When it comes to kitchen remodeling or updating your cabinetry, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering Medallion cabinets for your home, you’re in the right place.
In this article, I’ll share my personal insights into Medallion cabinets, exploring their pros, cons, and how they stack up against other brands. I’ll also offer practical maintenance tips and answer some common questions about the brand.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether or not these cabinets are the right fit for you—and spoiler alert, you might want to think twice before making that investment.
My Experience With Medallion Cabinets
Using Medallion cabinets in my own home was an experience I wish I could have skipped.
Initially, I was drawn to the wide range of styles and finishes—they seemed like the perfect choice to complete my kitchen renovation.
I also loved the idea of customizing the cabinets to fit the exact dimensions of my space.
However, once the cabinets arrived, things took a turn for the worse.
Right out of the box, I noticed several doors had nicks, and a few of the edges were already peeling. I contacted the supplier, and while they agreed to send replacements, the wait was frustrating. It took over three months to get the new parts, which arrived with similar issues.
The paint on the cabinet doors started chipping just a few months into use, especially around high-traffic areas like the sink and prep counters.
The worst part was dealing with customer service. When I reached out for help, they chalked the peeling and damage up to “normal wear and tear,” which voided the warranty. I was left with cabinets that already looked worn out, just a year after installation.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend Medallion cabinets based on my experience. The quality simply didn’t match the price tag, and the hassle of dealing with replacements and unhelpful customer service made the entire process stressful.
If I had to do it all over again, I’d definitely explore other brands with a stronger reputation for quality and support.
Pros of Medallion Cabinets
- Wide Range of Styles and Finishes: One of the best things about Medallion cabinets is the variety. They offer a huge array of styles, wood types, and finishes, which means you can easily match them to any kitchen design or décor. From modern, sleek looks to more traditional styles, Medallion seems to have something for everyone.
- Customizable Options: Medallion cabinets are highly customizable. You can choose from a variety of door styles, hardware, and even built-in features like lazy Susans or pull-out shelves. This flexibility is one of the reasons people are initially drawn to the brand.
- Semi-Custom and Custom Cabinets: Medallion offers both semi-custom and fully custom cabinetry, which means you can have a cabinet that fits your specific kitchen dimensions and preferences. This level of personalization is a big draw for many homeowners.
- Available in Different Price Tiers: Medallion cabinets are sold in different series: Silverline, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier reflects the quality and price point, making them accessible to different budgets. Silverline is the more affordable option, while Gold and Platinum offer higher-quality finishes and materials.
Cons of Medallion Cabinets
- Inconsistent Quality Control: Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest complaints I’ve encountered, both personally and in the experiences shared by other users. Many customers have reported issues such as paint chipping, delamination, and even entire doors arriving damaged. Worse still, some users have had to wait months for replacements, only to find the replacement parts arriving with similar defects.
- Lengthy Delivery Times: If you’re in a rush to complete your kitchen remodel, you might want to steer clear of Medallion cabinets. Numerous reviews point to extended shipping delays, often ranging from several weeks to even months. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re already living without a functioning kitchen.
- Durability Issues: One of the most concerning problems is the durability of these cabinets. Many users have reported that their cabinets started showing signs of wear and tear after just a few years—blistering doors, peeling paint, and even warping. These are not issues you’d expect from a brand that advertises itself as offering premium cabinetry.
- Warranty Limitations: Medallion offers a limited lifetime warranty, but don’t let that fool you. Numerous reviews reveal that when customers reached out to address issues under warranty, they were often told the damage was due to “normal wear and tear,” which voids the warranty. This lack of support is a huge drawback, especially when you’re investing thousands of dollars into your kitchen.
- Made Overseas: Some customers have expressed disappointment after discovering that Medallion cabinets are not made in the U.S., despite being marketed as a premium American brand. This can be a dealbreaker for those who prefer to buy American-made products.
