It has been a year already that we completed our DIY kitchen renovation. So I think it’s a good time to talk about it and to do a full review of our Fabuwood Cabinets. This is another question I get quite often on Instagram (the other is about my countertops, more info here).
If you read my Kitchen Renovation Cost post, you know that we saved a good amount by going with Fabuwood Cabinets. Fabuwood was much better priced than all the other cabinets we saw and because of that people think that the quality is not as good as more expensive cabinets. For comparison, the estimate for my kitchen from Lowe’s came in at around 30k, I ended up paying 12k for my Fabuwood Cabinets. Well, a year and something later and I couldn’t be happier with our cabinets!
I first heard of Fabuwood through a friend that flip houses. He has used in many of his projects and recommended. I went to check it out in person at Alba Kitchen and really liked the quality and color options. What they explained to me was that Fabuwood is not fully customizable, meaning the size of cabinets are pretty much standard.
While other lines are fully customizable to your kitchen. Another thing to note is that Fabuwood does not have an “Inset” option. They are what is called full overlay construction. While “inset” cabinets look really nice, you will loose space inside as Inset construction takes more of the inside space of cabinets.
I was in between the Allure Galaxy Frost cabinets or the Allure Vista Blanc. But ended up choosing the Galaxy in the Frost color. I went to multiple Fabuwood Cabinets dealers to price it out (and I recommend you do the same). In the end I was able to get the best price from Alba Kitchen (they are great if you are in New Jersey!)
Fabuwood Cabinet Review – Quality
I think the quality of the Fabuwood Cabinets it’s on par with other more expensive lines. We have had our cabinets for a year now, it’s holding up pretty well. I haven’t noticed any major issues with any of the cabinets. I also was able to design my kitchen and have everything I wanted (including a range hood) with no problems.
PS: the Fabuwood glass cabinets don’t come with overlays. You can read how I added these overlays to my glass cabinets here.
When the cabinets first arrived there was maybe two doors that had a couple of scratches on then that our dealer exchanged for new ones. So make sure to inspect all the cabinets when they arrive to make sure that nothing was damaged during delivery.
All the drawers are built well, with soft closing and quite spacious inside. The pantry cabinets are really nice, the bottom half of the tall pantry cabinet comes with the roll out drawers, while the top half are shelves.
I have not noticed any cracks on paint as of yet. I do have to say that the garbage door cabinet (which is probably the most used cabinet does show a little wear, probably normal for such a high traffic and a cabinet that gets some water once in a while.
Fabuwood Allure Galaxy Frost
We chose the Allure Galaxy cabinets in Frost. The Galaxy is a shaker style door cabinet. I like the shaker style for the simple lines, modern look that I believe will endure the test of time. The color it’s a beautiful white. When I saw it in store I was afraid it was going to be too much like hospital white or stark, but the color has surprised me.
It’s more of a creamy white. I actually used Benjamin Moore simply white to do the trims after two failed attempts to match the color of the cabinets in store.
Some people have asked me if the white cabinets are harder to maintain. I actually think that the white cabinets are easier than the dark cabinets I had in my previous kitchen. The dark cabinets show dust a lot easier while the white cabinets don’t. I clean my white cabinets a lot less than my previous kitchen! Same with wood floors, the lighter the floor the less they show dust, etc.
Fabuwood Cabinets Upgrades
Fabuwood offers a lot of upgrades options, one that I regret not getting was the decorative support for the island or the spice pull out base filler. They are so beautiful and would have added an extra custom touch to the kitchen. One of my favorite things in our kitchen is out range hood cover! It’s one of the things that add the most impact making the kitchen look custom made.
Fabuwood Cabinets – Cost
You can read about my kitchen renovation cost on this post where I dissect the whole cost of our kitchen renovation. We ended up paying around 12k on our cabinets after a lot of negotiation and making it work for us. We also installed the Fabuwood cabinets ourselves. So the cost was without installation.
So that is it for this Fabuwood Cabinet review! We truly love these cabinets and I think it was a great choice for out kitchen. By saving a little on the cabinet cost we were able to have the kitchen of our dreams. Please feel free to leave me any questions you may have in the comments below!
With Love,
Ceres
Your kitchen is lovely, and is an inspiration. I appreciate your spelling out everything, step by step. I’m a firm believer in (at least) 3 estimates. It is time-consuming, but more than worth it.
Author
Yes!!! And amazing how the prices will differ!!! Thank u so much! 😘
Beautiful kitchen, We just purchased the same Cabinets from a dealer in Connecticut. The cost for the cabinets came to $7055.00 and that’s with a Five feet by working island and a built in for the full sized microwave in the island. Three deep draws and one draw under the M’Wave.
