Cabinet Ratings for the top cabinet brands.
Below are Main Line Kitchen Design’s 2022 updated kitchen cabinet reviews for the top-selling cabinet manufacturers in the United States and how those manufacturers rate for construction quality and value considering the price point of each cabinet line. These cabinet ratings were compiled by our team of highly experienced kitchen designers. Price point is rated from 1 to 6, with 6 being the most expensive custom cabinetry on the market.
READ THE MOST RECENT 2024 RANKINGS HERE
Warning: Price Isn't Everything
Why Price Comparing Kitchen Cabinets Can be a Bad Idea
How the cabinet ratings work
Cabinet reviews assume each cabinet brand is upgraded to the top level of construction available, usually all plywood construction.
A grade of A for construction quality will not be quite equal across different price levels, as the more expensive price point cabinets will have far nicer finishes and construction options.
Note: The highest grade for Quality in any frameless European style cabinet line is a B. While frameless cabinetry is easier to access and is sleeker looking, it is also less durable than the best made framed cabinetry.
The Value Grade
The value grade we give is not a rating about the quality of the cabinetry but a rating of how good an investment a cabinet line is considering its cost.
For example, many of the most expensive well-made cabinet lines receive lower cabinet reviews even though as designers we think the cabinetry is the best in its class.
These lines receive lower grades on value because there are competitors offering the same quality at slightly lower prices. If price is no object, then we recommend ignoring the value rating in the cabinetry priced in the 6-price point.
(!) Note About Painted Cabinetry
The finish on painted cabinetry is less durable than stained cabinetry on ALL cabinet brands, SO DO NOT:
1) Purchase expensive cabinetry believing the finish will be more durable, or
2) Blame a less expensive cabinet brand for being responsible for paint chipping, scratching, or being damaged by water. All painted cabinets have this issue, but finishes can be easily repaired by professionals.
Disclosure
Main Line kitchen design acknowledges that we are dealers for the following cabinet lines: Wellsford, Bishop, Brighton, Fabuwood, and Timberlake and Cubitac. While we could be prejudiced towards reviewing these cabinet lines more favorably, we have tried to be impartial. However, since the cabinet lines we carry were chosen specifically for their construction quality and value, it makes sense that we rate them well.
Cabinet Reviews (Ratings)
| Cabinet Line | Price Level (1-6) |
Quality | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21st Century | 1 | A | A- |
| Adelphia Kitchens | 3 | B | B |
| Adornus (frameless) | 3 | B | B |
| Alusso by Adornus (frameless) | 3 | B | B |
| All Wood – framed | 2 | A | A |
| All Wood – frameless | 1 | C | C |
| American Woodmark | 3 | B+ | B |
| Aristocraft | 2 | C | C |
|
Belmont 1900 Series Frameless |
4 | B | B+ |
| Bertch | 4 | A | A- |
| Bishop | 4 | A+ | B++ |
| Bishop Frameless | 5 | B | A |
| B.J. Tidwell Cabinetry | 3 | B | C+ |
| Bremtown | 6 | A+ | B |
| Bridgewood Framed | 5 | A | A |
| Bridgewood Frameless | 5 | B | A |
| Brighton | 5 | A- | A+ |
| Brookhaven | 5.5 | A | B |
| Brubaker | 5 | A | A |
| Cabico | 4 | B | B |
| Cabinet Depot | 2 | B+ | B+ |
| Candlelight | 4 | A | A |
| Canyon Creek Framed and Frameless (deduct 1 letter grade for frameless) | 4 | A | A |
| CliqStudios Reopened | 2.5 | B+ | ? |
| CNC | 1.5 | A- | A- |
| Collier | 5 | A | B- |
| Craft-Made Cabinetry framed | 5 | A | A |
| Crestwood Framed | 5 | A | A |
| Crestwood Frameless | 5 | B | A- |
| CrownPoint Cabinetry (framed) | 5.5 | A+ | A |
