I’ve gotten prices for kitchen cabinets from Lowes, Home Depot and a cabinet maker. We were expecting the custom to be more, but not almost 40% more. Particularly since he said the price would be comparable to decent cabinets from Lowes – which I think is what I’d picked out.
I’m not sure the cabinet maker is correct about some of the things he tells me about the stock cabinets (maybe, he’s installed them). For example, he says the upgrade I got for "All Plywood Furniture ends" "Matching Interior Plywood" (which adds 15% to 25% or more to each cabinet) does NOT mean there is NO particle board. The sales person in the store specifically said "no particle board". Cabinet maker said they replace some particle board with plywood, not all.
I did try to include everything to make the kitchens the same, 36" upper cabinets, wood to bring them to the ceiling, crown molding, pieces of maple for the back of the island.
Numbers: Lowes, for Kraft Made "Sonata Maple Square" price (with ‘all plywood upgrade) is $8.5k + $3k insall (estimated install). This includes about $1100 in rebates.
Custom: $16k installed. He makes the cabinets and buys the doors (from "Taylor Craft").
It’s a difficult choice, thats alot of extra money. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
All plywood construction means just that-there is NO particle board. The carcasses are made from plywood, usually birch interior and your cabinet species exterior. While I am a huge fan of supporting the local business man, in this case he sounds like he’s too high/uninformed. Go with the Kraftmaid. You may be able to find a better deal on the installation, though. See if anyone you know has a friend who is a trim carpenter. They may do it on the side for a heck of a lot less. Hope this helps.
All plywood construction means just that-there is NO particle board. The carcasses are made from plywood, usually birch interior and your cabinet species exterior. While I am a huge fan of supporting the local business man, in this case he sounds like he’s too high/uninformed. Go with the Kraftmaid. You may be able to find a better deal on the installation, though. See if anyone you know has a friend who is a trim carpenter. They may do it on the side for a heck of a lot less. Hope this helps.
References :
Carpenter, I have Kraftmaid cabinets in my kitchen with the APC upgrade.
I never understand why people do custom cabinets. I personally have cheap wood cabinets in my home, that I have no doubt were stock items when new, and they have held up just as nicely if not nicer than any I’ve seen in newer homes with custom.
Unless there is a major difference in the aesthetics of the cabinets…meaning, if the custom cabinets look so much nicer, you just can’t live without them…I don’t know why you would buy them.
Also, you might want to take into consideration how long you actually plan on living in the house. While it is true that a kitchen remodel is one of the biggest investments for you can recoup over time, custom cabinets are usually not a priority with buyers. As long as they look good and not cheap, buyer’s really don’t care that much.
Personally, I would buy the stock cabinets, and take myself a nice vacation in France with the money I saved by not buying custom.
References :
Did you get a true and final price from Lowes including installation. I did not see your total final price. If going with Lowes be sure to get a final price, do not allow them to find an extra way to charge you extra. The subcontractors try to make extra $$$$ by finding extras. In addition how long is the installation warranty. With local companies its often lifetime with Big box store its only one year. May be important. Also who do you call to check on the install date. Cheap in the beginning may be expensive in the long run. With Lowes you will be expected to pay with order, With local company you will be expected to pay a down payment and final when the job is complete and you like it.
References :
I’m a kitchen contractor and I go through a lot of cabinets. I’d recommend taking a look at http://www.cabinetgiant.com . They make a great all-wood (no heavy gross particleboard) cabinet for a lot less than you’ve been getting quoted. Installation and assembly of their product should be around $500-600 dollars.
All of their cabinets have furniture grade finished sides by default (so you don’t have to buy finished end panels)
Hope this helps!
References :
long time kitchen contractor