Learn About Kitchen Wall Cabinets Before You Decide

Many kitchen remodels start with quality Entry Level Cabinets

Your Entry Level kitchen cabinets are the type that you see the most in just about every home center and kitchen dealer in the Albany area. They are the most plentiful of cabinet types available, are the most prominent choice when people are pulling together kitchen remodel ideas. These types of kitchen wall cabinets used to be referred to as "stock" cabinets because companies would mass produce them and put them in a warehouse until they were purchased. Today most of the entry level cabinets are "made to order." They are still only available in certain colors and wood species and with select door styles. No changes are allowed to be made to the cabinets in most entry level cabinet types.

Differences in prices within this category of cabinets is generally due to wood species which may be available, colors available and door styles available.  There may also be differences in the amenities which are offered as well. The more expensive the entry level cabinets the more options available.

The types of cabinets available will also vary. You may not be able to get all the same size or configuration of cabinets from one entry level manufacturer to another.

The cabinets are still mass produced with most being fastened together with hot glue and staples. Generally the sides of the cabinets are 3/8" to ½" thick, usually a low pressure particle board is standard. Some of the lines can be upgraded to add plywood sides over the particle board or replace the particle board with all plywood, though that generally requires an all plywood box of ½" plywood. Both of these options require cost upgrades. The backs of the cabinets are generally 1/4" board with 3/4" hanging/fastening strips. Tops and bottoms are generally 3/8" particle board.

Most entry level cabinets now come with solid wood drawers with a ¼" bottom. Drawer track may be either ¾ or full extension standard and most if not all have a soft close upgrade.

These cabinets are generally a solid cabinet and hold up well if they are installed properly. The lead time for obtaining the cabinets from the time the order is placed until they are ready to be delivered is usually in the 4 to 6 week range. Generally the cost of the cabinets for an average Capital District kitchen will range from $3500 to $8000+ depending upon style, wood, and amenities selected.

Still want to learn more about cabinets? Check out the higher end custom kitchen cabinets and the usually least expensive knock down cabinets.