Wellborn vs Kraftmaid cabinets

6 years ago

Looking for recommendations in longevity? Trying to be budget conscious but would like this renovation to be long lasting.

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6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

1. Don’t confuse Wellborn with Wellborn Forest. Different companies, sorta the same family, but estrangement and other issues might as well have them be strangers.

KM and WB each have different levels of price and quality within their fold. If you are Comparing KM Vantage to the lesser specified WB Premiere or lower, and not their top Estate product, of course WB’s price will be lower. It isn’t a valid comparison. KM Vantage is a great mid to upper mid market line that has almost as many customizations as do some “custom” lines. WB’s Aspire frameless is a stepchild among them all, and doesnt really receive the support that it deserves. KM has no comparable frameless lines, or inset. That is KM’s market lack.

WB is an odd company, and does some construction techniques differently that results in issues that they do not view as problems. They also refuse to use white oak, and only use red oak. They also penalize sellers for warranty claims or miss ships that every other company routinely assumes responsibility for and takes care of. That’s just a few among other idiosyncratic and borderline company behaviors that wouldn’t make it in a publicly held company. Because it is a family held company, they choose to create their own world.

Their Estate quality is good, if you can design around their issues, but overall, I choose to not work with them due to their other issues.

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Comments (11)

salonva
6 years ago
I will be curious to see the replies. I know they are both good- but I suspect Kraftmaid is considered better.
Nadine thanked salonva
Nadine
Original Author
6 years ago
I would love to hear from folks who have chosen either of this companies cabinets. What was your experience ? Did your cabinets hold up well.
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salonva
6 years ago
I would love to hear as well..... hoping someone who can speak firsthand sees this
Barb
6 years ago
We did kraftmaid cabinets in 2011 in our kitchen remodel. Honestly they look brand new today and I use my kitchen heavily. Not a single issue with them but we did go top of the line with options. They are a dark brown cherry (I believe they called them antique chocolate maybe). No complaints here.
Nadine
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks Barb ! I am looking at Kraftmaid Cherry as well with all plywood construction. I need to make a decision soon . Wellborn has a curved cabinet that I love and it makes the flow in the kitchen look so good. Struggling to decide if the quality is in Wellborn.
Cocotini Hartman
6 years ago
Although I haven't had Wellborn cabinets personally, I recently was looking at a 9 year old house that had a Wellborn kitchen. The glazed finish was perfect, no chips or rubbing, drawers all closed perfectly. All the doors were pristine. Either nobody cooked in that kitchen, or the cabinets had held up extremely well.
Nadine
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks so much ! We cook often and hope this is the outcome for us as well.
kirbybunny7
6 years ago
Crazy! I am between the two at the moment as well. Waiting on Wellborn pricing but have been impressed with Kraftmaid Vantage specs and price. Here is the sample door I ordered - hickory with a praline stain. Let us know what you decide!
Nadine
Original Author
6 years ago
Interesting ! And not a piece of story that I have heard. I did know WB is a family owned company . I have looked at several cabinets but am unsure if I like them as well as the KM. The issue is two different kitchen stores, 2 different designers . WB has a cabinet that I love. Just the shape of it. Am not so sure I can get it from KM. Overall , I want quality and longevity at a fair price. Do you have a cabinet that you feel is a quality piece ?
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Dynasty by Omega is a better built choice than either, with more customizations. And not a big price increase either.