Cubitac vs Fabuwood: Which Kitchen Cabinets Are Worth Your Money?

You’re planning a kitchen remodel. You have a budget. And now you’re staring at two names that keep coming up in every forum, every dealer conversation, and every contractor estimate: Cubitac and Fabuwood.

Both brands are mid-range. Both are made in New Jersey. Both use plywood construction and soft-close hardware. So what actually separates them, and which one deserves your money?

This article gives you a clear, side-by-side breakdown of Cubitac vs Fabuwood across build quality, pricing, design options, warranties, lead times, and real homeowner feedback, so you can make a confident decision before your first purchase.

Cubitac vs Fabuwood Cubitac and Fabuwood are two mid-range semi-custom cabinet brands based in New Jersey. Both use all-plywood construction, dovetail drawer boxes, and soft-close hardware. Fabuwood includes premium Blum hardware as standard and delivers faster (7 to 10 days). Cubitac offers more custom colour options (5,000+) and a lower starting price point. Your best choice depends on your timeline, design needs, and budget.

What Is Cubitac?

Cubitac was founded in 2011 in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The company assembles cabinets locally using globally sourced materials. Its product line includes four series: Imperial, Prestige, Basic, and Presto, covering 18 door styles across traditional, transitional, and modern designs.

The brand is best known for its colour variety. Cubitac offers a custom colour program with over 5,000 paint options, which is rare at this price point. Finishes are hand-sanded and UV-coated, and cabinet boxes use furniture-grade plywood with solid hardwood frames.

One thing to know upfront: Cubitac’s standard models include soft-close hardware, but premium Blum mechanisms (known for long-term durability) are typically an upgrade. That matters when you’re comparing features dollar for dollar.

Lead times range from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on stock and customisation level.

What Is Fabuwood?

Fabuwood launched in 2009 in Newark, New Jersey. The brand built its reputation on fast delivery, consistent factory quality, and hardware that comes ready to impress. Their cabinet series, Allure, Illume, and Ovela, covers framed and frameless builds in both all-plywood and solid wood configurations.

What sets Fabuwood apart is its Q12 quality standard, a self-maintained set of 12 specifications that governs material sourcing, joinery, finish consistency, and hardware selection. All cabinets across their main lines include Blum soft-close hinges and drawer glides as standard, not as upgrades.

Fabuwood is also FSC-certified and CARB2 compliant, which means the materials meet California Air Resources Board standards for indoor air quality.

Lead times run from 7 to 10 days on average, making Fabuwood a favourite with contractors working on tight schedules.

Cubitac vs Fabuwood: Build Quality Compared

Close-up of a kitchen cabinet dovetail drawer box with Blum soft-close hardware

Both brands use all-plywood box construction and dovetail drawer joints. Neither uses particleboard in the main box, which is a significant quality marker at this price range.

Here is where the differences show up:

  • Box construction: Cubitac uses furniture-grade plywood with solid hardwood frames. Some reviewers note slightly thicker side panels on Cubitac cabinets. Fabuwood uses UV-veneered plywood with tight factory joints and a more consistent finish across units.
  • Face frames: Cubitac uses HDF (High-Density Fiberboard) on some lines. Centre panels on painted doors typically use MDF, which resists cracking from humidity changes.
  • Drawer boxes: Both use solid wood dovetail drawers, which hold up well under daily use.
  • Hardware: Fabuwood includes Blum BLUMOTION hinges and glides as standard across all lines. Cubitac includes standard soft-close hardware, with Blum available as an upgrade on Imperial and Prestige lines.

In practical terms, Fabuwood’s standard hardware package gives you a better out-of-the-box feel. If you want the same experience from Cubitac, budget for the Blum upgrade.

Both brands can realistically last 15 to 20 years with proper installation and basic maintenance. Speaking of installation, if you’re tackling the project yourself, this guide on how to hang wall cabinets covers the key steps and common mistakes to avoid.

Cubitac vs Fabuwood Price and Cost Breakdown

This is where the Cubitac vs Fabuwood cost question gets real.

Per linear foot, Cubitac can start below $300, which makes it one of the more affordable semi-custom options on the market. A full kitchen using Cubitac typically runs between $10,000 and $15,000, depending on layout and finish upgrades.

Fabuwood sits slightly higher. Their standard cabinets run between $300 and $500 per linear foot. A comparable kitchen in Fabuwood typically ranges from $8,000 to $12,000, though this varies widely by dealer and region.

Wait, that seems reversed. Here is the clarification: Cubitac’s per-unit price can be lower, but the Cubitac vs Fabuwood price gap narrows quickly once you add Blum hardware upgrades, custom finishes, or speciality configurations. Fabuwood’s all-in cost, with premium hardware already included, often ends up competitive with a similarly equipped Cubitac order.

