Look, if you’re hunting for kitchen cabinets that promise quality and affordability, you might stumble across Cabinets To Go. I did, and I’ll be honest—I was tempted by the sleek designs and the price tags that didn’t make my wallet cry.
But here’s the kicker: after sifting through reviews and my own experience, I can’t in good conscience tell you to rush out and buy them. This isn’t about bashing a brand—it’s about sharing what I’ve learned so you can make a smart choice.
Stick with me as I unpack the highs, lows, and everything in between.
My Experience With Cabinets To Go
I’ll never forget the day I decided to remodel my kitchen. It was a chaotic mix of excitement and dread—mostly because my budget was tighter than a drum. After browsing endless options, I landed on Cabinets To Go.
The website was slick, the prices were right, and the promise of “real wood” cabinets had me sold. I walked into their showroom in Hartford, CT, back in early 2024, buzzing with ideas.
The staff?
Super friendly. They sketched out a design for my L-shaped kitchen, about 20 feet of cabinetry, and I felt like I’d hit the jackpot—$12,000 for everything, installation included.
Delivery day rolled around, and that’s when the cracks started showing—literally. Out of the 15 boxes that arrived, three had gouges and chipped edges. I brushed it off as a shipping hiccup and called customer service.
They promised replacements, but it took three weeks and two more calls to get them. Meanwhile, my installer—a guy I hired separately because I’d heard horror stories about their contractors—pointed out that the measurements were off.
The base cabinet by the sink was two inches too narrow, and the upper cabinets didn’t align with my existing crown molding. We made it work, but it wasn’t the seamless fit I’d envisioned.
Fast forward a year, and the honeymoon’s over. The paint on my cabinet doors is chipping like it’s auditioning for a distressed look I didn’t sign up for. I’ve got a toddler who bangs pots around, sure, but these cabinets shouldn’t be flaking after normal use.
I reached out about their “lifetime warranty,” only to be told “wear and tear” isn’t covered—news to me since the paperwork didn’t scream that limitation. My kitchen looks decent from afar, but up close? It’s a letdown.
I wanted to love Cabinets To Go, but my experience left me skeptical.
Pros of Cabinets To Go
You’re probably wondering if there’s anything good to say here, and yeah, there is—I’m not here to trash them completely. Let’s break down what works.
- Affordability That Grabs You
I can’t deny it: the price hooked me. For $12,000, I got a full kitchen’s worth of cabinets—way less than the $20,000 quotes I got from local custom shops.
If your bank account’s screaming “no more,” Cabinets To Go feels like a lifeline.
They’ve got stock options starting around $70 per linear foot, and even their mid-range stuff doesn’t break the bank. For budget warriors, that’s a win.
- Decent Design Options
Walking into their showroom, I was surprised by the variety. Shaker styles, modern slabs, even some traditional vibes with raised panels—they’ve got enough to play with. I picked a crisp white Shaker set that looked sharp against my black countertops.
They offer free 3D renderings too, which helped me visualize everything before committing. It’s not custom-level flexibility, but it’s more than I expected from a budget brand.
- Friendly Showroom Vibes
The folks at the Hartford location were a highlight. They didn’t hover like vultures; they listened, sketched, and answered my dumb questions without making me feel small.
I left feeling like they cared, which isn’t something you get everywhere. If you’re a people person, that warmth might sway you.
- Quick Delivery (When It Works)
When the stars align, their delivery is fast—my initial shipment came in two weeks, which isn’t bad for stock cabinets. They’ve got over 100 showrooms nationwide, so if you’re near one, you might dodge the shipping nightmares others rant about.
It’s a gamble, but when it hits, it’s a plus.
Cons of Cabinets To Go
Now, let’s get real—these cabinets have some serious downsides. My story’s not unique; the reviews I’ve read echo the same frustrations. Here’s where they stumble.
- Quality That Falls Apart
I wanted sturdy cabinets, but what I got feels flimsy up close. The boxes are plywood, sure, but the finish?
It’s like tissue paper—scratches and chips show up way too easily.
After a year, my doors look like they’ve been through a war zone.
Reviews on sites like PissedConsumer and BBB mention warped doors, cracked frames, and paint that peels faster than a bad sunburn. For something billed as “real wood,” it’s disappointing.
- Customer Service Roulette
Calling their support line was like playing a game I couldn’t win. The first rep was sweet but clueless; the second promised a supervisor callback that never came. Three weeks for replacement parts?
That’s not “quick service.” Online, people fume about ignored emails, unfulfilled warranties, and downright rude managers. You might get lucky, but I didn’t—and neither did a lot of others.
- Installation Nightmares
I dodged their installers after reading horror stories, but if you go that route, brace yourself. Complaints pile up about unlicensed contractors botching jobs—crooked cabinets, scratched finishes, even electrical work gone wrong.
One BBB review mentioned a guy who “taught his crew” on the job—at the customer’s expense. My DIY installer saved me, but not everyone’s that lucky.
- Warranty That’s a Mirage
That “lifetime warranty” sounds sexy until you need it. My chipping paint? Not covered. A Trustpilot user said their broken plastic clips and undersized doors were dismissed because the order was “too old.”
The fine print’s vague, and they lean on it hard to dodge responsibility. Don’t bank on it bailing you out.
- Shipping Snafus
Even if you order in-store, delivery’s a crapshoot. My damaged boxes were just the start—others report missing pieces, wrong sizes, or cabinets stuck in limbo for months.
One Reddit user waited from January to October 2022 for their order. If your reno’s on a timeline, this could derail you big time.
