---
title: "Ragsdale, Inc. — Specialty Contractors | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/specialty-contractors/ragsdale-inc-pfvwus-pf~1954678801
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1954678801.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Ragsdale, Inc."
category: ["Specialty Contractors"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/79e3fdaf0085e840_5355-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg
address: "709 Sheridan Road, Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044, United States"
latitude: 42.282
longitude: -87.856
phone: "(847) 234-4567"
website: http://www.ragsdaleinc.com
rating: 5
review_count: 86
best_of_houzz_awards: 8
followers: 197
last_updated: 2026-09-23
---

# Ragsdale, Inc.

Original Houzz profile: [Ragsdale, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/specialty-contractors/ragsdale-inc-pfvwus-pf~1954678801)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Specialty Contractors
- **Location:** Lake Bluff, IL
- **Serves:** Lake Bluff
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (86 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2023), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

North Shore Fine Decorating Contractors
Best of Houzz 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020!

Family owned and operated since 1977, The Ragsdale Company is known as one of the most reputable painting, decorating and finishing firms along Chicago’s prestigious north shore. Our firm produces the most exquisite finishes in the industry, utilizing an arsenal of environmentally progressive products, offering both on-site and off-site services.

Our boutique design services include turnkey kitchen renovations. Our exclusive team of seasoned trade professionals is focused on the details, creating value, functionality and beauty within your existing space. It’s not our thing to gut completely or to build new homes – we love the challenge of creating something new out of the outdated or dysfunctional, salvaging where it’s possible and appropriate.

From pristine exterior restorations to the finest of interior finishes, each member of the Ragsdale team truly embodies the term “master craftsman.” As we like to say, we love what we do and it shows!

### Services Provided

- Boutique Design Services Painting & Paper Hanging

### Areas Served

- Lake Bluff

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Ragsdale, Inc. |
| Address | 709 Sheridan Road, Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044, United States |
| Phone | (847) 234-4567 |
| Website | http://www.ragsdaleinc.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 197 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/ragsdaleinc
- X (Twitter) — http://www.twitter.com/ragsdaleinc
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/ragsdale-inc.
- Blog — http://www.gracier.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Ragsdale, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/specialty-contractors/ragsdale-inc-pfvwus-pf~1954678801)
- **Website:** http://www.ragsdaleinc.com
- **Phone:** (847) 234-4567

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Industry Partner ASID

- **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2014–2023), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 86 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 5.0
- Communication: 5.0
- Value: 5.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Vitalia Caldwell, Nov. 2024**

> Ragsdale has done a couple jobs for us and we've been glad to work with them.  The best part is that the entire team is lovely and they do a meticulous job.  For the most recent job, they refinished our deck and it looks brand new.  They're definitely our go-to crew for home improvement, and you should make them yours!

**★★★★★ — HU-123032125, Oct. 2022**

> After getting several bids for exterior house painting we knew upon meeting Grace and Rob
> that they were the team we wanted to work with. Their ideas are inspirational,  they have wonderful, energized eyes regarding
> design and detail, and they remain in close contact until the project is completed---
> to our complete satisfaction. Their staff was courteous as well! Overall we can’t praise Ragsdale enough and hope
> to work with them again in the near future on interior projects.
>
> Melissa M. and Michael F.

**★★★★★ — anne\_warnke, Nov. 2021**

> Dear Grace and Rob,
> Thank you for the great care you took with painting the exterior of my 1898 home in Lake Forest last Fall. The house, garage, pergola and fencing all look beautiful. The gate looks especially nice after your crew suggested highlighting the scroll work in the green accent color.  I have received many compliments!
> Even when access to one side of my home was too tight for ladders, you secured a lift and painted it all beautifully. I know this was a lot of extra work for you and I appreciate it very much.
> Thank you and your painters and carpenters for a fine job.
> Anne Warnke

**★★★★★ — Terri Myles, Jan. 2020**

> i hired Ragsdale to do a kitchen renovation consisting of painting the cabinets, new back splash, new lighting, cabinet reconstruction and Powder Room renovation.There was never a mess left behind and all of the tradesmen were polite and professional. The work was completed in a timely professional manner.  I needed extra cabinet space and they custom built a French Pantry to fill that need. It's stunning!! I love my new kitchen!!!

