FInd a dealer that offers imported J&K Cabinets. They hold up really well....only downside is they only offer a handful of styles and SKUS. If you need any customized cabinets whatsoever, this is not the line for you. If you want something that's nice looking and you're selling your home soon, you can't beat the quality for the price. If this is a more long term home....then go to a dealer NOT a box store. They are more experienced and their prices should be similar to box stores....maybe sliightly less....maybe slightly more...for the same thing. But the benefit of an experienced sales/designer can save you in ways you never thought about. Think about mistakes, delays...etc Those things can be costly if a contractor needs to make multiple trips. Good luck. Dealers also most usually offer an entry level product in case that's where you need to be. Some dealers only offer mid-to-high....But some, like my business, offer entry level products as well.

J&K White Shaker - Dayton OH · More Info

I would do IKEA. It is designed for DIY, even for newbies, and darn good quality. Sure, you have to be happy with their limited offerings in terms of sizes and finishes, but when it works, it works well. (And their interior fittings are cheap and awesome.)

If you are up for assembling the boxes, then look at Barker Cabinets for frameless, or dealers for Conestoga Cabinets (face framed) such as Cabinet Authority.

It has been several years since I have looked at their pricing, but they were very reasonable for quality work.

Ikea also has the reputation for the best quality for the low price - in their higher tier line especially, which has the higher quality components such as drawers and drawer glides.

I highly recommend frameless.

Have you googled for cabinetmakers in your state? I found mine in that way; he was about 50 miles or so out of my city, made mine to order custom sizing, and priced better than Lowes...10 years ago.

Something for nothing does not exist. You have to decide what you are not getting in your purchase. American Made. Good Quality. and Cheap are not going to exist.

Ikea. We had ours installed almost 4 years ago, they still work perfectly and look brand new.

Ikea Vedhamn is a solid wood option using European Oak made in Hungary. You can find light European Oak floors from many sources. Try and find that material in cabinets. Good luck except for very expensive Spanish cabinets from DOCA.

IKEA.

Having just put together and installed 77 cabinets - I will tell you they are well designed and engineered, consistent, with quality door finishes and hardware - the things you see and use everyday. The boxes are functional / utilitarian - but the flexibility in fitments is excellent.

Assembly is not hard and you'll learn tricks along the way. Layout is key. Drawers are a PITA. (LOL - but they are really nice) and with time and patience, you can get a very high quality result with good design choices, buying the right pieces and making adjustments for precision alignment.

The downside is limited box widths. and MAYBE limited door styles - but I think they span a pretty wide range.

If you are in Canada, I have "heard" that Home Depot has a DIY line with a decent warranty. In the U.S., I would say to stick with IKEA because Home Depot and Lowe's DIY options are not great quality and don't have a warranty as good as IKEA. IKEA cabinets are great for DIY and I can say the quality is very good. We put an IKEA kitchen into a rental property in 2016 and it still looks great. The renters have not treated the home that great - we've torn out carpet twice and had to replace drywall and interior doors - but the kitchen cabinets are in fine shape. I used them in my basement of my current home and I have been very happy. You can get a lot of upgrades for a decent price (slow close doors and drawers, great organizational items). You can plan yourself with their kitchen planner, or go to a store and get help. There are also third parties that do it for a small fee.

Thank you all very much for the helpful suggestions! They definitely have helped point us in the right direction! (:

In my area, the budget friendly lines that are still considered decent quality are Mantra and Schrock Entra, and the basic KraftMaid line at Home Depot. HD sells 2 cheaper lines but even the HD kitchen designer didn't recommend them. My closest Ikea is 2 hours away but I am debating whether to do Ikea or one of these other lines that are sold in local shops.

Absolutely Ikea.