Hi Madsmama,

We are also in Ca, and facing the same question. We haven't pulled the trigger yet, but are planning to go with Brookhaven. We met with 4 designers initially, and they all recommended manufactured cabinets (even the designers who don't sell cabinets, and are presumably objective)
The reasons we were given were the consistency of the product, reliability of meeting the completion date, the quality and durability of the finish (which is even more of an issue In CA due to limitations on the type of paint/ finishes allowed), and the warranty.

We are doing a combination of stained and painted cabinets. We feel more comfortable with the stains from Brookhaven, as we can see samples of it ahead of time, and know what it will look like. I understand that the Brookhaven painted surfaces are very durable. It was described to me as the difference between a factory-finish on your car, and getting your car repainted locally -maybe looks the same initially, but doesn't wear as well.

I'm sure you are aware that Brookhaven is owned by Wood-Mode. Many finishes and features that used to be only available through Wood-Mode are now available through Brookhaven. (I guess they are trying to stay competitive in this economy). I believe that inset doors are available with Brookhaven.

Good Luck! Let us know what you decide.

I was just going to post a similiar post. I am in the process of finding out where Brookhaven gets their wood from (eg: Conestoga) or some other place. Have recently done quite a bit of reading on wood and where all these companies get their wood from. In the process of getting a quote fron thecabinetjoint.com (one of 3 places where we can purchase Conestoga cabinets). Conestoga only sells to cabinetmakers (eg: Brookhaven?) You can read online about this. If you happen to talk to the folks that sell the Brookhaven, see if you can find out who their wood manUfacturer is. You can also ask the local cab maker. I think the Adv of using local cab maker is personal, if theres an issue you won't wait for new cabs etc.., the overhead is low so the price will prob be lower, they can probably build you anything.

I can't speak to your specific question, but can tell you that we have Brookhaven cabs in our newly finished kitchen (finished in Oct) and I love them. Everyone that walks into my kitchen always comments on the cabs and how nice they look and how well they are made.
They were definitely more expensive than we thought we would be paying for cabs, but looking back at all the expenses for our kitchen, they were definitely worth the expense.

The reasons we were given were the consistency of the product, reliability of meeting the completion date, the quality and durability of the finish (which is even more of an issue In CA due to limitations on the type of paint/ finishes allowed), and the warranty.

Some manufactured cabs have inconsistent quality, are delivered late, have a finish that wears quickly, and offer a poor warranty or one they do not honor. All of these tales have been recounted here ad nauseam over the past few years. I don't think "manufactured" versus "local custom" is the be-all, end-all distinction.

I've been reading here for at least 3-4 years. I haven't seen any major problems reported with Brookhaven. That's not a promise that they don't have any, but I haven't seen one.

Custom is great, but if you have concerns about finishes in CA, I'd probably go Brookhaven. I didn't have any limitations with customizing any of my cabinets.

I cannot address how Brookhaven compares with custom, but I have a Kitchen with Woodmode (stain finish) and Butler's Pantry (stain finish) and Laundry (painted) with Brookhaven. The Woodmode is inset, and Brookhaven is overlay.

We had a number of issues with the dealer and his installer. Our project was a nightmare as a result. Do not assume that because a dealer carries a great product like Woodmode/Brookhaven, that they will be good at what they are supposed to do. And Woodmode's lead-time for replacement parts can be a real schedule-breaker.

I am in the process of planning for another kitchen remodel (the Woodmode/Brookhaven is in our second home), and will be going with custom cabinets this time.

The main reasons for deciding not to use Woodmode/Brookhaven this time around are cost and lead-time for replacement parts. I have to say, that even though Woodmode/Brookhaven cabinets are very, very nice cabinets, I do not think they are worth what they cost. The cost is staggering! My kitchen is very high-end. We spend a fortune on many custom items, such as a custom-carved french limestone range hood, custom hand-made forged lighting fixtures etc. No expense was spared. I have to say, that for all these items, I feel as if I got good value for the price. Not so for the cabinets. Don't get me wrong, they are great cabinets--just that they stand-out in a kitchen where everything is "over-the-top" as having a cost that is ridiculously out of line.

I recently decided to add an smallish amoire-type cabinet in my laundry room to store brooms. This little Brookhaven gem--despite the fact that they were having a "sale," cost about $2,300. To store brooms. In my laundry room. Galling, no? But I chose Brookhaven, so if I want it to match...

I have several friends who have done kitchens recently, and what I spent on cabinets easily is four times or more what any of them spent. Some of those friends used custom cabinets that seem as nice, if not nicer (especially when considering the ability to custom fit, or do any door style) than Brookhaven. Perhaps some are not as nice, but not significantly so, and the cost difference is huge.

