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So you’re in the market for new kitchen cabinets and have narrowed it down to two of the major brands: American Woodmark and KraftMaid. Both companies make high-quality wood cabinets, but how do you choose between them? You want cabinets that look great, fit your budget, and will last for years. This is an important decision that you’ll have to live with, so you want to make the right choice.
In this article, we’ll compare American Woodmark and KraftMaid side-by-side to help determine which cabinets are better for your kitchen remodel. We’ll look at style options, wood types, price ranges, and warranties for each brand. By the end, you’ll know which cabinets suit your needs, style, and budget so you can move forward with confidence in your choice. Ready to find your dream cabinets? Let’s dive in.
American Woodmark and KraftMaid: An Overview of the Brands
When it comes to cabinetry, American Woodmark and KraftMaid are two of the biggest names in the game. Both offer high-quality, stylish cabinets at a range of price points, so how do you choose between them?
American Woodmark is one of the largest cabinet manufacturers in the U.S. They’re known for their solid wood and plywood boxes, soft-close hardware, and variety of door styles, from traditional to contemporary. Their product lines include American Woodmark, Timberlake, Shenandoah Cabinetry, and Scott’s Crest. Prices range from $80 to $350 per linear foot.
KraftMaid also produces a wide selection of cabinetry in both wood and laminate. They’re particularly well-known for their high-end Premier and Legacy lines which feature all-wood construction, soft-close doors and drawers, and a lifetime warranty. KraftMaid’s lower-priced options include the Aspire and Highpoint collections. Pricing ranges from $50 to $500 per linear foot.
Warranties and Certifications
Both companies back their products with strong warranties. American Woodmark offers a limited lifetime warranty on most cabinet lines, while KraftMaid provides lifetime warranties on all their Premier and Legacy cabinets as well as shorter warranties on more affordable collections. Additionally, certain cabinet lines from each brand meet the rigorous standards to achieve certifications like GREENGUARD Gold and the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) seal of approval.
In the end, you can’t go wrong with either brand. American Woodmark may have a slight price advantage, but KraftMaid is a leader in eco-friendly and high-end cabinetry. Compare styles, prices, and options in your area to find cabinets that suit your needs, budget, and personal style.
Style and Selection: Which Offers More Choices?
When it comes to selection, American Woodmark and KraftMaid both offer a wide range of styles to suit any home decor. However, KraftMaid pulls ahead with over 400 door styles and finishes to choose from compared to American Woodmark’s 200+.
KraftMaid has more traditional, rustic, and contemporary designs in wood types like oak, maple, hickory, and cherry. They also have a variety of painted finishes from crisp whites to deep, rich colors. American Woodmark leans more traditional with styles reminiscent of Shaker and Mission furniture in cherry, oak, and hickory. They do have a nice selection of painted cabinets, but not quite as many shades as KraftMaid.
Both brands allow you to mix and match door styles, wood types, and finishes for a custom look. However, KraftMaid makes it easier to visualize different combinations with their Kitchen Inspirations design tool. You can choose doors, drawers, moldings, and hardware to create unique styles for your lower and upper cabinets. Then you can view your designs in a 3D model of an actual kitchen.
When it comes down to it, KraftMaid comes out on top for selection and style with more to choose from in both wood and painted varieties. Their design tool also provides an interactive way to craft custom looks by combining different elements. Of course, American Woodmark still offers a respectable range of attractive, well-made styles to suit most tastes. The choice is yours!
Quality and Construction: How Durable Are the Cabinets?
When it comes to quality and durability, both American Woodmark and KraftMaid make high-quality cabinets designed to last for decades. However, there are some differences in their construction that could impact which brand is better for your needs.
Wood Options
American Woodmark offers oak, hickory, maple, and cherry wood options which are all very durable and resistant to damage. KraftMaid also provides oak, hickory, and maple but has a wider range of styles in each wood type. If you’re looking for more exotic wood choices, KraftMaid may have an advantage. Both brands use high-quality wood and construct their cabinets to withstand daily use and maintain their appearance over time.
Joinery and Assembly
How cabinets are joined and assembled plays a big role in their longevity. American Woodmark uses sturdy joinery like dowels, glue, and corner blocks in their construction. They are also known for their “Cam and Dowel” assembly which provides extra reinforcement. KraftMaid similarly uses strong joinery like dowels, glue, and interlocking joints. Their “Knock-Down” assembly allows for easier installation while still resulting in a durable final product.