| CrownPoint (frameless) | 5.5 | B | A |
| Crystal custom | 5 | A | A |
| Crystal semi-custom | 4 | B+ | B+ |
| Cubitac | 1.5 | A | A |
| Cuisine Ideale (frameless) | 4 | B | B |
| Decora | 4.5 | A | B |
| Designers Choice | 4 | A | A |
| Design-Craft | 4 | B | B- |
| Diamond | 4 | B+ | B+ |
| Diamond Now Stock | 1 | B | B |
| Durasupreme | 5 | B+ | B- |
| Durasupreme frameless | 3 | C | C |
| Dynasty by Omega (frameless) | 4 | B | B+ |
| Dynasty by Omega (framed) | 4 | A | A-/B+ |
| Dynasty Pinnacle (framed) | 5 | A | B |
| Echelon Cabinetry | 2 | B- | C |
| Eclipse by Shiloh | 4.5 | B- / C+ | B |
| Eurocraft Frameless | 3.5 | C | C+ |
| Executive (frameless) | 4 | B | B |
| Fabuwood | 2 | A | A |
| Fabuwood (frameless) | 2 | B- | B |
| Fieldstone | 4.5 | A- | B+ |
| Forevermark | 1.5 | B+ | B |
| Grabill | 6 | A+ | B |
| Great Northern Classic | 5 | A | A |
| Green Forest | 2 | A | A- |
| Haas | 3 | B | B |
| Hampton Bay (frameless stock) | 1 | D | C+ |
| Hanssem framed | 1 | B- | C+ |
| Holiday (frameless) | 3 | C | supply issues |
| Holiday Kitchens | 4 | A | supply issues |
| Homecrest | 3 | B+ | B+ |
| Homestead Custom | 4 | A | A- |
| Ideal Cabinetry | 2 | B | A- |
| IKEA (frameless) | 1 | D | C |
| Innovation | 2 | C | C |
| JSI Cabinetry | 1 | B+ | B+ |
| J&K Cabinets | 2 | A+ | A- |
| Kabinart | 3 | C+ | D |
| Kemper | 4 | B+ | B+ |
| Kitchen Compact | 2 | B- | C- |
| Kitchencraft (frameless) | 3 | C | B |
| Kith | 3 | B+ | C+ |
| Koch Classic | 4 | A- | A- |
| Kountry Kraft (framed) | 6 | A | B |
| Kountry Kraft (frameless) | 6 | B | B |
| Kountry Wood | 2 | C | C |
| Kraftmaid (Possible grade change. Being checked) | 4 | A- | A- |
| Kraftmaid Vantage | 4 | A- | A |
| Legacy | 2.5 | B+ | B |
| Legacy Presidential | 3 | A | B |
| LifeArt | 1 | C+ | A |
| Luxor Collection Frameless | 4 | B | B |
| Marsh | 2 | B | B |
| Marsh (frameless) | 2 | B- | B |
| MasterCraft | 2 | B | B |
| Medallion (Now owed by ACPI) |
5 | B+ | B |
| Merillat | 2 | C | D |
| Merit Kitchens | 4 | B+ | B |
| Mid Continent with all plywood upgrade | 3 | B | B |
| Mouser | 5 | A | A- |
| Mouser (frameless) | 5 | B | A |
| NatureKast Waterproof Cabinets | 5 | A | A |
| Norcraft (every upgrade used) | 3 | B | D |
| Ovation | 4 | B | C |
| Plain and Fancy | 6 | A | B+ |
| Plato Woodwork | 5 | A | A |
| Poggenpohl (frameless) | 6 | B | C |
| ProCraft | 1 | A | A- |
| QCCI Quality Custom | 6+ | A+ | A- |
| QuakerMaid (frameless) | 4 | B | B |
| RiverRun Cabinetry | 3.75 | B | B- |
| R.D. Henry | 4 | A | A |
| Rutt | 6 | A+ | A |
| Schrock | 4 | B+/ A- | B+/ A- |
| Schuler | 5 | A- | B+ |
| Shenandoah | 3 | B+ | B |
| Shiloh (Possible grade change. Being checked.) | 4 | B | B |
| Showplace | 4 | A | B++ |
| ShowplaceEVO (frameless) | 3.5 | B | B+ |
| Siematic | 5.5 | B | C |
| Signature Custom | 5 | A+ | A+ |
| Siteline Cabinetry | 3.5 | B- | C |
| Solid Wood Cabinets | Closed | Bankrupt | |
| St. Martin (frameless) | 3.5 | B | A |
| Starmark Plywood upgrade | 5 | B+ | B |
| Starmark inset or 3/4″ back panel | 5 | A+ | A |
| Stylecraft | 6 | A | A |
| Tedd Wood | 5 | A | A |
| Thomasville | 4 | B+/A- | B+/A- |
| Thomasville Nouvell | 3 | D | D |
| Timberlake | 3 | B+ | B |
| Tru Cabinetry | 3 | B | B+/ A- |
| Ultracraft (frameless) | 2 | C | C |
| Ultracraft 3/4 ply upgrade | 3 | B | B+/A- |
| Urban Effects (frameless) | 3.75 | C- | D |
| Village | 5 | A | A |
| Waypoint | 3 | B+ | B |
| Wellborn | 4 and 5 | A | A |
| Wellborn Forrest | 3.5 | B+ | B+ |
| Wellsford | 5 | A+ | A+ |
| Wellsford (frameless) | 5 | B | A- |
| Wolf | 2 | A | B+ |
| Wolf Signature Series | 3.5 | A- | C+ |
| Woodharbor | 5 | B+ | C |
| Woodmode | 6 | A | A- |
| Yorktowne (Now owed by ACPI ) |
4 | B+ | B+ |
Outside Our Service Area?
