Plain & Fancy vs. Plato Woodworks

15 years ago

Which is better? It seems Plato is less expensive because maybe they are not featured in every magazine so marketing is less perhaps, but what about the quality for both? Someone also suggested DuraSupreme's custom line, but I read a terrible review and got nervous. Also, sorry, so many questions, but Showplace has an inset line now - are they any good? It is semi-custom and they have what I need for 30% less than Plain & Fancy, but someone said the new inset doors are not as good since they just started doing insets. I am making a decision on inset cabinetry in the next week - i'm ready the write the check, but its expensive and I want to make sure I don't regret it - particularly since my husband said this is probably teh kitchen I will have until I die (how nice). HELP!!

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november

15 years ago

We have P&F cabinets with inset doors and a painted finish, and they are really beautiful. They're my dream cabinets, and I am sooooo happy to have them. They make me happy every day. We didn't shop around, though - our GC uses a P&F dealer and once he told us that, he had me. I am absolutely sure, however, that you can have other equally gorgeous cabinets, probably for a lower price. Also, many people on this board have had great success in going with smaller, local craftspeople.

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's my P&F kitchen

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Comments (6)

kompy
15 years ago
I sell Plain & Fancy and their finish is beautiful. I saw Plato at KBIS about 15+ years ago, and it looked nice too. What sets P&F from semi-custom and some custom lines, is their finish.

About 6 months ago, my business took on Showplace. We have done several kitchens and so far my customers have been very pleased. However, the paint is not as 'perfect' as Plain and Fancy...so that is the trade-off.

What excites me the most, are the comments from my installers (about Showplace). They really liked the line, considering it's price point.

I just ordered my first Showplace display and it will be inset. I'm excited about getting it installed...as you mention....the Showplace inset is quite a bit less than P&F. For me, I believe it was a bit more than a 30% savings.

However, if it is your forever house and you have the budget, seriously consider the P&F. You won't be disappointed.

kompy
footballmom
15 years ago
I live relatively close to the P&F factory and have visited the factory showroom. Kompy isn't exaggerating about the painted finishes, they are beautiful. They had a display of painted bead board cabinets and they were as smooth as glass, even between the rails. I would comment that I would definitely shop around as the factory showroom prices were much higher than a local lumberyard price for the cabinets. They were a bit out of range for our neighborhood, but if I could have had them, I would not have hesitated based on the model kitchens. Âhere are a couple of P&F kitchens in the FKB. Maybe you could e-mail the owners and check to see if they are satisfied.... G
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3katz4me
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I have Plato Woodwork - they are made near where I live in MN. I liked that the company is family owned, has been in business over 100 years and the cabinets have a lifetime warranty. In KDs experience they have never questioned or refused any warranty work she has brought forward. I think the quality and finish is very good. There were a couple things that weren't quite right when I received them - a scratch on a door and dishwasher panel wasn't quite right. KD was at my house to inspect upon delivery - she took the problem pieces - and replacements were provided before the rest of the kitchen was done. I've had them for almost four years and no problems.
mtkc
15 years ago
I chose Plato Woodwork over P&F.

As a designer, I look for quality in the product as well as people and manufacturers who can provide the proper service and deliver on time and on budget for my clients. And Plato has done that for me in the past 3 years.

During my initial debate between the two lines, I considered the quality of the finishes and their abilities to make custom parts and pieces and I'd say they are both great products. In terms of quality, I was particularly drawn to the fact that Plato's finishes are much more unique and stands itself apart from the masses. Their cabinet boxes are sturdy and well engineered, and as an added bonus, they are a green product with a formaldehyde-free finish and glue. (see http://www.platowoodwork.com/ and their green website http://platowoodwork-california.com)

While I cannot speak about P&F's customer service, I can definitely share some experiences about Plato. Their customer services and engineers actually review your kitchen before making the cabinets, as opposed to just another cabinet order being pushed through an assembly line. So they actually know which cabinet goes where and look at your order as a functional space, versus just a cabinet list. If/when there are problems, their customer service jumps all over it to make sure a reasonable solution is provided to ensure proper customer satisfaction, which both my clients and I value highly. Having been in the business for years now, I have had enough of different finger pointing and am glad that I haven't had much of that to deal with at all from Plato and their service reps. And at the end of the day, I think we are paying the same, if not less than what most other cabinet makers at this level of craftsmanship, so then at the end of my debate, it was really more of a question, 'why NOT Plato?'

I hope this helps and good luck with your project!

Eric
eric@mtkc.net
www.mtkc.net

Here is a link that might be useful: MT Kitchen Cabinets, Inc
rknee
15 years ago
We've chosen Plato. Very pleased so far (only lowers installed). Cherry - stained and painted w/ sand-through. Gorgeous finish, peticulously packed, love the soft close doors, pull-outs and drawers.

Here is a link that might be useful: A Kitchen Remodel

Plain & Fancy vs. Plato Woodworks

november

Comments (6)

kompy

footballmom

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