I’ll cut to the chase: if you’re remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you need to seriously consider Decora Cabinets. I’ve been through the wringer with home upgrades, and after testing these beauties out, I’m sold.
They’re stylish, sturdy, and customizable—everything I wanted when I was drowning in options. Trust me, you’ll save yourself a headache and get a space that screams “you.” Let’s walk through my experience, the good stuff, the not-so-great, and how they stack up against the competition.
By the end, you’ll see why I’m urging you to snag these cabinets pronto.
My Journey With Decora Cabinets
Picture this: I’m standing in my outdated kitchen, circa 1990s vibes, with chipped laminate cabinets that creak every time I open them. I’d had enough.
My husband and I decided it was time for a remodel, and after weeks of scrolling through Pinterest and haunting home improvement stores, we landed on Decora Cabinets. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first—could something from a big-box retailer like Home Depot really deliver the quality I craved?
But I took the plunge, and here’s how it went.
The process started with a trip to the showroom. I was blown away by the variety—67 door styles and over 250 finishes, from sleek modern slabs to rustic distressed looks. I’m a sucker for personalization, so I went with a natural cherry shaker style, custom-sized to fit my quirky kitchen layout.
The designer wasn’t the most knowledgeable, but she got the order right, and that’s what mattered. Delivery took about five weeks—not lightning fast, but not a dealbreaker either. When the cabinets arrived, I held my breath as we unboxed them.
The wood gleamed, the stain was even, and the soft-close hinges felt like a luxury I didn’t know I needed.
Installation was a bit of a circus. Our contractor grumbled about a few misaligned pieces, but Decora’s customer service stepped up, sending replacements within a week. Once everything was in place, I couldn’t stop running my hands over the smooth surfaces.
Cooking became an event—I’d catch myself grinning at the cabinets instead of the food. Six months in, they’ve held up to my chaotic cooking marathons, from spaghetti sauce splatters to my toddler’s sticky fingers. It’s been a game-changer, but it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows—more on that later.
The Pros of Decora Cabinets
Let’s talk about why I’m obsessed with these cabinets. They’ve got some serious perks that make them worth your consideration, and I’ve broken it down so you can see what’s in it for you.
- Customization That Speaks to You
I’m not exaggerating when I say Decora lets you build your dream kitchen.
With so many door styles, wood species, and finishes, I felt like an artist crafting a masterpiece.
I went for cherry because I love that warm, rich tone, but you could pick maple for a lighter vibe or even submit a custom color if you’re feeling bold.
Need an odd-sized cabinet for that weird corner?
They’ve got you covered. It’s like they handed me the keys to a design playground, and I ran with it.
- Durability I Can Count On
These cabinets aren’t just pretty—they’re tough. The all-plywood construction feels solid, not like those flimsy particleboard disasters I’ve dealt with before. I’ve slammed drawers shut in a rush, and they still glide smoothly thanks to the soft-close hardware.
My husband accidentally dropped a cast-iron skillet on the base cabinet, and there’s not a dent in sight. Six months of daily use, and they look as good as the day we installed them. You want something that lasts? This is it.
- A Finish That Pops
The finish on these cabinets is a showstopper. I picked a water-based stain, and it’s held up to everything I’ve thrown at it—grease, water, you name it. The cherry wood has this natural variation that adds character without looking patchy.
I’ve gotten compliments from every guest who’s walked through my door, and I can’t help but puff up with pride. If you’re after a polished look that doesn’t fade, Decora’s got the goods.
- Value That Feels Right
Here’s the kicker: they’re not cheap, but they’re not bank-breaking either. I paid around $800 per linear foot, which stung at first, but compared to custom cabinetry that can hit $1,200 or more, it’s a steal for the quality.
You’re getting semi-custom vibes without the full-custom price tag. For me, it was the sweet spot—high-end enough to feel luxe, affordable enough to keep my budget intact.
The Cons of Decora Cabinets
Now, I’m not here to sugarcoat things. Decora Cabinets have their flaws, and I ran into a few bumps that you should know about before you commit.
- Delivery Delays That Test Your Patience
Five weeks felt like forever when I was itching to get my kitchen back.
I’d heard horror stories of longer waits—some folks on forums mentioned 8-10 weeks—so I guess I got lucky.
Still, if you’re on a tight timeline, this could throw a wrench in your plans.
Plan ahead, or you’ll be eating takeout longer than you’d like.
- Inconsistent Customer Service
When those misaligned pieces showed up, I called Decora’s support line. The first rep was a dream—quick, helpful, got the replacements shipped fast. But I’ve read reviews where others weren’t so lucky, dealing with slow responses or denied warranties.
It’s a roll of the dice, and that inconsistency bugs me. You might sail through, or you might need to channel your inner warrior to get results.
- Stain Variations That Might Surprise You
My cherry stain turned out gorgeous, but I was warned about “subtle differences” in color. Some folks online griped about uneven tones—like four shades in one kitchen.
I dodged that bullet, but if you’re picky about uniformity, it’s a risk. Go for maple if you want less variation; it’s smoother and more predictable.
Maintenance Tips For Your Decora Cabinets
Alright, you’ve got your shiny new Decora Cabinets—now how do you keep them looking fabulous? I’ve learned a few tricks to maintain mine, and I’m passing them on to you.
- Cleaning Without the Stress: I wipe down my cabinets weekly with a damp microfiber cloth—nothing fancy, just water and a drop of dish soap. It cuts through grease like a champ without damaging the finish. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach; I made that mistake once on an old set, and the stain peeled right off. Stick to gentle, and you’ll be golden.
