there should be a kitchen designer in between you and the contractor. you have to sepecefiy which species /which stain shade...there will be variances in price but get what you want for sure. . He suggested maple...is he doing new construction and gets a good pricing level for natural or honey maple so wants you to follow along because of his familiarity. there are too many variables here.

I'd not consider maple because of the progressive yellowing tone. And because door panels cannot be veneered. Solid maple oxidizes yellow at a different rate than veneered. The current challenge for wood cabinets is the widespread popularity of pale closed grain European Oak engineered wide plank flooring. N.American oak is a different species with open grain and yellow or red tone. Domestic cabinet companies aren't yet using this imported wood. IKEA Vedhamn Link and Hallmark Homes Terra Link. Other sources are European cabinet companies like DOCA.

You can get a good outcome if you have more input. You'll need to do your research.

And maybe pay an upcharge, but it doesn't make sense to have something installed that you just won't like.

My DD is getting ready to order Kraftmaid from a kitchen store. She was told that painted is cheaper. YMMV

@RNmomof2 zone 5 - do you know if she is going with Evercore for the cabinet doors or wood veneer?

Cabinet doors of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) painted will always be less expensive than stained hardwood.

She is doing a shaker style painted navy. So yes, I believe they are MDF.