HELP with Kitchen Cabinets (KraftMaid, Merillat, Medallion or Who??)

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

We are into the process of redesigning our kitchen and need help with choosing a manufacturer. We plan on being in our home 10-15 years. We will be installing Brazilian Teak (Cumaru) hardwood flooring in the space. Here is what we need:

solid plywood construction, American wood
soft-close, full-extension drawers and cabinets
dovetail drawers
full-overlay cabinets
base cabinets with drawers (so strong glides)
a variety of quality painted surfaces options in white and light/medium gray

Here is our wish list:

a good selection of options for roll-out drawers, swing-out shelving, etc.
a good variety of door styles
3/4" shelves
under mount, full-extension drawer slides

This is our basic layout:

I have visited several stores, designers and websites looking for the best choice for us, but can't decide what to do. Our budget for the cabinets and countertops is up to $20,000. We estimate the countertops will cost about $6k-$7k.

I have quotes from Kitchen Designers using KraftMaid, Merillat, Medallion, Wolf and Aristokraft. I have ruled out Wolf and Aristrokraft primarily because the local dealer/designer has not been very responsive to my inquiries.

We hope to purchase solid, mid-level, semi-custom cabinets for this design. We will utilize lots of drawers on the base cabinets and pull-outs on the tall cabinets.

What suggestions do you have for manufacturers? We live in Pennsylvania and want brands that are commonly available here. Am I in the ballpark when exploring these manufacturers? Any other suggestions? I have come pretty far and done quite a bit of research but need help taking the last step to make a final decision.

Any layout suggestions are welcome too!

Featured Answer

arialvetica

7 years ago

Look into Starmark / Fieldstone (same company, operates under two different names). Made in South Dakota. I just confirmed they have dealers in PA.

Comments (11)

herbflavor
7 years ago
might be tough to get all your cabinets in painted finish for 13000. So you have three brands now: KM, Medallion and Merillat. You would have to move up to Merillat Masterpiece I believe. It might be Medallion where you would get the best quality for your money...that's where I would focus with getting the details that you want including finishes and see what the quote comes to and proceed from there. Might be necessary to be more focused than " a variety of quality painted surface options in white and light/med gray." Not sure you will get more than one white to choose from and as well, doubt the standard offering will have more than one gray.. If you are determined about a particular color you might need custom or DIY/ RTA where you can get your own color palette if the need is like that.
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Anglophilia
7 years ago
Don't know if they're used much in PA, but I'm using Shiloh which are made in MO. I decided on them because my kitchen guy recommended them and I had decided on HIM first! I truly think the decision should be made by who is going to do the work and order the cabinets My kitchen place has their own contracting company so I did not have to find subs but could for things I preferred to take care of myself. This has worked VERY well so far. Another 12 days, and I will have a new kitchen!
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Ann, We just had Kraftmaid cabinets installed in December through a local KD. I'm sure we didn't get the best price, but her help was invaluable. She designed the book case at the end of the island, the crown molding, and figured out how to build in the Advantium and refrigerator. I'm sure HD guys could've done it too.. As for the cabinets- they seem to be good quality and slide very easily. The drawers are full extention- cool! never had that before! Doors and drawers are soft close- I think it is Blum motion. We got all wood boxes. The full overlay looks like inset, I think and am very happy with our choice. I just posted pictures yesterday, you can see them on this forum "Pictures of my new kitchen. Have fun designing! Joan Here is a link that might be useful: Pictures of my new kitchen!
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BenjiBoi
Original Author
7 years ago
Ohhh...I forgot to add Cliq Studios as another option we are considering.
scone911
7 years ago
You could look at Innermost, the frameless line by Medallion, at Home Depot. They should be a bit cheaper.
flamingfish
7 years ago
If you're in Southeastern PA, there's a Shiloh dealer just over the border in Delaware. Cabinet Factory
New Freedom Nurse
7 years ago
Where in PA? If near HB, check out Swartz kitchens for Shiloh. They did well on pricing for the painted cabinets. Lowes and Just Cabinets did almost the same on the Medallion brand , which are Schuler at Lowes. KM was best at the big box for me, due to the sales they often have. The Masterpiece just did not compare in quality to the others and the pricing was about the same.

I live in York county and the private dealers I dealt with did not offer the best pricing and were not usually as receptive to my input.
Kim Ladin
7 years ago
Have you looked into custom cabinets? You might be surprised that their pricing is pretty competitive.
emilyam819
7 years ago
Try to find an Amish craftsman in your area.
emilyam819
7 years ago
Your layout could be more functional. If you are open to suggestions, start a new post and include measurements and a whole floor plan.
nicole___
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I found the best price AND they have all your features listed is GHI Custom Cabinetry. I've used Thomasville, Woodmark and a custom fabricator in my remodels....GHI is by far my favorite! They have a huge selection.

(I have no personal stake in GHI, just LOVE the product)
BenjiBoi thanked nicole___

HELP with Kitchen Cabinets (KraftMaid, Merillat, Medallion or Who??)

arialvetica

Comments (11)

herbflavor

Anglophilia

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HELP with Kitchen Cabinets (KraftMaid, Merillat, Medallion or Who??)

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