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.”
Hana
How does Green Forest compare to Fabuwood as far as quality, service, finishes, and cost?
What score would each receive on your rating?
When will your 2018 ratings be available?
Is there a difference in cost between Fabuwood Nexus and Galaxy?
Joan
What height do you recommend for bathroom vanities. It seems many are going to 36”. I am looking at Starmark and I heard they may be 31.5 w/o granite. Will that look dated.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Starmark makes 34 1/2″ high vanities. This is now the standard height except in kids baths. The lower height would be inappropriate for an adult bathroom.
Hana
Which Fabuwood Frost painted style is more popular, Galaxy or Nexus?
Which stain is more popular Expesso or Chestnut?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Galaxy is more popular but partly because it is 18% less expensive than Nexus.
Espresso is more popular than chestnut but again partly because of the cost.
Hana
Hi, Paul,
How does Green Forest compare to Fabuwood as far as quality, finish, service, and cost? What grades would you give each one for 2018? Which one would you recommend more?
Do you have your 2018 ratings yet?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
They are both well made. Fabuwood would get an A for construction. Considering the pricepoint I would give Green Forest an A+. It is the best made inexpensive cabinet on the market IMO. However the green forest door styles and finishes while durable are not as stylish as Fabuwood’s. And they do not make a 36″ high wall cabinets or 90″ tall cabinets which are the sizes most homes would require.Unfortunately Green Forest is behind the times on style and function. They are just ahead of the curve on construction quality.
Jack
Do you know the Mouser brand well — specifically their Centra series. I met with a kitchen person locally who really liked them. His opinion was they were a great value. Do you have any thoughts on their quality and how they hold up over time? Thanks much.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Mouser does not say on their web site how thick the back is on the Centra cabinet line which makes us worry. This is the weakest point on their well constructed Premier upgraded to plywood line being only 3/8 inch thick. We actually gave them a pass they normally would have only recieved a B+ for construction but the rest of their box made up for it. If the Centra back is thinner than 3/8″ then I wouldn’t recommend them. If it is 3/8 for Centra I’d rate Mouser Centra a B+ for construction and the same for value.
KAREN DYSER
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH CHOICE CABINETS? HOW DO THEY COMPARE WITH FABUWOOD?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Sorry I don’t know the Choice. They look OK but have no specs online.
paul mcalary
I Like the Green Forest construction they don’t make 36″ high wall cabinets though and that can be an issue with many designs.
Erica cook
Do you think waypoint or green forest is a better option to go with? Can you tell me how you would rate green forest so I can compare? Thanks!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Margret,
You are in our service area. People inside our service area we believe are best served working with us.
To answer your question. Kraftmaid doesn’t have a metal L bracket on their drawers so I have no idea what you are looking at. Please ask these questions to the designers at the locations you are at. If you are working with A&C kitchens that is fine but they should be the ones helping you.
Margaret Reilly
Do you know why Kraftmaid drawers have an L shaped metal bracket screwed to the outside of the drawer even though it has dovetail construction?
Erica Cook
How would you rate Green Forest based on the system above? How does it compare to Waypoint and CNC?
Erica
Hiw would you say Green Forest would rate based on your system above? Also how does it compare to Waypoint ans CNC?
Erica cook
This blog is very helpful! My contractor is pushing Green Forest cabinets, any thoughts on this particular company? Thank you.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
WE Just started carrying Green Forest. They are well made and a great buy. Be careful of the fact that they do not make 36″ high wall cabinets. Using 39″ wall cabinets in a room with 8″ ceilings is asking for trouble.
Joan
We are remodeling 3 full baths—the master is the only one really used very much. We are in mid range to upper neighborhood and probably not our forever house (maybe out in 5-7 yrs). We started looking at Timberlake but saw BBB rated them F and another review put them at 38 out of 39 so really not looking for problems. Also looked at Eschelon and Starmark and going to look at Fabuwood next week. Would you consider Asian companies for only painted cabinets—not stained? I think I’m the only one not looking at all white shaker cabinets! Does it really matter if I upgrade to 1/2” for the bathroom? how would you rank these lines in terms of cost and value? Like many others, I can’t thank you enough for your help! Also, do you have a recommendation in Charlotte, NC?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
It’s not durability that is the issue. Stained finishes from US companies just look nicer. Starmark has especially nice stains. Timberlake is OK upgraded for construction but their stains are only a little nicer than companies like Fabuwood and price wise you are getting closer to the more expensive but really nice finishes.
