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Don’t Let Tariffs Derail Your Kitchen Remodel:

A red and black stamp labeled "IMPORT TARIFF" stamped onto a dotted notebook page, with the stamp tool resting nearby.

What Homeowners need to Know about Tariffs and their impact

We know that remodeling can be costly, and the news about tariffs can feel
overwhelming. Don’t worry-it’s not hopeless. Today, we’ll shed some light on how tariffs may or may not impact your next kitchen remodel and explain how to stay in control of your budget.

A close-up of a slab of marble with wavy, layered patterns in shades of white, gray, beige, and light brown, showcasing natural stone textures and color variations.
Fantasy Brown Natural Stone is usually quarried in India but also comes from Turkey, Iran and Tajikistan.

A Quick Look at Tariff History

The first US tariff was established in 1789 to generate revenue for the new federal government. They also aimed to protect American industries, with Alexander Hamilton advocating for these protections to help develop the nation's own manufacturing base and reduce dependence on European goods. Since then, tariffs have sparked political debate and have become a frequent topic of conversation. With recent increases and additions, we are now asked about their effects almost daily.

How Tariffs Could Affect Your Remodel

Believe it or not, you have a lot of control over how much you’re impacted by tariffs. For example, while cabinets are imported from all over the world, many high-quality options are manufactured right here in the United States. In fact, all of Maple + Marble’s cabinet manufacturers are in WA state, with the exception of our outdoor cabinet manufacturer in Canada. If you choose cabinets made in other countries, you will likely pay a higher
price due to tariffs.

It’s important to be vigilant, as many companies claim to be U.S. manufacturers simply because they assemble the final product domestically, while most of the parts are made overseas. For many parts of your remodel, however, you can find locally sourced alternatives. You should be able to find lumber, flooring, sinks, faucets, and tile that are all made in the USA.

The Challenge with Countertops

One challenging area can be countertops, as most slabs and/or raw materials are sourced globally. While there is still inventory in the U.S., costs will eventually rise as that inventory is depleted. Fuel and shipping costs are also consistently increasing, which could make imported countertops much more expensive than planned. To avoid this, you can choose countertops manufactured in the United States. Quartz examples include Cambria and Viatera by LG. Other manufacturers, such as MSI, also produce some of their quartz domestically, often indicated by a "Made in USA" sticker on the samples. Natural stone is a bit more challenging. As an organic material, its composition varies by region. There are some quarries in North America, but they often lack the colorful, varied appearance of stones quarried around the world. Most natural stone mined in North America is used for pavers, walls, and floors, though American Soapstone is a popular countertop material sourced domestically.
Modern kitchen with dark wooden cabinets, a white countertop, stainless steel gas cooktop, and a glass tile backsplash. Hardwood floors and large windows provide natural light to the dining area in the background.
These cabinets were manufactured in Vancouver, WA. Photo courtesy of DeWil's Fine Cabinetry

How to Select the Right Materials

The easiest way to find products that aren’t impacted by tariffs is to work with design studios like ours or another local business. We are experts in our manufacturers and products, and we pride ourselves on working with U.S. and Washington-based, family-owned manufacturers. We’ll take the time to understand your project and recommend the right products for your needs and budget.

When you go to a large chain, the employees answering your questions aren’t the buyers. These large companies focus on volume sales and often don’t provide extensive training on various manufacturers. They may not have the expertise to help you navigate these complex decisions.

Don’t Let Tariffs Stop Your Remodel

In conclusion, don’t let tariffs stop you from achieving your dream kitchen. Instead, partner with experts like us to help you navigate the confusion and find the right materials at the right price.

Ready to start? 

Contact us today for a complementary consultation and let us help you
build your ideal kitchen.