FOR PEOPLE OUTSIDE A TWO-HOUR DRIVE OF OUR BALA CYNWYD PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE, HERE IS A LINK TO RECOMMENDED DEALERS IN OTHER AREAS. GOOD DEALERS WHO ARE CLOSE TO YOU CAN BETTER ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT’S AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA.
All the designers who helped create these cabinet reviews have greater than 20 years’ experience in our industry. When possible, all construction specifics were double-checked on the websites for each cabinet line.
294 Replies to “Cabinet Reviews for 2022: Cabinet Ratings for the top cabinet brands”
Dan Gust
Can I get your opinion on laminate vs veneer, both these being on Plywood? I was looking at both Waypoint and Integrity cabinets and their cost and offerings seem similar. Waypoint though uses a laminate on their plywood insides and end panels where Integrity seems to use a veneer.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Dan,
Veneer ages with the cabinets. A melamine (which is what it really is on Waypoint) fades with exposure to light and looks odd after a 10 years or so. Integrity is a better brand .
Melinda Duncker
Hello, do you have any experience with Superior Cabinets? I appreciate your insight.
Thank you,
Melinda
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Melinda,
Superior doesn’t show and construction specifics but they are a frameless brand with 1/4″ backs so we would not recomend them as a good durable value – particularly for door styles that are not slabs. Non slab door styles will always be better values in framed cabinet lines.
Lesley Allan
Need recommendation for cabinet maker that will sell full cabinets and a few doors for existing cabinets with broken doors. We are doing an extension in our kitchen, and we want to use the same cabinets we already have. We have cherry raised panel cabinets from KitchenCraft. We live in Seattle. Can you recommend a company that can match quality, that will sell full cabinets for the new build out area, and doors for a couple cabinets where the doors have been broken. Also, from a planning perspective, how much should I be budgeting for each cabinet (just a ballpark). Thanks!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Lesley,
I don’t think your plan is one I would recomend. Most reputable cabinet dealers will be wary of working on a project like this for many reasons.
Among the reasons are:
1) That KitchenCraft is not a great cabinet brand. It’s frameless and your cabinets are most likely particle board construction.
2) Cherry cabinets change color over time so the new cabinetry will be lighter than the old cabinetry even if you bought the same finish from KitchenCraft. Over time they will darken to the same color.
3) Raised panel doors and cherry cabinets themselves are out of fashion.
4) Almost certianly were you to start from scratch your kitchen design could be vastly improved. Investing in an expensive “make do” kitchen renovation will generally be a poor investment.
However if you wish to do this you should be working with a KitchenCraft dealer so go to the KitchenCraft website and find the closest KitchenCraft dealer near you.
As always I stress:
People worry about cabinet quality and price far more than they worry about their designs. This is because they aren’t kitchen or bath designers themselves and don’t understand how poor their designs usually are. If you listen to one of our podcasts this is usually a central issue. The Podcast below illustrates how different designs can be from what a homeowner might expect, while still staying within their budget. So, it makes little sense splurging on cabinets, appliances, and other expensive upgrades, when there are design improvements left on the table.
