We used HardiePanel in Stucco (white) and painted. We used the same stained trim that's in the house, but it does not touch the floor so we can hose the walls if we want to. No tape or mud. They used strips of wood to cover the seams. We have not bumped it very hard, but it's held up where we have a dog pen in the corner. We live in the deep south, so plenty of humidity and heat. 4.5 years. Yes, the door really is that wide - 4ft. DH wanted a BIG door to make carrying things in/out easier. The movers loved it. Located between kitchen and laundry, in back hallway, so it's not seen by many...plus, it doesn't look this big in person. lol Close up of seam:

In my case, the tiny window which offered me no view ,( it was for a window a/c unit originally) also interupted the wall for pantry space. I had a big box designer ask me why I was keeping it. Since I didnt have a reason- other than it had never occured me , it got closed in today. My kitchen has no windows but since taking down the wall that seperates the dining room, the light from the DR windows and the new LED cans is awsome. I did play with the idea of skylights but I live on the East coast of Fl- hurricanes. Not a great idea.

If you're that tight on your budget maybe you should wait to do your remodel. You should be buying cabinets that you like for your kitchen that fit into your budget, not ones that give you a year of free financing. Kitchen remodels often have overruns, so you might be better off saving your money for a while and then do your remodel properly.

I think you need to understand the impact on the build if you decide to wait. How long can the cabinets be delayed before other things start having to be delayed as well? Or are there other items that are already facing supply issue slowdowns such that a cabinet delay won't be a factor? I'd have a candid discussion with your builder. This is a pretty tough call. If you do go with the other cabinet maker, what happens if they too shut down? You'll have gone with the more expensive option and be no further ahead. If a company shuts down permanently, you'll be at the end of a long line of unsecured creditors to get your deposit back. On the other hand, if they stay in business, you'll be in the queue and get your cabinets faster than if you were trying to rush into the queue along with everybody else once the cabinet places re-open. It also depends where you are. Some places are harder hit than others. The final call is how much is this going to bother you? Is slowing down the build an issue (maybe you are paying rent and each month delay is expensive - or maybe you are planning on selling your current house in which case you might be better waiting until after social distancing is over)? Did you have your heart set on the cabinets or are the other cabinets close enough that it won't bug you? How much room do you have in your budget (and if you have carrying charges like rent, construction insurance and a construction loan, maybe that balances out)?