We are going with Elmwood. They are owned by Lifetime Cabinetry which also owns Medallion and Plain & Fancy, among others. We chose Elmwood because they were the only cabinet company that my GC's supplier represents that does inset cabinetry. I'm sorry I can't tell you much about Elmwood; it was sort of a leap of faith with us and we are still quite a few weeks away from getting the cabinets. I do know they use birch plywood frame boxes and Blum tandem full extension drawer glides, soft closing Blumotion is standard. I liked the finish on the sample (we chose dove white.) We also looked at Mouser's and Fieldstone's inset lines which were comparable but ultimately went with our GC's supplier's line because it was the path of least resistance.

Lzydogrnch---Are you in Austin? The cabinet selection you mention sound like Wilson's in Austin. I'm also looking at Elmwood at another dealer in Austin. Our kitchen will have about the same number of cabinets, including a super susan, mostly drawers in the bases, an island and a pantry with pull-out shelves. The cherry cabinets are about $35,000 but the maple with a cherry finish will be 20% less. I want all wood cabinets and like the construction and finish of the Elmwood line.

lzydogrnch and victoriajane -

Congratulations on making your cabinet selections. I'm not aware of what Lifetime Cabinetry's relationship may be with either Elmwood or Plain and Fancy, but I can definitively tell you that Lifetime Cabinetry is not affiliated with Medallion Cabinetry. Medallion is a wholly owned subsidiary of Elkay Manufacturing Company of Oak Brook, Illinois.

Hope this information is helpful to you.

Elmwood was a complete disaster. When my sample door came in, there were bubbles under the finish (regular stain) and it was flaking off. There was also white spray paint on the side of my darkly-stained door.

This prompted me to ask for my 50% deposit back-- they would not place the order w/o my approval of the door and I refused to approve it. I ended up losing the entire deposit. I could have gone ahead with Elmwood (they promised the quality would be better), but I preferred to attempt to get my deposit back and start over with Crown Point. The quality of the Elmwood door was shockingly bad and I could not take that risk. I'm still haggling with the old KD to get my deposit back (posted about that saga in January). The KD insised this is not typical of Elmwood, so I am sure there are happy Elmwood customers out there. They are also a Green company.

CP came in less than Elmwood and it is on a whole different level.

The color was also vastly different than the sample I was shown in the store.

White spray paint/ uneven on sample door:

Poor finish/odd color on sample door:

I just saw Elmwood for the first time this past weekend, and the display I saw was lovely -- a very nice finish and very good construction quality.

Not to discount Danielle's experience, but I don't imagine it's typical of Elmwood.
Maybe get it in writing that if the sample is in anyway unacceptable to you, that your deposit will be fully refunded?

Another option -- if you're hesitant about Elmwood and it's one particular finish that attracts you for your island -- is to have your island custom-made and finished. Specialty island parts are an area of HUGE markups! Things like turned legs, beadboard panels, apron fronts, moldings. If you talk to a custom cabinet maker, your options will be much wider (plus probably much cheaper), and you can get any finish you want.

We are going to be using Shiloh Cabinets! I can't wait- maple with a glaze (Savannah- is the style)

We have decided on Shiloh Natural Hickory and the island by Elmwood in a custom color-turquoise. They will do any Benjamin Moore paint color. My husband loves the Natural Hickory, but I'm a little worried about picking counters to go with it. I'll let you know if I have a good experience with Elmwood. Shiloh was also much cheaper than Brookhaven or Elmwood. We also chose shiloh because it has framed cabinets and our house is made out of strawbale and not totally plum.

PS Yes, Susan I am working with Wilson. We're in Dripping Springs. Wish me luck!

I happened on a 24 piece kitchen set at Habitat for Humanity. The quality is EXCELLENT. This set had been installed, then taken out and plopped at Habitat for Humanity for resale. Drawers tossed on top of pieces, etc. Got it delivered home (am using it for wall to wall cabinets in my den and the extras in the garage) and all the cabinets and drawers were still as stable as when it was originally installed. I love the way the drawers pull out, so easy and smooth. And all the little extras like the two lazy susans, wine cabinet, long horizontal glass front cabinet (which I use for a gun cabinet), and book case. And I love the ease of taking off the doors of the cabinets when moving them.. just a pop of the hinges and they are off/on. Even all the little things that held the shelves were still there. The finish is wonderful on all the pieces. Best cabinets I've ever had and wish I had the same quality in my kitchen! 3 drawers were missing and the factory is making me new ones to match. Color is coffee.... beautiful dark color. Price? Get ready...... $500! Of course I had to pay movers $200 to get it here but figure this set would have easily cost me $25,000 new.

@ lzydogrnch , I'd like to know your experience with Elmwood. How was it turned out?