Linda Boles
Do you know anything about Sollid Cabinetry or Salt International? We are looking for a modern frame less Cabinets.
Also Era Cabinetry. Thanks
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Sorry never heard of these lines.
Margaret Reilly
Thank you. We do have an appointment at A and C kitchens in Chester this weekend which will be our third different place for a consultation. They sell Kraftmaid and Medallion. Everyone sells different brands so its hard to compare. I may be in touch, do you charge for the consult?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
We service the Willmington Delaware area so I would recomend you started working with us. You are wasting your efforts trying to learn an industry over the internet. And helping you avoid getting good help wouldn’t be in your best interest. We only sell well made cabinetry and we are very reasonable for cabinets. And all our designers have decades of experience.
Margaret Reilly
More confused than ever, after a month of researching I am sitting here with catalogs from Timberlake, Kemper, Omega,Fabuwood, Brookhaven, Decora, Medallion, Kraftmaid, Merillat Masterpiece, Signature and Quality. Which in your opinion, have the best construction. We have a 15′ straight wall kitchen to remodel and I want well built cabinets. Have visited several kitchen shops, we live in Wilmington, Delaware. Thank you.
Krystal W
Hi Paul, I have really enjoyed reading all the blogs. They’re so informative but I am still a bit lost. Our house is very modern and I need to go with frameless to match it. We are building an island (about 12 ft x 4 ft) with white gloss slab front and a white quartz counter. Our other cabinets are a frameless dark espresso slab. I have found a really good kitchen designer but her company only works with higher end and if I stay with her, I will have to go with Brookhaven which is still on the higher end of what I want to pay. I have also looked at Fabuwood but I do not like the line around the cabinet as their’s uses foil. Do you have any other lines in mind that might do the trick? Thanks for any information!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Krystal,
I think you need a better kitchen designers help.
Brookhaven isn’t Frameless, Fabuwood doesn’t use a foil but a laminate on their slab doors, and the maximum slab length for a Quartz top is 10 feet.
Margaret Reilly
Hello, we are looking at Omega Dynasty cabinets and the brochure says they are framed not frameless so I am confused by your statement that they are frameless. Am I missing something? Thanks!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Omega Pinnacle are framed. Omega Dynasty are frameless.
DCV
We have few Kitchen builders who came over but it looks like they want more money. if you compare the price in the Kitchen showrooms near us.The demolitions is way up high . I really appreciate your opinion.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Not sure what you are asking
DCV
Hi Paul, in your point of vies. Do you like Fabuwood in your kitchen Or Decora or Kraftmaid. Pick one for me . Which place and good recommendation about KD in my area Bergen county NJ .Please help me. We live in a flood zone. If we sell our home in the next 5 yrs? Do you think its worth is to get money back for our investment? I also want to have nice kitchen since this house is a 45 yrs old.Let me know your idea please Thank you
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Depends on the door style and color you are selecting and how long you will stay which line makes the most sense. Generally for a painted white shaker cabinet that’s the most popular style now I would stick with Fabuwood. For stains I would probably spend the extra money on Decora. You can call Fridays between 2 and 4pm and we help people outside our area research to find designers or review cabinets we don’t already review.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Fabuwood should be about 15 to 20% more than CNC. If you are flipping a house it’s not worth it. If you will be in it longterm I would pay 20% more for the nicer finish. Assuming that the Fabuwood dealer is reputable. They have some clunkers.
Josh
Looking through the various posts, I see you recommend CNC for quality but are not as impressed with their finish options. Does that apply to all CNC lines? We are looking at the Concord line and the finishes looked nice to us. Also, from a quality perspective, do you see a big difference between CNC and Fabuwood? Based on initial pricing we’ve received from a local cabinet retailer (in Baltimore), it seems Fabuwood would be about $5K more, which we’d be willing to pay if we’re getting significantly better quality (but from a design/finish perspective, we are happy with either). Thanks.
Vanessa
Hello I am interested in purchasing cabinets at a local cabinet place. They sell the brand FMG, but not too much information is provided online. They looked sturdy and are inexpensive but can’t decide. My other two options are kraftmaid or fabuwood. I need a simple white shaker style cabinet, but and want the cabinet to be sturdy but also not have a cheap feel. Please let me know your opinion
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Easy answer Fabuwood. It is the best value on the market today.
