Why Are Merillat Cabinets So Expensive?
- PA Home
For many homeowners planning a kitchen remodel, pricing plays a crucial role in choosing cabinetry. Among mid-range cabinet brands, Merillat often emerges as a reliable but seemingly expensive option. This article explores the reasons behind the pricing of Merillat cabinets, offering a clear, fact-based analysis of the product structure, customization flexibility, production standards, and market comparisons.
Are Merillat Cabinets Considered Expensive?
Compared to imported ready-to-assemble (RTA) or stock cabinets, Merillat cabinets tend to carry a higher upfront cost. However, they are positioned within the semi-custom category, which typically offers greater material quality, customization, and service. The price must be considered in context: not just as a cost, but as a reflection of features, construction, and long-term value.
Material and Build Quality: What Defines Merillat’s Price Tiers?
Merillat offers three main product lines, each with its own build characteristics:
Basics:
- Box Construction: Particleboard with vinyl or laminate overlay
- Drawer Boxes: Stapled particleboard drawers with epoxy-coated roller glides
- Door Fronts: Thermofoil or laminate
- Use Case: Entry-level renovations, budget-conscious projects
Classic:
- Box Construction: Furniture board with optional plywood upgrade
- Drawer Boxes: Four-sided dovetail hardwood with full-extension, soft-close glides (optional)
- Door Fronts: Painted MDF or hardwood veneer options
- Use Case: Mid-range remodels seeking quality and design flexibility
Masterpiece:
- Box Construction: All-plywood construction with I-beam braces for durability
- Drawer Boxes: Dovetail solid hardwood drawers, soft-close as standard
- Door Fronts: High-end hardwoods, painted and stained finishes
- Use Case: Long-term homes, high-use kitchens, style-focused renovations
The variation in core materials and internal hardware across these tiers directly impacts pricing. Higher-grade drawers, reinforced cabinetry, and more durable finishes increase both cost and performance.
Customization: Options That Drive Up the Price
Merillat offers a level of customization that exceeds that of typical stock cabinets. Customers can choose from a wide variety of:
- Door styles and profiles
- Finish types and colors
- Cabinet sizes and modifications
- Internal storage accessories (pull-out trays, spice racks, recycling centers)
- Molding and decorative trim
This level of flexibility supports kitchen cabinets customization and gives designers more room to create tailored layouts. In the Masterpiece series, the design depth is especially notable, allowing semi-custom adjustments and premium upgrades that push it closer to full custom cabinet territory.
While this customization improves function and aesthetics, it also contributes significantly to cost. In contrast, mass-produced cabinets with fixed sizes and finishes avoid these added charges.
Built in the USA: Labor, Standards, and Environmental Compliance
Merillat cabinets are manufactured in the United States under the Masco Corporation umbrella. Domestic production contributes to higher labor costs than overseas manufacturing. However, this also brings several benefits:
- Faster lead times
- Tighter quality control
- Support for local economies
In addition to labor and logistics, Merillat complies with numerous environmental and safety standards that further influence production cost:
- CARB II compliance: This regulation limits formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products, creating safer indoor air quality.
- KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP): Merillat is certified under this program, which evaluates resource management, air quality, product performance, and community engagement.
- Low-VOC finishes and adhesives: These reduce off-gassing and support healthier home environments.
- Sustainable sourcing: Merillat prioritizes suppliers that align with responsible forestry and sustainable material practices.
These standards add to operational complexity and cost but appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who prioritize safety and sustainability.
Comparing Merillat to Other Cabinet Brands
To understand Merillat’s pricing better, it helps to compare its series with similarly positioned brands:
| Brand / Series | Comparable Merillat Series | Construction | Customization | Country of Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA Sektion | Basics | Particleboard | Low | International | Lower cost, limited styles |
| Hampton Bay | Basics | MDF/laminate | Low | USA | Budget-friendly, fewer upgrades |
| Diamond NOW | Classic | Furniture board | Medium | USA | Home Depot exclusive |
| KraftMaid Select | Classic | Plywood option | High | USA | More finish and size flexibility |
| Schrock Entra | Masterpiece | Plywood / hardwood | High | USA | Higher-end detailing and finish |
| Wellborn Premier | Masterpiece | Plywood / hardwood | High | USA | Closer to full-custom capability |
Basics is competitively priced for homeowners seeking standard cabinet functionality, though options are limited compared to brands like Diamond NOW.
Classic stands out for its upgradeability and aesthetic range, sitting comfortably beside KraftMaid Select with strong construction options.
Masterpiece competes with premium semi-custom lines like Schrock and Wellborn, offering enhanced durability, more advanced finishes, and refined detailing. It is ideal for long-term homeowners prioritizing design and performance.
Strengths and Drawbacks of Merillat Cabinets
Before deciding whether Merillat is the right fit for your kitchen, it’s important to weigh its primary strengths and drawbacks based on market comparison and customer experience.
Strengths:
- Variety of product lines: They offers three tiers—Basics, Classic, and Masterpiece—allowing homeowners to choose based on budget and design needs.
- Customization flexibility: Particularly in the Classic and Masterpiece series, they provides a wide range of door styles, finishes, and cabinet accessories, supporting diverse kitchen design goals.
- Solid construction at higher tiers: Masterpiece cabinets feature all-plywood boxes, dovetail joints, and soft-close hardware, providing enhanced durability.
- Domestic manufacturing and sustainability: Cabinets are made in the USA, meeting environmental standards like CARB II and KCMA ESP.
- Efficient dealer support: They has a strong distribution network across the U.S., ensuring good after-sales service and availability.
Drawbacks:
- Limited upgrades in Basics series: Entry-level cabinets offer minimal design and construction options, which may not meet long-term needs.
- Pricing near premium brands: Masterpiece can approach the cost of near-custom cabinetry, potentially reducing its appeal for budget-conscious buyers.
- Inconsistent quality control in lower tiers: Some reviews note occasional variability in finish or fit, especially in the Basics line, depending on the distributor.
While Merillat delivers strong performance in the semi-custom segment, careful series selection is essential to match expectations with value.
Is Merillat a Worthwhile Investment?
For homeowners who plan to live in their homes long-term, Merillat offers a practical balance of cost, design, and service. It’s not the cheapest option—but for those seeking a personalized kitchen with trusted support, it delivers reliable value. Its pricing reflects U.S. production, eco-compliance, better materials, and design flexibility.
However, for budget-focused projects or short-term renovations, alternative brands like IKEA or in-stock options may be more appropriate.
Conclusion
Merillat cabinets are priced according to their material quality, design flexibility, domestic manufacturing, and sustainability certifications. While they may cost more than mass-produced alternatives, the value lies in their balanced performance, long-term reliability, and customization potential.
For homeowners considering a custom kitchen cabinet solution that includes trusted service, sustainable sourcing, and a variety of cabinet accessories kitchen configurations, Merillat remains a competitive, well-rounded choice in the American cabinetry market.
FAQs about Merillat cabinets
How long do Merillat cabinets typically last?
Can I buy Merillat cabinets directly, or do I need to go through a dealer?
Do Merillat cabinets come pre-assembled or RTA (ready-to-assemble)?
How does Merillat handle warranty and repairs?