We’re putting a 31 inch under-mount sink From wayfair and the refrigerator panels will give us that built in look. For the counter tops we went with Daltile ONE Quartz In a marble look.
The cost of the counter top came to $3,400.00 installed, the cabinet installation came to $6000.00 that includes demo and haul away the old cabinets installing new cabinets, pot lighting, backsplash under cabinet lighting, relocating AC return under the island. I can’t Waite for the to start. I will post it when done.
Hi Kevin,
Can you post your Kitchen? Your prices were so good. Do you have an installer I can use?
Michele
Where did you get them?
Did you receive those decorative mullion glass inserts through Fabuwood?I am having a kitchen installed as we speak it’s the white galaxy and I love it but I wanted glass inserts and was told $3000 for 3 cabinets! Of course I passed. Can I ask how much you paid? Wonder if I could order them from somewhere else. Thanks!
Author
Hi Jeana, no!! I ordered the plain cabinets and added the overlays myself! Was super simple. Take a look at a previous post called how to add overlays to a glass cabinets 😘😘
Can you please tell me where you purchased your gold pot filler? Thank you.
Author
It’s signature hardware !
What Aldo you find to be the best cleaners of fabulous cabinets? We just got ours installed! White shaker too!
Author
Yeayy congrats! I used soap and water, and if it doesn’t come out w that I use mr cleaners white sponge! 😘💕
So beautiful! What height ceiling do you have? You added crown molding at the top?
Author
I have 9Ft ceilings. Yes, I added a 12′ plank and molding on top to close the gap. I talk about it in details on my kitchen remodel post! https://www.thepinkdream.com/diy-kitchen-renovation/
The rest of my house is Benjamin Moore white dove … was considering the galaxy frost for kitchen remodel… was this one of the colors u considered for trim? Any thoughts?
Author
Hi Tracey, I ended up using the simply white on the trims as is a more true white. I have white dove in my walls. Hope that helps.
Beautiful. Just wondering if there some sort of protection I can put on the cabinet to keep them looking good for a longer time.
Author
HI Karen,
I’m not really sure but would love to know as well! I just keep mine clean and I use the pen that came with for any spots that get dented..
Hi can you tell me what kind of flooring you have it looks perfect match with cabinets.thanks
Author
Hi Sasha! Thank you. It’s ceramic tile in herringbone partner. I have linked the exact tile in my kitchen reveal! Check it out! 😘
Hi Ceres
It is great to hear you are happy with the overall service you experienced when visiting Alba Kitchen and happy with your Fabuwood cabinets. Thank you for your feedback on Fabuwood cabinets and thank you for choosing Alba Kitchen to purchase your Fabuwood cabinets. Kind regards
Author
I’m always recommending you Eric!
Please do not put a sealer or wax on your white Fabuwood cabinets. Over time they will take on an off white look. Some of the cabinets more so than others as the heat from the oven and steam from the dishwasher may affect the sealer or wax you use.
Author
Great info!
Hi Ceres,
Nice and very informative post. Thank you for shaing!
Just curious, you mentioned you installed the cabinet by yourself, is that difficult to do that?
Thank you,
Author
Hi Ray! My father in law and husband did. My fil has some experience with it. I don’t think is hard to do it
Your kitchen is beautiful! I just ordered the same cabinets and found your site by looking for a paint color to match. Would you be able to share the mix that BM did for your paint color?
Author
Simply white by Benjamin Moore was the closest, I tried matching w a door cabinet but did not like it at all. 😘
Thank you so much!
Had Galaxy Frost White Shaker installed in the kitchen
White trim from lumber yard does not match the cabinets. It looks darker
Does Fabuwood have paint to match the trim to the cabinets?
Any suggestions on what paint to match from paint store if needed?
Author
Hi James! For the trim above the cabinets I used Simply White by Benjamin Moore. I tried first doing custom color, but didn’t like it. SW was a much closer match!
Hi Ceres,
I would like to know how many inches is your kitchen farm sink. I’m about to renovate the whole kitchen (small one) and I want to buy the right size sink. Also I’m tempting to get the Fabuwood Galaxy Frost cabinets. Would be the trim color above the cabinets the same color as the cabinets? How has been your experience so far with this cabinets after a while? Reviews are mixed. Thank You!
Author
Hi Anny, I have a 36in sink with a 42 base. The cabinets are holding up great! I haven’t had any issues with it!! Love them 😘
I am ordering the same cabinets and wondering what cabinetry you ordered to create the end panels for your island?
Was it 2 fake doors and what piece is it placed on? Thank you!
