Tariffs, Tiers, and Quality: The Cabinet Market Explained
Cabinet prices move — tariffs on imported components, material costs, and supplier tiers all affect what you pay. This market guide shows Montgomery homeowners how to evaluate construction quality and match the right supplier tier to their project.
📄 Download the Market Guide (PDF)
What matters most
- Box construction: plywood beats particleboard in humidity
- Dovetail drawers vs. nailed joints
- Finish quality: catalyzed finishes last
- Order timing: locking prices before tariff changes
Our vetted network includes pros at every tier — compare three quotes before you decide.
Tariff math in one line
The 2026 numbers: a 25% Section 232 tariff on imported wood products, and roughly 46% combined on Vietnam-sourced goods. Domestic and local fabrication carries 0% — which is why the all-in cost of a local build can match an imported quote. When comparing quotes, ask where the boxes are made before comparing prices.
Guide slides
The tariff math in one line
Imported cabinets face a 25% Section 232 tariff on wood products, and Vietnam-sourced goods carry a combined rate near 46%. Domestic and local fabrication carries 0% — which is why a local build's all-in cost can match an imported quote with better materials. When comparing quotes, ask where the boxes are made before comparing prices.
Supplier tiers, decoded
- Budget tier: particleboard boxes, no dovetail, thin lacquer — priced to fail in 8-10 years.
- Mid tier: plywood boxes, better hardware, decent finish — the Montgomery sweet spot for most kitchens.
- Premium tier: all-plywood, dovetail drawers, soft-close, catalyzed finishes, lifetime warranty (brands like Wellborn Cabinet).
How to read a quote like a pro
Verify three things on every line item: box material (3/4" plywood), drawer construction (solid-wood dovetail), and finish (catalyzed). A 10% contingency is standard. If any of those are missing, the quote is incomplete — not cheaper. The market guide PDF includes the full comparison framework.
