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Prime Buyers Guide Cabinet Companies

How to Find the Best Cabinetmakers in Marin County

Beautiful cabinetry can be the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Handcrafted cabinetry by cabinet makers in Marin County can add that special touch. In the Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael areas, there are several cabinet companies who can create wholly original designs from scratch, with quality woodwork and cabinet design which surpasses that of any pre-manufactured cabinets. The Prime Buyer's Report can help you find the perfect professional cabinet companies in Marin County for your project. more »

Updated February 22, 2008

Top 10 Cabinet Companies in Marin County

Rhodehouse Wood Works
(707) 778-3121, 707 768 1953
1130 Industrial Ave # 9
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contractors License 758392

Areas Served: Mill Valley, San Rafael, Tiburon, Sausalito, Belvedere, Fairfax CA, San Anselmo
Services: full service cabinet company offering new cabinets, cabinet design, production and ...
Key Brands: Blum, Accuride, Dynaslide, Rev-A-Shelf, Kelley Moore stain, Sherwin Williams paint

J Spix Fine Cabinets, Inc.
(415) 339-0228
2346 Marinship Way
Sausalito, CA 94965

Areas Served: San Rafael, Novato, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Greenbrae, Ross, Tiburon, Kentfield
Services: cabinetmakers incl. kitchen cabinets, custom cabinetry, new cabinet installation

Hall Construction & Woodworking
(415) 383-5176
118 Stadium Ave
Tamalpais Valley, CA 94941

Areas Served: Novato, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tiburon, Fairfax
Services: cabinet makers incl. new cabinets, cabinet refacing, new kitchen cabinets

Mill Valley Cabinet Shop
(415) 388-5309
153 Miller Ave
Tamalpais Valley, CA 94941

Areas Served: San Rafael, Mill Valley, Sausalito, San Anselmo, Tiburon, Ross, Belvedere, Novato
Services: new custom cabinets, high end cabinetry, new kitchen cabinets, cabinet builders

Design Orendain Kitchen & Bath
(415) 381-5311
72 Meadow Dr
Tamalpais Valley, CA 94941

Areas Served: Mill Valley, San Rafael, Novato, San Anselmo, Fairfax CA, Woodacre, Tiburon
Services: new cabinet sales, kitchen cabinet sales & cabinet installers, cabinet building

Kitchen Works Inc.
(866) 839-2838
615 Irwin Street
San Rafael, CA 94901

Areas Served: Marin County incl. San Rafael, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Ross, Tiburon, Belvedere
Services: new cabinet design & cabinet sales, installation of new cabinets, kitchen cabinet

Elmack Cabinetry
(415) 388-1293
226 Shoreline Hwy
Tamalpais Valley, CA 94941

Services: kitchen cabinet replacement, cabinet sales, cabinetmakers incl. cabinet refacing

Steinbach Cabinet Shop
(415) 453-7322
31 Mill St
San Rafael, CA 94901

Services: cabinet makers doing new cabinet design, cabinet sales, cabinet installation

Zizi Showroom
(415) 888-3424

Tamalpais Valley, CA 94941

Services: local cabinet company offering new cabinet sales & new cabinet design, new kitchen

Acanthus Custom Cabinets


San Rafael, CA 94901
Contractor’s License #716887
NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association)

Areas Served: Marin County incl. San Rafael CA, Corte Madera, Novato, Sausalito, Mill Valley CA, ...
Services: new kitchen cabinets, new bathroom cabinets, new custom cabinets and custom ...

How to Find the Best Cabinetmakers in Marin County 

It's remodeling time. The new layout is perfect, the counters and the floor as well, and even new appliances. But those old cabinets, while functional (if not a throwback to your Grandma's house in the 60's) are never going to match up to the rest of the remodel. If you want your cabinetry to play just as vital a roll in your new décor as the rest of the addition, consult a skilled cabinetmaker. Your unique design specifications and vision are more likely to become a reality if you utilize the talents of a cabinetmaker. They can do much more than you might think.

Marin County Cabinetmakers are Highly Skilled
The experienced cabinetmakers in Marin County offer a wide variety of superior cabinetry construction. When in need of a skilled cabinetry maker, you should take full advantage of the expertise to be found locally. Cabinetmakers are capable of utilizing computerized designs for remodeling purposes and new construction. For existing cabinetry, they can offer replacement cabinet windows, refinishing, or custom antiquing and glazing. They can fabricate specialty woodwork, European cabinetry, or bamboo cabinetry. Marin County cabinetmakers listed here finish your custom cabinets for a better look and a longer life with spray finishing, wide belt sanding and other refurbishing and updating techniques. Cabinetmakers can even use their woodworking skills to refurbish other household items, such as aging wood furniture.

