Just a word of caution..."local (custom) cabinetmaker" is thrown around here a lot with the implication they are superior to the various cabinet manufacturers. They may be, but there is no guarantee. "Local custom cabinetmaker" does not necessarily equate to "high quality" or "low cost". There are many very good custom cabinetmakers out there, but there are many not-so-good ones as well. Just b/c someone is a "custom cabinetmaker" does not make him/her a good cabinetmaker. And, it's not just their skill at cabinetry...how are their business skills? E.g., How are they at meeting schedules? Do they stay within the cost they quote you? How do they deal with issues? What is their warranty? What recourse do you have if they drop the ball? Sometimes you can go "over the heads" of people at cabinet stores or even go to the manufacturer (at least for warranty issues), but you might not have that option with a local cabinetmaker.

If you go this route, be very diligent in your research:

• Contact several recent references, including at least one who had problems so you can see how s/he handled those problems. Ask about:
  • How were they at keeping to the schedule they promised?
  • Did they stick pretty close to the cost estimate they gave them (no hidden fees, undeclared upgrades, etc.)?
  • Did they let them see a sample of their order for approval of the finish, etc. prior to completing the entire order?
  • How did they handle construction issues?
  • How did they handle installation issues?

See actual installed kitchens with the same type of cabinets you are looking for:

• Type: frameless, framed overlay (partial or full), inset

• Wood species: cherry, maple, alder, oak, etc.

• Finish: stained, glazed, painted

• Construction details: Wall thicknesses, box material (plywood, MDF, etc.), interior finishes, box construction

  (joining, etc.), drawer construction, shelving, etc.

What is their warranty on their products? 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? Lifetime?

These are all the same questions you should ask of a manufacturing line as well, but all these things are usually spelled out somewhere and they have staff who specialize in these areas. You usually have some "standard" recourses if there are problems. In addition, their quality, including finishes and construction, are generally pretty consistent (yes, there are glitches occasionally) and they have the advantage for those finishes that are better when manufactured than when done by hand.

I'm not saying don't look into local cabinetmakers, I'm saying be careful. We have had several threads where people have gone this route and have had major issues in all the areas above...construction quality, finish quality, installation issues, difficult to work with, etc. And yes, there have been similar threads from those using cabinet companies (but those are usually resolved fairly quickly once the person gets up the courage to say something.)

If you can find a great local custom cabinetmaker that has wonderful quality at a price you're willing to pay, then by all means, go with them...just do your research.

Good luck!

Contact local cab makers.

$10 says you'll be pleasantly supprised.

Mine is wonderful and about 15% less than KM. I did ask about his stain/finish process (he uses SW BAC wiping stains). Bought a few quart samples and came up with our own stain schedule - we're very happy.

Thank you, Kaib. I guess I should have mentioned I did look into a couple of recommended local cabinet makers that turned out to be way more expensive than Kraftmaid, so I thought I would look into some of the larger custom cabinet lines. I realize I will probably have to pay more than Kraftmaid, but just was wondering what are the more reasonably priced custom lines that still offer high quality construction and all the great storage solutions. I would like to start getting quotes from some of the custom lines, but wasn't sure where to begin. I don't want to start with some of the most expensive ones and get scared off. :) Thanks for any help.

My hubby builds custom high end homes and they often use Starmark cabinets. Here's the link http://www.starmarkcabinetry.com/

What about something like Omega? They have both a semi-custom line (Dynasty) and a custom line (Omega Custom). I suggest them b/c for most door styles & finishes, you can mix the Dynasty & Custom lines...use Dynasty where you can and only use Custom where you need it...that's what I did. I have 3 or 4 Custom cabinets and the rest are semi-custom. It does help to keep the cost down a bit.

I have been very pleased with the quality of my cabinets, the various options, and the customer service. If I ever do another kitchen, I will go with them again.

I couldn't be more pleased with our decision to go local. We almost went for custom cabinets that we would have ordered from afar, but at the last minute got a recommendation for a local guy and his prices weren't that much different. But his quality is way, way better.

And the level of service we're getting is also way better. The kitchen became more involved than our original plans called for (because of what we found after we demo'd), and the local guy has been with us every step of the way, coming by the house and tweaking as necessary.

It's really a whole different world- our contact isn't a rep for a large company who gets a commission, he's the owner and his future depends on us being happy and spreading the word.

Here is a link that might be useful: Example of local custom cabinet maker

Thanks for the great suggestions so far. And yes Buehl, this is exactly why I have been shying away from local cabinet makers. I've dealt with many contractors before and know how difficult it is to find a real gem, and a local cabinet maker is really just another type of contractor. I've heard some horror stories and have also received some recommendations, but the recommended ones were outrageously expensive. I thought I might look into some of the tried and true companies with a good reputation, where like you said, I can go over someone's head should the need arise. I also like the idea that they probably know how to properly dry the wood they use to prevent warping, splitting and cracking and they are more likely to apply a baked-on finish or one that will last, especially since I am looking at painted cabinets. That is a great list you put together and if I decide to look into local cabinet makers again, I will surely be referring to it.

