B. Jorgsen & Co Cabinets: The Brutal Truth Before You Buy
Choosing kitchen cabinets can feel like navigating a minefield. You’re balancing budget, style, and the terrifying prospect of picking a brand that falls apart in five years.
This is where brands like B. Jorgsen & Co. enter the picture, offering a tempting promise of high-end looks without the shocking price tag. But is it too good to be true? Many homeowners find themselves paralyzed, stuck between rave reviews and whispers of quality control issues.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will provide an unflinching look at B. Jorgsen & Co. cabinets, exploring their construction, business model, and the common problems owners face. By the end, you’ll have the clarity to decide if this brand is the secret to your dream kitchen or a costly mistake waiting to happen.
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Decoding the Brand: Who Exactly is B. Jorgsen & Co?
Understanding B. Jorgsen & Co. requires looking at the bigger picture of the cabinet industry. The company is not a traditional cabinet maker crafting products in a local workshop. Instead, B. Jorgsen & Co. operates as a private label brand.
This means the cabinets are manufactured overseas, likely in China, and then imported and distributed in the United States. They are prominently sold through retailers like Cabinets To Go. In fact, B. Jorgsen & Co. is one of several brands sold under this retail model, which was founded by Tom Sullivan, the same entrepreneur behind Lumber Liquidators.
This business model is key to their attractive pricing. By leveraging international manufacturing and a streamlined distribution network, they can offer products with features typically found in more expensive lines. However, it also means that quality control and customer service can sometimes be a step removed from the actual manufacturing process.
A Look Inside the Catalog: B. Jorgsen Cabinet Styles
B. Jorgsen & Co. focuses on offering popular, timeless styles that appeal to a broad range of homeowners. You won’t find exotic materials or endless customization options, but you will find the classic looks that anchor most kitchen designs. Their collections primarily revolve around two major aesthetic categories.
The Timeless Appeal of Shaker Cabinets
The Shaker style is the cornerstone of the B. Jorgsen lineup. Known for its simple, clean lines—a five-piece door with a recessed center panel—it’s a versatile look that fits everything from modern farmhouse to transitional kitchens. Styles like the Chalet White and Newport Blue offer this classic design in contemporary colors.
These cabinets provide a clean canvas for your kitchen design. Their simplicity allows you to make a statement with countertops, backsplashes, and hardware. The enduring popularity of the Shaker style also means it’s a safe bet for long-term value and appeal.
Traditional Designs for a Classic Look
For those seeking a more formal or ornate kitchen, B. Jorgsen & Co. offers traditional raised-panel designs. Lines like the Victoria Ivory feature doors with decorative detailing and rich, multi-tonal finishes like glazing. These styles bring a sense of warmth and established elegance to a home.
These more decorative cabinets are designed to be a focal point. They pair well with classic materials like granite and detailed crown molding to create a sophisticated, timeless kitchen environment.
The Blueprint for Quality: A Deep Dive into Construction
The real question for any cabinet brand, especially one in the budget-friendly space, is how they are built. This is where B. Jorgsen & Co. surprises many. Their core construction specifications are significantly better than typical entry-level cabinets.
Most B. Jorgsen cabinets feature cabinet boxes made from plywood, not the cheaper medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard. Plywood offers greater structural rigidity and better resistance to moisture—a critical factor in kitchens and bathrooms. The face frames, doors, and drawer fronts are typically made from solid hardwood, such as birch.
This robust foundation is complemented by features that are usually considered upgrades. Dovetail joinery on drawer boxes provides exceptional strength and is a hallmark of quality craftsmanship. Furthermore, the inclusion of soft-close hinges and full-extension undermount drawer glides as standard is a major value proposition, delivering the smooth, quiet operation of a high-end kitchen.
However, the quality of the finish can be a point of contention. While generally smooth and attractive, some users report inconsistencies, such as variations in color between doors or minor blemishes. This is often a trade-off in the import cabinet market, where mass production can sometimes lead to less stringent final inspections compared to custom cabinet shops.
To put it in perspective, here is how B. Jorgsen’s typical construction stacks up against low-end and high-end alternatives.
| Feature | Low-End (Particleboard) Cabinets | B. Jorgsen & Co. | High-End Custom Cabinets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box Material | Particleboard or MDF | Plywood | Plywood or Solid Wood |
| Doors/Frames | MDF with Thermofoil/Laminate | Solid Hardwood (e.g., Birch) | Solid Hardwood (e.g., Maple, Cherry) |
| Drawer Box Joinery | Stapled or Doweled | Dovetail | Dovetail |
| Drawer Glides | Side-Mount, Epoxy Coated | Undermount, Full-Extension, Soft-Close | Undermount, Full-Extension, Soft-Close (often premium brands like Blum) |
| Hinges | Standard Overlay, Self-Close | Concealed European, Soft-Close | Concealed European, Soft-Close (premium brands) |
| Finish | Thermofoil or Laminate | Painted or Stained Varnish | Multi-Step Catalyzed Conversion Varnish |
The Price Tag Secret: How Do They Keep Costs Down?