Hardware
The hardware on cabinets like hinges, drawers, and doors also impacts durability. American Woodmark’s hardware is rated for up to 70,000 open-close cycles, indicating it is built to last. KraftMaid also uses high-quality hardware built for frequent long-term use. For the most part, either brand should provide hardware that withstands normal kitchen use.
In the end, while American Woodmark and KraftMaid cabinets differ in some details, both are well-made and designed to provide decades of service in your kitchen. When it comes to quality and durability, you can feel confident choosing either brand.
Pricing and Affordability: Which Brand Is More Budget-Friendly?
When it comes to pricing, American Woodmark and KraftMaid are fairly comparable. Both brands offer cabinets at a range of price points to suit any budget. However, KraftMaid does have a slight edge when it comes to affordability.
KraftMaid is typically 10-15% less expensive than American Woodmark for similar cabinet styles and quality. They frequently run sales and promotions that can save you an additional 10-20% off the list price. KraftMaid also has more budget-friendly options like their Value Solutions line which starts around $50-$100 per cabinet.
American Woodmark Pricing
American Woodmark’s pricing ranges from $80-$500 per cabinet depending on the material and style. Their most affordable collections are the Cottage and Home Concepts lines which feature laminate cabinets starting around $80-$150. Mid-range options like Timberlake and Shenandoah with wood or wood veneer doors are $200-$350. For high-end custom looks, their Legacy and Architectural Reclaim collections with unique wood species and hand-crafted details start at $350-$500 per cabinet.
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KraftMaid Pricing
KraftMaid has a similar price range but tends to be slightly lower overall. Laminate cabinets in their Classic and Essentials collections start at $50-$120. Their popular Cabinetry Collection with real wood doors begins around $170-$270. Higher-end options like Estate, Pinnacle, and Legacy are $300-$450 for wood and wood veneer styles. Semi-custom and fully custom cabinetry are also available through KraftMaid for $400-$1,000 or more depending on the level of customization.
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In the end, while KraftMaid may save you a little, both brands are very affordable and competitively priced. The differences come down to the specific styles, features, and promotions available when you’re shopping. Be sure to get multiple quotes from local kitchen design showrooms or home improvement stores to find the best deal. And if budget is a concern, don’t forget to ask about seasonal coupons, rebates, and financing options which can make either brand an attractive choice for your kitchen renovation.
Warranties and Customer Service: Who Offers Better Support?
When investing in new cabinets, the warranty and customer service are important factors to consider. You want assurance that if there are any issues, the company will stand behind its products and help resolve them. Both American Woodmark and KraftMaid offer solid warranties and support, but there are some differences to note.
American Woordmark’s Warranty and Customer Service
American Woodmark provides a limited lifetime warranty on all their cabinetry. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own the cabinets. They have a large network of authorized dealers and craftsmen across the U.S. and Canada that can service or repair your cabinets if needed. Their customer service department is available via phone, email, or online chat Monday-Friday during business hours to help answer any questions.
KraftMaid’s Warranty and Customer Service
KraftMaid also offers a limited lifetime warranty on their cabinetry covering material and craftsmanship defects. Their cabinets are sold through many home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, so you may be able to get local support through them. KraftMaid’s customer service is available by phone daily and they aim to respond to online inquiries within 1-2 business days. Some customers report longer wait times to speak to a representative by phone at peak times.
In the end, both brands provide solid product warranties and customer support. American Woodmark may have a slight edge with its large network of local dealers and repairmen as well as more comprehensive online resources. However, for many homeowners, the warranties and service of either brand should give you confidence and peace of mind in your cabinet choice. If warranty or responsiveness is a top concern, be sure to consider your local options for service and support as well.
Pros and Cons of American Woodmark Cabinets
American Woodmark is one of the largest cabinet manufacturers in the U.S. and has been in business since 1980. They offer a variety of wood and laminate cabinets at affordable price points.
Pros
* High quality for the price. American Woodmark provides solid wood and plywood boxes and doors at lower price points than comparable brands.
* Lots of style options. They have traditional, contemporary, and transitional styles in a range of wood types like oak, hickory, and maple. They also offer painted and laminate options.
* Environmentally-friendly. They use sustainable forestry practices and low-VOC finishes. They recycle over 70% of their waste.
* Easy to find. American Woodmark cabinets are sold at major home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, so they’re convenient to shop for and available for quick installation.
Cons
* Limited customization. Although American Woodmark offers a good selection, their cabinets are largely pre-made, and sizes and configurations can’t be highly customized.
* Quality concerns. Some customers report issues like warped doors, uneven stains, and poor long-term durability. The warranties also only cover defects for a limited time.
