After looking at all the cabinets at the big box stores, I think I finally decided on Schuler which is the same as Medallion. There was something about the painted finish of all the others that still gave it a look of plastic. It's the acrylic paint. Schuler didn't have that look to it and I was suprised to find that the quote was only around $2,000 more than the others. I assumed it would be much more than that.

I think you'll really like the Medallion. If you have a Lowes in your area, you may be able to get the Schuler even cheaper than the Medallion quote.

Can't wait to see what you decide.

I agree with houseful. The finish on the Schuler/Medallion cabinets is really beautiful. Get a quote from them before you make a decision. My GC has put in lots of Medallion and he thinks the quality is great for the price.

Housfull and Cheri127: Thank you so much for your advice. I am not making a decision until I get the quote on the Medallion cabinets. I'm especially interested in the paint finish. I know what you mean about some finishes looking plastic. When I looked at the display of the Medallion cabinets they just looked overall nicer. I don't know why. I think I've looked at way too many cabinets. But, that's good. I'll let you know how I make out with my next quote! By they way, I'm also waiting for a quote for Wellborn cabinets, but that guy is not easy to get a hold of, and acts likes he's so busy all the time. I feel like I have to beg to get him on the phone! Not a good sign.

Barb

UpDATE: Just got back from the Medallion dealer. All the bells and whistles I want, with tax: $18,347. That is NOT plywood sides. The Medallion dealer said that their sides are much better quality than Thomasville's non-plywood sides, and it wasn't necessary to get the upgrade. Hummm.

I really liked the paint finish (white chocolate) better than the Thomasville Pearl finish. I also thought that the wood overall was "thicker" and of better quality than Thomasville. If I cut out one SS, get beaded glass on either side of the sink (instead of leaded glass), and get rid of the self-closing drawers (but keeping the full extension), Medallion's price with tax comes to: $16,383. Help! What should I do???

Barb

I've seen both the Medallion and the Schuler and they are very nice. I wanted to deal with HD instead of Lowe's and HD doesn't carry that line. I went with the Thomasville through HD - and I am VERY pleased with them. I don't see where you could go wrong with either of the 2 choices.

Purely a matter of personal preference--but I have used soft-close drawers in friends' houses and don't like them. I tend to not like technology that thinks for me, LOL! But I have the full-extension and wouldn't be without them. So that would be how I would save a little $--full extension but skip the soft close. DOn't know how much of a diff that would make.

Keep up posted! Holly

BoxieBabe: I've been following your kitchen and I really appreciate the feedback on HD and Thomasville.

Holly: I agree with you about getting rid of the soft close, but keeping the full extension drawers. I can save $500 on that, another $500 getting rid of one SS and another $500 on getting beaded glass in two doors instead of leaded glass. I know it's only $1,500 saved, but this kitchen is really snowballing...

I'm leaning towards Medallion because 1) I like their painted finish a little better than Thomasville's. 2) They seem to be "heavier" and stronger than Thomasville, and 3) I prefer to deal with the local dealer that is located in a lumber supply store. We've dealt with them in the past, and it was a positive experience. By the way, the door that I am interested in is the Brookhill Maple Medallion door in a white chocolate finish. (Just don't tell my DH, that there is a $3000 upcharge for the painted finish!! Ouch!)The painted door is one thing I DON'T want to give up!

Such decisions!

Barb

Barb, if you end up going with the HD, buy 10% off coupons on Ebay. Max discount is $200, so split up your order into 9(if the total is 18K) to maximize the savings. I am pretty sure there are ebay sellers who sell 10% coupons in bundle. Or ask your KD and see if they will give you 10% off even w/o the coupon.

I also wanted to say that smaller lumber stores may have the same cabinets at better discounts, so don't limit yourself to just KD-type stores and the Big Box stores. Finally, once you decided on a line of cabinets, price it out at 2 other places at the minimum. You would be shocked at different pricing for the same cabinet line from store to store. Good luck.