One thing to consider in terms of the durability of finish is how long you will be in the house--or how long until the next remodel. If it is a long time, a factory finish is almost always more durable than a custom. But the custom might be easier to retouch too.

Funny, when I was ordering my Brookhaven, the dealer had a display that was finished by a local finishing specialist, because the finish they wanted was not available from Brookhaven!

Not sure where you are located, but in the Pacific Northwest there is a company called Morgans Fine Finishes, and they specialize in cabinet finishing. They actually finish cabinets in their shop, and then you install, so you get some of the benefits of a factory finish, but the ability to customize.

Guess it all depends on your priorities. There are some nice custom cabinets out there, but if Brookhaven offers the color and door style you want, they are great cabinets, just very, very expensive!

Thanks, all. Good information and definitely food for thought.

abbeys - interesting that all the designers recommended manufactured. We're also planning to do a combination of painted and stained cabs (the flexibility of mixing some Wood-Mode with Brookhaven is definitely appealing). Good luck with your order - I'll keep you posted on our decision!

cflaherty - I'll try to get that info on the wood. You're right about that flexibility with the local guys - which is, of course, one of the appealing aspects.

rsslp & allnewappliances - thanks for your feedback on your cabinets - it's always great to hear from people who actually own the product!

Marcolo - you are absolutely correct - I have seen all the tales of woe on both sides of the cabinet fence. Initially (back when our budget was less realistic), we were looking at more cost-effective cabinets and I was VERY nervous about those finishes. But, virtually everything I've read about Brookhaven/Wood-Mode has been positive.

I suppose it comes down to priorities - is the flexibility of local custom worth the "risk" of not going with a larger, well-respected brand. Hmmm. More thinking to do.

Thanks again...

~ MadsMama

I had Brookhaven in my previous home, kitchen and master bath and Woodmode in the powder room since I needed both a custom vanity and painted finish. I was extremely happy with everything. The kitchen was almost 11 years old when I sold the house and looked as if it had been installed recently.

Originally was going to use a local custom cabinetry that our builder uses for all his homes. He did exquisite work, however, after waiting 6 weeks for a kitchen design (and I gave him a 2 page list of what I wanted so there was nothing to think about), I was very disappointed when I actually saw it. I changed some things around which he finally accepted but then I mentioned the dreaded word "television set". I felt that if we were building a new home and planning a kitchen, there should be something planned in the design for it rather than just throwing it out there on a countertop. He ignored that request, (in his religion, they do not have tv's which is perfectly acceptable to me), however, HD likes to watch the news in the morning, etc. I complained to our builder and he told me that "???" feels that women should be seen but not heard, also a religious belief, well, excuse me! So long story short, using a regular KD from a kitchen design company and am very happy with him.

VickyW - sorry to hear that you had a long wait from Brookhaven for their replacement cabs/parts. We actually had the opposite - we had added and changed a few cabs, along with a few mistakes our KD did, and Brookhaven sent the corrected and new cabs/parts very quickly.
I don't know about your specific situation, but I wonder if the long wait time had more to do with your designer (or installer) vs. Brookhaven.
I definitely agree that they seem like they are more expensive than others, but for us, we loved the quality and look and options, that we didn't really look at too many others.

VickyW, I suspect your lead time for replacements may have been a dealer issue as well. If your cabinets aren't "over the top" enough, then perhaps wood boxes just aren't that special to you or you made selections that didn't have the details or design elements that would make them fancy enough for you. I never thought I'd have Woodmode cabinets because most of the displays I had seen with them were too over the top for me, so I know they can certainly do them.

I had custom cabinets in the house before. I don't miss them and I don't regret my Brookhaven/Woodmode at all.

madsmom, have you seen the workmanship of the custom cab maker? We have done 2 inset cab kit within 5 years and used 2 different cab makers. One was stained and sprayed with a marine varnish and my present one is painted. I have been extremely pleased. Have you compared the hardware? Drawer glides? Is one using better quality?

Thanks, everyone. Appreciate the feedback from each of you.

eandhl - great question! I have been trying to get specifics from the KD and it's been a little difficult. I don't think she's being intentionally evasive, but I suspect she's not used to (prospective) clients asking so many questions (what can I say, GW has prepared me well!). I am waiting for a sample of the finish.

~ MM

Another thing to consider would be the color and finish you want. I was slightly dissapointed with the options offered by Brookhaven. The Brookhaven cabs I ordered are scheduled to arrive next week, so I can't comment on other items yet.