Tru Cabinets vs KraftMaid: The Unbiased Shocker
Choosing the right cabinets can feel like navigating a minefield. You are making a decision that will define your kitchen’s look, feel, and functionality for decades. It’s a huge investment, and the fear of making a costly mistake is very real.
Two names that frequently surface in this high-stakes decision are Tru Cabinets and KraftMaid. Both have been presented as quality options for homeowners seeking that perfect blend of style and durability. But a direct comparison between them today reveals a shocking truth you need to know before you spend a single dime.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will dissect every aspect of this matchup, from construction quality to customization options. More importantly, we will reveal a critical piece of information that makes your decision surprisingly clear.
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The Homeowner’s Dilemma: Why Is Choosing Cabinets So Hard?
The core problem isn’t a lack of options; it’s an overabundance of confusing information. You are caught between the allure of a beautiful finish and the practical need for long-lasting construction. You read reviews, browse showrooms, and get quotes, yet clarity seems just out of reach.
Homeowners often grapple with the same nagging questions. Will these cabinets withstand the daily chaos of a busy family? Is all-plywood construction really worth the extra cost? How can you be sure you’re getting good value for your hard-earned money?
This uncertainty is precisely what we aim to solve. By breaking down what each brand truly offers—and what they don’t—we provide the foundation for a confident and informed choice. Let’s start by examining the established industry giant, KraftMaid.
A Deep Dive into KraftMaid: The Industry Titan
With a history stretching back to 1969, KraftMaid is one of the most recognizable cabinet brands in North America. Their products are fixtures in big-box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, making them highly accessible to the average homeowner. KraftMaid has built its reputation on offering a vast spectrum of semi-custom options.
KraftMaid’s Construction Philosophy
Understanding how a cabinet is built is the first step to understanding its quality. KraftMaid’s standard construction features solid hardwood face frames for strength. However, the cabinet boxes are typically made from furniture board (particleboard), with an option to upgrade to all-plywood construction (APC).
Their drawers are a highlight, often featuring solid wood dovetail construction and full-extension, soft-close glides as a standard feature. A major selling point is their multi-step finishing process, which results in a durable and beautiful surface that resists scratches and wear.
Customization: KraftMaid’s Ace in the Hole
If you can dream it, KraftMaid can likely build it. This is where the brand truly shines. They offer an almost overwhelming selection of door styles, wood species, finishes, and glazes. This allows you to create a truly personalized kitchen without the price tag of fully custom cabinetry.
From intricate storage solutions to unique decorative moldings, the level of personalization is immense. This flexibility is a significant advantage for homeowners with specific design goals. When trying to determine how to choose the best Lowes cabinets, KraftMaid’s range of options often places it at the top of the list.
Cost and Value Proposition
KraftMaid occupies the mid-to-upper end of the semi-custom market. The final price tag can vary dramatically depending on the door style, finish, and, most importantly, the choice to upgrade to all-plywood construction. While not the cheapest option, many find the cost justifiable for the brand’s reliability and extensive design flexibility.
Uncovering the Truth About Tru Cabinetry
Tru Cabinetry entered the market as a compelling alternative, focusing on American-made quality. Based in Ashland, Alabama, they aimed to provide the features homeowners desired, like all-wood construction, at a competitive price point. For a time, they were a strong contender.
Tru Cabinetry’s Selling Points (Historically)
The primary advantage offered by Tru Cabinetry was its commitment to quality materials as a standard. Their cabinets were built with all-plywood boxes, a feature that often requires a significant upcharge with brands like KraftMaid. This immediately appealed to buyers who prioritized durable construction from the start.
Like KraftMaid, they used solid wood face frames and offered soft-close hinges and drawer glides. While their range of styles and finishes was not as expansive as KraftMaid’s, they provided a well-curated selection of popular designs, from classic shaker doors to more traditional raised panels. Their price point often made them a great value for an all-plywood cabinet.