The combination of plywood construction, solid wood doors, and premium hardware at an affordable price point seems counterintuitive. The secret lies in a business model built on three core principles: overseas manufacturing, a focus on Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) products, and limited customization.
First, manufacturing in countries with lower labor costs provides the most significant savings. Second, many B. Jorgsen cabinets are sold as RTA, or “flat-packed.” This means the homeowner or contractor is responsible for assembly, which drastically reduces shipping costs and labor for the supplier. While assembly can be straightforward for a seasoned DIYer, it’s an added step and potential point of frustration for novices.
Finally, the brand maintains a curated selection of styles and sizes. By avoiding the complexities of custom modifications, they can streamline production and maintain a consistent inventory. This lack of customization is a trade-off; you get a great price, but you must design your kitchen around their standard dimensions.
B. Jorgsen vs. The Market: A Reality Check
When planning a kitchen remodel, many homeowners begin their journey by comparing big-box options. While a Costco kitchen cabinets vs IKEA analysis is a common starting point, brands like B. Jorgsen & Co. occupy a compelling middle ground. They often provide superior materials (plywood vs. particleboard) than what’s found in the lowest-priced tiers of big-box stores.
Compared to semi-custom brands, B. Jorgsen offers a faster turnaround time and lower cost. However, you sacrifice the ability to order custom sizes, unique finishes, or specialized cabinet configurations. The key is to assess your priorities: if your layout works with standard sizes and you value solid construction for your budget, B. Jorgsen becomes a very strong contender.
From Box to Kitchen: Installation and Finishing
Successfully installing B. Jorgsen cabinets hinges on careful assembly and attention to detail. For RTA cabinets, it is crucial to find a level surface and follow the instructions precisely. Many installers recommend adding a bead of wood glue to the joints during assembly for enhanced rigidity, even if the instructions don’t call for it.
A professional finish requires more than just hanging boxes on the wall. Details are what elevate the final look. Properly installed fillers, crown molding, and light rail are essential for a built-in appearance. Meticulous planning for details like the baseboard under kitchen cabinets ensures a seamless transition from cabinetry to flooring.
While these cabinets arrive pre-finished, understanding how finishes are applied can be helpful for long-term care and touch-ups. The process is vastly different from a project like refinishing mid-century kitchen cabinets, but knowing about wood preparation and coating helps you appreciate the factory finish and handle any necessary repairs with care.
Red Flags and Common Complaints: What to Watch Out For
No brand is without its critics, and it’s vital to address the common issues raised in user reviews. For B. Jorgsen & Co., complaints often center on three areas: shipping damage, finish inconsistencies, and hardware adjustments.
Shipping flat-packed cabinets across the world is a logistical challenge, and damage can occur. The most critical step you can take is to inspect every single piece immediately upon delivery. Unpack all boxes and check for cracked frames, scratched doors, or missing parts before your installation is scheduled to begin. Reporting issues promptly is key to getting replacement parts in a timely manner.
Finish inconsistencies, such as slight variations in paint color or small specks in the varnish, are another potential issue. While often minor, these can be frustrating. A practical solution is to order a touch-up kit with your cabinets to address any small blemishes yourself. For more significant issues, you’ll need to work with the distributor’s customer service.
Finally, while the soft-close hardware is a great feature, it sometimes requires adjustment after installation for the doors and drawers to align perfectly. This is a normal part of any cabinet install but can be perceived as a defect by those unfamiliar with the process. Learning how to adjust the small screws on the hinges can resolve most alignment issues.
The Final Verdict: Are B. Jorgsen & Co. Cabinets Your Best Bet?
So, what’s the final word on B. Jorgsen & Co.? This brand is not for the homeowner seeking a bespoke, custom kitchen with unique finishes and features. It is also not for someone who is unwilling to meticulously inspect a delivery and manage a project with potential for minor hiccups.
However, B. Jorgsen & Co. offers exceptional value for the right customer. The ideal B. Jorgsen buyer is a budget-conscious homeowner, a DIY renovator, or a landlord who prioritizes durable construction over extensive customization. If you want the core benefits of plywood boxes, solid wood doors, and high-end hardware without the high-end price, and you are willing to work within their standard offerings, this brand is a fantastic choice.
By understanding the trade-offs inherent in their business model, you can leverage their strengths to achieve a beautiful and durable kitchen that performs well above its price point. It’s an opportunity to get foundational quality where it counts, allowing you to invest the savings into other areas of your kitchen remodel.
