Posted: 4/8/2009 12:56:24 PM EDT
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I posted a question in my Hometown forum, but did not get many responses (I did learn that IKEA is Sweedish for particle board...), so I thought I would try here. I am looking to install some kitchen cabinets and started looking at the ready to assemble (RTA) cabinets. Trying to do this a cheaply as possible without resorting to cardboard (or particle board). Enter the RTA cabinets. Basically I can get RTA raised panel solid wood (door, frame and plywood box) for the same price as the equivalent pre-assembled particle board box with flat panel. Has anyone used the RTAs and if so: 1) Did you augment the assembley with nails/glue 2) Did they fit together well 3) How have they held up to everyday use (i.e., was the stain/coating sufficient to account for normal wear, did the hardware for the doors and slides last) Feel free to recommend a distributor, the one I found was local, so I can avoid shipping which looks to be about $300 from most locations in the east/mid-west. The total cost is $1,550 for an L shapped kitchen 102" x 145". Thanks, Reisco |
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I used Mill's Pride cabinets from Home Depot once for a rental, and other than being a pain in the ass to assemble, and 1 package missing pieces, I was impressed. What further impressed me was the fact they held up to renters better than I expected.
I did not augment the assembly with glue, or nails. Once adjusted, the fit well together. These were european style (frameless) cabinets. Veneered particle board box, with solid maple doors, we used shaker style doors, but raised panel were available. When I tried to find a link for Mill's Pride, bounces me to Distinctions Cabinetry Mill's Pride/Distinctions |
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LOL I can't believe I read this ,I found my self in the midst of a lay off a couple years ago and ended up working at Home depot for a minute.
All I can say is Mills Pride was a pure nightmare to stock , sell , maintain ,warranty. rarely anybody bought the crap and didn't return really really pissed off 
I'm pretty sure HD dropped the MP ,but kept the bigger branch ,KraftMaid if remember. I don't know what the size of your kitchen is but I suggest for the cheap and quick ,some pre-assembled (can sometimes be found with minor damage on the cheap). Other than that I'm not aware of any decent boxed cabinets.Pretty much all junk. Unfortunately building them isn't that cheap either. |
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Look for local custom cabinet makers.
My mom had custom cabinets installed about 4 years ago and the custom was only $300.00 more then factory. And the guy sat down with her and did a lay out with her and planned everything. He and his son came in and installed them. Then a local general contractor and I installed the counter top and did the tile backsplash. Then the cabinet guy returned and applied the finish on the trim of the counter top. What my mom has is SOLID WOOD and PLYWOOD custom cabinets, built to last. |
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Quoted:
LOL I can't believe I read this ,I found my self in the midst of a lay off a couple years ago and ended up working at Home depot for a minute. All I can say is Mills Pride was a pure nightmare to stock , sell , maintain ,warranty. rarely anybody bought the crap and didn't return really really pissed off
I'm pretty sure HD dropped the MP ,but kept the bigger branch ,KraftMaid if remember. I don't know what the size of your kitchen is but I suggest for the cheap and quick ,some pre-assembled (can sometimes be found with minor damage on the cheap). Other than that I'm not aware of any decent boxed cabinets.Pretty much all junk. Unfortunately building them isn't that cheap either. I am sure it would've sucked to stock, as it sure sucked to load onto carts, but they lasted a held up a helluva lot better than I thought they would, and that was with renters! |