I am considering using the Shenandoah cabinets via American Woodmark @ Lowe’s for new home with installation via Lowe’s. While they may be boxed cabinets, at least I can see what to expect. With previous cabinets, I had to just trust the cabinetman & hope o.k. where there were some deficiencies & I had no time to resolve. Consumer Reports (8/2004) identified this brand to be acceptable so this is why chosen.
This line does include options which are upgrades on other brands. Considering Lowe’s installation which may be more expensive, but should there be a problem then I assume Lowe’s can fix it though it may take longer?
Welcome your thoughts if you have used this line or suggestions to make better use of our monies.
Replies
I`m unfamiliar with the cabinet line you`ve mentioned.
The only suggestion I can make is to check to see if the manufacturer produces more than this one line. Going from experience with the cabinets that Home Depot sells, manufacturers often have a secondary line which is slightly better than the line offered at the "big box" stores.
I try not to deal with the big boxes.....often times what starts off as a "great deal", isn`t so great after the extras are factored in. Extras which are quite often included when one deals with a cabinet distributor other than HD or Lowes.
Good luck to ya.
EDIT TO ADD: From the website (http://www.irinfo.com/amwd/) :
The Company offers a wide variety of cabinet lines differing by design, material and finishes. Its products are sold on a national basis through a network of independent distributors and directly to home centers, major builders and home manufacturers.
ATTENTION FELLOW BREAKTIME MEMBERS:
If you`d like to discuss topics other than home building, come on down to the Woodshed Tavern. Great bunch of guys and gals letting off a little steam about everything and anything. Its not a special club, but.....as of Monday, March 14, the Tavern folder will go behind an access wall. Only those who request access to this folder by contacting [email protected] will be able to view and participate in discussions there.
Edited 3/15/2005 9:53 am ET by JAYBIRD
Hi - I just had American Woodmark cabs installed - purchased at HD, used my own installer. Comments:
HD kitchen design was pathetic - it was the simplest possible kitchen - come in, measure what is there, and replace it exactly - don't change a thing. There were several mis-ordered and forgotten elements that really fouled up my schedule.
AW cabs - I don't recall that they were called Shenendoah, but I can look it up later and tell you which line we bought. They were ok, but not great - you get what you pay for. There were several defect (a wine rack serious out of square, and blemished doors), but when we called to complain, they immediately expedited replacements, without even seeing or asking for the defective stuff back - I give them a little credit for handling that well. Too bad they had so many opportunities ...
Installer - I recall HD's quote for installation was "about the same amount as the cabs cost" - so we paid 10K for cabs and they wanted that much again to install them. My local guy installed them for 3K, including crown molding, and was MY advocate - he was the one telling me to go back and demand replacement parts. I doubt HD's installer would have done that.
You should update your profile so we can see your location - others might be able to give you advice based on that (alternatives to Lowes, etc).
Bill.
By "boxed cabinets" I understand you to mean knock-down cabinets - cabinets which you will have to assemble youself, or hire someone to assemble. If you are doing the assembly and are handy with tools and understand the concept, go ahead. However, if you intend to hire someone to assemble, buy the cabinets already assembled - regardless of quality. Better to pay a factory to do it than someone doing it in your kitchen and waiting for missing parts to arrive, while you are kitchenless.
Now Sadie, let's start with where do you live? Also what type/ style of cabinets are you looking for? Some cabinet factories are National and some are regional. It would narrow or even improve our recommendations if we knew what state/ city they were being installed.
I would suggest Merrilat Cabinets. We ordered our first Merrilat cabinets this past winter and were very impressed with the quality, timliness and selection. Way cheaper than most other factory built cabinets. They are definitly on my short list of budget cabinets. I have other recommendations, however they are local and are limited to certain designs.
F
My thought on Box cabinets were factory built such as KraftMaid, American Woodworks, Merrilat, etc. ; not what one purchases in a box & comes home to install. Style consisted of traditional cherry with raised panel door. U-shaped kitchen with island. Architect's plans consisted of dimensions but did not identify which were drawers, etc.
Have truly learned more than I needed to know about cabinets; just want them to work efficiently for many years to come & look & stay pretty.
Note: Opted for drawers instead of doors as my Mom age 83 is now unable to retrieve her canned goods, etc. placed far back into the shelves. Having drawers, pull-outs, etc, hopefully I will be fortunate to not have that problem if I make it to age 83!
