Why Are American Woodmark Cabinets So Expensive?
- PA Home
Walk into a big box store like Home Depot or Lowe’s, and you’ll likely come across American Woodmark cabinets. They look great, feel sturdy, and seem to tick every box on your kitchen renovation checklist. But then—you check the price tag. Wait, why are they so expensive?
If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what you’re paying for when you choose American Woodmark, and whether their price tag matches the value they offer.
You’re Not Buying Just Cabinets—You’re Buying Craft
Here’s the thing: American Woodmark isn’t your typical budget cabinet brand. They may not offer full-blown custom kitchen cabinet services, but their semi-custom kitchen cabinets customization gets you pretty close. And that flexibility doesn’t come cheap.
Want soft-close drawers? You got it. Hidden trash pull-outs? No problem. Slide-out spice racks, lazy Susans, built-in organizers? All on the menu.
But every time you upgrade a standard box into something smarter, sleeker, or more convenient, you’re also upgrading the price. It’s like adding toppings to a pizza—one slice at a time, the total climbs.
Fun fact: The Citizens bank says cabinets can take up nearly 30% of your total kitchen renovation budget. (Source)
Material Matters: Real Wood, Real Price
When it comes to cabinets, the materials used can make or break both the look and lifespan of your kitchen. American Woodmark doesn’t cut corners here—they offer a mix of hardwood, plywood, and high-quality engineered wood products, depending on the collection you choose.
- Hardwood Doors and Frames: Many American Woodmark lines feature solid hardwood doors like maple, oak, or cherry. Hardwood is dense, durable, and ages beautifully. It resists dents and warping better than particleboard or MDF, which are cheaper but less robust. This means your cabinet fronts will stay looking fresh for years, but it also means higher raw material costs.
- Plywood Cabinet Boxes: Instead of particleboard, many models use plywood for cabinet boxes. Plywood is made by layering thin wood veneers at right angles. This cross-grain structure adds strength and moisture resistance, which is crucial in kitchens where humidity fluctuates. Compared to particleboard, plywood costs more and requires more labor to assemble due to the precise cuts and joinery.
- Engineered Wood and Particleboard: In lower-priced lines, you’ll find engineered wood or particleboard with veneer finishes. While cost-effective, these materials tend to be less durable and more prone to damage over time. They’re easier to manufacture and reduce costs but impact longevity and overall cabinet feel.
- Hardware and Joinery: American Woodmark doesn’t just use cheap staples or glue. Their cabinets often feature dovetail joints on drawers—a hallmark of quality craftsmanship. Plus, soft-close hinges and full-extension drawer slides add functional value but increase material and assembly costs.
- Finishes and Paints: The company offers numerous finish options, from standard stains to multi-layer paints and glazing effects. Specialty finishes require additional prep work, multiple coats, and curing time, adding to labor hours and equipment costs. Eco-friendly, low-VOC finishes also tend to be pricier but align with environmental standards and healthier indoor air quality.
All these materials and details mean you’re investing in cabinets built to last and designed to perform. But they also explain why American Woodmark cabinets aren’t bargain basement prices.
Built in America—That’s Good (and Costly)
American Woodmark proudly manufactures most of its cabinets in the United States. This “Made in America” label resonates with many consumers, but it also has a significant impact on cost. Let’s unpack why.
Why U.S. Production Costs More
- Higher Labor Wages: U.S. manufacturing labor laws ensure fair wages, overtime pay, and benefits for workers. This pushes up hourly labor costs compared to countries with lower wages. Skilled labor is especially important in cabinet making, where precision and quality matter.
- Stringent Safety and Environmental Regulations: U.S. factories must comply with OSHA workplace safety standards and environmental regulations, such as the Clean Air Act. Compliance means investments in safer machinery, pollution controls, and waste management—all adding to operational expenses.
- Energy Costs: Manufacturing facilities in the U.S. typically pay higher electricity and fuel rates than factories overseas, increasing production overhead.
- Logistics and Distribution: While U.S.-based factories reduce overseas shipping costs, domestic transportation is still a significant factor. Customized cabinet sizes require careful handling and shipping, adding to logistics expenses.
- Quality Control: Producing locally enables tighter quality control, reducing defects and reworks, but this also means investing in advanced inspection equipment and skilled supervisors.
Design Options Add Up
Here’s where things really start to climb: design choices. American Woodmark gives you dozens of styles, from shaker to raised panel to modern slab. And the finish options? You could spend hours just picking a shade of gray.
