KraftMaid vs Merillat Cabinets: Which Is Better for NJ Kitchens? (2026)
KraftMaid and Merillat are the two most popular semi-custom cabinet brands we install in central New Jersey. Walk into almost any kitchen showroom in Monmouth or Ocean County and you will see both names. Homeowners researching their kitchen remodeling project inevitably land on the same question: which one is better?
Here is the thing most comparison articles will not tell you: KraftMaid and Merillat are owned by the same parent company. Both are manufactured by Masterbrand Cabinets, a division of Fortune Brands Innovations. Same factory network. Same corporate ownership. But very different positioning, pricing, and feature sets.
After 50+ years of installing both brands across Freehold, Manalapan, Colts Neck, Holmdel, and the surrounding area, we have seen how each line performs over time — not just out of the box, but five, ten, even fifteen years into daily use. This guide is our honest breakdown based on real NJ installations, real pricing, and real long-term results.
What you will learn:
- How KraftMaid and Merillat compare on construction, customization, and price
- Actual NJ pricing for a typical 20-linear-foot kitchen with each brand
- Which brand works best for different budgets and goals
- What we see performing better in the homes we service
- When to choose one over the other — and when to consider something else entirely
Quick Comparison: KraftMaid vs Merillat at a Glance
| Feature | KraftMaid | Merillat | Winner |
|---------|-----------|----------|--------|
| Quality Tier | Premium semi-custom | Value semi-custom | KraftMaid |
| NJ Price Range | \$300–\$600/linear ft installed | \$200–\$400/linear ft installed | Merillat (25–40% less) |
| Box Construction | 3/4" plywood standard | 1/2" plywood or particleboard (varies) | KraftMaid |
| Customization | Extensive (sizes, finishes, inserts) | Good (covers popular options) | KraftMaid |
| Availability in NJ | Home Depot + authorized dealers | Authorized dealers only | KraftMaid (easier to find) |
| Lead Time | 6–10 weeks | 4–8 weeks | Merillat (faster) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | Tie |
| Door Style Selection | 70+ styles | 40+ styles | KraftMaid |
| Interior Organization | Valet system (premium) | Standard options | KraftMaid |
| Resale Value | Stronger brand recognition | Good but less known | KraftMaid |
| Best For | Homeowners who want options | Budget-conscious quality | Depends on priorities |
Bottom line: KraftMaid is the better cabinet if your budget allows it. Merillat is the smarter buy when you want solid semi-custom quality without paying the premium price.
KraftMaid: The Premium Semi-Custom Choice
KraftMaid has been manufacturing cabinets since 1969 and has built one of the strongest brand names in the kitchen industry. They are Masterbrand's flagship semi-custom line — more customizable, thicker construction, more finish options, and a higher price tag.
What Defines KraftMaid in 2026
- Construction: 3/4-inch plywood sides and backs come standard on most lines. Solid wood face frames. Dovetail drawer boxes on upper-tier options. This is noticeably more substantial than budget and some mid-range competitors.
- Customization: This is where KraftMaid separates itself. You can order cabinets in 3-inch width increments (instead of standard 3-inch for bases but 6-inch for walls). Dozens of modifications — reduced depth, extended stiles, custom panels, matching trim pieces. If your kitchen has an awkward corner or an unusual ceiling height, KraftMaid can accommodate it.
- Finishes: Over 80 finish and color options across their lines. Painted, stained, glazed, distressed, and specialty finishes. They regularly introduce trending colors and keep up with cabinet trends for 2026.
- Valet Interior Organization: KraftMaid's proprietary storage system. Pull-out trays, spice racks, tray dividers, lazy Susans, waste basket pull-outs, and drawer inserts designed to fit their specific cabinet dimensions. It is a well-engineered system, though every accessory adds cost.
- Availability: Home Depot is KraftMaid's exclusive big-box retail partner. You can also order through authorized kitchen dealers and design showrooms across NJ. This dual-channel availability makes KraftMaid easy to shop and price-compare.
NJ Pricing for KraftMaid
For a typical New Jersey kitchen, expect:
| Door Style | Price Per Linear Foot (Installed) | 20 LF Kitchen Total |
|------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------|
| Basic raised panel (maple) | \$300–\$375 | \$6,000–\$7,500 |
| Popular Shaker (maple/cherry) | \$375–\$475 | \$7,500–\$9,500 |
| Painted Shaker (any color) | \$425–\$525 | \$8,500–\$10,500 |
| Premium (inset, beaded, specialty) | \$500–\$600+ | \$10,000–\$12,000+ |
These prices include standard cabinet boxes, doors, hinges, drawer slides, and professional installation. They do not include countertops, hardware (knobs/pulls), crown molding, or organizational accessories — each of which adds cost.