Below is a podcast that focuses on this issue:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/calls-with-paul-the-kitchen-design-podcast-episode-28-finding-a-kitchen-designer/
I would consider calling into our helpline so that I can review you design and discuss cabinetry with you in more depth. Here’s the information:
Call into our Friday helpline and podcast most Fridays between 2 and 4 pm Eastern Standard Time. We review designs and give design help. Call 61O-5OO-4O71 then leave a message and we will call you when a line opens.
Anup
Hi Paul, we are planning to remodel kitchen on budget. A local remodeler gave us estimate for basic cabinets which are plywood box with solid wood frame for door with MDF center panel. Brand is 802 cabinetry with 5 years warranty. He is charging $8000-10,000 for the cabinets, $3000 for install. We roughly have 7 cabinets on the top and 8 cabinets on the bottom. Is this a reliable brand? Are the prices reasonable?
please and thank you!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Anup,
I would never advise anyone to buy cabinets from a contractor. You want to buy cabinets from a cabinet dealer. You will get a better price and you will get free design help.
I have never heard of 802 and their website doesn’t say much. The website also showcases basic design errors on it. They only have one google review from what is probably the company that imports them. If they actually sell directly to contractors that’s another bad sign. The cabinets could be well constructed but the whole process is so amateurish that getting value for what you spend is unlikely.
You also need a contractor to do far more than install cabinetry. There is backsplash tile, electric, plumbing, ductwork, possibly flooring and lighting all that need to be done. The contractor might not even be including crown molding in the price so you aren’t working with people that are renovating kitchens on a regular basis.
I would listen to one of our podcasts to better understand the design process. The one below is a good one to start with.
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/calls-with-paul-the-kitchen-design-podcast-episode-28-finding-a-kitchen-designer/
Greg
Hi Paul. Starting a bath remodel. Our remodeler uses Medallion cabinets. After seeing mostly negative reviews online about quality, I’m getting nervous. I confronted him. He assured me that he has installed many cabinets of this brand for his own family and customers without problems. Although he stated they had a bit of a rough patch during Covid, losing many of their employees. We would like to use a stained full raised panel design in either oak or cherry for our vanity. I understand they have three grades. We are leaning toward the gold mid-grade line. What is your opinion of Medallion? Thanks, Greg
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Greg,
Reviews from homeowners are completely unreliable. This is one reason we have our cabinet ratings.
For example:
One of the worst cabinet brands sold IKEA gets the best customer reviews while an expensive quality brand like Medallion gets poor reviews. This is for many reasons. The IKEA Effect is one and high unrealistic expectations from high end customers for a brand like Medallion is another.
Make sure to upgrade the Medallion Gold to an all plywood box. I might get Quartersawn Oak but never regular Oak cabinetry. Regular Oak has been out of style for 30 years.
Lynn Harold
I can’t begin to express how disappointed I am with my Decora cabinets. I did a complete kitchen remodel, replacing contractor-grade Merillat cabinets. I would have been better off keeping them. Here’s a list of the issues I’ve had: (1) uneven stain color – it looks like I have 4 different cabinet colors. When I asked about this, I was told it’s a water-based stain and I should expect subtle differences. This would be ok if it WAS subtle; (2) Almost every door edge and corner looks warn and unstained; (3) the ‘hard wood’ is so soft I can easily dig my fingernail into the doors, hence they have numerous highly visible dings; (4) Even though the doors and drawer fronts are solid wood, the exposed edges appear to be a veneer and the glue has let go in a few places; (5) the surface of one of the high-use doors has become ‘textured’ and worn.
Decora was represented to be high-quality when I was shopping around for a contractor and cabinetry. And I am surprised at the good rating shown in this article. I would not recommend this brand, or the contractor that sold and installed them for that matter – lots of design mistakes and sloppy workmanship.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Lynn,
Since you don’t give any information on the door style, color, wood species, and I don’t have any pictures to look at I can’t really know what the problem is. However all cabinet brands use the same type stains. And Decora’s finish should be as durable as any other brand for the same type wood. Having wood have different colors is dependent on the type of wood that you chose. Maple has the least variation in color and is one of the hardest wood so you probably should have chosen a maple cabinet door style.