**★★★★★ — Ross Altman, Dec. 2019**

> We used Ragsdale for a kitchen renovation in 2019.  Their willingness and ability to work with existing conditions, attention to detail, and design sense really sets Ragsdale apart.  Everyone within the organization is a pleasure to work with.

**★★★★★ — Debbie certer3@gmail.com, Dec. 2019**

> I would recommend Ragsdale Co. to everyone!!! The workers were professional and friendly. They cleaned up at the end of every day like they had never been there.  The painting  and wallpapering job they did was superb.  They worked quickly but efficiently.  There is no better company I've worked with.  I believe their prices are very competitive and I have piece of mind knowing they are trust worthy, respectful and the work is quality.  A+++++

**★★★★★ — Karen Rae Horwitz, Dec. 2019**

> The Ragsdale Co. successfully completed two very large projects at my home in Glencoe in 2018 and 2019 totaling over 200k. Not only did they consistently meet and exceed my expectations, but if something required occasional correction, they were right on it and made sure the outcome was exactly to my specifications.  They are a delight to work with and I would highly recommend them!

**★★★★★ — susie4864, Dec. 2019**

> Ragsdale, Inc is the most comprehensive & impeccable painting company I have ever dealt with. They are the total package! From the time the drop cloths go down, until the last picture is rehung. Quality, dependable, congenial service!

**★★★★★ — annemaitland8777, Dec. 2019**

> We hired Ragsdale last Spring to do extensive interior painting, including kitchen cabinetry. Their work is impeccable- really beyond my expectations- and I am very picky. They deliver on what they promise, and do so in a timely fashion. I also feel they respect and are very careful of the home they are working in - cleanest “job site” ever.
> I would use them again and would recommend them highly.

**★★★★★ — Terry Colburn, Dec. 2019**

> We worked with Grace Ragsdale and her team to replace our tile backsplash and granite countertops in our kitchen, desk, butler's pantry and laundry room.  They helped us with everything from final design choices to removal of existing materials and installation of all new tile backsplash and quartz countertops, sinks and faucets.  Their professionalism and workmanship was impeccable throughout.  They arrived on schedule and cleaned up at the end of each day.  Grace personally ensured that we were completely happy with the job from start to finish.  They are a class act and we highly recommend their services and will be happy to work with them again.

**★★★★★ — Laura Cienkus, Dec. 2019**

> Fantastic service and skill! They painted my kitchen cabinets to perfection and they look brand new! Working with Grace and Rob was a pleasure and their crew was polite, clean and diligent!

**★★★★★ — Ed Bestvina, Dec. 2019**

> We had the exterior of our house painted by Ragsdale this past summer. We worked with Steve, Grace and Rob for initial estimate and color selection. They were awesome! Once the actual work started, Jose and his team truly defined professional tradesmen. They were courteous, timely, thoughtful and extremely clean and neat. At the end of each day they left our property immaculate. Their attention to detail was impressive...sanding, scraping and caulking was executed to perfection. I highly recommended Ragsdale to my neighbor and they had a project completed as well.