KraftMaid Strengths
- Thickest box construction in the semi-custom category
- The widest range of sizes and modifications, which means fewer filler strips and a more custom-looking result
- Strong resale value — buyers and real estate agents recognize the name
- Available at Home Depot for convenient shopping and competitive pricing
KraftMaid Weaknesses
- 25 to 40 percent more expensive than Merillat for comparable door styles
- Lead times of 6 to 10 weeks can stretch a remodel timeline
- The Valet organization system is excellent but priced as a premium add-on
- Home Depot pricing varies; dealer pricing is sometimes better for complex orders
Merillat: The Value Semi-Custom Choice
Merillat has been making cabinets since 1946 — they have actually been around longer than KraftMaid. Under the Masterbrand umbrella, Merillat is positioned as the accessible semi-custom line: solid quality, good features, and a price point that fits more household budgets.
What Defines Merillat in 2026
- Construction: Varies by product line. The Masterpiece line uses 3/4-inch plywood sides. The Classic line uses 1/2-inch plywood or furniture-board (a high-density particleboard). Both lines use solid wood face frames and quality hinges. The difference in box material is the biggest construction gap between Merillat and KraftMaid.
- CoreGuard Sink Base: This is Merillat's standout feature. Their sink base cabinets have a waterproof, sealed interior that protects against the most common source of cabinet water damage. KraftMaid does not offer anything equivalent at the standard level.
- Door Styles: Around 40 styles across the Classic and Masterpiece lines. That covers every popular look — Shaker, raised panel, slab, recessed panel, and several transitional profiles. You will not find the niche or specialty styles KraftMaid offers, but most homeowners find what they want.
- Availability: Merillat sells exclusively through authorized dealers — not Home Depot, not Lowe's. This means you will work with a kitchen designer or dealer showroom. The upside is more personalized service. The downside is less price transparency and fewer comparison-shopping options.
- Lead Time: Generally 4 to 8 weeks, which is faster than KraftMaid. If timeline is a factor in your remodel, this matters.
NJ Pricing for Merillat
For a typical New Jersey kitchen, expect:
| Door Style | Price Per Linear Foot (Installed) | 20 LF Kitchen Total |
|------------|-----------------------------------|----------------------|
| Basic raised panel (Classic line) | \$200–\$275 | \$4,000–\$5,500 |
| Popular Shaker (Classic line) | \$250–\$325 | \$5,000–\$6,500 |
| Painted Shaker (Masterpiece line) | \$300–\$400 | \$6,000–\$8,000 |
| Premium (Masterpiece inset/beaded) | \$375–\$450 | \$7,500–\$9,000 |
Same inclusions as above — cabinet boxes, doors, hinges, slides, and installation. No countertops, hardware, or accessories.
Merillat Strengths
- 25 to 40 percent less expensive than KraftMaid for equivalent door styles
- CoreGuard sink base protection is a genuinely useful standard feature
- Faster lead times keep your remodel on schedule
- Dealer-only model often means better design guidance during the ordering process
- The Masterpiece line's 3/4-inch plywood construction is on par with KraftMaid's standard
Merillat Weaknesses
- Classic line uses thinner box material (1/2-inch plywood or furniture-board)
- Fewer customization options — limited size modifications compared to KraftMaid
- Not available at big-box stores, which makes comparison shopping harder
- Less brand recognition than KraftMaid, which can matter at resale
- Smaller finish and color selection
Head-to-Head: Where Each Brand Wins
Construction Quality
KraftMaid wins. The 3/4-inch plywood standard across most lines gives KraftMaid a measurable advantage in box rigidity and long-term durability. When we install KraftMaid uppers loaded with dishes and glassware, the boxes do not flex. Drawer slides are smoother on the higher-tier KraftMaid options (soft-close, full-extension, undermount).
Merillat's Masterpiece line closes the gap significantly — the plywood construction is comparable. But the Classic line's thinner box material is noticeable. It is not bad. It is adequate for normal residential use. But side by side, the KraftMaid box feels more substantial.
The practical difference: In a kitchen that is well maintained and not abused, both brands will last 20+ years. The construction difference matters most in heavy-use areas — base cabinets near the stove, pot-and-pan drawers, and upper cabinets holding heavy items.
Customization Options
KraftMaid wins decisively. If your kitchen has unusual dimensions, angled walls, varying ceiling heights, or tight spaces, KraftMaid's wider range of cabinet sizes and modifications means a cleaner, more custom-looking installation. Fewer filler strips, better use of every inch.
