Not all cabinets are created equal.
Are you renovating your kitchen? Choosing where to buy your cabinets can be even more stressful than choosing the style itself. Do you go with a local custom shop? Gamble on a budget online brand? Or go modern with a direct-to-consumer supplier?
There are so many kitchen cabinet suppliers in the U.S. Unless you understand the differences between them, you’re in for weeks of frustration.
There are four main types of kitchen cabinet suppliers: local cabinet makers, big-box retailers, RTA and online-only stores, and direct-to-consumer suppliers. If you want cheap, DIY-friendly cabinets, consider online-only stores and big-box retailers. If you want premium materials, luxury style, and custom details built to last for decades, a custom cabinet shop or DTC supplier is your best option.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the different types of suppliers, what really matters when buying kitchen cabinets, and why DTC cabinetry is perhaps the most high-value choice for remodelers and contractors.
4 Types of Kitchen Cabinet Suppliers (& How to Choose)
Here are the four main players in the market today, and who they work best for:
1. Local Custom Cabinet Makers
These are small custom cabinet shops, often run by skilled craftsmen. They build cabinetry from scratch to match your exact specifications.
- Fully custom, made-to-order designs
- Ideal for luxury remodels or unique layouts
- Long lead times (8–16 weeks) and premium pricing
🛠️ Pro Insight: Which one is right for you: a local cabinet maker or a factory-made supplier? Get answers here.
2. Big-Box Retailers (e.g. Lowe’s, Home Depot)
National chain stores offer stock and semi-custom cabinet lines. They’re easy to browse in person, and convenient for quick projects.
- Convenient access to stock and semi-custom lines
- Limited finish, style, and size options
- Often includes upsells and middle-tier quality
3. RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) & Online-Only Stores
These brands ship flat-packed cabinets that you assemble yourself. This is a decent option for budget-minded DIYers who want speed and simplicity.
- Flat-packed, ready-to-assemble cabinets
- Great for DIYers or tight budgets
- Limited customization, and usually no design help
4. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Cabinet Suppliers (like iCabinetry)
DTC suppliers cut out the middleman and connect you directly with the manufacturer. They offer high-end lines, expert design help, and transparent pricing. Shopping is done online, and cabinets are delivered to your door.
- Factory-direct access to premium custom lines at wholesale costs (like Starmark)
- Transparent pricing, professional design support
- 6–10 week turnaround with expert service
💡 Learn how buying factory-direct cabinets works →
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Kitchen Cabinets
Price is certainly a consideration when choosing a supplier. But don’t forget the importance of aligning your kitchen goals with the right fit.
Here’s what smart buyers should consider:
- Construction Quality
Materials matter more than marketing. High-quality cabinets feature:
- Plywood boxes (not particleboard)
- Full-extension, soft-close drawers
- Durable finishes like thermofoil or Eurotek veneer
Want an idea of the style you like before working with a designer? HGTV has a handy guide on kitchen cabinet types.
For a deeper breakdown of styles, check out HGTV’s kitchen cabinet types guide.
🛠️ Pro Insight: Cheap cabinets can look great on day 1. But only quality materials hold up to daily wear and humidity over time.
- Customization Options
Want specific finishes, door styles, or custom dimensions? Go custom or semi-custom.
Stock and RTA brands limit your design potential and require compromises.
With factory-made direct to consumer cabinets like our lines at iCabinetry, you have thousands of customization options. Think extensive finish, material, and detailing choices.
- Delivery & Lead Time
The quick delivery of online brands is nice, but not if it means limited styles or lower quality. Custom cabinet shops offer customized kitchen units, but may take a long time to deliver and install.
DTC cabinet companies like iCabinetry strike a strong balance: 6–10 week delivery with full customization.
- Design Support
The right partner can help you pinpoint and create your kitchen vision. Look for:
- 3D design consultations
- Layout assistance
- Phone/email support throughout your project
- Pricing Transparency
Avoid vague estimates. Look for per-linear-foot pricing with clear delivery costs.
You can see our per-linear-foot rates clearly displayed when you shop our cabinets.
- Installation Considerations
DIYers may prefer RTA or online-only stores. Contractors appreciate pre-assembled, high-precision boxes like those from iCabinetry.
Comparing the 4 Types of Kitchen Cabinet Suppliers
| Supplier Type | Avg. Cost/lf | Customization | Convenience | Lead Time | Pro/Con Summary |
| Local Cabinet Maker | $600–$1,200+ | Full custom | Local, but slow | 8–16 weeks | Artisan quality, high cost and wait time |
| Big-Box Retailers | $300–$600 | Limited | In-store convenience | 2–6 weeks | Budget-friendly but limited selection |
| RTA & Online Stores | $150–$400 | Some options | Great for DIY | 1–4 weeks | Low cost, full DIY responsibility |
| DTC (e.g. iCabinetry) | $300–$700 | Full/Semi-Custom | Online + Pro Support | 6–10 weeks | Best mix of value, quality, and customization |
Is DTC / Factory-Direct Cabinetry Right for You?
