As U.S. import tariffs on kitchen cabinets and wooden furnishings rise sharply—potentially increasing costs by up to 50% by early 2026 many American homeowners and builders are bracing for major spikes in renovation budgets. In a decisive industry move, German Kitchen Center (GKC), one of the nation’s leading luxury European kitchen design companies, has announced it will not raise prices despite the tariff surge. Instead, GKC will absorb the added costs to protect consumers and maintain industry stability.
GKC
In an exclusive conversation for the Inspiring Success Stories series, Mayan Metzler, CEO and Founder of German Kitchen Center, outlined how the company plans to stay resilient while continuing to deliver premium European kitchens across the United States.
Tariffs Threaten 2026 Kitchen Remodeling Budgets
The U.S. has recently introduced new import tariffs on finished kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and select wooden furniture products, with projected rates reaching as high as 50%. According to industry analyses, these measures could significantly raise the total cost of kitchen remodels, extend lead times, and reduce material availability — issues that are already causing project delays nationwide.
“Homeowners should care because these tariffs directly impact the cost of full-kitchen remodels and even new construction,” Metzler said. “When materials become 30–50% more expensive, budgets can quickly fall apart.”
GKC
GKC’s Strategic Commitment: No Price Increase
German Kitchen Center sources luxury European-brand kitchens from renowned manufacturers including Leicht, Team 7, and Charles Yorke. While many companies plan to raise prices, reduce selections, or limit imports, GKC is taking a different route.
“Since 2010, our business has been built on reliability, trust, and exceptional results,” Metzler explained. “We believe our clients should not bear sudden cost swings caused by global trade decisions. For that reason, we are absorbing the added tariff costs and keeping our prices stable.”
This approach places GKC among the few large-scale kitchen design firms maintaining pricing consistency in a volatile import environment.
How GKC Is Able to Absorb Tariff Costs
Metzler acknowledges that absorbing costs does create short-term pressure but says the company’s structure national scale, efficient operations, and strong supplier relationships makes the strategy sustainable.
“Our platform, methodology, and national network give us advantages that smaller showrooms simply don’t have,” he said. “We’d rather maintain volume, keep clients satisfied, and grow through scale instead of chasing short-term margin gains.”
GKC handles thousands of projects nationwide and continues to expand its full-home remodeling capabilities.
GKC
Impact on the Wider Kitchen Cabinet Industry
Industry-wide, the tariff news is creating uncertainty:
- Homeowners are postponing projects after reading headlines about 50% cost increases.
- Smaller importers expect to struggle as margins shrink.
- Some manufacturers are already scaling back product options.
- Remodelers report consumer hesitation due to pricing volatility.
There is some variation in tariff impact. For example, EU-made kitchens may be capped at ~15% tariffs instead of the full 50% seen for non-EU imports. However, logistics costs, currency shifts, and material price inflation still put pressure on the entire sector.
How European Brands Help Reduce Tariff Pressure
German Kitchen Center’s focus on premium European brands gives it a competitive advantage.
“Many of our imports from the EU avoid the highest tariff bands,” Metzler noted. “But global supply chain challenges still affect hardware, materials, and transportation. Even with those pressures, our scale and sourcing strategy along with our brand positioning enable us to manage costs without raising prices.”
Mayan Metzler, the visionary CEO behind TerraLux
A Transparent Pricing Message to Homeowners
GKC designers will be sharing this commitment with clients during consultations:
- Tariffs will not increase GKC customer prices
- No hidden charges
- No reduction in quality or product selection
- Premium European designs maintained without compromise
“If you’re worried about budget creep or delays caused by the tariff environment,” Metzler said, “you can rely on GKC. Our commitment is simple: spectacular kitchens, delivered safely and reliably, without sudden price changes.”
About German Kitchen Center
German Kitchen Center (GKC) is a national leader in luxury European kitchen design, offering premium brands, full-home remodel capabilities, and award-winning project management. Since 2010, GKC has completed thousands of high-end projects across the United States, known for its seamless process, top-tier craftsmanship, and commitment to 100% project completion.
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Website: http://germankitchencenter.com/
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Marco Derhy
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