Factors that affect your total cost:

  • Hardware upgrades (Blum on Cubitac costs extra)
  • Custom paint beyond standard palette (both brands)
  • Non-standard sizing or speciality cabinets
  • Installation and design fees
  • Delivery region and dealer pricing

The bottom line on Cubitac vs Fabuwood cost: if you want the lowest sticker price and plan to upgrade hardware yourself, Cubitac is the more affordable entry point. If you want everything included and delivered fast, Fabuwood often delivers better overall value.

Design, Style, and Customisation Options

Design flexibility is one area where Cubitac clearly leads.

Cubitac’s custom colour program offers over 5,000 paint choices, far beyond what most mid-range brands offer. Their door styles cover 18 designs across the Imperial, Prestige, Basic, and Presto lines, with both painted and stained finishes. If you want a specific shade that matches your countertop or flooring exactly, Cubitac gives you that control. Your surface choices matter here too — if you’re still deciding on countertops, it’s worth checking out how Wilsonart Solicor laminate holds up alongside painted cabinet finishes before committing to a colour direction.

Fabuwood’s design library covers 12 door styles across the Allure, Illume, and Ovela series. Custom color options are available through a Sherwin-Williams selection, which still covers a solid range but is more limited than Cubitac’s palette. Where Fabuwood stands out is in sizing flexibility. Their semi-custom configurations allow for more precise fits in kitchens with irregular dimensions or unconventional layouts.

If you’re working with a standard kitchen footprint and want a specific colour, Cubitac is the better pick. If your layout is unusual or you need precise sizing, Fabuwood’s configuration options give you more room to work with.

It is also worth noting that cabinet style plays a big role in overall kitchen design. With closed kitchen layouts making a strong comeback in recent home design trends, the right cabinet selection matters more than ever. You can read more about that shift in this piece on the closed kitchen trend comeback and how it affects cabinet planning.

Warranty, Lead Time, and Customer Support

Warranty terms for both brands have improved in recent years, which is a direct response to increased competition in the mid-range cabinet market.

Cubitac warranty: Cubitac offers a 5-year limited warranty as standard. The original residential purchaser qualifies for a limited lifetime warranty, covering manufacturing defects and hardware issues. Replacement parts can take time, especially for custom finishes, so working with a reliable local dealer makes a real difference.

Fabuwood warranty: Fabuwood offers a 5-year to lifetime warranty, depending on the series. Cabinets purchased after October 1, 2024, on their main lines qualify for limited lifetime coverage. Their customer service has a strong reputation in the industry, and lead time on replacements is generally shorter than that of competitors.

Lead time comparison:

  • Cubitac: 2 to 8 weeks, depending on customisation and dealer stock
  • Fabuwood: 7 to 10 days on average (up to 2 to 4 weeks for custom orders)

For contractors running tight project schedules, Fabuwood’s delivery window is a major advantage. For homeowners who can plan and want more colour flexibility, Cubitac’s longer lead time is an acceptable trade-off.

Cubitac vs Fabuwood vs KraftMaid: How They Stack Up

Many shoppers searching for Cubitac vs Fabuwood vs Kraftmaid want to know whether spending more on KraftMaid is justified.

Here is a clear breakdown:

Cubitac sits in the low-to-mid range. It is best for budget-conscious homeowners who want colour flexibility and solid construction without a custom price tag.

Fabuwood occupies the mid-range as well. It is the better choice for buyers who prioritise fast delivery, premium hardware, and flexible sizing at a price point below KraftMaid.

KraftMaid sits in the mid-to-high range and is distributed through Home Depot, Lowe’s, and authorised dealers. It offers more customisation than either Cubitac or Fabuwood, with a broader range of door styles and premium finish options. Lead times run from 4 to 7 weeks. KraftMaid’s limited lifetime warranty covers the original purchaser, similar to both competitors.

The key difference is price. A KraftMaid kitchen typically costs 20 to 40 per cent more than a comparable Fabuwood order. If your budget allows for that gap and you want more design control, KraftMaid earns the extra investment. If not, Fabuwood closes the gap on quality more than most buyers expect.

What Reddit and Real Homeowners Are Saying

The Cubitac vs Fabuwood Reddit discussion is active and revealing.

On the Cubitac side, homeowners consistently praise the finish quality and design variety. Several long-term users report owning Cubitac kitchens for 5 or more years with no structural issues. The most common complaints involve inconsistency in parts across orders and slower warranty response times. One Houzz commenter noted receiving multiple damaged units, which points to a dealer-level quality control issue rather than a brand-wide problem.

On the Fabuwood side, contractors dominate the positive reviews. Dealers with 10 to 15 years of selling Fabuwood describe it as having some of the best customer service in the industry. One Reddit user in a cubitac vs fabuwood cabinets ” Reddit thread on budget cabinet options put it plainly: Fabuwood is the default recommendation among installers for a reason. That said, some buyers have reported damaged deliveries and 3-week waits for replacements, a frustration that affects both brands to some degree.