If you can did a fingernail into the doors they are probably Alder wood which would have been a poor wood to choose for a kitchen if you are concerned about durability and don’t like different color woods on the same door. Since Home Depot sells Decora I’m betting that you worked with a designer from there who didn’t know that Alder is much softer than other woods.
This is the problem with consumer complaints about cabinetry. They often are complaining about something that should have been expected but that the designer didn’t explain. Or the contractor installed incorrectly. Or the cabinet dealer didn’t warranty when they should have or they ordered incorrectly. Unfortunately the cabinet companies get blamed for all problems. This is why brands that are sold at Home Depot and Lowes get poor reviews. Not because the cabinets are worse but because the designers are less knowledgeable.
Leya
What’s your opinion on Koch imperial line of cabinets compared to Kraftsmaid or Shenandoah cabinets?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Leya,
All three lines are good. The finishes on Koch and Kraftmaid will be nicer and they will have more selections but all three lines upgraded are equally durable. Shenandoah will be 15 0r 20%b less than the other two.
Debbie S
We had a leak under our tile in our kitchen and we then decided to replace our 30 year old cabinets. The cabinets were not affected by the leak but we were working with a restoration/ builder group. In shopping around and working with Home Depot’s designer we were leaning towards Kraftmaid cabinets. We were choosing a Kraftmaid cherry wood cabinet but now the builder is suggesting J&K cabinets made out of birch and plywood. We are concerned that these cabinets will not compare in quality and durability throughout time. Could you please advise us!!!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Debbie,
Kraftmaid is a more expensive cabinet brand than J&K by about 40%. However it is not durability or construction quality that makes Kraftmaid more expensive. It is the many more choices in door styles, wood species, finishes, and cabinet sizing that adds to the Kraftmaid cabinet brands cost. So a J&K kitchen will last just as long but you will have to choose from a smaller catalogue.
For example J&K will not sell cabinets made of cherry nor will any of there stains approach the look of a Kraftmaid cherry wood cabinet. However, if you were ordering white shaker cabinets there would be little difference in looks or longevity between the two brands.
Kristen
How would you rate Cabinets To Go?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Kristen,
I would not recomend working with Cabinets to go. No matter what level of cabinetry you are buying from them you will be getting lesser design help compared to most well regarded private dealers and even from many home centers. ALL homeowners need design help unfortunately many believe that they do not. Our funny video below makes this point:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxJgxCeeNTo&t
Assembling cabinetry yourself is never a good idea and usually results in inferior cabinetry. Yes stock cabinets could be glued and modified to make them better but there are inexpensive well made brands that come assembled and glued. If you are getting their more expensive cabinetry will be spending a lot more and yet still don’t have a good designer so that makes even less sense.
If you listen to most of our podcasts like the one below you will better understand why you need a good designers help to spend you budget wisely.
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/calls-with-paul-the-kitchen-design-podcast-episode-28-finding-a-kitchen-designer/
Martin
Hello,
Do you have any insight re Tribeca cabinetry?
Thanks!
Martin
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Martin,
I just added Tribeca to our reviews. They are a well made cabinet brand with lots of inexpensive good choices in door styles and finishes. Based on my research they use less expensive soft close hinges and tracks which is why I gave them an A- for construction. Also as with many inexpensive brands I believe their dark blue color has been painted over their white finish. This makes the finish chip more easily and expose the white underneath. Fabuwood is slightly more expensive and has more options and on these type finishes uses an oven heated top coat which is more successful protecting against chipping. Their quarter sawn oak door is an unusual offering for an inexpensive brand and nice looking.
Tribeca is one of many good brands that are well built and slightly less than Fabuwood. Fabuwood is “the Gorilla” of these low priced well built import/US brands. Tribecca, CNC, Cubitac, J&K and many other brands are just a little less expensive and not quite equal. However each of these brands will have some different colors or door styles not available in the other lines.
