Need help selecting a good mid-level semi custom cabinetry

13 years ago

We are putting an addition on our house and it includes a full remodel of our kitchen. Of everything we have to select, cabinets are the most elusive... its one of the most opaque buying processes on the planet and you can't get a straight answer from anyone.

We're looking for a high-quality cabinet but don't want to spend more than we have to - I don't think I've ever walked into a house and picked out the brand of the cabinet vs. noticing the brands of the appliances.

I also don't know if there is a difference between the price/quality tradeoffs between brands.

Brands we have been referred to include Dura Supreme, Schrock/Medallion, Ultracraft, Cardell (although I saw them in a showroom and they felt cheap compared others), Nice & Fancy.

We are looking at a shaker style door painted white so every single line offers what we are looking for.

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PRO

Brickwood Builders, Inc.

13 years ago

Maybe we are just old school, but we take out so many cabinets where the screws don't hold with the particle board and this affects the hinges and slides for the drawers and doors. We have taken out units where once the countertop was removed and we started to remove cabinets, they fell apart into pieces. We have removed wall cabinets where the bottom was bowed due to weight. We also had one brand new vanity cabinet that was not inexpensive ($1800.00 for a 3' vanity) that literally fell into four pieces when we removed the shipping carton - this was before we even moved it to install it.

Our cabinet suppliers tell us that they sell particle board all the time. We have priced some very expensive cabinetry that was particle board - but didn't use it as we were able to get custom made 3/4" plywood in cherry with high end cherry doors and a custom finish for less money.

Our experience certainly affects our opinion. What we would tell a customer is to purchase the best quality box they can in their budget instead of making their decision based on a pretty finish alone.

I will be interested to hear the opinions of others.

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Comments (10)

PRO
Brickwood Builders, Inc.
13 years ago
It is quite the dilemma these days. I am not familiar with Cardell or Nice & Fancy (have heard of Plain & Fancy which would be an upper end cabinet).

Dura Supreme, Schrock and Ultracraft would be mid-range. I would check the construction specs for the boxes to see what is offered. We like plywood boxes (minimum of 1/2" but prefer 3/4") rather than particle board (also referred to as furniture board) for longevity. Look for consumer reviews of each.

We have used Shiloh cabinetry and consider it to be a good quality, mid-range cabinet. Have wood boxes and like the quality and options, but I suspect it might be a bit more in price than some. Also one to look at might be Wellborn. Nice options there as well.
Christopher Burns
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Deborah... It is Plain & Fancy... my mistake.

Do you think plywood box is required everywhere or just on finished ends. I've heard conflicting info. Many have said that the furniture board that is engineered today is just as durable as plywood.
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PRO
ct design studio
13 years ago
My experience has also been to use ply boxes (3/4") whenever possible. Like Deborah was pointing out, particle board can in some cases be durable, but it does deteriorate over time (the kitchen cabinet disappearing act). One other issue I've seen, like Deborah's bad vanity case is product made overseas (China) will often sit in a warehouse then on a freighter for months. This is not all temperature controlled so the cabinets have already been exposed to high heat and humidity.

I am fortunate to live in a market where custom cabinet shops are plentiful and so reasonable. I think it would benefit to at least consider some local shops, who are generally more transparent about their process.

So yes, buy the best you can comfortably afford and please consider products made in the US.

Good luck!
jacksonbeth
12 years ago
We used Carolina Heartwood Cabinetry for our cabinets. We chose a really nice color called the Raleigh. Its a great choice, good price point, couldn't ask for more. ( http://www.carolinaheartwoodcabinetry.com)
PRO
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
12 years ago
Dura Supreme was named Consumer Digest's "Best Buy" in premium cabinetry for our designer line. Here is a quote on the article discussing their study and how they made their decision...

"The Designer is the least expensive cabinet to combine all-plywood construction with a lifetime warranty. It also is the only cabinet that has a one-half-inch plywood back panel, which is more than twice as thick as those of cabinets that cost at least $40 more. It also has more style options than does any other cabinet that's on the market." Consumer Digest March - April 2013 Issue

You can also check out reviews on our Houzz page and the other brand's Houzz page to get an idea as well. I hope this helps.
PRO
Dura Supreme Cabinetry
12 years ago
You can also find our Comparison Chart with construction specs at: http://www.durasupreme.com/sites/www.durasupreme.com/files/Jodi/Construction_Website_Fall%202013.pdf

and info on our product lines at:
http://www.durasupreme.com/kitchens/kitchen-cabinet-product-lines#.U5noxXaa-ZI
jacksonbeth
12 years ago
We are working with Web Don and their CHC line to redo our kitchen and even our bathrooms. They have a marvelous semi custom cabinet collection. ( http://www.carolinaheartwoodcabinetry.com)
Traci Shaffer
11 years ago
jacksonbeth, are you dealing directly with the company or a dealer?
PRO
Cabinets 4U, Inc.
11 years ago
All the different “levels” of cabinets can be so confusing! Here is a great article comparing the 3 modes: http://bit.ly/1rWygrs