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You’re finally ready to remodel your outdated kitchen and give it a fresh new look. New kitchen cabinets are at the top of your list, but where should you shop? As two of the biggest home improvement stores, Lowe’s and Home Depot both offer aisles and aisles of cabinet options. But which store really has the best selection, prices, and warranties to suit your needs? You want high-quality cabinets that won’t break the bank and will last for years to come. Before you head out the door to shop, here’s what you need to know about Lowes vs Home Depot cabinets. We’ve compared them head-to-head so you can find cabinetry to match your style and budget.
Cabinet Selection: Lowes vs Home Depot
When it comes to the selection of cabinets, both Lowe’s and Home Depot have a lot to offer. But which store really comes out on top? Here are some of the main factors to consider:
Design Styles. Both stores carry cabinets in popular styles like traditional, contemporary, and transitional. However, Home Depot has a larger selection of modern and rustic styles. They also offer more color and finish options, especially in darker tones. If you want a farmhouse or industrial look, Home Depot is probably your best bet.
Wood Types. At either store, you’ll find cabinets made of oak, maple, cherry, and laminate. Home Depot does have more exotic wood choices, though, like hickory, pine, and reclaimed wood. They also have a larger selection of wood stains and distressing techniques to choose from.
Storage Solutions. When it comes to storage, Lowe’s has more options for pull-out trays, lazy Susans, and drawers. They also have a few more choices for cabinet organizers and trash pull-outs. Home Depot still has a lot of great storage accessories, but Lowe’s has a slight edge here.
Price. In general, cabinet prices are pretty comparable at the two stores. However, Lowe’s frequently runs sales and promotions that can save you 10–30% off. They also have a price match guarantee. Home Depot does have good sales too, but not quite as often. Overall, you may be able to find lower prices at Lowe’s, especially if you catch a sale.
Warranty. Most cabinets at Lowe’s and Home Depot come with a 1-year warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Lowe’s warranty is a limited lifetime warranty, while Home Depot’s is 5 years. So Lowe’s has a slight advantage for long-term coverage.
When all is said and done, both home improvement giants have an enormous selection of high-quality, stylish cabinets. But based on design styles, wood types, storage solutions, prices, and warranty, Lowes comes out slightly ahead. Either store can meet your needs, so you can’t go wrong. But Lowe’s may have a few more benefits on balance.
Lowes Cabinets Check Price on Amazon
Cabinet Brands at Lowes and Home Depot
When it comes to selection, both Lowe’s and Home Depot offer a range of cabinet brands at varying price points. At Lowes, you’ll find mid-range to high-end cabinets from brands like KraftMaid, Diamond, and Wellborn Forest. Home Depot also carries many of the same brands, as well as their own Home Decorators Collection, which offers affordable, quality cabinets.
Within each brand, you’ll find a variety of wood species, paints, and stains to choose from. At either store, you can expect to find popular options like:
- Maple cabinets: Hardwood cabinets that can be painted or stained. Maple has a tight grain and takes paint and stain well.
- Oak cabinets: Rustic, durable hardwood cabinets suitable for country or farmhouse kitchens. Oak has visible grain patterns that show through paint and stain.
- Laminate cabinets: are affordable, low-maintenance cabinets made of wood byproducts covered in plastic laminate. Laminate comes in woodgrain and solid color options.
- Painted cabinets: Wood or MDF cabinets that have been primed and painted in the color of your choice. Painted cabinets provide an affordable custom look.
Home Depot Cabinets Check Price on Amazon
In the end, while Lowes and Home Depot share many of the same brands, the specific products, wood species, and color options can vary between stores. It pays to shop at both places so you can compare not just on price but on the exact cabinet collections and styles that appeal to you. Once you’ve selected a brand and collection you like, be sure to carefully compare the warranty details to understand what’s covered before you buy. With some smart shopping, you can find high-quality, affordable cabinets at either home improvement store.
Cabinet Styles and Finishes: A Comparison
When comparing cabinet options between Lowe’s and Home Depot, the styles and finishes are where you’ll notice some of the biggest differences. Both stores offer standard cabinet door styles like shaker, raised panel, and flat panel, but Home Depot tends to have a few more contemporary options with clean lines and metal accents.
Wood Species
Home Depot provides a larger selection of wood cabinetry in maple, hickory, oak, and birch. They also offer more painted finishes, from crisp whites to deep grays. Lowe’s has a great selection of classic cherry, knotty alder, and pine cabinets, as well as high-quality laminate options if you’re on a budget. For a rustic farmhouse look, Lowe’s knotty alder cabinets are hard to beat.
Door Profiles
At Lowe’s, you’ll find a variety of door profiles, from simple slab doors to doors with arched tops, grooves, and detailing. Home Depot tends to focus on more streamlined, minimalistic styles. Both stores offer shaker-style doors, but Lowe’s selection includes more variations, like craftsman shaker doors with a contoured rail and stile.
Hardware
When it comes to hardware, it’s a tie. Both Lowe’s and Home Depot have a wide range of knobs, pulls, and hinges to choose from in various finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, satin chrome, and matte black. No matter what style of cabinets you choose, you’re sure to find complementary hardware.