Jane Morgan
I’ve tried to read as much of this as I could! I’m getting everything twisted so I am just going to ask my question. I want a good mid grade cabinets and island. I’ve researched Diamond (reviews don’t look great but your site says to upgrade and they will be okay) and I like the doors and finishes, kraftmaid (which seems to be a fav but should be upgraded to make sure it’s also all plywood) and lastly waypoint. All would be in maple with a mid grey painted finish. So far, I have a price back on waypoint which is about 21k~more than I was hoping for and that is just cabinets. No install, no extras. I don’t want to do Lowe’s or Home Depot for kraftmaid. I’d have to search for a different designer as I’m waiting for am estimate on Diamond from the other…any recommendations or comments about the 3? I feel like I’ve been studying for finals about flooring and cabinets trying to plan this build and thank goodness Cali Bamboo is on sale. Otherwise, I may continue living in this barn (no kidding! We thought we’d be in a house by now a threw up a pole barn to stay in while we built but the husband’s knee replacement got infected. If I don’t come up with something good price wise I may just order a casket!)
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Jane,
Single sentence answers are what we can handle online in general. Or design philosophy or shopping strategy. Possibly if you are near one of the dealers we recommend below they could help you first hand. Otherwise what we can help people with outside our service area is pretty limited. Link to recomended dealers below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/
Angela G
Hello, I was wondering if I could get your input on cliq studios based out of CA. I love how they help you design your kitchen, but I was wondering about the quality in comparison to solid wood cabinets from PA and fabuwood.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Clique Studios out of Michigan is a pretty well made cabinet and reasonably priced per cabinet. But designing and buying a kitchen over the internet almost assures that it is poorly designed and that unforeseen issues will arise that there will be no one local to help you with. We get sent their designs on occasion and they are always terrible and not cost efficient. Saving money this way on cabinetry never makes sense unless the home is tiny and the cabinets are under $4,000 and so the design is so simplistic that very little can go wrong.
Once you start adding moldings and using wall cabinets higher than 30″ and pantries you are in trouble if a good local kitchen designer isn’t assisting in designing and purchasing the cabinets. Customers send us designs every week and over 95% of the designs we see aren’t just poor they are terrible. Usually because less experienced people are in my opinion arrogantly thinking they they are qualified to design a kitchen.
Every professional kitchen designer know that it take unusual talent and many years experience exclusively designing kitchens to be even competent at designing kitchens much less good. Even it the design is adequate without outright design mistakes without professional assistance nearly all customers will buy cabinet styles, accessories and colors that don’t go together. For example, they will mix traditional cabinetry with contemporary backsplash tile or a chimney hood.
Our video below makes fun of the people that think they know better and don’t need the help of a kitchen designer. The video makes fun of engineers who, along with architects, are the worst at designing kitchens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxJgxCeeNTo
Janet
Your blog is very helpful–thank you! We visited one of your recommended designers in Greensboro, NC who carry Smithport Cabinetry. Do you have any opinions on them since they aren’t on your list? The ones we looked at are frameless 3/4 plywood. We are looking for durability in a long-term home and are doing installation ourselves (husband is a carpenter). We’re looking for white, painted shaker doors and considering Smithport, Marsh or Kraftmaid from Lowes. We prefer made in the USA and local but also looking to be cost effective. Thank you!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
I don’t know Smithpoint and prefer the more durable Framed cabinetry to Frameless. Upgraded Marsh framed would be the most cost effective and durable choice on your list.
Bob in MA
Hi – I’m looking for cabinetry outside the kitchen. We have a master bath that requires two vanities and a makeup desk in between. The tricky part is a mudroom where we’re looking to install some 28.5″ height desk cabinetry. A couple of dealers we’ve spoken to have steered us toward Medallion, Showplace, and Shrock. I’ve looked into Conestoga online and other RTA dealers, but very few have the desk height stock that we’re looking for. Wondering specifically if Fabuwood carries this height? If not, could you recommend others that make desk height cabinets? Thanks very much,
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Less expensive cabinet lines have limited options for desk and vanity cabinetry. I’d try a local dealer or home center. Here are dealers we recomend:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Your contract is not with Fabuwood. It is with the dealer you are buying the cabinets from. If they are disreputable don’t be surprised if you have a bad experience. If you are taking another dealers plans you might deserve what you get.