The pattern that emerges from Cubitac vs Fabuwood 2022 discussions through to current threads is consistent: Fabuwood is the safer pick for stress-free installs and reliable timelines. Cubitac is the better pick when design and colour customisation are the top priority.

Eco-Friendliness and Indoor Air Quality

Both brands meet CARB2 compliance standards, which limit formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. This matters if you have children, pets, or household members sensitive to indoor air quality.

Fabuwood goes a step further with FSC-certified wood, meaning their lumber comes from responsibly managed forests. Their newer lines use water-based finishes to reduce VOC levels.

Cubitac’s newer product lines are moving toward greener coatings, though they are less vocal about formal certifications compared to Fabuwood.

If sustainability is a priority, Fabuwood holds the edge. Both are acceptable for most standard residential installations.

Quick Comparison: Cubitac vs Fabuwood at a Glance

Feature Cubitac Fabuwood
Founded 2011, Ridgefield, NJ 2009, Newark, NJ
Construction All-plywood, dovetail drawers All-plywood, dovetail drawers
Hardware Standard soft-close (Blum is an upgrade) Blum soft-close standard on all lines
Custom Colors 5,000+ paint options Sherwin-Williams custom selection
Lead Time 2 to 8 weeks 7 to 10 days (up to 4 weeks custom)
Warranty Limited lifetime (original buyer) Limited lifetime (purchases after Oct 2024)
Price Range Low to mid Mid range
Sustainability CARB2 compliant CARB2 + FSC certified
Best For Design flexibility, color variety Speed, hardware quality, sizing flexibility

Which Brand Should You Choose?

Finished kitchen remodel with mid-range white shaker cabinets and subway tile backsplash

Here is a straight answer:

Choose Cubitac if:

  • You want a wide colour palette or specific custom paint
  • You are working on a rental unit or budget remodel where lower per-unit cost matters
  • You have 4 to 8 weeks before your install date
  • You prefer a boutique look with unique finishes

Choose Fabuwood if:

  • You need fast delivery for a contractor-scheduled project
  • You want Blum hardware included without paying for upgrades
  • Your kitchen layout has irregular dimensions that need flexible sizing
  • You value FSC certification and stronger eco credentials

Whichever direction you go, your kitchen’s final result will depend as much on installation quality as on the brand itself. Even the best cabinets underperform if the layout is not planned well.

Layout planning also means thinking beyond the cabinets themselves. If you’re working with a tighter or oddly shaped kitchen, it’s worth exploring options like a corner fridge configuration to free up wall run for more cabinetry. And once your cabinets are in, the finish work matters just as much — this breakdown of a full painting renovation is a useful reference for getting the walls and trim right around new cabinetry without redoing anything twice.

While you are in the planning phase, it may also be worth thinking about window treatments, since the right top-down Roman shades pair well with cabinetry in both classic and modern kitchen styles.

FAQs

Are Cubitac cabinets of good quality?

Yes. Cubitac uses all-plywood box construction, solid hardwood frames, and dovetail drawer joints. Quality is solid for the price point, particularly in their Imperial and Prestige lines. The main caveat is that premium Blum hardware is an upgrade, not standard.

Is Fabuwood better than Cubitac?

It depends on what you need. Fabuwood is generally better for fast delivery, hardware quality, and sizing flexibility. Cubitac is better for colour variety and custom paint options at a slightly lower entry cost.

What is the price difference between Cubitac and Fabuwood?

Cubitac can start below $300 per linear foot. Fabuwood runs from $300 to $500 per linear foot. A full Cubitac kitchen costs roughly $10,000 to $15,000. A comparable Fabuwood kitchen typically runs $8,000 to $12,000, though once you add Blum hardware upgrades to Cubitac, the gap often narrows.

How does KraftMaid compare to Cubitac and Fabuwood?

KraftMaid is a step up in price (20 to 40 per cent more on average), with more customisation, more door styles, and a wider distribution through Home Depot and Lowe’s. Both Cubitac and Fabuwood offer comparable construction quality at a lower price. KraftMaid is the better choice if your budget allows and you need more design control.

Where are Cubitac and Fabuwood cabinets made?

Both brands assemble their cabinets in New Jersey, USA. Components and raw materials are sourced globally.

How long do Cubitac and Fabuwood cabinets last?

With proper installation and basic care, both brands typically last 15 to 20 years in an active kitchen. Hardware quality and installation accuracy are the biggest factors in long-term performance.

Jack Lee

Jack Lee is a sustainability expert and engineer, specializing in energy efficiency and eco-friendly solutions. He shares his knowledge on plumbing, roofing, air conditioning, and electronics, helping homeowners reduce their carbon footprint.

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