Newbie Kitchen Remodel-Cabinet Guidance Needed!!!

9 years ago

Hello,
My husband and I just purchased our first home in Central FL a few months ago! We are a growing family with 3 children under the age of 5. It is a complete gut-we have done some of the work ourselves and have contracted the rest out. We have a very tight budget, but have happily made sacrifices and are enjoying every minute of it!!! Granted, we are able to continue living in our current condo so we are not forced to live in the construction zone mess.
Anyways, I am at the point of making a decision regarding kitchen cabinets and I could use a bit of expert help. Here is where I am in the process...please help me finalize a decision.
I have priced many of the cabinets suggested on this forum (Diamond,Shenandoah,Barker,Krafmaid, and a few others) all were above our budget.
I have a quote for River Run of $5,800 (much closer to our budget)
I have a quote from Kitchen Cabinet Kings for $5,200 (Ice White Shaker)
I also have a custom quote (from a local cabinet maker) for $8,500 for our kitchen. Its a pretty "no frills" custom. This quote includes all plywood construction 3/4" frame-less cabinets with installation. No soft close doors or drawers. Painted white with multiple coats (i believe 4) of a clear coat for added finish durability. Matching 5 1/4" crown molding. The cabinet maker gave me an exact cabinet list, which I have posted below. This is what I have been using to price out other brands. If we choose not to have him custom make, he will just as happily install any assembled or RTA's we choose for approx $1,000-$1,500 depending on the cabinet.

Can anyone recommend a painted white assembled or RTA cabinet of comparable quality (or better) and price (or less) to RR? Please comment on the quality of Kitchen Cabinet Kings.

Cabinets Needed:
WDC-2436
2=W-3036
W-361824
W12-36
2=W-2436
W3618
W-1536
3=B-30
B-15
SB-36
L/SB-36
2=B-24
DB-36
BLIND BASE-42
OC-3390
4=CROWN MOLDING-8'
4=FILLER-3X36
ARCH-72X8
4=PANEL-48x96
This list includes base cabinets and panels to construct a 6-7' island as well.

Thanks in advance to everyone!

Featured Answer

KarMar00

9 years ago

I just had Kitchen Cabinet Kings's cabinets installed. My thoughts:
Pros-
1. they gave me a design that I like.
2. They arrived quick! Probably within 10 days (how far out is your custom guy? Maybe with your condo that's not as concerning)
3. All plywood, soft closes
4. Cost (big one for us, especially this isn't a forever house)

Cons-
1. My installer is a retired cabinet builder and while he didn't say they were awful, he didn't say "wow! these are awesome!!" either. He did say quite often "these aren't square" and once "anywhere they could cut corners they did"
2. The crown molding was about 1.5 of an inch from the ceiling. Their design didn't have way to deal with that. That seemed like an obvious thing to me, make the crown molding go clear to the ceiling....Good thing I had a good installer. I contacted KCK and they weren't so friendly, but did send me some moldings to make a stacked molding so I was to the ceiling.
3. The base cabinet shelves they send are like 1/3 of a shelf. I can't tell if I hate this, or it will be handy for tall appliances.

Overall, I think our cabinet guy made them look good. They were pretty good to work with too. Jessica always got right back to me.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (14)

athomesewing
9 years ago
If you go to Barker Cabinets, you can plug your list into their shopping cart and determine their price. Theirs will come with soft close. Their cabinet specs are linked right on their front page.
vdinli
9 years ago
Have you seen the thread I have linked below? It has price comparison for many brands based on pricing for one cabinet. This is to give you a rough idea of where the different lines fall. You can then choose a couple of different manufacturers to price out your kitchen layout.
Of all the RTA cabinet brands discussed here, Ikea is very well regarded especially for the value for money. If you happen to not like any of their styles, many online vendors (semihandmade, Scherrs, Barkers) sell doors that will fit Ikea boxes.
I considered a local custom cabinet maker too that was offering a similar product to yours. Frameless, plywood but no soft close or frills. We decided against it because the finish didn't seem that good-gaps in the veneer, drips in mdf etc. If you do decide to go local (or for any manufacturer for that matter), do examine the finish of an installed product.
Btw, if you haven't already posted your layout, do so. The experts on this forum will give you great advice on making the best of your layout. Look for Buehl's layout questionairre in the FAQ's section. It is a great starting point.
Good Luck! 3 kids under 5 and DIY-wow! hats off to you guys.

