabico cabinets, which I see you didn’t rate really highly. Thinking of inset (I understand they are not recommended for coastal areas) white shaker uppers and stained lowers. What is it that you don’t recommend about Cabico? Thanks!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Cabico gets B’s because it is a European frameless cabinet line. B’s for construction is the highest rating possible in frameless construction.
So because they are frameless they do not do framed inset cabinetry. Unless Cabico has just started making framed cabinetry, I’m not too impressed with the designers if they didn’t explain that Cabico doesn’t make inset cabinetry. Possibly other things were discussed but usually framed and frameless construction is one of the first things a designer would explain. With today’s 6 way concealed adjustable hinges inset cabinetry would be fine for coastal areas. Just don’t get a pin hinge which is the old fashioned way to do inset cabinetry.
Jay
Hi Paul,
Great article. Looking at KraftMaid in APC w/ Maple painted white cabinets and drawers. Narrowed list down to non-mitered shaker style doors but we haven’t decided on whether it will be a raised or recessed panel. Quality is important to us since we plan on being in our house for a long time. Had a few questions below. Look forward to hearing your feedback.
1. Any quality or durability reasons to choose either raised or recessed panel doors over one another?
2. Money aside is it worth picking a door style that offers a solid panel inside rather than a veneer?
3. Any cause for concern w/ KraftMaid having a 3/16 plywood bottom for drawers? Have been comparing against Cabico, which were a little thicker.
4. Would you recommend upgrading the plywood sides from 1/2 to 3/4? We’ll likely do a decorative side if that matters in any way.
Thanks,
Jay
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Jay,
1 No quality reasons but solid panels feel heavier and so make the doors “feel” more sustancial. Durability there is no difference.
2 Up to you It does feel more expensive when you are opening doors.
3 No concerns
4 Not worth it for a normal home. The sides on the exposed ends will be 3/4 when you add the decorative side. I get 3/4 inch thick cabinets for free and I chose 1/2″ in my own kitchen.
Alice
Please remind me of your advice about cabinets going to the ceiling. I couldn’t find it when I tried to review the blog. Cabinets that a designer is suggesting (6″) seem to end 2″ below the ceiling and they put in a soffit or molding above. I’m not even sure I’m describing this correctly but would so appreciate your clarification and advice. Thank you.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Alice,
Once cabinetry is within 9″ of the ceiling, you usually should have a two piece crown molding or for contemporary styles flat stock reaching the ceiling. See blog below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/kitchen-design-style-tips-pros-know/
Alice
Do you have any information about or evaluation of Lauriermax cabinets? It’s a Canadian company. Thank you.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Lauriermax appears to be a high end cabinet line that like most Canadian lines specializes in European frameless construction. However they also make expensive beaded inset and regular inset custom framed cabinetry. Unfortunately on their web site they gives very little detail on how they construct their cabinets. I suspect that they are well constructed for either line but you would need to see their spec book to confirm this. Not being transparent on cabinet construction I find annoying but their web site is being updated and cabinet brands out of Quebec have the reputation for not being overly accommodating. S’ais vrai!
kimberly kirkman wainwright
What do you know about Kith cabinets?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
It makes me a little crazy when people ask our opinion about a cabinet line we reviewed in the blog they are on. As you can see above we gave Kith C’s
Jim
Paul
Wellborn did not have the color we wanted so thinking of going with bertch. Are both lines comperable?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Jim,
Upgraded both are very good lines and very similar in their offerings.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Kitchen designers should help you coordinate the styles and colors of the other materials and recommend appliance sizes and answer question for the contractors. It’s part of what’s needed when you buy cabinets from them
Eric
Hi Paul,
When selecting a kitchen designer what are your expectations with respect to their overall work scope? We have started discussions with a designer who designs and sells cabinetry meeting all your recommended criteria (Woodland). However, the designer’s scope is essentially limited to the cabinetry. The shop (Willbanks Cabinets in Las Vegas) gets favorable ratings online and the staff seems very competent. My concern is that we would be on our own or at best working with the general contractor for all other materials (i.e., countertops, backsplash, lighting, appliances, etc…). I’’m fairly comfortable making the decisions, however, professional help along the way would increase my confidence level. Although the cabinetry design is the most significant challenge, should we expect (or do we need) more professional involvement in other areas of the overall project?
Terri Holley
HI,
Fabuwood v. Waypoint? It looks like both are close on your rating system. Waypoint has a lifetime warranty as opposed to Fabuwood which is 5 years. Recommendations?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Warranties are meaningless. They are just marketing devices. Often the worse the line the longer the warranty such as IKEA. I would buy the cabinets from the most reputable dealer and the better designer when lines are close in quality.
Amy
Hi! We are building a new home. In the past, I have always had Kraftmaid cabinets in my homes. We are looking into Kraftmaid, Mid Continent and York. The price we received on York was so much less than the other 2. The quote was based on York Classic. Is this the York line you used for the comparison above or was it York Designer? I prefer Kraftmaid based on quality and past history. Although we don’t plan on being in the house more than 2 or 3 years (no kids or pets to worry about wear and tear). At this time, based on a B+ York vs A- Kraftmaid, I’m having a tough time justifying the difference in vs the $10 – 12,000 in price.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
I’ve never heard of York cabinets. Yorketowne is the line we rated and we gave it a bad review.