Keep in mind what I constantly advise:
People worry about cabinet quality and price far more than they worry about their designs. This is because they aren’t kitchen or bath designers themselves and don’t understand how poor their designs usually are. If you listen to one of our podcasts this is usually a central issue. The Podcast below illustrates how different designs can be from what a homeowner might expect, while still staying within their budget. So, it makes little sense splurging on cabinets, appliances, and other expensive upgrades, when there are design improvements left on the table.
Below is a podcast that focuses on this issue:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/calls-with-paul-the-kitchen-design-podcast-episode-28-finding-a-kitchen-designer/
Removing a wall or moving a window or doorway can cost a few thousand dollars but make the kitchen and a home a completely different and better layout. This can often increase the home’s value several times more than the cost of the renovation. So working with a good designer is more important than people realize.
anna
Kraftmaid has so many negative reviews on the internet but there they are A-
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Anna,
The Kraftmaid rating changed slightly in our most recent 2024 reviews. Cabinet construction changed slightly with when the company merged. See below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/cabinet-reviews-ratings-for-the-top-100-cabinet-brands/
However Kraftmaid gets poor reviews for the most part due the inexperienced home center designers that sell it. See this Blog below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/hard-compare-kitchen-cabinet-brands/
G.R. Raab
Have you looked at the RTAs such as Barker Cabinetry/City Cabinets?
https://www.barkercabinets.com/
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi G.R.,
We do not recomend RTA cabinets for several reasons. One reason is due to the IKEA EFFECT. Read this blog:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/ikea-effect-physiological-phenomenon-drives-kitchen-designers-crazy/
Barker is certainly better constructed than IKEA, but it is a frameless cabinet and not made as well as any of the better made inexpensive framed cabinets on our list. Plus the psychological delusion of The IKEA EFFECT is in full force when you order online.
There are many brands that will be close in price to IKEA (and to other RTA brands that are sold online) that will come assembled. Usually, even if these brands can be ordered RTA the factory will assemble for about $20 per cabinet. Not only will these brands be warrantied when delivered against damage and against defect but you will also get the service of a kitchen designer free of charge.
All non kitchen design professionals need kitchen designers to measure their home and to help with the kitchen design and in placing the order. Examples of these brands are brands like CNC, Cubitac, and any of the less expensive price level 1 and 1.5 brands that we rate well on our 2024 Cabinet reviews. Fabuwood is more expensive but is the best of the inexpensive brands. 2024 MOST recent cabinet reviews below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/cabinet-reviews-ratings-for-the-top-100-cabinet-brands/
Consider that no professional kitchen designers would ever order cabinetry online even if they were flipping a home. Yes the people on HGTV often use RTA cabinetry. But this is because they really don’t know what they are doing, and that their projects are so poorly organized that they can’t order cabinetry in advance.
A kitchen is too big an investment not to get professional help with designing, organizing, ordering, and for available help directing the contractors installing. As Doug says in the video below:
“It’s what people need, we just have to convince them that they need it.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxJgxCeeNTo&t=
Derek
Any chance you have any experience or insight regarding Cookshire Cabinets, out of Canada? Our builder directed us to them as a semi-custom option for a portion of our kitchen and our vanities, and I can’t really seem to find much on them.
We are looking for a lower-cost option, preferably with shaker inset doors and a clear/stain finish. We didn’t love the finishes we saw on the Cookshire samples, so we were quoted a similar setup with Cabico Unique, and Cabico was at least 35% more expensive.
I’m not sure where Fabuwood and Merillat fit in, but we might look at those, unless you have any positive information on Cookshire?
Also open to any suggestions you might have for dealers located in Vermont!
Thank you again for all of your invaluable time and information!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Derek,
I can’t find any specifications on how they make their cabinetry. The framed cabinets look OK. Fabuwood and some of the level 2 cabinet brands will be less and many will be at least equally well made if not better depending on how they make framed cabinetry. They do have many options and are close to a custom cabinet brand in some respects.
Kathlin Smith
You have rated Merillat cabinets poorly, but they have a few different lines, and I wonder if the rating includes the Masterpiece Collection, which is presumably better than the Classic and Basic lines. If so, can you address the particular reasons why Masterpiece gets low marks?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Kathlin,
I just updated the Merillat rankings. The Merillat Classic and the Masterpiece line I believe are the same when upgraded to all plywood construction. It is a better cabinet then it was and this is reflected in the new rankings, See link below:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/cabinet-reviews-ratings-for-the-top-100-cabinet-brands/
Upgraded to plywood the reason that they still get a B is that the wall cabinets use a 3/8″ back and hanging rail and Base cabinets use 1/4″ back and 3/8″ plywood hanging rail.
