Choosing cabinetry is a big decision and a big investment. Fun (and daunting?) fact: cabinetry is often the largest line items in a renovation. But it’s also the most-used part of your home, an investment in the way you live every day: the meals, the memories, and the simple moments that matter most.
Our goal is to create a space that feels like you: your style, your life, the way you actually use your home. But when it comes to pricing, the world of high-end cabinetry can feel like one giant question mark. At Isla Porter, we believe in pulling back the curtain, because cabinetry shouldn’t be a mystery. So let’s talk numbers, design, service, and the many reasons our clients choose Isla over the usual suspects.
We Asked. We Compared. We Got the Receipts.
We didn’t guess, we did the research.
Using a standard brief (30 linear feet of painted shaker cabinetry), we:
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Requested real quotes from top brands
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Compared services, fees, delivery, and design options
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Focused on what’s actually included
Our goal? To help you make a confident, stress-free choice for your home.
High Design, Not the Highest Price
Here’s the headline: Isla Porter delivers the same elevated design and craftsmanship as the heritage brands, but often at a savings of 25–40%.
Our typical kitchen, around 30 linear feet of painted cabinetry with custom finishes and smart storage, runs between $48,000–$55,000. By comparison, similar projects with other brands often come in well over $75,000–$100,000+, sometimes even double.
Inside the Kitchen We Priced
To put those numbers into context, here’s the kitchen we used to price it out. The design is about 30 linear feet of cabinetry (picture the width of two parking spaces), finished in painted inset shaker doors with open shelving and brackets for a classic yet tailored look. Beyond the basics, we layered in the kinds of details that make a kitchen feel considered: a custom hood cover, appliance panels, a knife block and utensil divider, a double waste pull-out, and decorative end panels. In short, this isn’t a stripped-down builder grade package; it’s a fully outfitted, design-forward kitchen that reflects the way our clients actually live and cook every day. Learn more about our quality here.
Meet the (Anonymous) Competition: Pros, Cons & Costs
As we said, we did the work over many months to get this information. Now we're here to spill the tea on what we found. We can’t name names, but we can introduce you to the competition (with their prices front and center):
Before You Decide: The Details That Matter
When you’re comparing cabinetry quotes, it’s easy to get fixated on the number at the bottom of the page. And while some brands may offer faster lead times, those shorter waits often come with compromises in design flexibility, material quality, or service. Our clients tell us time and again: the extra weeks are worth it for cabinetry that truly delivers lasting beauty, thoughtful support, and the right details. But here’s the thing: not all estimates are created equal. Some brands may seem lower at first glance, but when you factor in materials, design, assembly, and delivery, it adds up fast. At Isla Porter, we believe in clarity from day one, so you can make a confident, informed decision about your investment.
Here are a few key differences to keep in mind as you compare:
Design & Service That Meet You Where You Are
Many high-end cabinetry brands come with tight design restrictions, limited styles, finishes, and customization. At Isla Porter, we’ve curated a thoughtful selection of styles and finishes that reflect today’s millwork trends, offering flexibility without overwhelm and making beautiful, customized cabinetry more accessible. And when something truly one-of-a-kind is needed, our in-house cabinet designers are here to help bring your vision to life.
For designers, we can work within your process, rather than dictating one. Need us to take the reins from your pinboard? We’ve got it. Prefer to hand over your elevations and have us translate them into cabinetry with your full design authority? We can do that too. Whether you want high-touch guidance or minimal involvement, we’re here to offer as much or as little design input as you’d like.
And our trade program? It’s simple, generous, and transparent. Unlike other brands that limit trade discounts or restrict product selections, our program is designed to let you earn on every project without hassle, no hoops, no fine print.
Delivery That’s Included (And Thoughtful)
Delivery should never be an afterthought or an unexpected charge. At Isla Porter, delivery is always included in the cost of your cabinetry. We offer threshold delivery that’s reliable and transparent, and we make sure your order is carefully packed, protected, and brought safely inside your home, because beautiful things deserve better care. And thanks to our virtual design services, we’re able to collaborate seamlessly no matter where you live, bringing expert support to your project whether you’re across town or across the country.
Installation Made Easy: Fully Assembled for Real Life
Some brands might seem inexpensive at first glance, but once the cabinetry arrives, you find yourself with a mountain of flat-pack boxes and two choices: spend your weekends assembling it yourself or hire a carpenter skilled in RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinetry. Either way, those "savings" often disappear fast.
At Isla Porter, our cabinets arrive fully assembled and finished, ready for installation by any skilled carpenter in your local market, no specialty experience required. That saves you time, hassle, and often a significant amount in installation costs. It's cabinetry designed for real life.
Storage That Solves Real-Life Problems
At Isla Porter, we offer a thoughtful range of storage options, from pocket doors to clever inserts. Our custom cabinetry is designed to make the most of your space by size, and our storage solutions make the most of it by function, because the way you live should be reflected in the way your kitchen works. We’re not just about creating a stunning space; we’re about creating everyday ease and timeless function.
So… Why Isla?
To sum it up:
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Exceptional craftsmanship
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More design flexibility
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Smarter, friendlier pricing
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Inclusive services
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Trade programs that work
For homeowners who care about every detail and designers who want a true partner, we’re here to bring you beautiful design, real transparency, and the kind of thoughtful support that makes the journey as good as the finished space. We’d love to help you create something extraordinary.