Merillat covers standard sizes well, but when we need a 33-inch wide wall cabinet or a reduced-depth pantry, KraftMaid gives us more to work with.
When this matters: Complex kitchen layouts, older NJ homes with non-standard dimensions, and kitchens where maximizing every inch of storage is a priority.
Price
Merillat wins clearly. On a 20-linear-foot kitchen with a popular Shaker door style, the difference looks like this:
| Component | KraftMaid | Merillat | Savings |
|-----------|-----------|----------|---------|
| Cabinets + installation | \$7,500–\$9,500 | \$5,000–\$6,500 | \$2,000–\$3,000 |
That \$2,000 to \$3,000 savings can go toward better quartz countertops, upgraded appliances, or a nicer backsplash. In a remodel, every dollar you save on one element can be redirected to another.
For a 12x12 kitchen remodel on a moderate budget, Merillat is often the better allocation of resources — solid cabinets that free up budget for the countertops and finishes that have more visual impact.
Availability in NJ
KraftMaid is easier to find. Between Home Depot locations and authorized dealers, you can see, touch, and price KraftMaid cabinets at multiple locations across Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex Counties. Home Depot's kitchen design service lets you get a quote without leaving the store.
Merillat requires visiting an authorized dealer. There are good Merillat dealers in NJ — some of them are excellent — but you will need to seek them out specifically. The dealer experience is often more personalized, which is actually an advantage if you want hands-on design help.
Warranty
Tie. Both brands offer a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. The coverage is similar in scope and duration. In practice, we have found both companies responsive when warranty issues arise, though neither is as seamless as high-end custom manufacturers.
The CoreGuard sink base on Merillat gives it a slight edge for water-damage protection, but that is a product feature rather than a warranty difference.
Door Styles and Finishes
KraftMaid has more. With 70+ door styles and 80+ finish options, KraftMaid covers everything from classic raised panel to ultra-modern slab doors. If you want a specific stain color on a specific wood species in a specific door profile, KraftMaid likely has it or can get close.
Merillat's 40+ styles cover all the popular choices. Most homeowners find what they want. But if you have a very specific vision — say, a beaded inset door in a particular sage green paint — KraftMaid is more likely to have it without going custom.
Interior Organization
KraftMaid's Valet system wins. It is a well-designed, integrated storage solution with pull-out trays, drawer inserts, spice racks, tray dividers, and waste systems specifically engineered for KraftMaid cabinet dimensions. Everything fits precisely.
Merillat offers standard organizational accessories — lazy Susans, pull-out shelves, and basic inserts — that work well but are not as extensive or as tightly integrated. For a homeowner who wants a highly organized kitchen with designated spots for every item, KraftMaid's system delivers more options.
Cost consideration: Every Valet accessory adds \$50 to \$300+ per cabinet. A fully outfitted KraftMaid kitchen with extensive organizational accessories can add \$1,500 to \$3,000 to the cabinet budget. Factor this into your comparison.
Resale Value
KraftMaid has stronger brand recognition. Real estate agents in the NJ market recognize the KraftMaid name and may mention it in listing descriptions. "KraftMaid cabinetry" reads as a quality signal to buyers. Merillat is a solid brand, but it does not carry the same immediate recognition with homebuyers.
The honest take: Buyers care more about how the kitchen looks and functions than the cabinet brand label. A beautifully installed Merillat kitchen will outsell a poorly designed KraftMaid kitchen every time. Brand is a tiebreaker, not the deciding factor.
NJ Cost Comparison: 20-Linear-Foot Kitchen
Here is what a typical NJ kitchen looks like with each brand, broken out by door style tier:
| Configuration | KraftMaid Installed | Merillat Installed | Difference |
|---------------|--------------------|--------------------|------------|
| Budget Shaker (maple, Classic equivalent) | \$7,000–\$8,500 | \$5,000–\$6,000 | \$2,000–\$2,500 |
| Mid-Range Painted Shaker | \$8,500–\$10,500 | \$6,000–\$8,000 | \$2,000–\$3,000 |
| Premium Inset | \$10,000–\$12,000 | \$7,500–\$9,000 | \$2,500–\$3,000 |
| With Full Organization Package | Add \$1,500–\$3,000 | Add \$500–\$1,200 | \$1,000–\$1,800 |
Important note: These are cabinet-only prices including installation. A complete kitchen remodel also includes countertops, backsplash, hardware, lighting, plumbing fixtures, flooring, and labor for those components. Cabinets typically represent 30 to 40 percent of a full kitchen remodel budget.
