Cabinet shopping can get SO expensive SO FAST! It’s hard to find cabinets that are high quality, feel luxurious, aren’t a pain to put together, and look halfway decent!
I have scoured the midwest to find cabinetry that is affordable and looks customs… and I FOUND IT.
Non-Negotiable Requirements in Cabinetry
I am incredibly picky when it comes to cabinetry… you will thank me later!
When I go into someone’s house, I can easily spot who has in-store/ in-stock cabinets and who has custom cabinets… there’s nothing “wrong” with in-store cabinets or in-stock cabinets. But upgrading our kitchen and living room built-ins means I want it to look high end. I just don’t want to pay high end prices…. So here the cabinetry rules and guidelines to higher end looking cabinets!
Full overlay
There are different types of cabinet faces: partial overlay, full overlay, and inset. Full overlay cabinet faces show no seams and does not show any of the cabinet box. This is the highest quality look to strive for when avoiding custom cabinetry.
Custom Cabinets most often use the “inset” cabinet face type. This is the highest quality but also the most expensive.
In-store cabinets or in-stock cabinets most often have partial overlay cabinet doors. This type shows the cabinet box, as the cabinet doors do not fully cover the cabinet box. The cabinet doors only partially cover the cabinet box, mainly they just cover the cabinet opening… hence the name “partial overlay”.
Soft Close
Soft close cabinets and soft close drawers are the ONLY way to go. Soft close instantly elevates the feel and ease of use of your cabinets. You do not want to skip out on this! Whether you are buying all new cabinets or upgrading the cabinets you have, it is fully worth the extra money.
Wide Shaker Style
Besides overlay, one thing that instantly cheapens the look of your cabinets is a very thin shaker style. Personally, I think shaker style doors are the best option, since they are clean and timeless. However, very thin outlining on shaker style doors will instantly cheapen the look.
In-store cabinets are notorious for thin borders. This was one of the biggest deterring factors for me while cabinet shopping because this made it very obvious that they were not high-end cabinets. This is a small detail that makes a huge difference, even if it does not immediately catch your eye.
The BEST Cabinets You Can Order NOW!
After scouring the midwest for affordable cabinets that look custom… I finally found them! And one of the best parts is that this company also has an easy to use design software to help you identity what you need… and it is FREE!
So… who makes these infamous high-end in-store cabinets??
Klearvue Cabinetry makes customizable cabinets that are available at Menards! We opted for the color Suede that is exclusive to their Malamo cabinetry line.
Klearvue Cabinetry is made for do-it-yourself go-getters who want the look of luxury but without the expense. I am not sponsored by Klearvue or Menards… I just truly love their products and cannot recommend them enough!
You can purchase them in-store, order more customizable pieces and have them shipped to the store for free or directly your home if you do not live near a Menards!
We will be using these Klearvue cabinetry for our kitchen remodel, living room built-ins, and bathroom renovations!
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