When shopping for high end kitchen cabinets, look for furniture-grade plywood rather than the cheap stuff you find on bulk racks in home centers and lumberyards. Also, look for solid wood doors and drawer fronts, full-height back panels that are at least 3/4 inch thick, I-beam stabilizers, corner brackets, and clear or soft urethane drawer and door bumpers. Other construction details, such as dovetail joints inside the drawers and full-extension glides, are also good indicators of quality.
A reputable cabinetmaker will stand behind their product, so be sure to check their warranty before making a purchase. You should also be able to see if the company offers a showroom or has reviews on websites like Birdeye and Nicelocal.
Some brands offer a range of styles and options that fit different design tastes, so make sure to take a look at their website before buying. For example, StarMark Cabinetry, which is sold at The Home Depot, has 15 collections that span a dozen design styles and is ranked No. 2 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power, while American Woodmark is a popular option at The Home Depot and is tied with KraftMaid for No. 1 in the industry.
Italian cabinetmaker Snaidero, which is stocked at Puustelli Kitchens USA, is another top brand in the high-end category. Their luxury modern style is characterized by sleek, minimalist designs and high durability. The company has won a Green Good Design award for its LOOK line of cabinets, which are backed by a lifetime warranty. They are sustainably sourced and free of formaldehyde glues, which makes them an eco-friendly choice for your new kitchen.