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Cabinetry at Rivendale Homes: Making the Right Choice for How You Live
By
Diane Faccenda
February 18, 2026
When designing a Rivendale home, cabinetry is one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make. Cabinets influence how your kitchen looks, how it functions, and how it feels to live in every day. As we move through 2026, cabinetry is also one of the areas most affected by changing material costs—making thoughtful, informed decisions more important than ever.
At Rivendale Homes, we take a proactive approach. Our goal is to give homeowners options that feel elevated and intentional, while also protecting the overall investment of the home.
Over the past few years, cabinet pricing has been shaped by three main factors: material availability, skilled labor costs, and demand for higher-quality finishes. While supply chains have stabilized compared to earlier years, the cost of premium materials continues to fluctuate, especially for natural hardwoods.
Solid wood species like white oak and walnut remain in high demand across the industry. White oak has seen steady, incremental increases due to its popularity and the time required to properly mill and finish it. Rift-sawn white oak carries additional cost because of the lower yield during the milling process—less usable lumber is produced, which directly impacts pricing. Walnut is more variable; its cost is influenced by limited supply and strong demand, particularly for high-grade boards with consistent color and grain.
Paint-grade cabinetry has experienced more moderate increases. Because it relies less on premium lumber and more on engineered cores and finishing processes, it remains one of the most cost-controlled options in a home. However, even paint-grade cabinets are affected by rising labor and finishing costs, particularly as higher-quality paints and longer cure times become the standard.
Cabinetry represents a meaningful portion of a home’s interior investment, especially in kitchens and primary living spaces. As material costs rise, cabinetry can influence not only the finish budget, but also broader design decisions within the build.
That’s why Rivendale Homes focuses on balance. Rather than treating cabinetry as a one-size-fits-all upgrade, we look at how material selections interact with the overall scope of the home. Mixing materials—such as pairing paint-grade perimeter cabinets with a white oak or walnut island—is one of the most effective ways to elevate design while managing cost. Strategic use of premium materials allows homeowners to achieve a high-end look without unnecessary escalation across the entire cabinet package.
Early cabinet decisions also help protect the build budget. Locking in materials and layouts sooner reduces the risk of late-stage changes, which can have ripple effects on labor, timelines, and overall cost.
Paint-grade cabinetry continues to be a timeless choice for many Rivendale homeowners. It offers flexibility, clean lines, and strong value, particularly for those who want a polished look while maintaining cost efficiency. In 2026, warmer whites and soft neutrals are replacing stark finishes, creating spaces that feel more inviting and lived-in.
White oak remains one of our most frequently selected materials. Its durability and adaptability make it a strong long-term investment, especially for homeowners who want natural warmth without committing to a bold statement. White oak fits seamlessly into a wide range of design styles and continues to perform well over time.
Rift-sawn white oak is chosen when visual consistency and refinement are priorities. Because it requires additional material and craftsmanship, it represents a higher investment, but one that delivers a distinctly clean, architectural result. This option is often best reserved for areas where its impact can truly be appreciated.
Walnut brings depth and contrast, and we use it intentionally. Rather than applying it everywhere, walnut is most effective when featured in focal points like islands or custom built-ins. This approach allows homeowners to enjoy the richness of the material while keeping the overall cabinetry investment in balance.
Choosing between semi-custom and custom cabinetry is often about understanding how much flexibility you need. Semi-custom cabinetry offers curated selections and efficient pricing, making it a smart choice for homeowners who value clarity and consistency. Custom cabinetry, on the other hand, provides greater freedom in layout, materials, and detailing, and is best suited for homes where personalization is a top priority.
In both cases, rising material and labor costs make thoughtful planning essential. Our design and purchasing teams work together to help homeowners understand where upgrades will have the most impact—and where restraint can actually enhance value.
Material costs will continue to evolve, but Rivendale Homes remains focused on delivering smart, well-considered cabinetry solutions that support both design goals and long-term value. By offering a curated range of proven materials and guiding homeowners through intentional choices, we’re able to deliver homes that feel elevated without being overextended.
At the end of the day, cabinetry should enhance how you live in your home—not complicate the process of building it. That’s the Rivendale approach.
Custom cabinetry is built for homeowners who want their cabinets to be as intentional as the architecture itself.
This path is best suited for custom homes, statement kitchens, and clients with a highly specific design vision.
Regardless of the cabinetry path you choose, Rivendale Homes ensures:
Our role is to guide—not overwhelm—so every homeowner ends up with cabinetry that feels right for their home and how they live in it.
Cabinet trends will continue to evolve—but quality materials, thoughtful design, and disciplined pricing never go out of style. Rivendale Homes remains focused on delivering cabinetry solutions that feel current today and relevant for years to come.
Our commitment is simple: provide the best options, at the right price points, for every Rivendale homeowner.
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