Look, if you’re in the market for kitchen cabinets that blend style, durability, and a touch of custom flair without breaking the bank, let me tell you why UltraCraft cabinets should be at the top of your list.
I’ve lived with these cabinets, wrestled with their quirks, and come out the other side with a kitchen that’s not just functional but downright gorgeous.
Trust me, you’ll want to hear this story—and by the end, you’ll be itching to snag some UltraCraft cabinets for yourself. Let’s get into my journey with them and why they’re worth your hard-earned cash.
My Experience With UltraCraft Cabinets
I’ll never forget the day I decided to redo my kitchen.
It was a chaotic mess—think outdated oak cabinets from the ’90s that creaked every time I opened them.
I wanted something modern, sturdy, and, honestly, a little luxurious without selling my soul to pay for it.
After weeks of research, I landed on UltraCraft cabinets.
The promise of semi-custom options, a sleek frameless design, and that 100-year warranty had me hooked.
So, I took the plunge and ordered a set for my home.
The delivery day was like Christmas morning. The boxes arrived on time, stacked neatly, and—here’s the kicker—not a single dent or scratch. I’d read horror stories about damaged shipments, so I was holding my breath, but UltraCraft came through.
My contractor, a guy who’s seen it all, even nodded approvingly at the solid boxes and the soft-close hinges. Installing them was a breeze, too. The frameless design meant fewer adjustments, and once they were up, my kitchen transformed.
I went with a mix of wood and thermofoil finishes—wood for the timeless vibe and thermofoil for that smooth, modern touch.
Fast forward a few years, and I’ve put these cabinets through the wringer. I’m not gentle—pots clang, kids slam drawers, and I’ve spilled everything from red wine to spaghetti sauce.
The wood doors still look pristine, with that solid middle piece holding strong, though I’ll admit it’s not as thick as some vintage cabinets I’ve seen. The thermofoil?
It held up for about 15 years before I noticed some peeling around the edges—nothing a quick door swap couldn’t fix.
The soft-close feature still works like a dream, quietly saving my sanity every time my toddler goes on a cabinet-opening spree. Sure, there were hiccups—like a slight finish inconsistency on one door—but UltraCraft’s customer service stepped up and replaced it, no fuss.
Living with these cabinets has been a revelation. They’re not just storage; they’re a statement. Friends walk in and gush over the design, and I beam with pride knowing I picked something that’s both practical and stunning.
It’s been a journey, and I’m here to break it all down for you—pros, cons, and everything in between.
Pros of UltraCraft Cabinets
- Solid Construction That Lasts
You want cabinets that can take a beating, right?
UltraCraft delivers.
The boxes are rock-solid—my contractor swore by them, saying they barely needed tweaking once hung.
I’ve loaded mine with heavy cast-iron skillets, and there’s no sagging or wobbling.
The wood doors feel substantial, even if the middle panel isn’t as beefy as some older models I’ve compared them to. They’ve survived decades in my home, and that’s saying something with my chaotic cooking habits.
- Customization Galore
Here’s where UltraCraft shines. You’re not stuck with cookie-cutter sizes or styles. I could tweak the dimensions to fit my quirky kitchen layout—think odd angles and a funky island—and still had over 50 door styles to choose from.
I mixed wood grains with sleek thermofoil finishes, and the result?
A kitchen that’s uniquely mine. Whether you’re into modern slabs or classic Shaker vibes, they’ve got you covered. Plus, the paint and stain options? Endless. I went with a crisp white that pops against my dark counters—chef’s kiss.
- Soft-Close Magic
If you’ve never had soft-close hinges and drawers, you’re missing out. I didn’t realize how much I’d love this until I had it. No more slamming doors or pinched fingers—just a gentle, quiet close every time.
It’s standard on all UltraCraft cabinets, and after years of use, mine still glide like they’re brand new. It’s the little things that make you feel like you’re living in a high-end space, you know?
- Wide Range of Choices
You’re not pigeonholed with UltraCraft. They’ve got something for everyone—wood species like oak and maple, finishes from matte to glossy, and inserts if you’re feeling fancy.