Author
HI Mary, we have drawers on one side and I believe they added just a filler piece on the chairs side. then we used 2 panels to cover the cabinets and the filler.
Hello, I tried to order the double oven cabinetry from a Fabuwood dealer but they sent me a single oven one and told me they don’t make the double oven ones. But I see that you have it, so just wondering if you received it that way or if you got the single oven and cut into it to make space like I’m having to do.
Author
Hi Carol, the cabinet comes with one opening, we had to cut into to add the double oven.
Hi Carol, what kind of countertop did you use? I’m having trouble finding a white counter that goes with the galaxy frost.
Author
Mine is the MSI classique! It’s beautiful 🤩
Hi Ceres,
I’m buying the cabinet pulls, I got the 8″ missions, but I need to get knobs for the upper cabinets, do you remember what size you used for the oval knobs? I’m getting the unlaquered brass, do you just wipe yours down or is there something special you use to keep them nice? Thanks for the inspiration.
Patty
Author
Hi! I have the medium ones! Here is the link https://rstyle.me/cz-n/dwwzhtb48gx
For unlaq you will need to polish once in a while as it tarnishes with use. I also have the aged brass on my island, those don’t need to be polished! 😘
Hi, your kitchen looks beautiful! We have a very similar layout and looking to use fabuwood as well. One concern we have is the separation at the seams due to the weather changes. Is that very noticeable on your cabinets and how are they holding up overall? (Looking to use white as well)
Thank you,
Dave
Author
Hi Dave! No, not very noticeable. I see here and there and just use the pen that they provided to do some touch up when needed. I think cracking is something that happens to most painted cabinets…
Can you tell me if your panel on the front of your dishwasher is from Fabuwood?
Author
Yes, it’s also fabuwood! It’s just a panel the size of the dishwasher, they should be able to order for you 😘
What hood insert did you use in the hood vent? I am getting the same cabinets and cannot find a hood vent insert with baffle filters to fit.
Author
Here is the link https://rstyle.me/cz-n/c8yw4yb48gx
Hi! You’re kitchen looks gorgeous. I’m currently doing my kitchen with the same fabuwood cabinets. I was curious what hood insert you used to fit the fabuwood hood cabinet.
Author
Hi Sandy! I used this one https://rstyle.me/cz-n/c8yw4yb48gx but it seems to be out of stock. 😘😘
Hello, and thank you so much for your feedback. My husband and I just ordered the “Galaxy Frost” cabinets with a “Nickel” island. We can not wait for our remodel to begin. We are currently shopping for a 36 in white farm sink. Which brand and material do you have? Cast iron, fireclay, etc?
Author
Hi Kathy!! Congrats!! Nothing like a beautiful new kitchen! Mine is from Kohler, and it’s cast iron! Here is the link https://rstyle.me/cz-n/cs72bcb48gx
Your kitchen is beautiful. We are looking at the same Fabuwood cabinet (same color). I am wondering now that it’s been about 3 years since you renovated how the cabinets are holding up. We are torturing ourselves deciding between white shaker or a stained wood as we really could go either way. Thanks for your help!
Author
Hi Joan! We still love it! For the price I think the quality it’s outstanding. The only cabinet door that shows some wear and tear is the garbage one, expected as is the most used 😘
Author
Hi Joan! I love my cabinets still! I think it was a great choice as is really timeless, I would go with white again if I have another kitchen 🤪🤪
Hi can you tell me about the thickness of the doors on the galaxy frost ? Do they feel thin and cheap or high quality? Trying to decided between galaxy and nexus. Like the look of galaxy but I know nexus has a thicker door. What are your thoughts ?
Author
Hi Jim! I have not seen Nexus, but we love our doors. They do not look cheap at all!
Hi! I love your kitchen! Great job! Your kitchen inspired me to use the same cabinets! Can you please tell me if you had to order white interior cabinets for your cabinets that have glass fronts? or did you paint the interior? I had my builder order cabinets and my 12″ glass front cabinets for display all the way at the top have the wood interior and I’m thinking they should be white. I’m just wondering if they could have been ordered white interior or if they can be painted? Thanks for your help!!
Author
Mine came white for the glass door. All the others are wood inside. No, I did not ask for that. They just came that way!
Hi, Andrea –
As a designer, it is standard practice to order a “matching finished interior” for all cabinets having glass doors, unless the customer specifically states that they prefer a contrasting or unfinished look. Since it’s basically design 101, a good designer or quality builder would normally do this automatically, without the customer even needing to think about it. A true professional would naturally include it as part of your cabinetry order, even though finishing the interior of glass door cabinets entails a slight upcharge. I’m sorry to hear that the person who designed or ordered your kitchen failed to do this for you. A talented, experienced kitchen designer would do this as second nature. You should not have to ask for it.
