Cabinet manufacturers offer many different products, and choosing the right one can have a significant impact on your kitchen remodel. Reputable professionals will be able to match you with a style that suits your aesthetic, solve space complexities and finish the job at a high quality. When choosing a cabinet maker, be sure to ask for references from clients who are satisfied with the work. If a cabinet maker can’t or won’t share, that should be a red flag and they should be dropped from your list of options.
The largest kitchen cabinet manufacturer in the country is Masco, whose products are sold at home centers and big box stores across America. Other major producers include Fortune Brands, which produces more than 14 percent of the industry’s cabinets; Deerfield-based Kraftmaid, which holds about 11 percent of the market; and Semihandmade, a direct-to-consumer brand that launched in 2010 and is now in some 15 states.
Smaller, local millwork shops can also supply custom cabinetry. Their advantages include a more personal touch, shorter lead times and lower prices. However, they may lack the resources to keep up with trends in cabinetry. For example, smaller millwork shops are less likely to use higher-grade hardwood plywood or melamine panels than larger factory-based companies. These materials provide better moisture control and allow for more design details, like inset panels.
Visiting factory showrooms is another effective way to become familiar with product lines. Manufacturer personnel will walk cabinet dealers through the showroom, giving them a sense of the post-installation look of a cabinet. kitchen cabinet manufacturers