skip to main content

Question for kompy re Medallion vs Kraftmaid

16 years ago

Hi Kompy. I seem to recall that you are a dealer for both Medallion and KM. We have been planning to buy KM, because that is the brand the KD we like sells. But much like Wondery here who posted a question about Autumn Blush vs Cabernet, we have been having trouble deciding which finish to go with. We like the finish on the link that Wondery posted too - http://bunky.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/18/june_2007_063.jpg . Could you tell me whether Medallion has a finish that is closer to that color?

Also, is it true that Medallion is better quality than Kraftmaid? I do like the idea of being able to get 39inch cabs. I just don't really want to start over looking for a different KD that sells Medallion ... but maybe we should. Any advice? TIA

Featured Answer

ksfaustin

16 years ago

After seeing these pics, I wish I'd looked more closely at Medallion also. I love that doorstyle and the color. But I thought that Medallion was A LOT more expensive than Kraftmaid. I priced my design on Kraftmaid from Lowes and it was around $22K. The guy at our local Medallion dealer looked quickly at the same design and told me that it would probably be around $35K. Actually he said something like "If you're not willing to commit at least $35K to cabinets for this project, there's probably no point in us speaking further." Um, okay. I guess he was either having a bad day or I wasn't dressed well enough.

(Sorry to hijack...I guess I'm still annoyed at him. And surprised that the prices shouldn't have been that far apart for the two lines.)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

kompy
16 years ago
Hi Aussies,
I love both KM and Medallion. Medallion doesn't have as many finishes to choose from, as KM does. The only darker, reddish stains they have are: Chestnut and Brandywine. Chestnut is more brownish though.....it doesn't have the reddish tint that KM's autumn blush has. Brandywine is very darkish-red and as it's name states...very wine colored....more burgundy-ish.

I love KraftMaid for their doorstyle and color selections, and for their price.

I love Medallion for their quality of finish , 39" standard uppers and custom modifications. Apples-for-apples, they are just a little bit more than KraftMaid.

However, Medallion's Silverline McCall Cherry would come out less than KraftMaid's Lyndale Cherry. Keep in mind though, that the Silverline series does not offer 39" uppers.

I would say that 'yes' Medallion is a little bit better quality. If the 39" uppers is a big deal to you, then I would check out the Medallion. But if it's not, then stick with a designer that you feel comfortable with....that is also very important!

If you like, I can post some pictures of a couple of Medallion cherry chestnut kitchens on Tuesday when I'm back to work. Let me know if you'd like that.

Kompy
aussies
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi Kompy,

Thanks so much for the information. That would be great if you could post some pictures of Medallion on Tuesday. I would really appreciate that!

Thanks for your help!