Viewed Merrilat at a box store but here in TN they seemed more costly. Perhaps I should have pursued more actively. THANKS!
I don't know if my friend's experience was atypical, but AW quality was great... if you spell quality "Kwality". What junk!! I'm not sure what line he purchased, but it was middle to upper end AW, and he had enormous problems with face frames pulling apart (not attributable to installation), raised panel door frames pulling apart, etc. It really looked as though the wood was not proper moisture content when the cabinets were manufactured, and everything had severe shrinkage. Since the install was done in the middle of summer, when humidity was quite high, shrinkage due to low humidity surroundings could be ruled out.
Anyway, he contacted AW and they provided lots of new stuff for him. I believe the customer service side of things was handled quite well. I'd have to check with him to see how things have been holding up over the past 9 months or so since he did the install.
Merrilat is OK, but I've also seen some unimpressive things on their not-so-cheap cabinets.
Sometimes the best cabinets can be made locally, at not so terrible prices. Another friend's going that route. Checked big boxes, etc, and found a local cabinet guy who could build her the cabinets she wanted in the particular finish she wanted, but much higher quality (i.e. no MDF, full extension heavy duty ball bearing slides, etc), AND at a lower price. But, you gotta talk to lots of people to try to find those types of deals. The best part in that is that if you get a good relationship going, customer service is unbeatable. The cabinet maker gets good referals from you, you get a job you're more than pleased with.
If I recall the drawer fronts on the cabinets you are talking about are stapled to the drawer boxes.I remember thinking what junk.Unless you're just trying to rehab a rental ,Lowe's and Home Depot both sell Kraftmaid which is a much much nicer cabinet.They make them in a factory in Middlefield,Ohio that employs quite a few Amish workers.I've bought all my cabinets for the last two houses at Kraftmaid's returns warehouse in Lordstown,Ohio.$80 for any cabinet.
Personally I think that any homeowner that understands the principles of level,plumb,and square could hang his/her own cabinets.
Nope, they are screwed onto the boxes.
I have installed AW and their Shanendoa line on three occasions. 2 oak, 1 cherry.
Are they Kraft Maid or a custom cabinet? Not by a long shot. But they aren't the stuff in a box or the laundry room cabinet either.
They have a solid wood front, dove tail boxes. Cabinets are particle board not ply although you can order it as an option. Ok hardware but nothing european.
Good basic cabinet for a middle class or less home. My wife loves them and we did our small kitchen for 3k.
Woodmark while not having a perfect product has a good service department. I have found a few issues in terms of door finish etc and they replaced them proptly and sent them overnight.
Lowes design department is ok at best. Review every measurment they give you. Their drawings are nice in the respect you can easily check anything they give you. Just my opinion. DanT
Dan, I just remember being at Lowes looking at cabinets and seeing an American Woodmark base cabinet with the front pulled off one of the drawers, laying on top,and it had staples sticking out of it.I remember thinking that it was ironic that they would make the back of the drawer box with dovetails,and then attach the front with staples when it would take far more stress.
Barry
Well all I can tell you is to be sure I went to my kitchen and checked before I replied. Screws, not staples. And I didn't order any particular option so I think the cabinet you saw was mis labled or something. Yep, just checked another draw set again, no staples. DanT
Or they made them differently in different production lots.Sadie ought to make sure if that's what she decides on.
American Woodmark is one of biggest manufacturers in the country. They have plants all over and a wide range of cabinets of different quality.6 16 17 97 99
Thanks for all of your input. Pleased to see Dan T. has installed the same cabinet I was inquiring about (AMW Shenandoah) cabinets. Surprised to learn he considered these cabinets as "middle"class or less"; I was hoping cabinets would be viewed as better quality. Are we middle class - YES, but like so many other folks, I would just prefer to have something a wee bit better for the last home we will build on the farm. Then again, "middle class" does encompass a wide range so I won't be deterred unless you know why I should be?
Shenandoah quota of 12K for cabinets (no hardware), 3.5K for counters plus 1.9K installation. Kitchen is 12x15 U shape with small island; just basic fitout/few extras. While trying to be conservative* I just don't view these prices as middle of the road or less. I am awaiting a KraftMaid quote which is supposed to come in about 10% more. Will post the final out-come but it will be awhile!
Note: Neither the Shenandoah nor KraftMaid are stapled together. Finish protection on Shenandoah may not be as good as the KraftMaid. Shenandoah does not identify protection in the catalog as clearly as KraftMaid does. Not being a cabinet person, I really cannot see the difference in the 2 side-by-side.