Warranties
Lowe’s and Home Depot offer similar warranties on their cabinetry. Most cabinets come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own the home. The warranties do not cover normal wear and tear or damage from misuse or abuse. For high-quality or custom cabinets, extended warranties may be available for purchase to provide more comprehensive coverage.
In the end, while Home Depot may have a slight edge in contemporary styles, and Lowe’s offers more rustic farmhouse options, both home improvement stores provide an extensive selection of quality cabinets with plenty of styles, finishes, and price points to suit any homeowner’s needs. The differences come down to personal taste.
Cabinet Sizes and Layout Options
When shopping for kitchen cabinets, the size and layout options are two of the most important factors to consider. Both Lowes and Home Depot offer a variety of standard cabinet sizes to suit most kitchen spaces, as well as custom options if you have an unusual floor plan or want a truly custom design.
At Lowes, standard cabinet sizes range from 9 inches wide up to 48 inches wide, in 3-inch increments. Cabinet heights are available in 30-, 36-, and 42-inch options. For custom sizes, Lowes offers Cabinet Solutions, where you can design custom cabinets and they will be built to order. Home Depot also provides a wide range of standard sizes, from 9 to 48 inches wide, and 30 to 42 inches high. They also offer semi-custom and fully custom cabinet options through special orders.
In terms of layout, both stores provide helpful tools to design your ideal kitchen. At Lowes, you can use their Kitchen Designer tool to create custom layouts and get 3D views, and estimates. They offer pre-designed layouts to get you started. The Home Depot kitchen design center also lets you create custom designs or choose from pre-made layouts. Their 3D design tool allows you to view your kitchen from multiple angles.
Whether you want an L-shaped, U-shaped, galley, or island kitchen, these stores have the sizing and layout options to make your dream kitchen a reality. If you have an irregularly shaped kitchen or want a truly custom design, the custom and semi-custom cabinetry options at Lowes and Home Depot give you the flexibility to create a kitchen that is perfectly suited to your needs and space.
In summary, when it comes to cabinet sizes, styles, and layout options, Lowe’s and Home Depot offer very comparable selections. Both provide a range of standard sizes as well as custom options for more complex kitchens. And their kitchen design tools and layout options make it easy to plan your ideal kitchen. So you can feel confident that either store will have great choices for your kitchen remodel project.
Cabinet Pricing: Who Has the Best Deals?
When it comes to kitchen cabinet pricing, both Lowe’s and Home Depot regularly run sales and promotions to entice customers. However, in a head-to-head comparison, Home Depot generally offers lower everyday prices on cabinets.
Home Depot is able to price most of their cabinet lines 10-15% lower than comparable options at Lowes. They frequently run additional discounts of up to 30–40% off select cabinet styles. Home Depot also regularly offers coupon codes for an extra 5–10% off your entire cabinet order. Between their lower list prices and frequent sales, you can often save hundreds to thousands of dollars by choosing Home Depot for your kitchen cabinets.
Lowes does run sales on cabinets as well, but not quite as often or as aggressively as Home Depot. Their everyday prices also tend to be slightly higher for comparable cabinet lines and styles. However, Lowe’s does frequently offer special financing promotions, like 0% APR for 6–18 months on cabinet purchases. If paying upfront in cash isn’t in your budget, these financing offers from Lowe’s may offset some of the higher costs.
In the end, if low prices are your top priority, Home Depot likely has the best deals on kitchen cabinets. But if special financing and a slightly higher-end selection are more important, Lowes could still be worth considering. When you’re ready to start shopping, check out the current promotions and sales at both stores. Compare prices on the specific cabinet styles you’re interested in. Factor in any available coupons or financing offers. Then go with the store that offers you the best overall value for your needs and budget.
Pros and Cons of Each Store’s Cabinet Pricing:
Home Depot:
- Pros
*Lower everyday prices (10–15% less than Lowes)
*Frequent sales (30–40% off) and coupon codes (5–10% off)
*Potential to save hundreds or thousands
- Cons
*Less frequent special financing offers
Lowes:
- Pros
*Special financing (0% APR for 6–18 months)
*Slightly higher-end selection
- Cons
*Higher everyday prices
*Less frequent or aggressive sales
In summary, while both home improvement giants offer kitchen cabinets at a range of price points, Home Depot regularly has the lowest prices. But be sure to also consider available financing and promotions, as well as which store carries the styles and brands you prefer. The best deals and selection for you will depend on what factors matter most in your cabinet buying decision.
Cabinet Quality and Construction
When it comes to cabinet quality and construction, there are a few factors to consider:
Materials
Both Lowe’s and Home Depot offer cabinets made of wood, laminate, and metal. For wood cabinets, oak and hickory are popular, durable options. Maple and cherry cabinets have a smoother, more uniform grain and tend to cost a bit more. Laminate cabinets, like thermofoil or melamine, provide an inexpensive wood-grain look. Stainless steel cabinets are a modern, low-maintenance choice for kitchens.
In the end, the material you choose comes down to your budget, style preferences, and how much durability you need. For high-traffic, high-use kitchens, solid wood or stainless steel cabinets may hold up better over time. Laminate options can work great for occasional-use kitchens or if you’re on a tighter budget.