The Decisive Factor You Cannot Ignore
Here is the most critical piece of information for anyone considering these two brands. In August 2022, Tru Cabinetry permanently ceased operations and closed its doors. This is not a temporary shutdown or a merger; the company is no longer in business.
This single fact fundamentally changes the “Tru Cabinets vs KraftMaid” debate. It is no longer a choice between two active manufacturers. Any existing articles or reviews comparing them as viable current options are dangerously out of date. The reality is, you cannot purchase new cabinets from Tru Cabinetry today.
Head-to-Head Comparison: A Look at What Was
To understand the landscape and what made Tru a competitor, a direct comparison of their features is still valuable. This helps you know what to look for in other brands that might fill the gap Tru left behind.
| Feature | Tru Cabinetry (No Longer in Business) | KraftMaid |
|---|---|---|
| Company Status | Ceased Operations (September 2022) | Fully Operational |
| Standard Box Construction | All-Plywood Construction (APC) | Furniture Board (Particleboard) |
| Plywood Upgrade | N/A (Standard Feature) | Available at Additional Cost |
| Drawer Construction | Solid Wood, Dovetail Joinery | Solid Wood, Dovetail Joinery |
| Hardware | Soft-Close Hinges & Glides | Soft-Close Hinges & Glides (Standard) |
| Customization Options | Good Selection of Styles & Finishes | Extensive Selection of Styles, Finishes, & Accessories |
| Price Point | Mid-Range (Considered Good Value for APC) | Mid-to-Upper Range |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime (Now Void) | Limited Lifetime |
The Solution: Your Clear Path Forward
The problem of choosing between Tru Cabinets and KraftMaid has been solved for you, albeit in an unexpected way. With Tru Cabinetry off the market, the decision path becomes much clearer. The focus now shifts to evaluating KraftMaid on its own merits and understanding what to look for in viable alternatives.
Evaluating KraftMaid as Your Primary Option
KraftMaid remains a strong, reliable choice for a kitchen remodel. Their longevity in the market is a testament to their quality and ability to adapt to changing trends. However, to get a cabinet that is truly comparable in quality to what Tru offered, you must consider one crucial upgrade.
Always opt for the All-Plywood Construction (APC) upgrade. This is non-negotiable if durability and moisture resistance are your top priorities. While it increases the cost, it elevates the cabinet’s structural integrity to a higher standard, ensuring it will last for many years. Without this upgrade, you are getting a particleboard box, which is more susceptible to damage and swelling.
The sheer number of choices can be daunting, which is why working with an experienced kitchen designer is crucial when buying KraftMaid. A skilled designer can navigate the vast catalog to bring your vision to life and avoid costly measurement or ordering errors—a common complaint in online reviews.
Finding Alternatives to Tru Cabinetry
If the standard all-plywood construction of Tru was what appealed to you, there are other brands that fill this niche. Brands like Fabuwood have gained popularity by offering a similar value proposition: quality construction at a reasonable price. Exploring a Fabuwood vs. KraftMaid comparison would be a logical next step.
Similarly, understanding the market can help you find other strong contenders. Delving into comparisons like Cliq Cabinets vs KraftMaid can broaden your perspective on what different companies offer in terms of online purchasing convenience and value. Even considering other major brands can be useful; for some, the question becomes whether brands like Schuler are a worthy investment, prompting research into topics like “Are Schuler cabinets expensive?“
The Final Verdict: Investing in Confidence
The “Tru Cabinets vs KraftMaid” debate is officially over. Tru Cabinetry, despite its appealing features, is a ghost in the cabinet market. Your decision now lies with KraftMaid and its competitors.
KraftMaid stands as a proven, versatile, and highly customizable option. Its greatest strength is its endless flexibility, while its greatest weakness is its standard particleboard construction. By choosing the plywood upgrade, you mitigate that weakness and invest in a durable, long-lasting product backed by a lifetime warranty from a company with a half-century track record.
Your kitchen renovation is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home. The goal is not just to choose a cabinet brand, but to choose with confidence. Armed with the right information, you can now move forward, secure in the knowledge that you are building a kitchen that is not only beautiful but built to last.