- Handling Spills Like a Pro: Spaghetti sauce splashed on my cabinet door last week, and I didn’t panic. I grabbed a soft sponge, dabbed it with warm water, and blotted it away. The key? Act fast—letting spills sit can stain, especially on lighter finishes. Keep a cloth handy, and you’ll save yourself some grief.
- Protecting the Wood: I live in a humid area, so I’m paranoid about warping. I keep a dehumidifier running in the summer, and it’s made a difference. Also, don’t let water pool near the edges—wipe it up quick. I’ve got a little silicone mat under my dish rack now, and it’s a lifesaver. Treat your cabinets right, and they’ll age gracefully.
- Hardware TLC: Those soft-close hinges are dreamy, but they need love too. I check the screws every few months—my toddler loves yanking drawers, and things loosen up. A quick tighten with a screwdriver keeps everything smooth. If they start squeaking, a tiny drop of lubricant (like WD-40) on the hinges works wonders. Don’t overdo it, though—less is more.
How Decora Cabinets Compare To Other Brands?
I didn’t just settle on Decora Cabinets without doing my homework. I poked around, talked to friends, and weighed my options against some heavy hitters in the cabinet world.
Here’s how Decora stacks up against Medallion Cabinets, Omega Cabinets, and Bertch Cabinets—each one brought something to the table, but I’ve got thoughts on why Decora won me over.
- Decora Vs. Medallion Cabinets
Medallion Cabinets caught my eye with their reputation for craftsmanship—they’re another semi-custom brand with a knack for detail.
I saw their displays at a local showroom, and the variety was impressive: over 70 door styles and finishes galore, pretty close to Decora’s 67 styles and 250+ options.
Price-wise, Medallion nudged a bit higher—around $900-$1,100 per linear foot versus my $800 for Decora.
Their plywood construction matched Decora’s durability, but I heard whispers of longer lead times, sometimes 10 weeks.
Decora’s five-week wait was already pushing it for me, so Medallion felt riskier. I went with Decora because it hit that sweet spot of customization and cost without leaving me twiddling my thumbs too long.
- Decora Vs. Omega Cabinets
Next up, Omega Cabinets—they’re the fancy cousin in the MasterBrand family, promising a step up in luxury.
I was tempted by their sleek designs and premium touches, like dovetail joints and hand-glazed finishes.
They offer a dizzying array of styles, easily rivaling Decora’s flexibility, but the price tag gave me pause: $1,000-$1,300 per foot.
My cherry shaker Decoras felt high-end enough without that extra sting.
Omega’s lead times hovered around 6-8 weeks, not terrible, but still slower than Decora’s delivery. Both brands use solid wood and plywood, so durability wasn’t the issue—I just couldn’t justify Omega’s cost when Decora delivered 90% of the vibe for less. You want decadence?
Omega’s your pick; I’m happy with Decora’s practical polish.
- Decora Vs. Bertch Cabinets
Then there’s Bertch Cabinets, a Midwest gem with a loyal following.
I chatted with a friend who swears by her Bertch kitchen—she raved about their handcrafted feel and eco-friendly finishes.
They’re semi-custom like Decora, with maybe 60 door styles and a focus on sustainable woods, which I loved.
Pricing landed in the $850-$1,100 range per foot, a smidge above Decora but not outrageous.
What threw me off was the production timeline—Bertch can take 8-12 weeks, and I wasn’t ready to camp in a half-finished kitchen that long. Quality-wise, they’re neck-and-neck with Decora: sturdy builds, soft-close hardware, the works.
Bertch’s green ethos tugged at my heart, but Decora’s faster turnaround and slightly lower price sealed the deal. If patience is your virtue, Bertch might edge out; I needed results quicker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I’ve gotten these questions from friends and family since showing off my kitchen, so let’s tackle them head-on.
For Decora, I shelled out about $800 per linear foot, including installation. Prices vary—basic stock cabinets can start at $70-$150 per foot, while full custom hits $1,200 or more. Your layout, finishes, and add-ons (like lazy Susans) will nudge the total up or down. Measure your space and set a budget; $10,000-$20,000 covered my medium-sized kitchen.
Mine are all-plywood boxes with solid cherry doors—strong and gorgeous. Decora uses hardwood fronts (maple, oak, cherry, etc.) and offers MDF options for painted finishes. The hardware’s top-notch—stainless steel or brass with soft-close magic. It’s a step above particleboard junk, trust me.
HGTV’s a mixed bag—they’ve featured Decora on shows like Property Brothers, but they also use KraftMaid, Schrock, and custom lines depending on the project. I’ve spotted Decora’s telltale finishes in a few episodes, and it makes me feel smug knowing I’ve got TV-worthy cabinets.
I’d say yes—mine feel premium, with solid construction and a finish that’s held up to my chaos. They’re not flawless (delivery hiccups, anyone?), but compared to budget brands, they’re a cut above. Online gripes about stain issues exist, but my experience screams quality. You’re getting near-custom craftsmanship without the insane price.
Final Thoughts
After living with Decora Cabinets for months, I’m hooked. They’ve transformed my kitchen into a space I adore, blending style, strength, and affordability in a way I didn’t expect. Sure, there were hiccups—delivery waits and a customer service gamble—but the pros outweigh the cons by a mile.
If you’re hunting for cabinets that feel personal and built to last, grab Decora. You’ll thank me when you’re beaming at your new kitchen, just like I am every day.