Aussies
Related Discussions
kompy -- more Medallion questions
Q
Comments (7)
Ps. I quoted a client Silverline Lancaster Maple and her kitchen was $5280 w/ upgraded drawers. Debut with Oxford door was $4199. So... how many cabinets was that? Did that include an allowance for knobs/pulls? The cabinet person I met with was estimating off the top of her head at least 8K for my kitchen, and I don't think it's all that big. (But what is there, is not the plain jane stuff - open shelves, pantry cabinet, super susan, all drawers in the island. Total is 15 to 17 boxes, depending on one "budget" option we called out for the bid.) I won't get her detailed numbers until the end of the week, but if I can't afford "entry level" cabinets, then what's the best of the rest in "cheap" cabinets? I don't care for IKEA. I'm thinking of getting a bid for Schrock cabinets from Costco? I think I'm just starting to face the reality that I need to put more $$ into my kitchen than I'd hoped. The main things that are driving up the costs--replacing leaky windows, and all the odds and ends that come with changing the layout (drywall repairs, refinishing the hardwoods, etc.) are things I can't do without. The current layout just doesn't work well.
...See More
kompy - kraftmaid
Q
Comments (15)
I've done quite a few of KM kitchens in the Bisque glaze, which is their Dove White with a vanilla glaze on it (as they are now renaming their finishes to reflect more accurately the layered process). We have an office display in the Bisque. That particular display is old enough that all of the doors show the typical cracking associated with the expansion/contraction of wood. I've only had a couple of issues with customers being unhappy with the Dove White with Vanilla Glaze (Bisque). On one of those complaints, there was a definate factory defect in that the outer frame of the door had warped enough that unpainted wood showed extensively at the joints. Those few doors that showed that were replaced and no further problems ensued. I know that a big contributory factor to that was that this was new construction that didn't have adequate temperature/humidity control achieved yet. It was only a couple of doors, so it wasn't a problem to ask for replacement. But, really, it's up to the customer to achieve temperature/humidity control in the environment before the cabinets are installed. It wasn't worth it to make that point with only a couple of doors affected, so we registered the point with the customer, had the doors replaced, and made sure we adequately cover that issue more clearly in the future. One of my newer colleagues had an issue with a laundry room he did in Bisque---because he didn't adequately explain all of the above that I listed to the customer. She was very unhappy about the joint line cracking. She eventually accepted it (with several doors replaced and a discount) because it was a laundry room. My colleague had a meeting with me he won't soon forget and now adequately qualifies the customer on the front end. Especially those who say they want paint. Often, what they really want is thermofoil that looks like paint, not real paint. I have done one kitchen in the Dove White this year that turned out quite nicely. It was in the shaker style with the satin chrome bow pulls and very simple moldings and a lot of clear glass with in cabinet lighting. Light grey floor tile and beadboard backing for the peninsula and back splash. Very serene beachy looking and the customer loved it. We had zero issues on the cabinets other than KM "losing" half the order (which showed up the next week), and yes, some of them came in with the paint already showing some cracking at the joints. She knew to expect this, because it was explained on the front end. So, it was not a problem.
...See More
Medallion designer cabinet vs kraftmaid?!?!?!
Q
Comments (4)
While I was researching cabinets, I kept coming across comments that Medallion has a very nice finish and Kraftmaid not-so-much. When we needed a vanity this year, Kraftmaid had the style we wanted, so we special ordered it--$1100 for a 36" vanity, so not cheap. I see what they mean by finish issues. In natural light, we could see runs down the front, which is probably in the varnish. A decorative trim piece is stained a little differently than the rest of the cabinet. Because it's in a bathroom without natural light, I didn't find it noticeable enough to reorder. Also, the door isn't real flush with the rest of the cabinet even though the hinges are adjusted correctly. I wouldn't want KM for a kitchen as I could see how these issues could multiply over several cabinets.
...See More
Medallion/Schuler Cabinets vs. Dura Supreme vs. Kraftmaid
Q
Comments (26)
Yelena, Although, my kitchen reno is still a work in progress and I can't speak on purchasing an ENTIRE Schular Cappuccino Cherry Kitchen Cabinetry, I'll be happy to share my experience. So far, I can say that I have compared prices, as well as, quality between Yorktowne, Medallion and Merillat Masterpiece. Hands down, Lowe's Schuler Cabinetry was/is the best savings for the same good quality. If I had the budget, need or desire to replace all my cabinetry as part of my Kitchen Renovation project; I would 100% recommend Lowe's Schuler Cabinetry, Cappuccino Cherry! Not to mislead or steer the topic; But my experience with Schuler's Cherry Cappuccino was/is somewhat limited to a fortunate mistake as a result of replacing my old appliances: Which was always part of my original kitchen renovation plans and budget; Including, my backsplash and countertops. In lieu of, keeping my 18 year old Yorktowne, Solid Maple Cabinetry because. my cabinetry was/is in great condition. Asides for the "Spice" stain color, I still love Yorktowne's "Hallmark/Ambrosia" door style and the amount of time spoke for the quality and my experience, By happenstance, my new appliances (Microwave & Oven) didn't fit into my old cabinet space. So, I was force to address the "Spice" stain now that I had to order a new "face front" cabinet. Which ultimately meant, I would be paying to populate the stain color that I never liked or compromise my design and new appliances. Which I felt lead me towards having the best of both worlds; Two-Tone Cabinetry (Paint and Cappuccino Stain) aka: a "fortunate mistake" because Schuler's "SAVANNAH" matches Yorktowne's "Hallmark/Ambrosia" Door Style perfectly and the Cappuccino Stain coordinates well with my new Cafe Matte White and Brush Bronze Kitchen Appliances! Now, if I can only get a response from Rob regard the flooring he used with his Cappuccino Stain Cabinets, Hope this was helpful,
...See More
kompy
16 years ago

Here are some of the photos that I have. All of them are mine, except the one Mandalay door picture. I don't have any that show the Autumn Blush...but I really think it's a timeless color.
Hope this helps.
Kompy

Medallion "Providence" Cherry wood w/ Pecan Finish (2 Pix)

Medallion Silverline Series (builder): McCall Cherry w/ Chestnut Finish

KraftMaid Sedona Cherry w/ Sunset Finish

KraftMaid Mandalay Cabernet (I'm not sure where I got this photo....and not sure if it's Birch or Cherry)

Medallion "Park Place" Cherry w/ Chestnut
aussies
Original Author
16 years ago
Uh-oh ... I have totally fallen in love with the cabinets in the last picture (Park Place)!! Wow! They are beautiful! Love the color, love the glass at the top of the doors, love the molding ... Now we have to do a little soul-searching here to see which is more important to us -- getting these Medallion cabinets or using the KD we like (and getting KM cabs).