I’ve seen their portfolio in action, and it’s impressive. My buddy went for a bold navy finish, and it’s stunning. Whatever your taste, you’ll find a combo that screams “you.” It’s like a buffet of design options, and I’m here for it.
- Reliable Support
Issues happen—I get it. But UltraCraft’s got your back. When one of my doors came with a funky finish glitch, I called them up, and they sent a replacement fast.
No arguing, no excuses—just results. I’ve heard from pros who’ve used them for years, and they echo the same: UltraCraft stands behind their stuff. That 100-year warranty isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a promise they seem to keep.
Cons of UltraCraft Cabinets
- Thermofoil Peeling Potential
Let’s keep it real—thermofoil isn’t invincible. Mine started peeling after 15 years, especially near the sink where steam and splashes hit hard.
It wasn’t a dealbreaker—I swapped the doors—but if you’re all-in on thermofoil, know it might not age as gracefully as wood. I’ve heard similar gripes from others, so it’s something to weigh if you’re picking finishes.
- Cost-Cutting Concerns
Since a private equity firm took over, I’ve noticed whispers about cost-cutting. My newer cabinets feel slightly less hefty in spots—like that thinner middle panel—compared to the ones I installed decades ago.
It’s not a dealbreaker, but it makes me wonder if the long-term vibe might shift. They’re still solid, don’t get me wrong, but I’m keeping an eye on it.
- Lead Time Can Test Your Patience
Custom cabinets take time, and UltraCraft’s no exception. My order took about five weeks, which wasn’t bad since I planned ahead. But if you’re in a rush, this might irk you. Some folks have vented about longer waits, especially during peak times or post-COVID chaos.
Just don’t expect instant gratification—good things take a minute.
- Finish Inconsistencies
Okay, this one stung a bit. One door in my batch had a weird texture—like something brushed it before it dried. It wasn’t a huge deal, and they fixed it, but it’s a reminder that quality control isn’t flawless.
I’ve seen pros mention similar hiccups, especially during the pandemic. It’s rare, but it happens—something to prep for mentally.
Maintenance Tips For UltraCraft Cabinets
- Wipe Down Regularly: You don’t need fancy cleaners—just a damp cloth and some mild soap. I wipe mine down weekly to keep grease and grime at bay. Wood finishes stay shiny, and thermofoil doesn’t get sticky. Skip the harsh stuff—chemicals can mess with the finish, and I learned that the hard way with a scuff mark that wouldn’t budge.
- Handle Spills Pronto: Spilled some coffee? Don’t let it sit. I’ve found that quick action keeps stains from setting, especially on wood. Thermofoil’s trickier—moisture can sneak under edges and start that peeling I mentioned. Grab a towel, dab it dry, and you’re golden. My sink-area doors thank me for staying on top of this.
- Check Hinges and Glides: Those soft-close goodies? They’re champs, but dust can gum them up. I give mine a quick once-over every few months—wipe the hinges and make sure nothing’s loose. Once, a drawer felt off; a tiny tweak fixed it. Keep them clean, and they’ll purr for years.
- Avoid Steam Buildup: Cooking up a storm is my jam, but steam’s a sneaky foe. I use my range hood religiously to vent it out—keeps the cabinets from warping or peeling. If you’ve got thermofoil near the stove, this is non-negotiable. Trust me, a little airflow goes a long way.
- Refresh When Needed: After 15 years, my thermofoil doors needed a swap. It was easy—UltraCraft sent replacements, and my contractor popped them in. Wood doors might need a polish or touch-up stain over time. Don’t be afraid to refresh; it’s cheaper than a full redo and keeps your kitchen looking sharp.
Comparison of UltraCraft Cabinets With Other Brands
Let’s put UltraCraft cabinets head-to-head with some big players—StarMark Cabinets, Cabinets To Go, and Thomasville Cabinets. I’ve lived with UltraCraft, scoped out showrooms, and chatted with pros, so here’s how they stack up in a straight-up showdown.