## Selected projects

- [Meadow Circle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/meadow-circle-pj-vj~7044304)
  - Location: Lake Bluff, IL
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: A fun update to this new home for a wonderful family. A black and white theme transformed this basic space into a contemporary, clean and calm environment.
- [Burr Oak Lane](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/burr-oak-lane-pj-vj~6428055)
  - Location: Glenview, IL
  - Photos: 18
- [Amberley Court](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/amberley-court-pj-vj~6428007)
  - Location: Lake Forest, IL
  - Photos: 8
- [Highview Terrace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/highview-terrace-pj-vj~6410919)
  - Location: Lake Forest, IL
  - Photos: 16
- [Hillside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-pj-vj~6408195)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
- [Moffett Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moffett-road-pj-vj~6408159)
  - Location: Lake Bluff, IL
  - Photos: 19
- [Greenwood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenwood-pj-vj~6404506)
  - Location: Glencoe, IL
  - Photos: 13
- [Cherokee Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cherokee-road-pj-vj~6404476)
  - Location: Lake Forest, IL
  - Photos: 9
- [Custom Cabinet Finishes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-cabinet-finishes-pj-vj~100459)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 32
- [Interior Painting & Decorating (Chicago North Shore)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interior-painting-and-decorating-chicago-north-shore-pj-vj~100454)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 164
- [Custom Furniture Finishes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-furniture-finishes-pj-vj~100455)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 34
- [Custom Kitchen Finishes (Chicago North Shore)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-kitchen-finishes-chicago-north-shore-pj-vj~100465)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 87
- [Exterior Restoration & Painting (Chicago North Shore)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exterior-restoration-and-painting-chicago-north-shore-pj-vj~100469)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 33
- [Complete Home Update (Lake Bluff)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/complete-home-update-lake-bluff-pj-vj~2328323)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 21
- [Libertyville Residence (Kitchen Cabinet Update)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/libertyville-residence-kitchen-cabinet-update-pj-vj~1026082)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 37
  - Description: Enhanced with crown molding and a light rail, we took this very nice but dated kitchen from honey oak to a sleek modern espresso finish. A stunning transformation!
- [Deerfield Residence (kitchen cabinet restoration/before & after)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deerfield-residence-kitchen-cabinet-restoration-before-and-after-pj-vj~1025093)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 17
- [Libertyville Residence (Kitchen Cabinet Before & After)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/libertyville-residence-kitchen-cabinet-before-and-after-pj-vj~1025229)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 28
  - Description: Custom paint and glaze finish on oak kitchen cabinets.
- [Lincoln Square Rehab (custom wood finishing)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-square-rehab-custom-wood-finishing-pj-vj~1025205)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Highland Park Residence (kitchen cabinet painting)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/highland-park-residence-kitchen-cabinet-painting-pj-vj~996270)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Glenview Residence (kitchen facelift)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glenview-residence-kitchen-facelift-pj-vj~996063)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 28
  - Description: Full kitchen facelift: grain fill and painting of cabinets, decorative finish on island, hinge replacement, countertop replacement, grout restoration, ceiling, wall and trim painting. All for the fraction of the cost of replacement!

[See all 61 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/specialty-contractors/ragsdale-inc-pfvwus-pf~1954678801)

## Ideabooks

- [kitchens ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63409110/list/kitchens-ideas) — 17 ideas
- [Rich JJ Bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80727322/list/rich-jj-bath) — 5 ideas
- [Rich Guest Bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80465503/list/rich-guest-bath) — 5 ideas

[See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ragsdaleincorporated)

## Community Q&A

**Q: What is the best way to fill the oak grain?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the best way to fill the oak grain? We are having our cabinets professionally painted but we are very worried that the grain will show through. Advise?

A: Our standard approach with oak cabinetry is to replace doors and drawer faces and fill the boxes only. It's very laborious to grain fill the fronts, with the grooves and profiles. Flat surfaces like the boxes are easier to work with so the process goes more quickly. There are several different types of patching compounds that can be used, we typically use Durobond. We grain filled fronts for about a year before we realized that the cost to replace fronts was a wash with the amount of time that went into grain filling. There are added benefits to front replacement, such as the ability to make them larger and minimize the exposure of face frame, upgrade hinges to concealed soft-close, and of course the ability to shift the aesthetic with a new style. If you do replace, just remember to donate the fronts to Habitat for Humanity or a similar organization.

**Q: I like the look! What did this project entail?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What updates were made? What did Ragsdale do?

A: We repainted the entire interior of this home, including kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, and hung paper. We also replaced countertops throughout the home, replaced the kitchen backsplash tile, and replaced hardware. We also modified the entry door to accept glass panels.

**Q: Where are the chandelier lights from** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: I believe these are Visual Comfort.

**Q: What is the paint color of the doors?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: PM-10 "Chrome Green" from Benjamin Moore

**Q: Paint** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you tell me your technique to achieve this paint finish?

A: Custom multi-tone watercolor painted wall finish by the Ragsdale craftsmen.

**Q: Who makes these shutters please and what color paint is this? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: These were existing shutters on our client's home, so I am not sure of the manufacturer. I typically use a company called Timberlane when replacing shutters. We finished these with a stock black, premium exterior polyurethane, in gloss.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*