We Answer Reddit’s Most Brutal Kitchen Cabinet Questions
We scoured the internet’s most honest forums—r/HomeImprovement, r/DIY, and r/RealEstate—to find the questions homeowners are afraid to ask a salesperson.
There is a lot of confusion out there about pricing, quality, and what "RTA" actually means. As Orlando’s local factory-direct experts, we decided to answer them honestly. No marketing fluff—just the truth.
1. "Is it actually possible to get a decent kitchen for under $5,000? Every quote I get is $15k+."
The Short Answer: Yes, but you have to stop looking at "Custom" and start looking at "Wholesale."
The Truth: If you go to a custom cabinet maker, you are paying for labor, overhead, and brand prestige. That is why quotes hit $15,000 or $20,000 easily. However, you can get a high-quality 10x10 kitchen for $3,500 - $5,000 if you follow two rules:
Buy Factory Direct: We import our own cabinets, cutting out the middleman markup. You pay for the materials, not the showroom’s electric bill.
Choose Standard Styles: Our White Shaker line is mass-produced to keep costs down. It’s the same solid wood structure as a custom cabinet, just without the custom price tag.
2. "I live in a humid place. I’m terrified that IKEA particleboard boxes will swell up and turn to mush. Is plywood actually better?"
The Short Answer: In Orlando? Absolutely.
The Truth: In a dry climate like Arizona, particleboard (which most big-box stores use) is fine. But in Florida, humidity is the enemy.
Particleboard acts like a sponge. If your sink leaks or your dishwasher steams, that wood can swell and crumble. Once it swells, you can’t fix it.
Plywood (What We Use): We build our cabinet boxes with plywood because it handles moisture changes significantly better. It holds screws tighter and doesn't disintegrate when exposed to the inevitable Florida humidity.
3. "Are RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) cabinets a nightmare to build? I don't want to play LEGOs from hell."
The Short Answer: Not if you buy from a contractor supplier.
The Truth: Online-only RTA cabinets can be a gamble—sometimes you get a box of 500 screws and instructions in a different language. Sunshine Home Material cabinets are designed for pros, which means they use straightforward assembly methods that are fast and intuitive. Plus, because we are local to Orlando, if you get stuck, you can actually call us or drive to our warehouse. Try doing that with an Amazon order.
4. "I own an Airbnb. I need cabinets that look expensive but are 'tenant-proof.' What do I buy?"
The Short Answer: Shaker style with local availability.
The Truth: Tenants and vacation guests can be rough on kitchens. If you buy a unique style from a boutique store and a guest smashes a drawer front 3 years from now, you might be forced to replace the entire kitchen if that style is discontinued. We stock standard styles like White Shaker and Grey Shaker in our Orlando warehouse. If a door breaks, you can come pick up a replacement the same day. That is crucial for keeping your rental income flowing.
5. "Do white cabinets turn yellow over time?"
The Short Answer: Only the cheap ones.
The Truth: Older "Thermofoil" (plastic wrapped over particleboard) cabinets are notorious for peeling and yellowing in the sun. We use high-quality painted finishes on our wood doors. While all paint needs care, our multi-step finishing process resists yellowing far better than the cheap plastic wraps you find at budget box stores. If you want a kitchen that stays bright white for years, you need painted wood, not foil.
Still Skeptical?
We love that. Skepticism saves you money. Bring your expensive quote (or your IKEA shopping list) to our showroom at 3827 WD Judge Drive in Orlando. Let us run the numbers for you—we usually beat the big box stores on price and quality.