I haven't seen any Kraftmaid doors like that -- i.e. with glass at the top of the door. Please let me know if I'm mistaken ... I will be right here, clicking my heels together :) Do you think the Autumn Blush color would look similar to that chestnut color?

I also like the granite in the last picture. Do you know what kind it is?

Thank you so much for posting these pics! It really is such an enormous help!!

Aussies :)
kompy
16 years ago
KraftMaid does not offer glass doors like that.

The autumn blush is REALLY close to the chestnut finish by Medallion. I just took an Autumn Blush doorsample over to my chestnut display. The Autumn Blush is a tad bit more red, but if the cabinets were installed across the room from each other, I doubt many people would notice they weren't the same.....that's how close it looked to me! If I get a chance soon, I'll take a picture of the AB door in the chestnut display.

And you're welcome.....glad to help!
Kompy
aussies
Original Author
16 years ago
That's a shame that Kraftmaid doesn't offer glass doors like that ... or 39'' cabs. I'm sure they will AFTER I've remodeled my kitchen :)

I'm really excited though to hear that the autumn blush is so similar to the Medallion chestnut! That color looks beautiful! Would love to see a picture of the AB door in the chestnut display if you do get a chance.

Thanks again!! :o)
kompy
16 years ago
Well I took some pictures today. The ones with a flash were useless, so I took them without a flash. The autumn blush is definitely more red. It's funny how different the finishes looked based upon where I had them in my showroom. Against the display they looked VERY similar. Out in the front window, not as much.

I should've taken a picture of the door sample against the display. The display is older, so it's probably darkened a bit more.

This photo is a KraftMaid Cherry Autumn Blush door sample sitting against my Medallion Cherry Chestnut display

Medallion "Silverline" cherry Chestnut Sample door (left) - KraftMaid Cherry Autumn Blush Sample door (right). Full sun photo!

Medallion "Silverline" cherry Chestnut Sample door (left) - KraftMaid Cherry Autumn Blush Sample door (right). Doors laying flat on countertop - indirect sun photo!

kfaustin- That's too bad. That's definitely not a way to treat a someone that takes the time to visit your showroom. There are so many aspects to a kitchen remodel...maybe he threw out that number as what your cabinets would cost installed?

And treating people based on how they're dressed is a pet peeve of mine!

Kompy
aussies
Original Author
16 years ago
ksjaustin, no problem. Hijack away :) Sounds like that dealer was right about one thing though -- there was no point in speaking further with him, you wouldn't want to deal with a jerk like that anyway! Can I ask what cabinets you ended up going with?

Kompy, once again you've outdone yourself! Thanks! Very interesting comparison. It's amazing how much darker the chestnut looks in that kitchen in your original "Park Place" picture than they do in your showroom. Are you sure that Park Place pic is chestnut? Our kitchen is on the dark side, so I'm hopeful that they would look darker here too. IMHO it looks like the KM Autumn Blush is slightly darker than the M chestnut, but I agree - they do look very similar with the AB being slightly redder. I feel very encouraged that the AB should be fine. So I thank you, and I'm sure my KM KD would thank you too :)

I also like the granite you had in the Park Place picture. Do you happen to know what kind it is?

Aussies :o)
kompy
16 years ago
Thanks for your nice comments, aussies. That granite in the "Park Place" photo is called "Columbus Gold".
ksfaustin
16 years ago
Hi Aussies, to answer your question, I ended up going with Shiloh cabinets. It's a lesser-known brand that is only available in certain parts of the country. But I came very close to getting the Kraftmaid in Autumn Blush Cherry. We must have similar taste, because I LOVE that finish.

Related Stories

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES How to Choose a Backsplash for Your Granite Counters

By Becky Harris

If you’ve fallen for a gorgeous slab, pair it with a backsplash material that will show it at its best

Sponsored

Kuhns Contracting, Inc.

26 Reviews

Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths

More Discussions

Nuage Quartzite - any water issues?

16

Kitchen Undermount Sink

14

MSI Quartz Anyone?

2

coffee maker on quartz??

2

Durability of Dekton long term

1