What We See in NJ Kitchens
After decades of installing both brands across central New Jersey, here is what we have observed about who chooses what:
KraftMaid tends to be chosen by:
- Homeowners in Colts Neck, Rumson, Holmdel, and Spring Lake who are doing full kitchen remodels with higher overall budgets
- Clients who want very specific customization — unusual sizes, integrated accessories, coordinated panels for appliances
- Renovation projects where resale value is a primary concern
- Homeowners who start their research at Home Depot and stick with what is readily available
Merillat tends to be chosen by:
- Budget-conscious homeowners in Howell, Jackson, Brick, and Toms River who want quality without paying premium prices
- Clients doing a kitchen upgrade rather than a full gut renovation
- Homeowners who work with a dealer and appreciate guided design help
- Projects where the savings on cabinets are redirected to countertops, appliances, or other high-impact elements
The trend we are seeing: Painted Shaker cabinets dominate both brands right now. Whether it is KraftMaid or Merillat, white, off-white, and light gray painted Shaker doors account for the majority of what we install. The door style matters more to the final look than the brand name on the box.
Decision Framework: Which Brand Is Right for Your Kitchen?
Choose KraftMaid If:
- Your budget allows \$8,000+ for cabinets in a standard kitchen. KraftMaid delivers the most value in the mid-to-upper price range.
- Your kitchen has unusual dimensions. Older NJ homes with non-standard layouts benefit from KraftMaid's wider range of sizes and modifications.
- You want maximum customization. Specific finishes, integrated organization, appliance panels, and specialty cabinet configurations.
- Resale is a priority. If you are remodeling to sell within 3 to 5 years, KraftMaid's brand recognition is a small but real advantage.
- You want to comparison-shop easily. Home Depot availability makes it simple to get pricing and see samples without a dealer appointment.
Choose Merillat If:
- Your budget is \$4,000 to \$7,000 for cabinets. Merillat delivers the best quality per dollar in this range.
- You would rather spend more on countertops or appliances. Saving \$2,000 to \$3,000 on cabinets to upgrade to premium quartz countertops is a smart trade-off for many kitchens.
- Timeline matters. Merillat's faster lead times (4 to 8 weeks vs. 6 to 10) can shave a month off your remodel schedule.
- Your kitchen layout is standard. If your dimensions are straightforward, Merillat's standard sizes will fit without needing extensive modifications.
- You value guided design support. The dealer-only model means you will work with someone who knows the product inside and out.
Consider Custom Cabinets If:
- Your budget exceeds \$15,000 for cabinets alone
- You want unlimited material, size, and design options
- Your kitchen has highly unusual dimensions or architectural features
- You are building a forever home and want heirloom-quality construction
Alternatives Worth Considering
KraftMaid and Merillat are not the only semi-custom options available in NJ. Here are three other brands worth looking at:
Waypoint Living Spaces
Another Masterbrand brand, positioned between Merillat and KraftMaid. Good construction (3/4-inch plywood available), competitive pricing, and decent customization. Worth considering if you want better-than-Merillat construction at less-than-KraftMaid pricing.
Diamond Cabinets
Also a Masterbrand brand. Similar quality tier to KraftMaid with some unique door styles and finishes. Available through authorized dealers. Good option if you like the KraftMaid quality level but want different aesthetic options.
Yorktowne Cabinetry
An independent manufacturer (not Masterbrand) based in Pennsylvania. They offer semi-custom and custom-quality lines at competitive prices. Strong regional presence in the Mid-Atlantic. Worth considering if you want to step outside the Masterbrand ecosystem entirely.
A note about the Masterbrand ecosystem: KraftMaid, Merillat, Waypoint, and Diamond are all made by the same parent company. The quality differences are real — different materials, different manufacturing specs — but they share supply chains, hardware, and some design DNA. If brand independence matters to you, look at Yorktowne, Fabuwood, or fully custom options from local NJ cabinet shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are KraftMaid cabinets worth the extra cost over Merillat?
It depends on your priorities. KraftMaid's thicker plywood construction, wider customization options, and better organizational accessories justify the 25 to 40 percent premium for homeowners who want maximum flexibility and long-term durability. But for a standard kitchen layout where budget is a factor, Merillat delivers excellent quality at a lower price. The savings often make more impact when redirected to countertops or appliances.
Is KraftMaid or Merillat better quality?
KraftMaid is the higher-quality product overall. The 3/4-inch plywood box construction is more rigid, the drawer slides tend to be smoother on upper-tier options, and the finish quality is consistently excellent. However, Merillat's Masterpiece line uses comparable plywood construction and is very close to KraftMaid in build quality. The Classic line is where the gap widens.
