How Tariffs are Shaking Up the Market for Cabinets

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Starting October 1, the U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on imported kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products. The move is aimed at Asian imports, particularly from China and Vietnam. For many homeowners planning a remodel, that kind of news can sound alarming: Will my kitchen suddenly cost thousands more? Should I put my project on hold?

The answer, at least for our clients, is reassuring: your project won’t be affected. And the bigger story, as discussed below, is this — tariffs or no tariffs, semi-custom cabinetry has long been the smarter value for the “do-it-for-me” homeowner.

Your remodel should be about your vision — not government trade policy.

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What Tariffs Really Mean for Homeowners

Tariffs are essentially a tax on imports. A 50% tariff means that a $10,000 container of cabinets costs $15,000 before it even clears U.S. customs. Import-heavy showrooms will be forced to raise their prices, cut corners, or face supply delays.

For DIY homeowners who rely on flat-pack cabinets from overseas, this could mean higher costs and fewer options.

But that was never the full picture. Even before tariffs, there were real trade-offs between ready-to-assemble (RTA) and semi-custom cabinetry.

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The Semi-Custom Difference

At Belle Design Collective, we carry three cabinet lines — two made in the USA, one made in Canada. All are premium semi-custom, which means they strike the balance most homeowners want:

• Higher quality construction — stronger materials, better joinery, and finishes designed to last.
• Design flexibility — more styles, colors, and modifications to fit your space.
• Professional installation — done right the first time, avoiding the headaches and hidden costs of DIY mistakes.

Compared to full custom, semi-custom is more efficient and cost-effective. Compared to RTA, it’s a night-and-day difference in fit, finish, and durability.

Semi-Custom = The Sweet Spot
• More affordable than full custom
• Far more durable and flexible than RTA
• Perfect for homeowners who want their kitchen designed, built, and installed by professionals

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DIY vs Do-It-For-Me

We’ll be the first to acknowledge: for skilled DIYers, RTA cabinets can make sense. If you enjoy the process, are confident in your installation abilities, and want the lowest possible material cost, flat-pack cabinets are a viable choice.

But for the majority of homeowners — those who want a kitchen professionally designed and installed — semi-custom was already the better value. Tariffs only widen that gap.

Think of it this way:

• DIY value lives at the very low end of the market.
• Semi-custom value lives in the middle, where design flexibility and long-term durability matter most.
• Full custom sits at the top, delivering unique, one-of-a-kind solutions at the highest price.

For most “do-it-for-me” clients, semi-custom isn’t just a compromise — it’s the ideal balance.

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Why Our Clients Are Insulated from Tariff Shocks

Because our lines are built in North America, they’re not subject to the new tariff. Thanks to the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), our Canadian line qualifies for tariff-free treatment as well.

That means:

• No sudden price hikes
• No unexpected delays
• No uncertainty hanging over your project

Instead, you can plan your remodel with confidence, knowing your kitchen won’t get caught in the tariff crossfire.

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A Legal Wildcard: The Supreme Court, Tariffs & Prediction Markets

Here’s where it gets more interesting — and a bit technical.

The looming Supreme Court case

The Supreme Court is expected to rule this fall (likely November) in a high-profile case involving Trump-era tariffs. That case centers on tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — commonly referred to as the “reciprocal tariffs.”

However, the new 50% cabinet tariff that we’re chiefly concerned with is not being implemented under IEEPA — it’s being done under Section 232 authority, a separate statute allowing the president to impose tariffs when imports threaten U.S. national security.

In other words: even if the Supreme Court rules against the IEEPA-based tariffs, that decision will not invalidate Section 232 tariffs like the cabinet tariffs. If the Court strikes down IEEPA powers, some reciprocal or “country-based” tariffs could be rolled back — reducing pressure in related sectors — but Section 232 tariffs would stand on separate legal footing.

What the prediction markets are saying

As of today, Polymarket places about a 43% probability on the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Trump’s tariffs in that IEEPA case. That means the market sees it as a near toss-up. But even if the Court overturns those tariffs, it doesn’t automatically affect cabinet tariffs under Section 232. It would, however, remove one layer of uncertainty and might ease broader trade tension.

So, yes — there is a judicial wildcard. But it’s important to keep the legal distinctions clear.

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The Bigger Picture: Value That Lasts

Tariffs are just the latest reminder that global supply chains can be unpredictable. But kitchens shouldn’t be.

When you choose semi-custom cabinets built here in North America, you’re not just avoiding tariffs. You’re investing in:

• Durability — cabinets that stand the test of time.
• Design flexibility — a kitchen that reflects your style and fits your space.
• Peace of mind — professional design and installation that ensures it’s done right.

For the majority of homeowners who want a kitchen done right, semi-custom was always the smart choice.

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The Bottom Line

For homeowners who want to DIY, RTA may still be a fit — though it’s getting more expensive. But for the rest — the do-it-for-me crowd who want a professional kitchen that’s beautiful, durable, and uniquely theirs — semi-custom is more compelling than ever.

Tariffs may change the economics for some, but our philosophy hasn’t changed: your remodel should be about your vision, perfected in every detail — not about navigating trade wars.

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Ready to Design Your Kitchen?

Let’s start your remodel with peace of mind. Schedule a consultation with our design team today to explore our North American semi-custom cabinet lines.