But here’s the catch: Each option means more complexity at the factory. Different finishes require different setups. Glazes and distressing techniques? They’re often done by hand. So yeah, that dreamy kitchen design you saw on Pinterest isn’t exactly cheap to replicate.
And let’s not forget those beautiful cabinet accessories kitchen buyers love—pull-out trays, built-in dividers, wine racks. These little luxuries come with not-so-little price tags.
Semi-Custom = Flexibility (Not Discounts)
American Woodmark isn’t a full custom kitchen cabinet brand, but they let you personalize a lot—sizes, layouts, accessories, finishes, and configurations. This semi-custom approach is perfect if you want a tailored look without waiting six months or selling a kidney.
But every tweak and add-on slows down production and increases costs. Want taller wall cabinets? Wider drawers? A unique island layout? All that custom sizing means more labor, more complexity, more dollars.
Compare that to flat-pack cabinets from IKEA—limited sizes, flat colors, no real upgrades—and suddenly, the price difference makes sense.
Retail Partnerships Bring Convenience—And Markups
Most folks buy American Woodmark through Home Depot or Lowe’s. It’s convenient, but it’s not wholesale. Big-box retailers add their own markup, especially when cabinets are bundled with design help, delivery, or installation.
You’re not just paying for wood and screws—you’re paying for:
- In-store design consultations
- Delivery logistics
- Inventory management
- Extended warranties
- Marketing costs
So while it feels like you’re buying cabinets, you’re actually buying a full-service experience.
Compared to the Competition: Are They That Pricey?
Let’s break it down. Here’s how American Woodmark stacks up against some other big names:
| Brand | Manufacturing Location | Labor Cost Factor | Material Quality | Customization Level | Retail Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Woodmark | USA | High | Hardwood & plywood | Semi-custom | Home Depot, Lowe’s |
| KraftMaid | USA | High | Hardwood & plywood | Semi to full custom | Showrooms, Dealers |
| Thomasville | USA | High | Hardwood & veneer | Semi-custom | Local Dealers |
| IKEA | Europe/Asia | Low | Particleboard/MDF | Stock (no custom) | Direct/Ecommerce |
| RTA Brands (generic) | Overseas (China, Vietnam) | Low | Particleboard | Stock (minimal custom) | Online Retailers |
American Woodmark’s U.S. production means higher upfront costs due to fair wages, safety standards, and quality controls. But that investment delivers:
- Consistent Quality: Less variation between batches, meaning your cabinets look and function better, longer.
- Environmental Compliance: Safer, eco-friendlier manufacturing aligns with growing customer expectations.
- Faster Issue Resolution: Problems can be addressed quicker with domestic factories than overseas suppliers.
- Local Job Support: Many customers appreciate supporting American jobs and industry.
Compared with imported brands that may rely on lower-cost materials and labor, American Woodmark offers a premium product. Brands like IKEA provide affordability and fast delivery but often sacrifice longevity and customization options. KraftMaid and Thomasville, on the other hand, push the customization and design boundaries even further but come with even higher price tags and longer lead times.
For many homeowners, American Woodmark strikes the sweet spot between quality, price, and flexibility—especially for those seeking semi-custom kitchen cabinets customization made with American craftsmanship.
Hidden Costs You Might Not See
Even if your initial quote seems reasonable, costs can creep up. Here’s where people get surprised:
- Installation: American Woodmark doesn’t install directly. You’ll pay your contractor or store to do it.
- Delays: Semi-custom means lead times. Expect 4–6 weeks, minimum.
- Upgrades: Fancy handles, pull-outs, LED lighting? Not included unless you ask—and pay.
That’s why it’s important to review every line item before you say yes.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
American Woodmark isn’t the cheapest option. But they offer a solid balance of durability, design flexibility, and American craftsmanship.
You’re getting more than just cabinets—you’re getting a kitchen that fits your life. And for many homeowners, that’s worth every penny.
So, are American Woodmark cabinets “too expensive”? Not if you value quality. Not if you want flexibility. And definitely not if you’re building a kitchen to last.
FAQs
Can I get American Woodmark cabinets in custom sizes?
Can I install American Woodmark cabinets myself, or should I hire a professional?
Are there any eco-friendly options available with American Woodmark?
Do American Woodmark cabinets come with a finish that is easy to maintain?
Are American Woodmark cabinets suitable for kitchens with high humidity or moisture?
