Kitchen cabinets??

Ok I never realized there were so many options, anyone have any generalized advice on what to avoid and what is really important?

I like a cabinet style by Homecrest, I have no clue if this is a good company, any clue?

I dont have an answer to your Q but you are so right about all the choices - with everything! I wander around Home Depot and Lowes just scratching the surface of this new world of products. Also we got DirecTV and there are decorating channels 24-7. They're very addictive...

I'd love to hear what you decide to go with.

I am surfing around, lots to learn boy!!

As far as wood plywood seems to be what is used and is durable for the frame of the cabinet you can also add a veneer of the wood you choose for the door but to me I think this is a place where I will choose to save so I can get my granite countertops

Off to find out more............

We bought Kraftmaid cabinets - they have a fantastic reputation for well made, durable and long lasting cabinets. I highly recommend them b/c they have been around a long time, and they stand by their products. We purchased through HD, but I bet Lowes carries them too (not sure).

Most of Kraftmaid's styles are solid wood, which is a little more $$ - I know the frames of my cabinets are solid wood - but, the doors are a veneer b/c I preferred the recessed panels for something different, rather than the more common raised panels that everyone and their brother have.

I am now an expert after being to countless cabinet makers and comparing.

Anyway....no matter the brand, the things to look for are:

- solid wood doors
- plywood construction of cabinet, shelving and back
- thickness of plywood used (3/4 inch is good from what I understand)
- 'dovetail' drawer construction

A lot of the companies make 2 different types of each cabinet - standard (which is usually MDF, not plywood and other cheaper construction options) and deluxe (plywood, dovetailing, etc..)

PS: THis is what a dovetail looks like


As far as brand name...its sort of unclear. Some contractors say anything by Home Depot is aweful b/c they dont stand by their products and always make mistakes in terms of size. Others seem to stick with a certain brand b/c they have had good experience with them.

We were looking at Merillat and Thomasville (from HD).

Wow thanks girls....

I have picked up some other stuff in my travels tonite...

As far as drawers, ball bearing slides seem to be what are best, they attach to the bottom of the drawer which is smooth and quiet plus they are concealed and mounted to bottom so they dont get as dirty and allow for more room in the drawer width wise because you dont have the tracks on the sides..... figures the cabinets I liked have 'epoxy coated' Track rollers which are supposedly quiet but not nearly as durable....hmmm

I can see what dovetail is similar to when I looked at bedroom furniture drawers but what is this mortise and tenon joints they talk about??

Shelves should be adjustable.

The thicker the plywood the better.

Should have 5 year warranty.

Good ones have lifetime warranty on drawer glides and hinges etc.

Baked on catalytic conversion varnish is the best to seal the wood.

Should ask to see a sample of the cabinet after 6 months....they change colors

So I guess you really need to see quality to choose a brand, I am still first drawn to color though I must say and of course the color I like hasnt been easy to find.

I have Diamond Cabinets. They have a really great website that gives you lots of info and it also has a virtual kitchen where you can input different cabinet woods, finishes and doors.

Diamond Cabinets

Thanks! All these different companies seem to offer about the same things I am just having a hard time finding the color I want.

You have to see the cabinets in person to really see the color I went to Li stove today anyone know of another place that I can see cabinets??

Stef - don't believe everything you hear. We were told by a reputable source that Thomasville cabinets were awful!

Tara, here's the Kraftmaid Cabinets website.

It's right behind the Source Mall (Fortunoffs), and across the street from Chilis, Macaroni Grill and CosyMels in Westbury.
I think the Road is Corporate Drive.

Claud: Really? I dont have Thomasville cabinets but the HD told me those were the 'best' that they carried. I dont really know how to judge but they seemed heavier than the other stuff they had. Not that heavy means better - that is just my sick way of judging :D

By the way - my post said that several contractors told me that EVERYTHING home depot sells is crap. So that includes Thomasville, Kraftmaid a few other big names. I really know about how to compare brands and every contractor has a different opinion.

What did your source say was good?

I am sure contractors also like to work with certain vendors, get kick-backs and many feel that HD and Lowe's have taken business away from the 'little guys' so they hate them.
I think you should judge for yourself. Also, budget as a lot to do with the decisions you make. I mean, you might LOVE a certain brand but simply cannot afford it.
My friend has basic, off the shelf HD cabinets and after 6 years they still look good and work fine.

typically custom made= $$$$$$$$ T.
You get a 'discount' since R is in the biz

A guy I had come give me an estimate said he actually got a cheaper quote for custom cabinets from his contact than consumers, I went to check this guy out today and wow you can tell it is all hand done, so maybe 'custom' isnt necesarily alot more but you do get alot better quality I would think rather than a stock cabinet but I wonder how important it all is in the end?? Cabinets dont seem like something that would need replacing that often no matter what but what do I know I am still learning