Marin County Cabinetmakers Work with a Variety of Choice Materials
Cabinetmakers work with nearly every material and style imaginable to design and construct new cabinetry. They can work with hardwood, unfinished lumber, Formica, veneer sheets, or plywood. For more opulent tastes, cabinetmakers can even build with Granitex, marble, ceramic tile, granite, or laminate. Cabinetmakers can also construct wine rack lattices, vanities, knick-knacks, valances, and even finish appliance surfaces to match existing cabinetry. They can apply different decorative accents to enhance basic structures, such as marble tops, wood wainscots, combination edges, simulated distressing, louvered doors, molding profiles, or fluted and beaded moldings. If you prefer something more creative, cabinet makers can stylize cabinets and cabinet doors for more design intricacy. They can set slab & batten doors, perform center panel face routing, tile and face routing, or mount the doors with a regular overlay or a flushed inset. They can add certain finishing work to further enhance the functionality or appearance of the cabinet with finger pulls, light bars, decorative pegs, miter cuts, mirrors, hinges, or dovetail drawer boxes.

There are Many Choices of Cabinetmakers in Marin County
There is a bevy of talented, experienced cabinetmakers in Marin County. The Prime Buyer's Report has researched the local profession to determine to leaders of the industry. The top ten cabinetmakers are Rhodehouse Wood Works, J Spix Fine Cabinets, Inc., Hall Construction & Woodworking, Mill Valley Cabinet Shop, Design Orendain Kitchen & Bath, Kitchen Works Inc., Elmack Cabinetry, Steinbach Cabinet Shop, Zizi Showroom, Acanthus Custom Cabinets. Other cabinetmakers who might service Marin County include .

There are Many Methods to Locate Quality Marin County Cabinetmakers
It's possible to get a more refined idea of your preferred custom design if you look at related media. Magazines and websites not only discuss this topic, but often mention reputable, affordable cabinetmakers. For a list of these resources, see The Prime Buyer's Report article "Key Resources for Cabinetmaking in Marin County."
Updated February 22, 2008
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Dealing with Cabinetmakers in Marin County 

Step 1: Know What You Want
In order to explain what type of cabinetmaking work is involved, you must first explore your options and settle on a rough idea of your preferences. Research styles and materials that you can present to a potential cabinet contractor.

Step 2: Answer Questions & Take Notes
Once you have presented a general idea of what you'll need, let the cabinetmaker pick your brain. Take note of what concerns each cabinetmaking contractor about your job. How detailed are the cabinetmaker's questions? How feasible does he think your ideas are? Does he seem prepared to stay true to your design preferences?

Step 3: Ask Questions & Take Notes
Once you've laid out your basic design preferences, ask some questions to establish the Marin County cabinet contractor's qualifications. Here are some examples to guide your interview.

  • How long have you been in business?
  • How many cabinets have you completed in Marin County?
  • Do you specialize in the type of work I've described? If so, please provide some examples of similar work.
  • What is your estimated timeframe for completion of my cabinets?
  • Will you provide a detailed, written estimate?
  • Does price include both parts and labor?
  • What type of warranty do you provide for your work?
  • Will you provide a written contract?

Step 4: Make a Preliminary Decision

After you've interviewed multiple cabinetmakers, narrow down your options by reviewing your notes and gauging the best responses. Your new list should include only those cabinetmakers who have most favorably answered (as well as questioned) you. Who seemed the most proficient? Who listened closely to your requests and strayed the least from your plan?

Step 5: Background Check
After you've chosen the best candidate for your cabinetry job, do some final research. What credentials does the cabinetmaking contractor have? You can quickly verify licensing and certifications such as Diamond Certification and Better Business Bureau membership.

Step 6: Make the Final Decision
Now it's time to select and contract with your cabinetmaker. Call and ask any final questions. Ask for your representative to provide a signed, written pricing, timing, quality, and warranty agreement.
Updated November 30, 2007
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Key Resources for Cabinetmaking in Marin County 

Associations & Licensing
AAW American Association of Woodturners (www.woodturner.org)
ASFD American Society of Furniture Designers (www.asfd.com)
ASID American Society of Interior Designers (www.asid.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
BIFMA Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association (www.bifma.org)
CMA Cabinet Makers Association (www.cabinetmakers.org)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
FS The Furniture Society (www.furnituresociety.org)
HPVA Hardwood, Plywood, and Veneer Association (www.hpva.org)
KCMA Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association (www.kcma.org)
NCA National Craft Association (www.craftassoc.com)
NKBA National Kitchen and Bath Association (www.nkba.org)
WMIA Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (www.wmia.org)

Media & Web Resources
www.cabinetmakeronline.com
www.hometime.com
www.superkitchens.com
www.talkshopbot.com
www.woodweb.com
www.woodworkforums.com

American Woodworker Magazine
Cabinet Magazine
Cabinetmaker Magazine
Cabinet Maker and Retail Furnisher
Fine Woodworking
Machinists Workshop
Popular Woodworking
Wood
Woodworkers Journal

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 cabinet craftsmen and cabinetmakers in Marin County within the following zip codes.

