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jkart

Kraftmaid (HD) vs. Cliq Studios - kitchen cabinets

10 years ago

So far, I have gotten two quotes for our kitchen remodel. The Home Depot kraftmaid promo right now is 20% off list prices, plus a buy more save more deal from HD. Cliq Studios has 40% off their list (I believe this is their standard promo).

The designs are comparable, but with Cliq Studios I had them add some cabinets in the dining room (4 more cabinets). The HD quote only has the kitchen cabinetry.

Cliq Studios - $15K (25 cabinets)

Kraftmaid - $20K (21 cabinets)

The two brands seem comparable - both all-plywood construction, roll-out drawers in some cabinets, crown/base moldings, dovetail drawers, door panels on ends, some "feet" to finish cabinetry off to appear more like furniture, painted perimeter and stained island.

I have not gotten a quote from a custom shop, because all I have heard/read about my area (Chicago suburbs) is that custom is super expensive here. I have not quoted Ikea, as I don't want to go that route.

I'm leaning toward Kraftmaid, because of the fact that they have more options/colors/doors and I can sit with someone to make adjustments to the quote/design. They're just so expensive.

Anyone else experience and/or expertise with Kraftmaid? Are there any better pricing/promotions with their cabinets I can look for? How about Cliq Studios?

Comments (15)

  • 10 years ago

    Clip studios cabinets are manufactured in China, right? Are Kraftmaid's? Not sure if that bothers you, but it's something I try and avoid if possible. How about an Amish company? I know I've seen threads on some in Indiana people have been very happy with.

  • 10 years ago

    Yes, they are, but assembled here. There is an older thread where someone tried to clean a tomato sauce stain from their white Cliq sample and could not remove it. I would want to know what type of finish they use, get a sample, and test it.

  • 10 years ago

    I would be open and honest with your Home Depot Designer and let them know about your other quotes. KraftMaid IMO is definitely far more superior in quality but maybe they can throw in a few accessories for you.

    KraftMaid finishing is the most advanced in the industry and is worth the extra $5000 in my opinion. When investing this kind of money, you should feel confident that your purchase will stand up to the test of time. Click here for more info: KraftMaid - DuraKraft

  • PRO
    10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Am also in the Chicago suburbs. While I ultimately decided on Shiloh (wanted inset), my second choice was Medallion @ Menards (best mix of quality & price). Only disadvantage (as with all places) was variability in KD skill level. However, seriously, have seen much better design advice on GW than any place I saw. The big boxes have rotating sales, buy during a sale!

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    JKart, were you pleased with the results? I have compared numerous manufacturers and also found a $5K difference in price for what seems to be the same construction. I was lingering on the DuraKraft finishing system being worth the added $5K but their information on that system is lacking real specific details on why it's "40% better" than anything they've done before. Doesn't really mean it's better than CliqStudios. Given $1K difference, I would have gone with KraftMaid for the comfort of using a local designer and a known product, but so far what I've seen of the samples doesn't justify the $5K additional. Love to know your experience.

  • 8 years ago
    Made in China? Google Cliqstudios
    manufacture "Indiana" Warehouse?
    Sure looks to me made from scratch.
    Be careful on big box stores.
    Most of the cabinets for plywood box is a up charge 20%. Make sure the face
    is a hardwood. I did my masterbath 10 years ago from lowes.
    They looked great but cheap
    as hell (Cost was not cheap) Got sucked in with the dove tail drawers also bought two linen cabinets.

    SHOCKING vinyl contact
    paper fake wood grain on the outsides
    of linens.

    Also when screwing them together
    the screw went right through, split
    the inter frame "Pine" Total junk!
    However they don't sell this brand anymore but something
    tells me they were exclusively made for lowes?
    Also google Kraftmade reviews
    something must be going on
    over there, More for less?
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Installing as we speak! I will post pictures when completed, So far contractor is pleased with the construction and customer service. Here Is a picture of the hood range and a spice rack / cabinet attached on left. There was a design error on our salesperson on the spice rack. Our contractor fixed without waiting on the filler piece looks good from a picture I will know in a couple weeks.


    Problem design was to put spice rack set back on wall, as you can see you would not be able to get into it. Here is a updated photo of the rack pulled out.

  • 8 years ago

    Do you have more pictures. I am working with cliqstudios right now and design and waiting for my samples to come in the mail. The only thing holding me back from using this company is them being on line. Thanks.

  • 8 years ago

    I've read cliq studios is sold by dealers as 6 Square - perhaps there is a local dealer you can visit.

  • 8 years ago

    Assembled in the US is not manufactured in the US.

  • 7 years ago

    I'm in same situation. Evaluating Kraftmaid at HD and Clique. There is a lot that looks similar. I can't find where Clique are made. I do like the plywood construction and I-beams in the box as standard on Clique rather than upgrade for plywood with Kraftmaid. Anyone else have any more info?

  • 7 years ago

    Chinese made Cliq is pretty darn far from KM quality. KM has thousands of factory customization option. Cliq relies on the guys in the big warehouse putting the shipped from Chine flat pack parts together to take them and alter them. The finishes are not even close to being the same quality. Or the hardware.

  • 5 years ago

    Clique is manufactured in Vietnam I believe and assembled in Indiana.

  • last year

    I thought theywere made in Minnesota I had them in my last house and I liked them