Amy
There are previous posts about shady Fabuwood dealers. As long as I have a good design from a good designer familiar with Fabuwood, does it really matter which Fabuwood dealer I use? What makes one shady? I recently found a Fabuwood dealer practically around the corner and it would be very convenient to use them.
Dave
My wife and I really like inset cabinetry. We live near the water in Michigan and get a lot of expansion and contraction in our wood floor and crown moldings during the different seasons. I was told inset cabinetry would be a poor choice because of this. I would appreciate your opinion.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Inset cabinets in the past used hinges that were non adjustable. So any expansion or contraction of the wood or settling of a home could cause doors to bind or at least make the gaps between the door and the frame out of square.
Today most people choose 6 way adjustable hidden hinges on inset doors. Using these hinges if doors swell or shrink the hinges can be easily adjusted to reduce the effect. Because of this I worry much less. Unfortunately these same hinges also allowed inexpensive cabinet companies that couldn’t make cabinetry to the required exactness able to sell inset cabinetry. While I don’t worry about expensive mass produced and kiln dried custom inset cabinetry using 6 way adjustable hinges in moist environments, I do worry about any inexpensive line that tries to sell inset cabinetry. It is an unforgiving way to make cabinets. Only high end lines will succeed doing it.
How to Find the Right Contractor for your Kitchen Renovation? | Smart Reno
[…] It is recommended to check with your contractor the type of materials used. This will greatly influence your budget and the life of your kitchen. There are even rankings of the best materials, countertop, ceramic and cabinet. For example, here is a Kitchen Cabinet ratings for 2017, reviews of the top selling […]
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
See our 2017 cabinet review. Both Kraftmaid and Starmark upgraded are good lines
Jayne
Paul
You are nor correct about Home Depot’s Thomasville Line. That is not rebranded. It is Thomasville
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Sorry Jayne it is a Masterbrand cabinet and has nothing to do with the Thomasville Furniture Company. It has been made over the years by Mills Pride, Timberlake (American Woodmark) and for the last 10 years or so by Masterbrands.
Interestingly it was the first deceptively remarketed cabinet line. Prior to remarketing Thomasville Home Depot and Lowes used made up names to remarket cabinets like American Wookmark, Shenendoah, and Schuler. After the success of rebranding Thomasville Home depot started rebranding other things like their GE Water Heaters that have nothing to do with General Electric. Why companies are willing to hurt their brand for a payoff by a Home Center is probably routed in short term goals of CEO’s, but that’s another story.
Thinking you know our industry better than professionals doesn’t bode well for your potential home renovation. Here is a blog about people that think they know better:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/tale-two-kitchens-kitchen-renovation-smarts-knowbettas/
Pam Weston
Your site is a treasure trove. However, now being located out here in the boonies of the Tucson, AZ. area where early American is the style in more ways than one, is proving to be a handicap. I’m looking for frameless cabinets with slab doors that can be ordered with a warm light stain on Maple doors. Like to stay with price point below 4. I checked all the cab’s. you recommended but they don’t seem to have what I wanted. I can’t seem to get a dealer list from the Quakermaid website. I’d rather find a good dealer than use a big box store because I value the expertise. Can you suggest something?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Pam,
As I told you over the phone, you can call us between 2 pm and 4 pm on Fridays and a designer can look for a dealer in your area. We offer this service to people outside our service area as a courtesy. When you tell us you can’t wait until Friday it makes me wonder why we do things for free for so many people. Some people can’t be helped not because there aren’t avenues or services to help them but because they lack either the patience or the willingness to take the generous unbiased advice they ask for.
Barbara Mackey
I am in the process of designing a new home,which will be much more contemporary than my current home, in which I have Woodmode cabinetry. I love the cabinetry, but the design people were not very helpful – since I am going very contemporary I was thinking of using Poggenpohl, and wonder how they compare in quality to Woodmode.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Contemporay cabinetry like the very expensive Poggenpohl will be European frameless construction and so they will not be able to get above a B for construction quality in our rating system. Woodmode is a far more durable line because it is a well constructed framed line. However if you want very modern styles and slab doors in foils or other artificial surfaces they will look better and only come in frameless lines. If you go ultra modern I don’t know that it is important for your cabinetry to last 40 years as it will completely unfashionable in 20 years. Timeless and modern don’t coexist. If the kitchen is designed understanding frameless cabinetry’s limitations some of the contemporary finishes and the cabinets can still last a very long time. But don’t expect foil finishes and exotic veneers to make it much farther than 20 years.