Here is a link that might be useful: 2014 Kitchen cabinet comparison
Related Discussions
Kitchen Reno - Need Corroboration / Suggestions / Guidance
Q
Comments (5)
Thank you! You have given me a lot to think about (that is why I posted!). Re-reading my OP, it is obvious I am not a very good communicator. If we sell this house, it will not be for 10-15 years. My resale fear comes from the fact that this house sat vacant for upwards of 4 years and the realtor said it was because everyone hated the kitchen and did not want to buy a house for the price the seller was asking and have to go in and do an immediate kitchen remodel. I have a set of plans from a local renowned KD commissioned by another potential buyer. I did not like them because it got rid of the island. Although our kitchen is not big enough by NKBA standards to have an island I really love its functionality. I just do not like the way this one looks. We tried to cosmetically update it by painting it black, adding corbels, and putting on a cherry butcherblock top and it was a huge FAIL. It looks too stripey. So that is why I am trying to find something "timeless" and that will appeal to the masses. I know that eventually we will sell but it will not be anytime soon. This kitchen overhaul will not be an investment. It is for my pleasure alone. I am actually the one who convinced my husband that the kitchen was purely functional three years ago and there was no reason to rush into a remodel. Simply stripping the 90s wallpaper and replacing the plastic wire cabinet pulls and lighting made a world of difference. The most unappealing and dated effects are the awful gray laminate countertops with PVC edging and the soffit above the island that we affectionately call the "Tumor." At one point, we WERE planning to just paint the cabinets the same color as the living room walls (looks a little different when it is semi-gloss) and replace the countertops with granite, but after perusing the beautiful kitchens on this website we decided to go big or go home! Then we decided we really, really wanted an open burner gas range. I still do, but think I could compromise with a 30 inch model as I really only need 6 burners over the holidays. That area below the current cooktop is nothing but wasted space because of the Jennair downdraft (all the rage in the 90s!). I could also fit a 30 in under cabinet range hood. I do not like that look and that is not an ideal size, but again I guess this is about compromise. I could probably even get along with a 30 inch rangetop, but would really like to have the extra oven. Again, only necessary on holidays. I will think about that one and compare prices. Thank you for reigning us in! I had planned to pay cash for the high end appliances and charge the cabs because the appliances would deplete our reserves. You can always get 18 months same as cash at Lowes, so as long as the cabs were under $18K that would be manageable (perhaps I am being naive though since I never actually priced the cabs, but it is not a large kitchen.). Greendesigns: My brother is the most skilled HVAC person in the U.S. and since his wife does not cook, his labor charges are usually only a home cooked meal or two. Just outside this window is my husbands grill porch (we pass food through the window). Gas is piped there, so I do not think it would be too difficult for DB to run it around the corner to where the gas range would be. I am checking with him, though. The ventilation would be no problem for him and make up air can come from cracking the nearby window. Again, maybe I am being naive! Ginny20: Thank you for the info on the butcher block. That is exactly what I was looking for. I went to BN and they already had the Aug This Old House mags out, but I will see if I can order a back-issue of the July mag online. So! Is this a better plan: - Replace cabinet doors only. Should I put glass in any of them? If so, which ones? The local cabinetmaker who installed the current cabinets is still in business so I have sent them an email asking if they can do doors only. That is a great idea and I wish I had thought of it!! They also have a beautiful style of door called Painted Classic that I love. My concern with replacement doors is this silly curved door. Hopefully they will agree to build a replacement since they installed the original. Also there is a lot of cracking. Not sure if it is the paint or the actual wood. I can live with it. Some pay extra for distressing! - Replace 30 in downdraft cooktop with 30 in range or rangetop. Add under the cabinet hood. - Replace sink with ss undermount and ss pulldown faucet. - Replace countertops with antique brown granite. - I will replace the fridge/wall oven/mw only as they fail (we have just had to do this with the workhorse ka dw as parts were no longer available) and not upsize. - Add BS (already have a great tile guy) and paint kitchen Tweed (already have an awesome painter). - Remove tumor. DH can build something less belligerent to mask the area. I can swing this with cash dependent on the price of the cabinet doors. Thank you for your concern and, of course, you are right! In the future, will remove soffits and add crown to cabs. I have already confirmed with the builder/previous owner that there is nothing behind them. Also want to replace the desk area with drawers so it looks more like a hutch. That desk is unused except for a messy drop zone. Thank you again! Michele
...See More
Where to start with the kitchen? Need major guidance
Q
Comments (14)