It’s important to deal with a trained, experienced professional since they automatically look out for and add any details that will give your kitchen or bath an upgraded, high end, cohesive look. I can suggest that if you don’t want to go through the inconvenience and mess of sanding and painting the interiors of your cabinets white, that you can simply get some thin, semi-rigid material in white (or paint it white) and then cut it to match the interior back of your cabinets in size. Then simply attach it with double stick tape to the inside backs of your glass cabinets. If your glass cabinets have a shelf or shelves, that will also hold the white backing in place. Also, it’s important to remember that if you paint the cabinet interiors after you’ve purchased them, it will void your warranty! For that reason alone, I’d add the removable backing rather than painting the cabinets.
Hi! I’m currently renovating a kitchen and Fabuwood cabinets were recommended to us. I did a Google search to read reviews and your post was the first article I came across. I’ve continued to read reviews and I have never read such mixed reviews on a product in my life! Now that you’ve had your cabinets for 2+ years, would you still recommend them?
Author
Yes! I have had no issues with it. we still love it very much!
Hi! I have the Fabuwood Allure Onyx cabinets in Frost and agree on the color – it’s lovely as is your kitchen! Question for you – are your cabinets finished underneath or are they just the color of the plywood? It’s really only noticeable when you’re sitting or looking under, but I find it odd that they aren’t finished. Or perhaps the guys who installed mine missed a piece? Thanks for your help!
Author
they are not finished, just the plywood. I guess you could always paint it?
Hi, Daria –
The answer is to your question is much like my reply to Andrea above. All cabinets come standard with an unfinished bottom. It is up to the designer or builder to look out for the details of your kitchen and to specify “finished bottom” where needed. A good designer would think about where the cabinet bottoms are visible, and from what angle, and would specify finished bottoms where needed. If finishing the cabinet bottoms at the factory is not an option that the manufacturer offers, the builder or designer would purchase the necessary matching materials as part of your cabinet order to install finished bottoms “in the field” when installing the cabinets in the room.
If the unfinished bottoms really bother you, you can have your builder/designer/cabinet dealer order the necessary materials in the same composition and finish as your cabinets and add them on after the fact. It might be a bit more expensive to do it that way because you will be paying for the materials, the freight, and for the labor to cut and install the finished bottom pieces. Also, if you want to do this, you should do it sooner rather than later, so that your cabinets do not age in color separately from the new materials you’re adding.
Also, depending on how much of the unfinished bottoms are showing, and assuming you don’t already have it, a simpler option might be to order and install some “light rail” molding to block the view. Again, it’s important to do this sooner rather than later, so there will be no obvious color differences.
Hello! I absolutely love love love your kitchen! A couple of questions. I have been told that I can’t do a fabuwood hood like this because it’s not on an outside wall to vent. I’m disappointed I’m trying to come to terms with it but also want to know that there really is no other option. Is this the case for your stove? Also what size width is your stove?
Thank YOU!
Author
Hi Rachel, we do have an outside vent on the window wall. I do believe you need one for this type of hood. Our stove is the 36!
Rachel Hegner, there IS another option! These type of hoods have two separate components. There is the hood itself (the part you see) and there is the mechanical blower that sits inside it. When you say that you want a Fabuwood hood like this, I am assuming that you are referring to the hood itself, ie, the outside decorative shell. If so, you can use it on any wall. It does not have to be on an outside wall. If however, you are referring to the mechanical blower that fits inside the hood/shell, there are two options. Option1 is a blower that exhausts to the outdoors. For that type of blower, you need to vent it to the outdoors using duct work and therefore it would either need to be on an outside wall or would need to vent directly through the roof of your house. Option 2 is to use a recirculating blower (not quite as effective at removing smoke & cooking odors) that does not exhaust to the outdoors, but instead simply filters the air and fumes from cooking and then redirects that filtered air back into the room, allowing you to locate the hood on any wall you want. Many blowers can be used in either fashion simply by purchasing a separate recirculating kit. So if you’re saying you want the Fabuwood wooden hood as pictured, yes, you can use it on an inside wall, you just need to choose the appropriate blower insert for it. Using it on an inside wall means your options are a) to vent it through the roof of your house, if you have no second story above your kitchen, or b) to use a blower that recirculates the air back into the room instead of to the outdoors. Your builder or kitchen designer should know this!!! Hope this helps.
Truly great kitchen! Kudos to your husband & father for the very professional installation job. Everything looks lovely. And what a bargain! This kitchen should easily cost 3x the price. You made great choices.
Author
thank you very much!