Nancy
I am looking for a comparison of Forevermark, CNC, and Bertch for bathroom cabinets in painted white. The prices I was quoted go in order from lowest to highest. All were quoted in solid wood. Thank you.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
The cabinets not surprisingly go up in quality just like the prices. On bath cabinets the construction doesn’t matter as much. However don’t expect the same level of quality control from way less expensive cabinetry, You may wait a while for replacement parts from these two less expensive lines.
Luna
Where can I find a kitchen designer to work with high quality cabinets mentioned in the list ?
How to shop for a good designer
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Luna,
Here is our list of recommended dealers, Hopefully one is close to you.
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/
Jean
I am a kitchen designer and we sell Woodharbor cabinetry (among others). We also sell Wellborn and Waypoint. A client just pointed out to me that “Wood Harbor” on your list had scores of 2 B C. I am wondering if the “Wood Harbor” on your list is a different company than the Woodharbor that we sell. Just on price alone, I would categorize Woodharbor at a 4, not a 2, and the other 2 scores would be A’s. It is higher priced than Wellborn (which you gave 4 A A) and the finish and construction are better. Can you please check this?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Great input. Thanks and we are looking into it.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Jean,
It turns out after examining our review that we would rate the cabinet slightly differently, considering that we mistook the price point that Woodharbor is sold and didn’t see all it’s upgrades. Overall it can be better constructed IF it is upgraded and would rate a B+ barely. But because it still isn’t an A in construction and is more expensive than we thought it is even a worse value. We left the value rating a C but it is a lower C. Wellborn upgraded to either the Select or Estate line is a significantly better constructed cabinet than Woodharbor. Hopefully the cabinet world will change and some of these lines that offer nicer finishes will elect to make their cabinets as durably as their less expensive but better constructed competition.
The reason many high end lines have been able to offer poorly constructed entry level cabinet construction in the past is the fault of builders and kitchen designers that valued the sale above construction quality. Lines like Medallion, Fieldstone, Starmark, Diamond, Schuler, DuraSupreme all used to offer their higher end cabinets in 3/8″ MDF sides and backs. Expensive builders like Toll Brothers sold million dollar poorly designed homes in Yorktowne cabinetry with 3/8″ MDF sides and backs.
Fortunately consumers are becoming better informed about cabinet construction, and this is forcing a change in our industry. Better constructed US/Asian lines are also shaming US brands into building better cabinetry.
Unfortunately consumers are also becoming misled about kitchen design and the renovation process by terrible remodeling shows on HGTV. See our scathing blog on remodeling shows below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/kitchen-remodeling-tv-shows-rated-realism-advice/
Charles stoffel
My contractor has quoted “Forevermark” cabinets. I’m interested in a painted panel called Uptown White or glazed panel call Signature Pearl. know they come from China and have dovetail fronts but not any other information. Do you have any comments on these cabinets?
Thanks
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Forvermark doesn’t give enough information for us to grade them. They are an inexpensive made cabinet line with all plywood construction.
Cindy
The designer we are using for our kitchen remodel works for a cabinet dealer that sells Merillat. She said this is the exact same product as Kraftmaid, made in the same factory, just under a different name. Is this true? I notice your reviews of these two are very different. She also said the same about Kemper and Diamond. She is recommending we used Kemper, but I have seen a lot of bad reviews of this product. I would appreciate your input. Thank you.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Merillat and Kraftmaid are both Masco Company products but they are very different lines. Possibly the the relationship is why Kraftmaid has been slipping of late but it is still a whole different animal than Merillat. Diamond and Kemper are both made by Masterbrands. While I don’t like Masterbrands their products have at least been giving the option to upgrade to better made construction. I still pick upgraded Kraftmaid in this bunch but the choice is getting tougher. Merillat and Kemper are definitely the lesser lines.
David
Hi Paul,
We are moving into a to be constructed townhome that is providing Wolf – Dartmouth cabinets in their offering. We would like to upgrade to Decora – Artisan but were told the upgrade would be an additional $19K. The kitchen is open concept with an island, and the only design change we requested are 42 upper cabinets. Does the $19K sound reasonable?
