01Materials
Materials compared
The best material for kitchen cabinets depends on use: melamine, thermofoil, acrylic, painted MDF, veneer, Fenix NTM and solid wood compared on wear, cost and where each makes sense.
DWG-041.01 · Buyer's guideEdmonton · Alberta
Our free kitchen buying guide covers what to ask, what things cost and what to check, written by people who have installed hundreds of kitchens. Useful whichever company you choose.
- Format
- Price
- Free
- Written for
- Edmonton homeowners
DWG-041.02 · What's inside
What's inside
What's inside the Kitchen Buyer's Guide
02Budget
2026 price ranges
Edmonton kitchen prices at three budget levels, in CAD before GST, with what you get at each.
03Protect yourself
Contractor red flags
How to choose a cabinet maker: signs a quote or a company may cause trouble later, and what to ask to find out.
04Checklists
Kitchen renovation checklist
One for your first meetings with contractors, and one for the final walkthrough before you pay the last instalment.
DWG-041.03 · Guide
Preview: 5 things to settle before you ask for kitchen quotes
These are taken from the guide. The full PDF covers each one in more depth, with checklists you can print.
1. Decide what stays
Do the plumbing, gas line and window stay where they are? Moving a sink 2 metres can add a plumber, an electrician and a drywall repair to the budget. Decide this before comparing cabinet quotes, or the quotes won't be comparable.
2. Know your box material
Ask every company what the cabinet boxes are made of and how thick. Most custom kitchens in Edmonton use melamine panels such as Egger or Uniboard. The door material changes the look; the box material changes how long it lasts.
| Item | Ask for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Boxes | Panel brand and thickness | Thin, unbranded board sags and swells |
| Edges | Edge-banded on all visible edges | Bare edges take in moisture |
| Hinges and runners | Brand and model (for example Blum) | Hardware is what you touch every day |
| Countertop | Material and price per sq ft | Easy to compare between quotes |
3. Compare quotes line by line
A single number tells you nothing. A good quote lists boxes, doors, hardware, countertops, installation, removal and delivery as separate lines, in CAD before GST.
Red flag: a quote with no materials named, or a large deposit asked before you've seen drawings.
4. Plan the order of trades
Cabinets go in after rough-in plumbing and electrical, and before the countertop, sink hook-up and backsplash. Stone countertops are templated after cabinets are installed and take 1 to 3 weeks.
5. Budget a cushion
Hold back 10% for things found when old cabinets come out: uneven floors, old wiring, a hidden leak.
Want the rest? Fill in the form below and we'll send you the full PDF. Meanwhile, see custom kitchen cabinet prices, how long a custom kitchen takes, red flags when choosing a cabinet maker and custom kitchen cabinets in Edmonton.
DWG-041.04 · FAQ
FAQ
About the kitchen buying guide
01Is it really free?+
Yes. No payment and no obligation to get a quote from us.
02Do I need to be planning a kitchen now?+
No. Many people read it months before they start.
03Are the prices accurate for my project?+
They reflect typical Edmonton projects in 2026. Your exact price depends on size, materials and layout, and only a measure and quote can confirm it.
04Will you keep messaging me?+
We may follow up once to ask if you have questions. Tell us to stop and we won't contact you again.
DWG-041.05 · FormReply within one business day
Get in touch
Get the free Kitchen Buyer's Guide
Leave your name and email or phone, and we'll send you the PDF. No obligation.
- Address
- 15454 131 Ave NW, Edmonton
- Hours
- Daily 9:00–20:00
- info@borealkitchens.ca