Have you selected your builder yet? That may impact the way you go about designing your kitchen. My builder works with a custom cabinet maker, who we also worked with on the kitchen layout. Also, second the advice on figuring out what you like about that picture. Like others have said that is an expensive kitchen (as most are that are featured on Houzz). However, if you are simply drawn to the look of a white cabinet, black counters on the perimeter and marble on the island, then that could be do-able in a wide range of budgets. My kitchen is 15' x 19' and open to the family room. I'm hesitant to post pics since it is very much in progress, but this can at least give you an idea of a kitchen with similar size, finishes (in terms of white, black and marble), with custom cabinets and counter tops that were less than half the $$ LWO shared. We will be removing the 4" AB splash and adding subway tile. One thing you may notice (and that may be causing the GW regulars to cringe) is there are not a lot of drawers. We added roll out shelves wherever there are not drawers, but that is one area we definitely could have spent more money and adds to the function (and cabinetry cost) of a kitchen.
...See More
Newbie would love critique on layout of kitchen remodel
Q
Comments (27)
If you can find a client with such a narrow space for table and counter seating to interview about it, great. But you can also find out for yourself. Somewhere in your current home space, put a table with chairs and then mock up a peninsula with boxes or a piece of furniture with stools. Measure and get the dimensions the same as would be in your proposed space. And see how it feels. Try to do this with some friends or family over to see how it would feel while entertaining with some folks at the counter stools, others at the table seating, and others wanting to walk through. Or do it without other people if that isn't convenient, just pull the chairs and stools out as if people were seated in them. No cheating with pretending that people always sit in these pulled up close to the table because, in real life, that's not how people really sit. And then walk through. Again, no cheating with your arms while walking through and pretending there isn't a head in the chair that you could elbow. And remember that the table has to be positioned so that people sitting on the window side have enough room to get in and out of their chairs. I honestly don't see any way this can work in a way that is comfortable for people to move around unless you, DH and everybody you ever entertain are all super-skinny, petite people and your dining room table is only about 15" wide. There are a lot of people who design beautiful kitchens that aren't functional. And if their clients have never experienced a functional kitchen, they might even be quite pleased with them because they think kitchens tend to be dysfunctional anyway and that one must always end up putting up with something and making compromises. It's really quite amazing how many people think dysfunction is inherent in kitchens. We see it here in these forums quite often. Then if people take advice given and come up with a functional plan, they will jump for joy and share how excited they are to have a space that works for them and their lifestyle, instead of against them. That said....I'm not super pleased with the plan I created for you. I wish some of the more talented folks would pop into this discussion and offer you better options because I know there has to be something better. I have seen some of the talent here work with far more difficult spaces than you have and create kitchens of beauty that are highly functional. I hope they will join in and help you out. Personally, I would question any designer who told you that people don't like double-oven ranges and prefer two huge ovens. And then didn't even propose that you consider a combination microwave/convection oven over having two full size ovens and a separate micro. Unless you are constantly cooking, baking and need that much oven space on a regular basis, it truly is a waste of space in your size kitchen, imho. If you don't mind sharing who is designing your kitchen, I'd love to check out their Houzz page.
...See More
New home build kitchen appliances-guidance needed
Q
Comments (6)
@Jack Greene - A spread sheet is great. It will let you know how much extra it will cost if you go with the Wolf. Fisher and Paykel also make a 36 inch induction range. I don't know the quality of F&P, and don't know if the looks would go with your space, but it could be another option. Bosch double ovens retail from $2800 - $3200, with the Benchmark series running $4200. Of course, you have your discount so only you know the cost of the ovens. Then the cabinet and perhaps extra electrical for the double ovens come into play. In addition, there may be a functional advantage in your layout for a single range vs. double ovens. If needing help with kitchen layouts, there are some GREAT designers here that really provide the best functional space given your parameters. Some of them are better than kitchen designers homeowners have hired. I've seen them rescue some very bad plans before someone made a big mistake.
...See More
User
9 years ago
Increase your budget then. Cabinets should be approximately 40% of your kitchen redo budget. Which should be 10-20% of your home's value.
raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
9 years ago
The Cabinet Joint has been mentioned positively here in the past (conestoga cabinets); I think pricing is comparable to Barker.