How much do KraftMaid cabinets cost in NJ?
For a typical New Jersey kitchen, KraftMaid cabinets cost \$300 to \$600 per linear foot installed. A standard 20-linear-foot kitchen runs \$6,000 to \$12,000 for cabinets and installation, depending on door style, finish, and accessories. Painted finishes cost more than stained. Inset doors cost more than overlay. Organizational accessories add \$1,500 to \$3,000 for a well-outfitted kitchen.
Where can I buy Merillat cabinets in NJ?
Merillat is sold exclusively through authorized dealers — not Home Depot or Lowe's. You can find authorized Merillat dealers by visiting their website or asking your kitchen contractor. Many kitchen design showrooms in Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex Counties carry Merillat. Working with a dealer typically includes design consultation as part of the process.
Are KraftMaid cabinets real wood?
Yes. KraftMaid cabinets use solid wood face frames and real wood door fronts on their wood door styles. Box construction is 3/4-inch plywood (which is real wood, layered and bonded). Painted doors may use MDF (medium-density fiberboard) for the center panel, which is actually preferred for painted finishes because it does not expand and contract like solid wood, preventing paint cracking over time.
How long do KraftMaid cabinets last?
With normal residential use and basic maintenance, KraftMaid cabinets last 20 to 30 years or longer. The plywood box construction is resistant to moisture and warping. Hinges and drawer slides may need replacement after 15 to 20 years of daily use, but the cabinet boxes themselves are built to last the lifetime of most kitchens. Many homeowners reface or repaint KraftMaid cabinets rather than replacing them — the boxes are sturdy enough to support multiple cosmetic updates. See our guide on cabinet refacing for that option.
Can you get KraftMaid cabinets outside Home Depot?
Yes. While Home Depot is KraftMaid's exclusive big-box retail partner, KraftMaid is also available through a network of authorized kitchen dealers and design showrooms. Dealer pricing and Home Depot pricing can differ — sometimes significantly — so it is worth getting quotes from both channels. Dealers may also have access to options or configurations that Home Depot does not carry.
Is there a better semi-custom cabinet brand than both?
In the semi-custom category, KraftMaid and Merillat represent the premium and value ends well. Waypoint (also Masterbrand) sits between them and is worth considering. Outside the Masterbrand family, Yorktowne and Fabuwood offer competitive semi-custom lines. If you are willing to spend more, stepping up to custom cabinetry from a local NJ shop gives you unlimited options — but at a significantly higher price point, typically \$600 to \$1,200+ per linear foot installed.
Our Recommendation
For most NJ kitchen remodels in the \$30,000 to \$60,000 range, we recommend evaluating both brands against your specific priorities:
- If cabinets are the centerpiece of your remodel and you want the best box quality and widest options: go with KraftMaid.
- If you would rather allocate more budget to countertops, appliances, or other finishes while still getting quality cabinets: go with Merillat.
Either choice gives you a solid semi-custom cabinet that will serve your kitchen well for decades. The "right" brand is the one that fits your budget allocation, timeline, and design requirements — not the one with the better marketing.
Ready to Compare Cabinets for Your Kitchen?
The best way to decide between KraftMaid and Merillat — or any cabinet brand — is to see samples in person, discuss your kitchen layout with an experienced installer, and get real pricing based on your specific configuration.
At Custom Kitchens By Lopez, we have installed thousands of kitchens across central New Jersey using both brands. We will give you an honest recommendation based on your budget, timeline, and design goals — not a sales pitch for whichever line pays us a higher margin.
Schedule a free kitchen consultation and bring your questions. We will show you samples, walk through your options, and give you an itemized quote so you can compare brands apples-to-apples.
Custom Kitchens By Lopez serves homeowners across central New Jersey, including:
Monmouth County: Freehold Township, Colts Neck, Holmdel, Manalapan, Marlboro, Howell, Ocean Township, Long Branch, Red Bank, Little Silver, Rumson, Fair Haven, Spring Lake, Wall Township, Tinton Falls, Eatontown, Shrewsbury, Middletown
Ocean County: Brick Township, Toms River, Jackson, Lakewood, Point Pleasant, Manasquan
Middlesex County: Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Monroe Township, South Brunswick
Call us at (732) 903-8816 or request your free cabinet consultation online. No pressure, no commission-driven upsells — just honest guidance from a contractor who installs these cabinets every week.
Written by Enrique Lopez, owner of Custom Kitchens By Lopez, a licensed NJ Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) serving Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex Counties with over 50 years of combined kitchen remodeling experience. All pricing reflects actual 2026 project data from central New Jersey.