I'm going to check out the companies that were suggested so far. Also, can anyone provide insight into how expensive Woodmode, CWP, Plain and Fancy and Crown Point Cabinets might be? I know there is a good thread on cabinet prices already, but wasn't sure how these particular companies currently fair. Am I looking at the higher end lines? Thanks for all of the great help.

Buehl is so right on! In addition, many providers of *custom cabinets* may order the doors and only build the boxes.
If there is a company near you that has Cabico, they make a great cabinet. From full custom right down to a more affordable line (fewer sizes and colors) and the two lines can be mixed together. They even do custom colors.
A few of the companies you listed above are on the high end, but of course it depends on all the variables of your design.
Good Luck!!

Where are you located? You might be able to find "local cabinet makers" from a little farther away. My shop does work all over and there are probably some around you that do the same.
By the way- this is a great thread about cabinet makers. There are definatly different levels of craftsmanship out there.
Best of luck.
Travis Alfrey

I looked at a showroom that featured Woodmode and it's less expensive counterpart, Brookhaven. Everything was beautiful, of course, but when we started talking numbers, the lowest number I heard was $30K, and that was just for cabinets. The quote I got from Lowe's for Kraftmaid was $22K, and for Shenandoah was a little under $20K. Both Lowe's quotes included granite countertops. I was hoping to do everything (flooring, some electrical and plumbing, etc.) for about $30K, so all these bids were too high. We finally went with a local showroom that sells J&K Cabinetry. Quality is equivalent to Kraftmaid (except I'm having to have Blumotion Silent Close installed separately), but the selection is very limited. They only have maple and a few colors to choose from. But they had something I liked and that fit into my decor, and I'm getting the cabinets and countertops for under $12K. I figured I couldn't beat that with a stick.

Buehl's advice is sound. Local cabinet makers range from shade tree operations to fairly large companies with a national, albeit small, portfolio in our area. Excellent work obtained from both types, but you really have to see their work, check references and understand their timeline may or may not be be quite different than ordering from a major corporation, especially with the shade tree, only one or two helpers, operations.

If you want another larger company to check out, Old River Cabinetry produces quite nice work at a very reasonable cost. A few here have posted their satisfaction with this company. We obtained an unbeatable quote for the custom cabinets but in the end went with a large local firm who could provide the contemporary finish we sought. Good luck!

If you are interested in frameless style cabinets, one custom cabinet maker that hasn't been mentioned yet is Scherrs Custom cabinets in North Dakota. They make fully custom cabinets to your specifications and ship them to you ready-to-assemble.
Their price will likely be approximately equal to Kraftmaid, although the assembly and installation may be more than installation-only for the Kraftmaid cabinets.
I used then for my kitchen and am really happy with the results.

Speaking of Scherrs, many people here have IKEA boxes but order doors & drawer fronts from Scherrs. They actually have a template for the IKEA cabinets (courtesy, IIRC, of a GWer!)

No, I don't think IKEA will for KitchenKrazed09 (the OP) since IKEA has a limited selection of sizes, but for those that only need standard sizes (or are willing to use a bit of filler here and there) and are on a tight budget, it's an option.

I got an estimate from Crown Point back in 2007 for some lower cabinets in the frameless line, which is about 25% less than the inset line. Prices may be higher now.

1 -10" drawer over door cabinet
2 - 34" super susan cabinet
1 - 32" base cabinet with false drawer front and 2 doors with 2 roll out drawers behind them (for cook top base).
1 - 32" sink base cabinet with false drawer front and 2 doors with pull-out waste baskets underneath.
1 - 24" Bosch dishwasher panel
1- 3" return panel with finished end for right side of dishwasher:
Quartersawn Red Oak/stained and glazed the approximate cost would be about $8000, including delivery.

2 - 13" depth base cabinets with full height doors to back up corner/sink/dishwasher:
Quartersawn Red Oak $2200 stained & glazed

It was very quick and easy to get this estimate by email. I sent a drawing of my room and a verbal explanation of the basics of what I wanted. Sending a list of cabinets and desired hardware would be even better, specifying what door style you want and such after looking at the web site.

A local company quoted me about $6500 for similar cabinets, in plywood but probably not the same style of joinery but wasn't offering the exact sizes or pullout hardware I wanted.

Ultimately I decided it is not a good value for me to pay Crown Point prices for cabinets that use the joinery of fine furniture. Fine furniture joinery is not necessary for a strong, durable cabinet box.