The kitchen designer at the store where I priced out Diamond (I think, same brand Lowe's carries?) worked with me to cut the cost -- instead of all plywood, went with MDF for boxes, simpler and less expensive trim, planned to add some features later from Ikea etc. Brought the quote way down but still had all the features that I wanted.
CaitKF
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks everyone for the quick replies!
...Oh, if increasing the budget was just that simple...
vinuedv-Thanks for the thread-I will read today!
Rae-Spoke with Diamond rep, they are unable to come down any further. They are at $13kish...
KarMar00-Thanks for sharing your Kitchen Cab King experience! Did you have painted cabinets?

Keep the info coming... ;)
ardcp
9 years ago
diamond was higher for me than schuler or medallion silverline cabinets. please don't take this the wrong way as i too was on a smallish budget and understand your concerns. you have a lot of expensive wants for a budget kitchen. i did away with the crown molding and light rail and that took off about 2k plus install costs ( labor intensive items) also painted vs stained will cost you more in any line. i changed my doors from solid to veneer panel and that took off another $1k plus. soft close doors and drawers are my favorite part of the new cabs; no more banging when the kids shut the doors/drawers.
i was told by a lowes kd that it is cheaper to go with taller cabs than to add crown molding. also islands, built in frig cabinets and pantries will add at least 1k if not more. with a small budget you may want to rethink the pricey add ons that will not effect functionality.
sjhockeyfan325
9 years ago
Which should be 10-20% of your home's value

That depends what the cost of housing is where you live. There are very few around here that have a kitchen that costs 10-20% of their home's value (because that would be a ridiculously high-end kitchen, the kind very few people have in real life).
KarMar00
9 years ago
I have the "brownstone"
GenB
9 years ago
Ikea. Ranked very highly by Consumer Reports (higher than any other budget or mid-range brand) and highest in consumer satisfaction by JD Power. It includes soft-close drawers and door dampers, plus there's a sale right now for 10-20% off based on how much you spend.

We are at about 6K, and that includes about 25 lineal feet of cabinets (upper and lowers) with glass-fronted uppers (stacked!), full-height pantry, loads of pull-outs, and mainly drawers on my lowers. Also includes our countertops (we are doing the butcherblock from ikea, which we have stained and customized quite a bit), decorative panels for all of the visible sides, the integrated dishwasher, and a hood.

This post was edited by GenB on Mon, Aug 11, 14 at 16:35
CaitKF
Original Author
9 years ago
I had previously been adamantly uninterested in going with IKEA. After doing a bit of reading and research though, I am quite surprised by the "fan base" it has. I will be going on Friday to put my hands on the cabinets. Question...living in central Florida (very humid) will I need to be concerned with the particle board used in IKEA cabs? Or the white finish peeling from the cab material?

I have not ruled out Kitchen Cabinet Kings or River Run yet.

Thanks everyone for your input...
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
9 years ago
"Question...living in central Florida (very humid) will I need to be concerned with the particle board used in IKEA cabs? "

No. I have 2-year-old IKEA's in my island and they are as nice as the day they were installed in Sarasota,FL. Come and see for yourself if you like.
SoJersyLife
9 years ago
Beware Medallion does not honor their warranty! We purchased $18,000 of cabinets from them. Not one single cabinet out of the box is good. Open miters on every door & drawer front, cracks all over the place gaps inside the cabinets, and the stacked cabinets don't match up at all. The range hood is cracked and scratched so badly we didn't even take it out of the box all the way. They are only offering us $5,000 credit towards a new set of cabinets. #medallionfailsoncraftmanship
kompy
9 years ago
SoJErsyLife (new member yesterday) I've received 4 notifications today with this same post of yours about Medallion. I have never heard of Medallion not honoring a valid warranty issue. What are you not telling us? I wonder why Medallion is offering part..... $5K. If they are truly not honoring something valid...don't accept the money and keep going. Do have pictures to share? If someone doesn't have pics with todays easy pic sharing technology, I would not give your rant the time of day.

Medallion has a great repuation. And as a dealer myself for 14 years, have only had one major warranty on the finish and they replaced an entire kitchen. It did take a while, though....I will give you that.

Newbie Kitchen Remodel-Cabinet Guidance Needed!!!

KarMar00

Comments (14)

athomesewing

vdinli

Related Discussions

User

raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio

CaitKF
Original Author

ardcp

sjhockeyfan325

KarMar00

GenB

CaitKF
Original Author

Joseph Corlett, LLC

SoJersyLife

kompy

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Newbie Kitchen Remodel-Cabinet Guidance Needed!!!

Comments (14)

Related Discussions

CaitKFOriginal Author

CaitKFOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

CaitKF
Original Author

CaitKF
Original Author