Jwahl
Our ceiling height is 97 ‘& 7/8”…currently looking at Fabuwood Nexus galaxy line, however they don’t offer 39” uppers. We want cabinets & crown molding to go to the ceiling. Should we order 36” & build up or 42” uppers with small crown? Also, we like white shaker cabinetry and in both Fabuwood, & J & K lines, and plan to look at 6 square. We’ll be selling this home in 5-7 years, which cabinet line do u feel would provide better quality, durability and be the better investment? Thank you for your assistance and sharing your expertise!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
There are some inexpensive very well made cabinet lines that offer 39″ high wall cabinets. For example we carry Green Forest. That would be my first pick in your case. Definitely don’t use 42″ wall cabinets.
With 36″ wall cabinets I would use unfinished pine for my two piece crown and color match the paint to the cabinet color. While most contractors resist doing this, for a white cabinet it costs less and looks far better over time. The scanners that paint stores use to color match are that good! Then you can use a taller 1 x 8″ piece for the riser of the crown molding. If you want to get fancy the contractor could rout an OG edge on the bottom of the 1 x. 8.
Nexus and Galaxy are two different door styles by the way. Nexus is 18% more expensive. 6 square offers no advantages other than more color choices on a painted cabinet.
Catherine
Hello. We bought a home and are looking to update our kitchen. We got a quote from Home Depot for white shaker Kraftmaid cabinets. It was pretty pricey. Do you think we should dish out the cash or is there any line comparable at Home Depot that you can recommend for the same, white shaker style? Also, would a smaller company offer better deals? Thank you!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
It doesn’t make much sense to be working with a less experienced designer and getting relatively expensive cabinets. I’d work with a better design professional. We have a recommended list below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/
Jerry
We recently received Thomasville all plywood bottom cabinets from Home depot that we ordered during a 30% off sale. Unfortunately of the 5 white and 2 black cabinets, we were able to find issues with all of them. Oddly the materials look to be of very good quality, but the fit and finish was not so good. One question I had was about the corners of the frames. On some of the cabinets, the front and side did not line up at the corner. Some front face frames were about 1/8″ higher than the side panels. Is there an acceptable tolerance for this? The Rep is coming by at some point to look at them and it would be nice to know what repairs should be allowed instead of replacement. Other issues were top braces not glued at front, chips, marks in paint, small drawers not centered over doors, large drawers sticking out more at top than the bottom of the drawer above it, middle shelf in corner cabinet not all the way back in left corner causing left frame to bow outward. One cabinet was dropped and cracked, I don’t expect that would try to repair something like that. I can’t find anything on what to look for when inspecting your new cabinets. That may be helpful.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Some of what you are asking about as far as alignments of doors and drawers is adjustable and not even set in the factory.Your contractor is expected to adjust them on site. I’m not a fan of Thomasville but Home Depot will replace whatever is truly defective. The Masterbrand rep will be honorable and reliable I am sure.
PJA
Hello – I love this site and discussion, thank you so much for educating me!
I am considering Waypoint and Kemper cabinets for my kitchen renovation. However, the finish I am considering (a white laquer) is not available in Waypoint and quite pricey in Kemper. My designer suggested we look at Golden Home, which is a Chinese company. I can’t find out much about them – does anyone know anything about them. Thanks
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Never heard of Goden Home
Jim
Sorry. I should have been more specific. We are going with framed cabinets, not the frameless style. Do you still think Omega is a good choice (for framed cabinets)? Have you heard anything negative about the quality? We are going for the typical shaker style, in white. Thanks
Jim
Hi. We are looking at Omega Dynasty cabinets, and I see that you do have the Omega brand highly rated, however, I’m now having second thoughts, as I’ve seen some very negative reviews online, regarding poor quality. This is a large purchase (over $30k), so I don’t want to make a big mistake. Any comments about the negative reviews online. Should I be concerned? Thanks
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
We rate Omega Dynasty highly for a frameless line. But I wouldn’t get a frameless cabinet line if I had a choice in the style door I was selecting. For anything except the most contemporary door styles a framed line would be a more sensible choice.
Janet
We didn’t speak but I really appreciate your response on painted doors!
Joanne Wahl
Universal Factory Direct has office/showroom actually located in a no frills warehouse in NH. We went there & met with Joe White , a designer who seemed knowledgeable, and well liked in reviews. Their Cabinets are supposed to be all wood construction as well. Can’t find specs on them and wondering if you might be able to provide info on the quality & durability of their product? I agree with you about buying online. Had contacted Cliqstudios, after reading so many unfavorable reviews decided not to order from them, but according to posts on your blog, it appears they feature 6square cabinetry, which is one of the value lines you recommend? Also, Thanks for sharing the link for showrooms in my area, unfortunately all are at least 2+ hours away😞