Construction
Look for cabinets with solid wood doors and drawers, especially in high-use areas like lower cabinets. Particle boards or MDF doors won’t stand up as well to dings, scratches, and impacts. Solid wood doors also tend to look more expensive. For the cabinet box itself, plywood construction is sturdier than particle board.
Dovetail joinery, especially on drawer boxes, creates a strong, long-lasting bond. Avoid staples, as these can loosen over time. Soft-close hinges prevent slamming doors, while full-extension drawer glides give you easy access to the entire drawer space.
Warranties
Most major cabinet brands sold at Lowe’s and Home Depot offer limited lifetime warranties that cover defects in materials and workmanship. However, there are exceptions, like damage from misuse or environmental factors. For the most part, you can expect cabinets from reputable brands at either store to last at least 10–15 years with normal use and care.
In the end, while both Lowe’s and Home Depot sell quality cabinets, you may find slightly lower prices at Home Depot, a bit more variety at Lowe’s, and comparable warranties at either store. Do some comparison shopping based on your needs and budget to determine which store’s selection suits you best.
Cabinet Warranties: What’s Covered?
When comparing cabinet warranties between Lowe’s and Home Depot, there are a few key things to consider regarding what’s actually covered if something goes wrong. The specifics of each store’s warranties can determine how much peace of mind you’ll have after purchasing your new kitchen cabinets.
Lowe’s offers a limited lifetime warranty on most of their cabinetry. This means they will repair or replace any cabinet or cabinet part that fails due to defective materials or workmanship for as long as you own the home. The lifetime warranty is non-transferable, so it only applies to the original purchaser. Lowe’s will not cover the costs of installation or any modifications needed to install replacement cabinets. Their warranty also does not cover damage from misuse, abuse, or improper installation.
Home Depot provides a 1-year limited warranty on ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets and cabinet components. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship for up to 12 months after delivery. They also offer optional extended 5-year and 10-year warranties for an additional fee on select cabinet brands. Similar to Lowe’s, Home Depot’s warranties do not cover improper installation, modifications, misuse, or normal wear and tear.
When deciding which store has the best cabinet warranties, think about how long you plan to stay in your home. If you’re looking for long-term peace of mind, Lowe’s lifetime warranty is hard to beat. However, if you’re only planning to keep the cabinets for a few years, Home Depot’s standard 1-year warranty should have you covered during that time period. You’ll also want to consider the specific brands and styles you’re interested in, as warranty terms can vary between different cabinet collections within each store.
In summary, while Lowe’s and Home Depot both offer warranties to protect against manufacturing defects for at least a year, Lowe’s lifetime warranty provides more comprehensive long-term coverage for most customers. Be sure to review all warranty details for your preferred cabinets before making a final decision between the two retailers.
Cabinet Services: Delivery, Installation, and More
When it comes to cabinet services, both Lowe’s and Home Depot offer similar options to help make your kitchen renovation as easy as possible.
Delivery
If you don’t have a truck to transport your cabinets or simply want the convenience of delivery, both stores provide cabinet delivery for an additional fee. Fees start at around $50 to $200, depending on how many cabinets you need delivered. The stores will deliver the cabinets directly to your home, so you can avoid the hassle of renting a truck or making multiple trips.
Installation
Do you dread the thought of installing cabinets yourself? Lowe’s and Home Depot also offer professional cabinet installation services. Trained installers will unpack, install, and adjust your new cabinets so they’re perfectly level and secure. Installation fees vary but typically start between $200 to $500 for a small to medium-sized kitchen. The exact price will depend on the number of cabinets and layout complexity.
Other Services
In addition to delivery and installation, the home improvement giants provide other services to simplify your kitchen renovation:
- Custom cabinet design: Work with a designer to create custom cabinets tailored to your space and needs.
- Countertop installation: Have your countertops installed at the same time as your cabinets for convenience. Fees start at around $30 to $50 per square foot.
- Plumbing and electrical modifications: Make necessary plumbing, lighting, or outlet changes to accommodate your new cabinet layout.
- Flooring: Install new flooring like tile, wood, or laminate at the same time as your cabinets.
- Backsplash installation: Add a stylish tile or stone backsplash to finish off your kitchen. Backsplash installation starts at around $5 to $15 per square foot.
While Lowe’s and Home Depot are very comparable when it comes to cabinet services and options, Home Depot tends to receive slightly better reviews for customer service and installation quality. However, for the best experience, check reviews for your local stores and installers. And be sure to get multiple quotes to compare— you may be able to find lower prices from smaller kitchen and bath showrooms in your area.
Conclusion
So there you have it, all the details on Lowes vs Home Depot cabinets compared side by side. As you can see, while both stores offer attractive options at a range of price points, Lowe’s seems to come out slightly ahead based on selection, pricing, and warranty. But in the end, you know your own style and budget best. Now armed with the facts, you can head into your local Lowe’s or Home Depot, check out the cabinet displays in person, and make the final choice that’s right for your kitchen and your wallet. May the cabinets of your dreams be within reach!