94901, 94903, 94904, 94912, 94913, 94914, 94915, 94920, 94924, 94925, 94929, 94930, 94933, 94937, 94938, 94939, 94940, 94941, 94942, 94945, 94946, 94947, 94948, 94949, 94950, 94956, 94957, 94960, 94963, 94964, 94965, 94966, 94970, 94971, 94973, 94974, 94976, 94977, 94978 and 94979

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 cabinetmakers in Marin County within the following cities.

Bel Marin Keyes, Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon, Black Point, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Dillon Beach, Dogtown, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Ignacio, Inverness, Kent Woodlands, Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur, Marin City, Marinwood, Marshall, Mill Valley, Mission Rafael, Muir Beach, Muir Woods, Nicasio, Novato, Olema, Point Reyes Station, Ross, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, San Marin, San Quentin, San Rafael, Santa Venetia, Sausalito, Stinson Beach, Strawberry Point, Tamal, Tamalpais Valley, Terra Linda, Tiburon, Tomales and Woodacre
Updated November 30, 2007
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Top 10 Cabinetmaking Contractor Tips 

Take Time Choosing Your Cabinetmaker.
Don't hire the first cabinetry maker you can reach. Woodworkers and cabinetry contractors have different styles and abilities, and you want be sure your Marin County cabinetmaker is capable of fulfilling your design preferences. Find your first-choice professional by interviewing several.

Know What You Want.
Ultimately, you'll get the best results from a well-communicated plan. Prepare measurements of the area intended for the cabinets, including any appliances, outlets, etc. Knowing these considerations ahead of time means that you will be able to measure how well each prospective cabinetmaker is suited and ensures that each cabinetmaker will be quoting the same project. You may then better judge which cabinetmaker gives you the best responses to your consistent description.

Shop Around.
You should familiarize yourself with several potentials before signing on to anything. But remember, price is not the only concern. When you get several estimates it will help you determine which cabinetmaker exhibits the best style and aptitude.

Document Everything.
Make sure that your first choice cabinetmaker in Marin County provides you with a written description of the work, pricing and timeframe for completion. You can never be too thorough with your record keeping.

Make Sure Timeframes Match.
Particularly with private cabinetmakers, the length of the project can vary at the cabinetmaker's convenience. So if you have a deadline (especially if it's a gift or you have appliance installations planned around your new cabinets), make sure your cabinetmaker can deliver the work punctually.

Credential Your Potential.
Before you contract for any cabinetmaking job, be sure to check licensing, workers' compensation and liability insurances, as well as any other relevant credentials. See The Prime Buyer's Report article "Key Resources for Cabinetmaking in Marin County" for some useful resources to locate cabinetmaker credentials.

Insist on the Best.
Select cabinetmakers in the Marin County area have proven their dedication to the consumer. For your particular locale, cabinetmaking contractors that have earned professional endorsements along the lines of Diamond Certification are much more likely to go the extra mile to meet your cabinet specifications and leave you more than satisfied.

Make Sure You Are Being Heard.
From the start, it should be clear that your cabinetmaker is listening to the particulars you require. If your cabinetmaker seems to discount your preferences at any point in the cabinetmaking project, he's not the one for you. Ask when you have the slightest doubt about how a job will be handled. There may be decisions that you can make that will help the cabinetmaking job go more smoothly. In the end, the only way to get what you want is to make it clear to your cabinetmaker.

Know Your Rights.
Consumers have some special rights that vary according to where they live. You're dealing with cabinetmaking contractors in Marin County, so you can check out the consumer affairs Web site for the State of California.

Check the Work.
Before you install your new cabinets or otherwise accept your cabinetmaker's finished product, approve his work. Check for scratches or ill-fitting parts. Make sure all terms of the initial agreement have been met. In the end, you shouldn't have to settle for shoddy workmanship.
Updated November 30, 2007
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Cabinetry Contractors in Marin County Work with High Quality Cabinet Brands 

Kraftmaid, DuPont, Corian, Camar, Conestoga, Henrybuilt, Draper DBS, Artcraft Kitchens, Black Cove Cabinetry, Beckermann Kitchens, Boffi, California Architectural Traditions, Heritage Custom Cabinetry, PMI Materials, and Poggenpoh products.
Updated November 30, 2007
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Diamond Certified