I've noticed that pullouts and susans and such can be really marked up in the big brands. For example, a spice pullout can cost 3 or 4 times what it would cost to buy the slide and put together the frame and filler front, or even to buy the Rev-a-shelf at retail online. You can perhaps save money by purchasing hardware separately and either installing it yourself, or arranging with your installer to do so.

andersons is so right. The Blumotion silent close is standard on Kraftmaid, I think; it was something like a $2K markup to get it on the Shenandoah. The cabinetmaker I went with doesn't have it at all. I found the hardware at Lowe's for $12 a pop. Found it online for $3! So my cabinetmaker is installing it for a small fee, and I bought a whole box of 'em, cuz for that price, I'll put them in all my cabinets in the house.

Check out all of the things that are included in the Starmark line. For the price there is really a lot included.

2 years ago, we used Medallion Cabinetry, which makes semi-custom cabinets. Our cabinets were approx $32K. We got the Platinum Series Maple Chelsea style with White Chocolate paint. This is their top of the line series & we got several upgrades including fluted box fillers, large turned legs for the island, custom doors for the French door refrigerator & dishwasher, glass doors for our upper cabinets in the pantry,pull out spice rack, lazy susan, dentil molding with a small crown molding above, range hood, large 36" drawers on both sides of the range, slide out shelves in 2 of the cabinets. They did a wonderful job custom building our warming drawer/microwave cabinets with a turned fluted/panel end. Our upper cabinets didn't go to the ceiling, so we did have to custom build on site more molding & larger crown molding to reach the 9' ceiling I think getting a price for new cabinets is always somewhat of a shock when you first see the price. We priced Kraftmaid too, but we weren't comfortable with our local designer,couldn't seem to get our ideas down on paper. This is the Chelsea kitchen http://www.medallioncabinetry.com/CabinetDetail.aspx?productID=486

We are now waiting for additional base cabinets that will be in our eating area of the kitchen. I designed the cabinets with drawers/wine cubbies/cabinets so I could store linens & dishes and brought it to the local dealer & they tweaked the design a little. I would recommend that no matter which line you go with, try to find at least 2 dealers and get prices from them. Sometimes, they will both have the manufacturer's ongoing sales, but one might have dealer specials on the cabinets.

I would take a picture, but we've been debating (disagreeing?) for almost 2 yrs about the type of granite we want. So...part of my kitchen still has plywood counters & the rest has formica. But I see the light at the end of the tunnel, we were at the granite fabricators yesterday & tomorrow we go back to look at 2 more pieces of granite for approval. Hope to have the kitchen totally ready for Thanksgiving!!! :D

I also took a drive up the Crownpoint in Claremont NH when we were starting the whole kitchen cabinet process. State of the art factory and beautiful,beautiful cabinets. I got to take a tour of the factory right out there viewing the cabinetry that was being built and ready for shipment. They were building some absolutely amazing cabinets & special orders. But....I wasn't happy with the design they did and it started at $30K without any special details!

Here is a link that might be useful: Medallion Cabinetry

Plain & Fancy is about 20-50% less than Wood-Mode. Nice custom cabinet with a beautiful finish.

Thanks guys for all of the great information. It's really helpful.

Forensicmom and Missmuffet - I checked out Starmark, they have some really pretty door styles. They are calling themselves a semi-custom line. Do you know if they make cabinets to any specification?

Abundantblessings - Is that Old River Cabinetry based in Virginia and North Carolina?

Thanks Kompy, I think I'll check out Plain and Fancy next.

I've posted in GW many times about my brother who works as a dealer selling Showplace Cabinets. He's been in the business for over 30 years and quite a few of those as an employee for cabinet manufacturers, a couple of them higher end custom cabinets.

His claim is that Showplace is the best value cabinet he has been involved with and they are almost the same as the custom brands, but far less priced than the customs and certainly less than Plain and Fancy.

I've seen posts from kompy before commenting on Showplace too, maybe we could draw a second opinion out?

Here is a link that might be useful: Showplace cabinets

Kitchen, I echo Jim in Seattle; we also chose a small local one-man-shop custom cab maker. I referenced him and saw his work installed before we chose him. I was very impressed with the quality of the construction and workmanship. He quoted an excellent price; way better than some of the semi-custom lines and less that other custom guys. He's been wonderful to work with, responsive, flexible, and watching out for every detail. No hidden fees. He also absorbed several changes wihtout any change order fees. Our base cabinets will be here in about an hour and I expect to be very pleased.

Are you painting, or staining? If you are painting, my advice is to only buy from a larger company with a proper painting facility. Small shops just can't match the finishes.

Thanks again for all of the input. Pamelah, I am looking for white painted cabinets and this was one of my concerns with using a local cabinet maker.

I am working on getting estimates from a few companies now, but still appreciate any other suggestions!

kitchenkrazed09 - I really don't know if Starmark makes cabinets to any specification because most of mine are probably fairly standard. However, they did redesign a set of cabinets for me to make into a hutch (changed the cabinets to drawers and removed sliding shelves).

Can anyone recommend a KD/dealer selling Starmark and/or Medallion in NJ area? I have contacted the mfgrs for dealers, but would like first hand recommendations, if possible. Also, any comparative tips you can offer regarding these lines...your satisfaction, etc. ? Thanks a ton.