Your input is appreciated.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi David,
Builders usually severely over charge for any upgrades. Some builders as much as 300 percent of the value. By the way good kitchen designers almost never use 42″ wall cabinets so we can also guess that your design needs help.
Paul
Hello – does anyone have any experience with Aldephi cabinets? I was somewhat expecting to see them on the above list since they are in PA. I am considering them for my kitchen renovation, and any info would be Greatly appreciated. Thanks!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
They are a small PA company that offers no construction information on their web site. There are many of these companies in upper Pennsylvania. Some are good, some are not, but nearly all of them know nothing about kitchen design so using their products requires an extra good kitchen designer to prevent designing with and ordering cabinetry that is problematic.
barbara coon
Thanks so much for your very helpful information. Could you please comment on Strasser bathroom vanities verses Fairmont and Bertch. I am interested in white vanity for the bathroom.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Since our company doesn’t normally sell vanities I am less knowledgeable about what’s available. All three of these Vanity lines are nice. My guess would be that Strasser is the best constructed and Fairmont is the most stylish while still being well made. Bertch is the least expensive, a good value, and sold at Lowes.
Joe
Hi Paul,
Are you familiar with the following Brand? LINK REMOVED I got a quote recently from a Kitchen Designer. Total cabinet linear footage of my kitchen is about 24 linear feet, which I think is fairly small but I was quote for about 390 per linear feet. I read online that 200-500 is the pricing range for semi-custom cabinet, and since the ones I order are custom. I am not sure why the price I am quote is so high. I know my kitchen design is maple inset constructure with lazy susan and a garbage bin pull out. I am just trying to figure out if my kitchen designer has put a big markup on what the cabinet price should be. Any of your input is appreciated. Thanks.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Joe,
I don’t know the cabinet line but it sounds like you are getting a quote for expensive cabinetry and not that the mark up is unusually high. You need to work with a designer that will first explain to you what lines are expensive and why so that you can pick a line that makes sense for you. Expensive cabinet lines only make sense if the design itself requires it. Talking about how many linear feet of cabinetry you have tell me your design is most likely simple and wouldn’t require an expensive cabinet line.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Lucy,
Usually doesn’t matter. MDF is probably less likely to have issues but any panel shrinkage should still be warrantied. If you have forced hot air heat and central air definitely get MDF. Some cabinet companies won’t honor their warranty if you don’t humidify your air.
Stephanie
Paul, thank you for all your work answering these questions and helping us make informed purchases. I see you did not score Yorktowne cabinetry well. I would love some more insight into what got it such low grades. We have a kitchen design center near here that uses it as it’s main line…we had a great customer service experience there, but were quoted what we thought was a very steep price for our cabinetry needs. The pricing seems to go along with your grade. Any suggestions for design centers in the Baltimore area dealing high quality but reasonably priced cabinets?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
We recommend better dealer across the US including in Baltimore. Yorktowne is a builder grade cabinet used by contractors and builders with little concern about construction quality. Link to better dealers are below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/recommended-kitchen-designers-cabinet-dealers-outside-service-area/
Lucy
Hi Paul, I am looking to purchase traditional shaker door in painted white. Going with slab drawer fronts. Regarding the doors, would it be better to go with a 1/4 veneer center panel or the 3/8 solid MDF panel?
Amy
Thank you for the great article and the generous amount of time you answer questions here.
If possible, what grade would you give Scherrs?
Also, any cabinet lines you like that use Walnut or Walnut Veneer fro slab doors?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
This is frameless cabinetry similar to IKEA. Not a fan of these type products. Get IKEA to be safe before this line.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Couple of issues. Even though Fabuwood is a good buy for kitchen cabinetry they have a very limited selection of vanities. Because of this you are forced to buy three cabinets from Fabuwood when a slightly more expensive line would carry a 60″ double vanity cabinet. This would be end up being less expensive, look slightly better and be easier to install.
Second issue is that everyone wants two bowls for the convenience of two sinks. However they don’t consider that they give up useful countertop space, cabinet storage space, and that a single vanity looks better and functions better that two bowls. I always try to encourage customers to consider the single bowl for a 60″ or less vanity in a master bath. In a Jack and Jill bath two bowls is probably better with two or more children sharing the bathroom.