In comparison the inexpensive brands like Fabuwood. CNC, Cubitac, J&K, Wolf, etc are all complete solid 1/2″ plywood backs. Plus, Merillat is more expensive than these brands, particularly with the all plywood upgraded.
Kathlin Smith
Thank you—this is very helpful!
Joan Banez
I notice you included Urban Effects but not Omega which I was told is the same company…any thoughts on OMEGA cabinets? Any recommendations on Omega vs Brighton?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Joan,
On our past reviews we always included Omega under “D” for Dynasty by Omega. This is how they branded themselves in the past. In our newest reviews we include Omega reviews under both Dynasty and Omega as most consumers now refer to the company as Omega. Here’s a link to our most recent reviews:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/cabinet-reviews-ratings-for-the-top-100-cabinet-brands/
Frank
Hello, we’re interested in possibly going with JSI. My only question is are there any concerns with construction in which the hanging rail is inside the cabinet space (beyond losing a little space and perhaps the aesthetics)? Other than focusing on just negatives are there perhaps any benefits to it? Or is it construction/design integrity neutral and perhaps it’s just less costly for the manufacturer?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Frank,
A solid wood 3/4″ x 3 1/2″ hanging rail is equal to a full 1/2″ plywood back in our cabinet construction evaluation. There are some benefits to the solid wood hanging rail in that it is less likely to bend if walls are not plum and the cabinets not shimmed correctly during installation. I’m not researching JSI again, but from the B+ construction rating we give JSI, I’m guessing that JSI uses a plywood hanging rail. That should be fine. It just becomes a little more important that the contractor shims the cabinets correctly. If that is done the cabinets should hold up as well as the slightly higher rated brands. And yes, it does save material, so that is why it is used.
Andrew
What are your thoughts on WF Cabinetry?
Our contractor was originally sourcing cabinets locally from a custom manufacturer but their facility had a fire so our contractor offered up using WF Cabinetry as a semi-custom replacement.
We like the 3/4” all plywood construction but we have concerns about the paint being an MDF veneer. We do want some stained cabinets but my wife and I really do want a mix of white as well as some specialty matched SW green cabinets.
I see they got decent ratings here but online I’m finding a lot of bad reviews. More from a few years back, but there are certainly still some recent ones.
Getting a little better insight in to WF Cabinetry would help us make a decision about who to move forward with. Thank you!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Andrew,
I hope you are not buying cabinets from a contractor or letting a contractor do your kitchen design. Both these choices would be huge mistakes.
You need a kitchen designer to measure your kitchen and work on the design with you. If you call our help line on a Friday between 2-4 pm EST I can look at the design you are considering and explain what the problems I will surely see are.
I have never heard of WF IE Wellborn Forrest Cabinetry we rate on this Blog. However, you have bigger issues:
As always-
My MANTRA remains:
People worry about cabinet quality and price far more than they worry about their designs. This is because they aren’t kitchen designers themselves and don’t understand how poor their designs usually are. If you listen to one of our podcasts this is usually a central issue. The Podcast below illustrates how different designs can be from what a homeowner might expect, while still staying within their budget. So, it makes little sense splurging on cabinets and appliances, when there are design improvements left on the table.
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/calls-with-paul-the-kitchen-design-podcast-episode-28-finding-a-kitchen-designer/
Michael Caldwell
StarMark Cabinetry
We did a lot of research in regards to a complete kitchen remodel. Quite a few websites- including this one- ranked StarMark cabinets as either the best or in the top 3. On October 15th 2022 we signed a contract with a local retailer for StarMark cabinets. It was an order for 29 pieces including cabinets, kick and crown molding. the initial order arrived at the local retailer on 2/22/23. Our remodel was not scheduled until late May early June. The local retailer stated that they could hold the cabinets in the rear of the warehouse for 60 days but the warranty for damage would expire prior to us having them delivered. So we had the cabinets delivered 2 weeks before the warranty expired. Upon taking several days to individually unwrap and re wrap all 29 pieces I located 13 damaged pieces on 5/15/23. I took pictures of the damage and sent them to the local retailer. Who then forwarded a warranty claim to StarMark. In early June we received 9 items from StarMark. Out of the 9 items only 7 matched the model numbers provided on 5/15/23. I sent a email to the local retailer asking about the other missing waranty items and the 2 model numbers that did not match our order. The local retailer was told by StarMark that they would not 4 items did not meet warranty claim status. So our contractor had to change doors and splice a toe kick molding (Seam) during the initial install.