* Can feel cheap. Laminate and lower-priced wood options may not provide the high-end, luxury feel of solid wood or custom cabinets.
* Difficult repairs. It may be hard to find matching replacement parts for repairs down the road. Custom alterations will void the warranty.
Overall, American Woodmark is a solid, affordable choice if you want new cabinets on a budget and are less concerned about high-end, customized details. But for long-lasting, luxury cabinets, you may want to consider other brands or custom options.
Pros and Cons of KraftMaid Cabinets
When evaluating KraftMaid cabinets, there are some important pros and cons to consider.
- Pros
* High quality at an affordable price. KraftMaid is known for producing stylish, durable cabinets that won’t break the bank. They use high-quality materials and construction for good value.
* Lots of style options. KraftMaid offers many door styles, wood types, and finishes to match any decor. From sleek modern looks to traditional wood grains, you’ll find plenty of choices.
* Durable and long-lasting. KraftMaid uses wood, laminate, and veneer materials that stand up well to daily use and humidity. Their cabinets are built to last 15-30 years with proper care and maintenance.
* Environmentally-friendly. KraftMaid uses sustainable forestry practices and low-VOC finishes. They recycle wood waste and use recycled wood in some cabinet components.
* Lifetime limited warranty. KraftMaid offers a lifetime limited warranty for defects in materials and workmanship, so you can feel confident in your purchase.
- Cons
* Limited customization. Although KraftMaid offers many standard sizes, their cabinets may require some filler pieces for non-standard kitchen layouts. They do not offer fully custom cabinetry.
* Few higher-end options. KraftMaid focuses on affordable, mid-range cabinets. If you’re looking for high-end luxury cabinets, another brand may suit you better.
* Can scratch or dent easily. While durable overall, lighter wood tones and laminate finishes may show wear, scratches, or dents more easily than solid wood. Proper care is important.
* Limited dealers. KraftMaid cabinets are sold through select dealers, so you may have limited choices in your area. Not all areas have a local dealer, in which case you would need to order cabinets sight unseen.
So in summary, KraftMaid can be a great choice if you’re looking for stylish, affordable, and durable cabinets for your kitchen remodel. However, keep the cons in mind and evaluate how well the brand suits your specific needs and budget. For some, another cabinet brand may be a better option.
American Woodmark vs KraftMaid: Which Is Better for Your Kitchen?
When it comes to choosing cabinets for your kitchen remodel, two of the biggest names in the cabinetry business are American Woodmark and KraftMaid. Both offer high-quality, stylish options at a range of price points. But which brand is better for your kitchen? Let’s compare them side by side.
American Woodmark is known for producing cabinets with high-quality wood and construction. They use sustainable and renewable wood sources and assemble cabinets using the latest woodworking technology. If budget is a concern, they also offer more affordable options like their Timberlake line. American Woodmark’s warranties range from 5 years to a lifetime, depending on the specific product line.
KraftMaid also produces stylish, well-made cabinets with a variety of wood and finish options. They are particularly known for trendy door styles and glaze finishes. KraftMaid uses innovative manufacturing processes to create cabinets that are resistant to wear, scratches, and stains. Their warranties range from 5 to 25 years for most cabinet lines.
Price
In terms of price, American Woodmark and KraftMaid are quite comparable. Both offer lines at a range of price points, from $50 per linear foot up to $500 or more, depending on the wood type and door style. KraftMaid’s semi-custom and custom cabinets do tend to be slightly more expensive. But for stock or semi-stock cabinets, prices are similar between the two brands.
Quality and Style
When it comes to quality, materials, and style options, American Woodmark and KraftMaid are closely matched. Both use high-quality, sustainable wood and wood products to craft stylish, durable cabinets. Door style and finish options abound with both brands, so you can achieve almost any look from traditional to contemporary.
At the end of the day, whether you choose American Woodmark or KraftMaid comes down to small differences in specific styles, prices, and warranties that meet your needs. Both brands will provide you with beautiful, well-constructed cabinets that should last for years. But be sure to compare carefully based on your kitchen’s style and budget to determine which is the best choice for your home.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Two of the biggest names in cabinetry are put head to head. As with most things in life, there’s no definitive winner here – it comes down to your own priorities and needs. If high quality at a lower cost is what matters most, American Woodmark is probably your best bet. If a huge selection of styles with premium features is a must, KraftMaid will likely edge them out. At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either of these trusted brands. Now the hardest part is left – picking out your new cabinet doors! But at least you can go into the decision-making process confident you’ve got a cabinet company that will back you up with a solid product for years to come. Happy remodeling!