Buckle up—this is where you figure out what’s worth your money.
- UltraCraft Vs. StarMark Cabinets
StarMark’s all about that premium, custom vibe, and I get the hype.
Their cabinets scream luxury—think rich cherry finishes and handcrafted details I drooled over in a showroom once.
UltraCraft holds its own with solid plywood boxes and a frameless design that maximizes space, which StarMark’s framed setup can’t quite match.
StarMark’s doors feel a tad heftier, but UltraCraft’s soft-close hinges and drawers come standard—StarMark charges extra for that. Price-wise, StarMark’s a splurge; I’d pay 20-30% more for it.
UltraCraft gives me near-luxe quality without the wallet-draining hit. If you’re balling on a budget, UltraCraft’s your pick—StarMark’s for when you’re ready to go all-out.
- UltraCraft Vs. Cabinets To Go
Cabinets To Go is the budget warrior, and I’ve seen their stuff in action at a friend’s place—sleek, affordable, and decently sturdy.
They use plywood construction like UltraCraft, which I love over particleboard any day.
Here’s the catch: their customization is limited.
UltraCraft let me tweak sizes to fit my wonky kitchen layout; with Cabinets To Go, I’d be stuck with fillers and standard sizes. UltraCraft’s soft-close is standard—Cabinets To Go makes you upgrade for it, and their base drawers aren’t dovetail like mine.
Price?
Cabinets To Go wins—they’re cheaper by a good chunk, often under $10,000 for a kitchen. But for me, UltraCraft’s flexibility and higher-end features justify the extra spend. If you’re pinching pennies, Cabinets To Go’s solid; if you want tailored quality, UltraCraft’s the move.
- UltraCraft Vs. Thomasville Cabinets
Thomasville, sold through Home Depot, brings a mix of stock and semi-custom options, and I’ve peeked at their displays—classy and versatile.
Their cabinets often use solid wood doors and plywood boxes, matching UltraCraft’s durability.
Thomasville’s edge is accessibility—you can grab stock units fast, unlike UltraCraft’s 4-5 week lead time for custom orders.
But UltraCraft’s frameless design gives me more storage space, and their 50+ door styles outshine Thomasville’s narrower range.
Soft-close?
UltraCraft includes it; Thomasville’s base models don’t, and upgrades add up. Price-wise, Thomasville can be cheaper for stock—think $8,000-$15,000—but semi-custom creeps closer to UltraCraft’s $10,000-$20,000 range. I’d pick UltraCraft for the modern flair and space efficiency; Thomasville’s great if you need something quick and classic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
They’re not the cheapest, but they’re not insane either. I’d call them mid-to-high range—think semi-custom territory. Depending on your finishes and tweaks, you’re looking at $10,000 to $20,000 for a full kitchen, give or take. Mine hit around $15,000 with some bells and whistles, but it varies by size and style. Worth it for the quality, in my book.
Sort of. The doors? Yup, solid wood if you pick that option—mine are, and they feel it. The boxes are plywood, which is sturdy as heck, not particleboard junk. Thermofoil doors are MDF with a coating, so not solid wood there. You get choices—wood’s pricier but tougher long-term.
Right here in the USA. They’re crafted in North Carolina, and I dig that—it’s a nod to American know-how. No overseas shipping surprises, just homegrown quality hitting your doorstep.
It’s all about what lasts for you. I lean toward plywood boxes and solid wood doors—UltraCraft nails that combo. Dovetail drawers and soft-close hardware are musts for me, too. Frameless like UltraCraft’s gives more space, but framed can be sturdier if you’re rough. Pick what fits your life—mine’s chaos, and UltraCraft holds up.
Wrapping Up
After living with UltraCraft cabinets, I’m sold—you should be too. They’ve turned my kitchen into a space I adore, blending toughness with style that’s hard to beat. Sure, there are minor quirks, but the pros outweigh them by a mile.
If you’re ready for cabinets that look amazing, last forever, and don’t leave you broke, UltraCraft’s calling your name. Go for it—you won’t regret it.