The DTC (direct-to-consumer) model has totally transformed industries in recent years. And custom kitchen cabinets are no exception!
So, what does DTC cabinetry really mean?
Instead of showroom markups and dealer networks, DTC kitchen cabinet suppliers work directly with manufacturers.
That means affordable pricing, transparency, and full customization. Plus, this removes the pressure of in-store sales tactics (which nobody enjoys).
Curious about other homeowners who’ve gone the DTC route? This review from The Gold Hive shows how online cabinet shopping can change everything.
Benefits of Buying Cabinets DTC:
- Factory-direct pricing with no showroom markup
- High-end lines available at lower prices
- Expert design consultations (often included)
- Full transparency on pricing and timelines
- Cabinets shipped straight to your home or job site
🛠️ Pro Insight: Get our guide to buying direct-to-consumer cabinets →
Why iCabinetry is a Top US Kitchen Cabinet Supplier
Searching for a trustworthy online cabinet supplier? iCabinetry is one of the top factory-direct kitchen cabinet providers in the U.S.
We specialize in custom and semi-custom cabinetry. And we only work with top-tier American manufacturers like Ultracraft and Starmark.
Featured Cabinet Lines:
- iStyle Custom Inset by Starmark – $371/lf
Perfect for elegant, flush-fit doors - iEuro Custom by Ultracraft – $302/lf
Sleek slab and Euro-style cabinets - iEuroTrue by Matinno Living – $178/lf
Affordable modern cabinetry with style
What Makes Us Different?
- Pro-level design support (remote or contractor-ready)
- Full 3D design consultations
- Honest, factory-direct pricing
- Delivery straight to your job site
What About Contractors & Designers? Choose The Right Cabinet Supplier for Your Business
Direct-to-consumer cabinetry is a win for homeowners. But it’s also gaining traction among contractors, builders, and interior designers.
Why? You need reliable, high-quality products. And you don’t need the headaches of retail markups, showroom displays, or slow delivery times.
For Contractors: Precision & Simplicity (On Time)
As a contractor, you’re responsible for a lot more than the build. You need to keep the project on time and on budget. Working with a trusted DTC supplier like iCabinetry can help:
- Factory-Assembled, Installer-Friendly Boxes: These aren’t RTA (ready-to-assemble) kits. iCabinetry delivers pre-assembled, precision-cut cabinet boxes ready to go from the truck to the install site.
- Reliable Lead Times: You’ll get clear delivery windows—typically 6–10 weeks. You can confidently coordinate trades, book install dates, and avoid costly delays.
- Dedicated Support Team: iCabinetry’s pro support team offers real-time help with change orders, specs, and more. You won’t be left on hold with a showroom.
For Interior Designers: Customization Without Complexity
Designers need options, and a process that won’t bog them down.
iCabinetry provides:
- Endless Finish & Style Combinations: Our iEuro Custom by Ultracraft line alone offers more than 10,000 door style and finish combos. There’s no doubt you can bring your creative vision to life.
- 3D Design Support: Collaborate with iCabinetry’s design team to get renderings that help clients visualize the space.
- Trade Pricing & Excellent Service: Get factory-direct pricing and remote support without ever stepping foot in a showroom.
How to Shop Cabinets Online (Without Regret)
Here are 7 steps to confidently shop for custom cabinets online:
Step 1: Define your budget. Decide whether you need full custom or semi-custom.
Step 2: Measure your space. Have basic layouts and dimensions ready.
Step 3: Choose your style. Shaker, inset, slab… Know what you love.
Step 4: Order finish samples. Colors look different in person. Always test before finalizing.
Step 5: Request a quote. Use iCabinetry’s quote form for clear pricing.
Step 6: Get design help. Ask for 3D renderings or professional input to finalize layout.
Step 7: Schedule delivery + install. Make sure cabinets arrive on time for your contractor.
FAQs: Buying Cabinets from a Kitchen Cabinet Supplier
Yes—if you’re buying from a reputable DTC brand like iCabinetry, you’re getting the same premium cabinet lines sold in traditional showrooms.
iCabinetry supports DIY and pro installs with ready-to-install cabinet boxes and direct delivery.
They’re often the same or lower—but with much higher customization and quality.
Premium DTC cabinets usually ship in 6–10 weeks.
The Best Kitchen Cabinet Supplier? The One That Works for You.
If you’re looking for customization, quality, and support without the retail markup, DTC is your best option.
iCabinetry offers everything a homeowner or contractor needs to get high-end, beautifully made cabinets on time and on budget.
Receive premium line choices, expert guidance, and transparent pricing. Kitchen cabinet suppliers like these are redefining what it means to shop for high-quality, long-lasting cabinets online.
Ready to find the right cabinets for your kitchen upgrade?