On 6/28/23 we made the mistake of Trusting StarMark again. We placed an order for 3 ten foot crown molding boards. This was an add on since we originally were not running the crown around the breakfast nook. StarMark took the order and said it would be 6-8 weeks. When we picked up the crown on 8/24-after returning from a vacation- it was banded wrapped by 5 straps. The time from when the crown arrived at the local retailer and install placed it outside the warranty window. We looked at the outside paper wrapping and saw no visible signs of damage. On 9/28 our contractor was able to fit us in to complete the crown installation. I brought all the crown pieces upstairs. Upon taking the special order crown out out I found the middle piece had scuff mark in 2 spots down past the paint. Also 2 dings that still had paint on molding but was obvious. This was the piece protected by the outside pieces strapped together. Damage had to have occurred in the factory. Our contractor measured the needed footage around the cabinets and said he would have to put some of the damaged crown up. I instructed him to use the pieces in shadowed areas.
After a couple of hours of installing the Crown our Contractor came inside from cutting 1 of the 3 special ordered Crown. He had only cut the angles on each end. Not reducing the length besides the saw blade. We have a spot for crown molding just barely over 119″ long. Cutting the saw blade angle would have left a bit more then 119″. When the crown molding was put up it was short. Since we did not measure that board prior to angle cut cut we do no know the exact length. Our contractor then called me into measure the 2 remaining 10 Feet 120″ boards. On 2 seperate tape measures the boards were 118 3/4″ and 118 1/4″. Our contractor- who has been doing this for 30 years had never seen a 10 foot board that short let alone “3”. Who at StarMark would allow 3 Boards to ship that are under length. And as a customer WHO would think to measure board length upon delivery. We had to again Splice-Seam were a full length undamaged board would have finished properly
THIS IS THE REASON FOR THE TITLE.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Michael,
You gave us a long email to respond to, but I will do my best.
First while I have never sold Starmark, I know the product well and most of your complaints are almost certainly not their fault but a combination of the cabinet designer’s, the cabinet dealers, you and your contractors’ expectations, and the overall projects organization. Or lack of it.
For example:
Cabinets should not be in storage for so long. They should be ordered and scheduled to arrive soon after the contractor’s start date which THE CONTRACTOR needs to be at least close to honoring.
Even with delays – 60 days does not sound like Starmark’s deadline to declare damages, unless they have repeatedly had storage related issues with your particular dealer.
Products ordered incorrectly by the dealer are NEVER covered by Starmark. So, anything delivered that’s the wrong part or color, was almost certainly not shipped wrong but ordered wrong by the dealer. Or re-ordered wrong. Remember just because it looks right on your contract- that is not the actual cabinet order.
Ten-foot crown moldings are a luxury not available in less expensive cabinet brands. In brands like Starmark, IE not quite custom brands, expecting exactly 120″ on moldings is not reasonable. ends will come imperfect prior to finishing and will be slightly shortened if needed. If you need 120″ a sensible designer would order 12-foot moldings. If 12 feet moldings aren’t available, then the designer should have addressed this in the design phase. There are many possible solutions.
Your contractor whose been doing this for 30 years is probably talking about moldings from a lumber yard. Or he has never worked with a brand like Starmark. In any event “measure twice cut once” would have alerted everyone to the issue.
If the molding was scuffed Starmark would have replaced it.
Thinking that a complex near custom furniture/cabinet order will go seamlessly with such a lack of knowledge and organization from your dealer and your contractor is not fair to Starmark.
As a dealer and as a former contractor I see most of the blame here coming from those sources and from those people for not making you a better-informed customer.
Blaming the cabinet company is the easy place to lay blame.