If I could get Kraft Maid for 10 more I would do so. It costs me more like 15-20%. I have these cabinets in my kitchen. They are find. But KM is a better cabinet. The AW hardware is not nearly as nice and the KM finish seems better especially the clear coat. DanT
We just bought Kraftmaid Cabinets at Lowes and was very impressed. Dovetail joints at the draw fronts - all wood - no MDF etc. Very good communication.
Went to local lumber yard with large kitchen display room - most of the cabinents that they had there was junk - MDF fronts - stapled etc. Was really suprised at the difference in quality between the Kraftmaid being faily well made and the cheap local yard.
See if you can get upgraded slides. That will make any level of cabinet operate like the expensive stuff. Nothing worse than bad hardware.
Upgraded slides are an "included" with the Lowe's Shenandoah cabinets by American Woodmark. One reason I sought to explore these...is not an upgrade as in KraftMaid.
I buy a good deal of boxed cabinets and I'm of the opinion the end quality is proportionate to the skill level of the installer.
I've had good luck installing the cheapest brands with a few upgrades like all plywood sides and dovetail drawers to name a couple, and end up with a great looking setup
I stay away from the big boxes. I dont think they can consistantly deliver undamaged goods when and if they can get the full order out to you.
My local lumber yard sells a good overall brand, Aristokraft.
Sadie,
Just from reading similar threads to this one over the years, I think it would be worth your time to at least go to an actual lumber yard and see what they have to offer and the price.
Also, there have been posts over the years claiming that local custom built cabinets were only marginally more expensive than what was otherwise available. (Probably not always true).
Either of those two options would almost certainly bring more expertise to the job of planning your kitchen than Lowes will. Also, a much higher likelihood of the order being filled correctly and undamaged.
Take a list of the cabs your buying (30" upper, etc.) and maybe a pamphlet of what style with you and make a short simple inquiry if the prices would be significantly higher.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
I just came across my initial post on subject. Appreciate all the food for thought. Obtaining quotes has been an experience. (1) After obtaining "bare-bones" quote from Lowe's on the AW & also requesting KM which I never rec'd, (2) I then sought quote from a major Alabama builder sold nationwide but the dealer went to Kitchen & Bath show leaving me email msg would get back with me - never heard another word! I might add that I had sent email question to their website so did receive follow-up call & was referred to someone I had never heard of, so never followed up with this guy. By then I was beginning to suspect if dealer cannot provide plan/price, then perhaps their service is not what I expect. (3) Next went to local kitchen planner who works with a local TN company, viewed plan, made a few changes & still awaiting quote. (4) Decided on KM dealer in N.Ga., requested layout & viewed, never heard back as to quote; though I did call twice to request appointment - no one ever called. (5) Still wishing to pursue the AW, the Lowe's employee had moved to another store. (6) Called a KM exclusive dealer had appt on a Monday and rec'd plan/quote on Wednesday; have tweaked this plan & will receive final quote tomorrow. (7) Still desiring a Lowe's plan to learn if there is any price advantage to KM Lowe's vs KM dealer & also requested what finish guarantee does AW provide. While AW finish question never answered via Lowe's, I obtained a KM layout & quote which is suspect since I had to show the fellow how to measure 1/4" ruler (an area definitely not in my expertise). This final Lowe's plan was poorly planned as the island sink was directly across from the main sink at window - not exactly what I requested for a U shaped kitchen.
I might add I preferred to not use a local cabinet builder as there is little to no guarantee that finish will be of quality of box cabinet. Plus having used local about 25 years ago when I phoned to inquire about a couple of items requested & not received, he stated he had hoped to receive add'l orders from our neighborhood. My selling his cabinets was never discussed. Never rec'd the couple of small items requested.
Question: Do most folks just accept the initial plan provided & never tweak this initial plan? Somehow I get the feeling that I should have accepted their plan as is; yet no thought to fact that I will be the one having to live with this layout in a new home & after all, it is my money being spent. But 2 sinks across from each other just do not measure up! As to my tweaking the plans, quotes consisted of lots of doors versus pots'n pan drawers etc.which I know provided a lower quote but was not what I requested on a paper note accompanying architect drawn plans.
I know the cabinet biz is busy in this area, but "service" is something to consider when a company does not even follow-up on a requested quote. If I could begin again, I would go directly to a KM exclusive dealer, small independent shop, who seems to care about his customers.
Again, many thanks!