Maintenance Tips For Medallion Cabinets
Proper maintenance is essential for extending the life of any cabinetry, and Medallion cabinets are no exception. Here are some tips to help keep them looking their best:
- Avoid Excess Moisture: Water damage is a frequent complaint with Medallion cabinets, particularly in areas near sinks and dishwashers. Make sure to wipe up spills immediately and avoid leaving damp cloths or cleaning products on the cabinets.
- Use Gentle Cleaners: Stick to mild soap and water or a specific wood cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges that could damage the finish.
- Check for Early Signs of Damage: Given the issues reported with peeling and blistering, keep an eye on your cabinets for any signs of wear. Address these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
- Reapply Protective Coatings: If you notice the finish on your cabinets fading, consider reapplying a protective wood polish to keep them looking fresh and prevent further damage.
Comparing Medallion Cabinets To Other Brands
If you’re considering Medallion cabinets, it’s essential to compare them with other brands that offer similar products. Here’s how Medallion stacks up against KraftMaid Kitchen Cabinet, Cardell Cabinets, and Lily Ann Cabinets.
- KraftMaid Kitchen Cabinet
KraftMaid is a strong competitor to Medallion, known for offering high-quality, customizable cabinetry.
One of the biggest differences is KraftMaid’s reputation for durability and attention to detail.
While Medallion often faces complaints about chipping paint and peeling doors, KraftMaid cabinets generally hold up better over time.
Customers also report fewer issues with shipping delays and damaged goods.
KraftMaid’s pricing is similar to Medallion, but the higher build quality and better customer service make KraftMaid a more reliable choice if you’re investing in long-term kitchen cabinetry.
- Cardell Cabinets
Cardell Cabinets are another popular option, often found at big-box retailers like Lowe’s.
They offer a broad range of styles and finishes similar to Medallion, but at a more budget-friendly price point.
However, you may sacrifice some customization options that Medallion provides.
Like Medallion, Cardell has been criticized for quality control issues, particularly in the lower-priced lines.
However, if you’re looking for an affordable solution and are willing to deal with potential minor issues, Cardell might be a reasonable alternative.
- Lily Ann Cabinets
Lily Ann Cabinets are a direct-to-consumer brand known for offering excellent quality at a much lower price than Medallion.
One of the biggest advantages of Lily Ann is their customer service and warranty support, which tends to be more responsive compared to Medallion.
The cabinets are often pre-assembled or come in RTA (ready-to-assemble) kits, which gives you flexibility.
While Medallion offers more high-end customization options, Lily Ann’s cabinets provide exceptional value and fewer issues with durability, making them a smart choice for those looking to save without sacrificing quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Medallion has its pros, such as a wide variety of styles and customizable options, but many users have reported issues with quality control and durability. If you’re considering Medallion, it’s important to weigh these factors against your personal priorities and budget.
Yes, Medallion cabinets are made from a variety of materials, including real wood. However, many users have reported issues with the quality of the wood, including warping and blistering over time, which raises concerns about their long-term durability.
Medallion cabinets are manufactured by Elkay Manufacturing Company, which offers a variety of home products. However, some customers have expressed disappointment that the cabinets are made overseas, despite being marketed as a high-end American brand.
Joanna Gaines is known for using a variety of cabinetry in her designs, often favoring custom and semi-custom options. While it’s not clear whether she specifically uses Medallion cabinets, her focus on high-quality, durable products suggests she might look for brands with a better reputation for longevity and craftsmanship.
Final Thoughts: Are Medallion Cabinets Worth It?
After considering the pros and cons of Medallion cabinets, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend them. While they offer a wide variety of customizable options and styles, the issues with quality control, durability, and customer service are hard to ignore.
Many customers report serious problems with their cabinets after only a few years, and the lack of support under warranty is concerning.
If you’re looking for high-end cabinets that will stand the test of time, you may be better off exploring other brands like KraftMaid or Shenandoah. These brands tend to receive more favorable reviews in terms of both quality and customer service.
Remember, when investing in something as central to your home as kitchen cabinets, durability and peace of mind are just as important as style.
So, unless you find Medallion cabinets at a significant discount or are absolutely in love with one of their designs, it might be worth looking elsewhere for your cabinetry needs.