Maintenance Tips For Cabinets To Go
If you’re stuck with these cabinets—or still tempted despite my warnings—here’s how to keep them alive longer. I’ve learned these tricks the hard way.
- Wipe, Don’t Soak: I used to splash water everywhere cleaning up after dinner, but that’s a no-go now. Damp cloths are your friend—wipe down spills quick, but don’t let water sit. The finish hates moisture; I’ve got bubbling edges near the sink to prove it. Keep it dry, and you’ll slow the damage.
- Touch-Up Paint Is Your BFF: After my doors started chipping, I grabbed a color-matched pen from their site. It’s not perfect, but it hides the white undercoat peeking through. Stock up on putty and spray paint too—minor scratches happen fast, and this stuff’s a lifesaver for keeping things presentable.
- Reinforce the Weak Spots: My installer glued the joints instead of relying on those flimsy plastic clips reviewers hate. If you’re assembling, grab some wood glue and reinforce everything. It won’t fix a bad batch, but it might keep your cabinets from collapsing under a stack of plates.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: I made the mistake of using a bleach wipe once—big regret. The finish dulled instantly. Stick to mild soap and water; anything stronger eats through the paint like acid. Trust me, you don’t want to speed up the wear.
- Check Hardware Regularly: The hinges on my uppers started squeaking after six months. A quick tighten with a screwdriver fixed it, but I check them monthly now. Loose hardware stresses the wood, and with this quality, you can’t afford extra strain.
Comparison of Cabinets To Go With Other Brands
Alright, let’s put Cabinets To Go head-to-head with some big players—Thomasville Cabinets, Hampton Bay Cabinets, and Ultracraft Cabinets. I’ve sized them up, and here’s how they stack against my not-so-stellar experience.
Think of this as your cheat sheet to see where Cabinets To Go lands—or falls flat.
- Cabinets To Go Vs. Thomasville Cabinets
Thomasville Cabinets, sold through Home Depot, are like the classy cousin I wish I’d met sooner.
They’re semi-custom, starting around $120-$250 per linear foot—double what I paid for Cabinets To Go’s $70-$100 range.
But oh man, the difference!
Thomasville uses solid wood frames and plywood boxes with finishes that don’t peel at the first sign of a spatula. My Cabinets To Go doors started chipping in a year; Thomasville’s reviews rave about lasting 15-20 years.
You’re shelling out more, sure, but the dovetail drawers and lifetime warranty actually mean something—not the vague “sorry, not covered” nonsense I got. If I’d had the cash, Thomasville’s polish would’ve saved me a headache.
- Cabinets To Go Vs. Hampton Bay Cabinets
Hampton Bay, another Home Depot gem, was my almost-pick, and I’m kicking myself for not going there.
Priced similarly to Cabinets To Go—$70-$150 per foot—they’re stock cabinets with a sturdier vibe.
I checked them out in-store; the laminate and plywood mix feels less flimsy than my cabinets, even if it’s not fancy.
Reviews say they dent less and hold up to daily chaos better than my chipped mess.
Hampton Bay skips the “real wood” flex, but their soft-close hinges and easy availability beat Cabinets To Go’s shipping roulette and plastic-clip woes.
For the same budget, I’d have gotten more bang—and less frustration—with Hampton Bay.
- Cabinets To Go Vs. Ultracraft Cabinets
Ultracraft Cabinets are the sleek, modern dream I didn’t know I needed.
They’re full-custom, starting at $150-$300 per foot, so yeah, pricier than my Cabinets To Go haul.
But here’s the kicker: Ultracraft offers frameless designs with thick plywood or particleboard that scream durability—my banged-up Shaker cabinets can’t compete.
Their finishes?
Top-notch, with reviews boasting no peeling after a decade. I drooled over their matte options online; meanwhile, my Cabinets To Go paint’s flaking like it’s allergic to my kitchen.
Ultracraft’s lead time is longer, and the cost stings, but the quality gap is glaring. If you’re splurging, this is where your money shines.
So, where does Cabinets To Go fit?
It’s the budget contender trying to punch above its weight. Thomasville brings longevity, Hampton Bay offers reliability, and Ultracraft delivers premium flair—each outshines my experience in some way.
I fell for Cabinets To Go’s low price and “real wood” pitch, but the shaky quality and service left me regretting it. If you’re weighing your options, these brands show you can get more for your dollar—or at least fewer headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, but it’s a half-truth. The boxes are birch plywood, and the frames are solid birch, which sounds legit. But the doors? They’re often engineered wood with a veneer or painted finish that flakes fast. “Real wood” doesn’t mean bulletproof quality here.
Tough to pin down, but I’d say 5-10 years tops with normal use—less if you’ve got kids or cook a lot. Mine started showing wear in a year; reviews mention similar timelines. Maintenance helps, but don’t expect decades like higher-end brands.
It’s a mixed bag. On PissedConsumer, they’re at 2.0 stars from 203 reviews—ouch. BBB gives them an A+ for responding to complaints, but the 339 gripes tell a different story. I’d call it a shaky C-grade overall.
No hard proof they do. HGTV shows love flashy renos, and pros lean toward brands like KraftMaid or custom lines for TV-worthy kitchens. Cabinets To Go’s budget vibe and spotty rep don’t scream HGTV material to me.
Wrapping Up
So, where does this leave us? Cabinets To Go lured me in with promises of affordability and style, but the reality—chipping finishes, shaky service, and a warranty that’s more smoke than substance—soured the deal.
I can’t recommend them, not when IKEA, Hampton Bay, or even KraftMaid offer better value or durability for your hard-earned cash. Save yourself the hassle and look elsewhere—your kitchen deserves it.