Choosing between KraftMaid and Merillat is one of the most common decisions homeowners face when planning a kitchen cabinets project in Brevard County. Both have earned strong reputations, but they serve different priorities - and in Florida's climate, the wrong choice can mean premature wear, finish failure, or performance issues that would not surface in milder environments.
This comparison breaks down the real differences between KraftMaid and Merillat based on construction quality, pricing, style options, and - critically - how each performs in the heat, humidity, and salt air conditions that define the Space Coast. If you already know what you want and need a project estimate, our free estimate tool gives you a realistic range in minutes.
KraftMaid vs Merillat: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | KraftMaid | Merillat |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | All-plywood box, dovetail drawers, solid wood face frames | Particleboard or plywood box depending on line, stapled or doweled drawers |
| Price Range | $15,000 to $35,000 for average kitchen | $8,000 to $22,000 for average kitchen |
| Product Lines | Single premium line with extensive options | Three tiers - Essentials, Classic, and Masterpiece |
| Customization | Extensive sizing, inserts, and storage accessories | Good selection in Masterpiece line, limited in Essentials |
| Availability | Dealer network and Home Depot | Wide dealer network across Florida |
Detailed Breakdown
Construction
KraftMaid: All-plywood box, dovetail drawers, solid wood face frames. This is an important consideration for Florida homeowners who need products that perform under the specific stresses of Brevard County's subtropical climate.
Merillat: Particleboard or plywood box depending on line, stapled or doweled drawers. Understanding this difference helps you make an informed decision based on your project priorities, budget, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Price Range
KraftMaid: $15,000 to $35,000 for average kitchen. This is an important consideration for Florida homeowners who need products that perform under the specific stresses of Brevard County's subtropical climate.
Merillat: $8,000 to $22,000 for average kitchen. Understanding this difference helps you make an informed decision based on your project priorities, budget, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Product Lines
KraftMaid: Single premium line with extensive options. This is an important consideration for Florida homeowners who need products that perform under the specific stresses of Brevard County's subtropical climate.
Merillat: Three tiers - Essentials, Classic, and Masterpiece. Understanding this difference helps you make an informed decision based on your project priorities, budget, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Customization
KraftMaid: Extensive sizing, inserts, and storage accessories. This is an important consideration for Florida homeowners who need products that perform under the specific stresses of Brevard County's subtropical climate.
Merillat: Good selection in Masterpiece line, limited in Essentials. Understanding this difference helps you make an informed decision based on your project priorities, budget, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Availability
KraftMaid: Dealer network and Home Depot. This is an important consideration for Florida homeowners who need products that perform under the specific stresses of Brevard County's subtropical climate.
Merillat: Wide dealer network across Florida. Understanding this difference helps you make an informed decision based on your project priorities, budget, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Florida Climate Considerations
In Florida humidity, plywood construction matters more than in dry climates. KraftMaid all-plywood boxes resist swelling better than Merillat Essentials particleboard. If choosing Merillat, stick with the Masterpiece line for coastal homes.
Brevard County's combination of 80+ percent summer humidity, intense UV exposure, salt air from the Atlantic, and seasonal storm activity creates conditions that stress building materials differently than most other markets. Homeowners in Melbourne, Viera, Cocoa Beach, Palm Bay, and the beachside communities should factor these environmental conditions into every product decision.
Our team at ELSO Contracting has installed both KraftMaid and Merillat products in homes across the Space Coast. We track how products perform over years of Florida exposure - not just how they look on installation day - and use that experience to guide our recommendations.
Our Verdict
KraftMaid is the clear winner on construction quality and customization. Merillat Masterpiece competes well at a lower price, but the Essentials line uses particleboard and is best suited for budget projects or rentals.
Which Should You Choose for Your Brevard County Home?
The right choice depends on your specific situation. Consider KraftMaid if you prioritize all-plywood box, dovetail drawers, solid wood face frames and have the budget for it. Consider Merillat if $8,000 to $22,000 for average kitchen matters more for your project.
For a personalized recommendation based on your home, budget, and design goals, schedule a consultation with our ELSO kitchen cabinets team. We can show you samples of both products and help you understand which is the better fit for your specific project in Brevard County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merillat owned by the same company as KraftMaid?
Yes. Both brands are owned by MasterBrand Cabinets (now part of Fortune Brands Innovations). However, they target different price points and use different construction methods.
Which brand holds up better in Florida beach homes?
KraftMaid all-plywood construction resists moisture better than Merillat Essentials particleboard. For beachside homes in Cocoa Beach or Satellite Beach, plywood is the safer choice.
How do KraftMaid and Merillat warranties compare?
Both offer limited lifetime warranties. KraftMaid covers structural defects for the life of the original owner. Merillat Masterpiece has similar coverage, while Essentials offers a more limited 5-year warranty.
Related Guides
- KraftMaid vs Waypoint Cabinets (2026 Comparison)
- Merillat vs Diamond Cabinets (2026 Comparison)
- Plywood vs Particleboard Cabinets (2026 Comparison)
- Stock vs Semi-Custom Cabinets (2026 Comparison)
Sources
Ready to Start Your Kitchen Cabinets Project in Brevard County?
Get Your Free Estimate →