How to Find the Best Cabinet Companies in San Francisco
Beautiful cabinetry can be the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Handcrafted cabinetry by cabinet makers in San Francisco can add that special touch. There are several custom cabinet companies in San Francisco CA who can create wholly original designs from scratch, with quality woodwork and cabinet design. The Prime Buyer's Report can help you find the best cabinet companies in San Francisco for new kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets or storage cabinets.
Updated May 11, 2012
Top 10 Cabinet Companies in San Francisco
| Doug Monti Construction |
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Send an email to this Company (415) 453-1380 24 Clyde Ave San Rafael, CA 94901 State Contractor's License #387703 |
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Areas Served: San Francisco Bay Area
Services: new cabinets, cabinet installers, custom cabinets
| Brossard Workshop |
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(415) 440-4100 928 Van Ness Ave # A San Francisco, CA 94109 |
Areas Served: San Francisco, North Beach, Noe Valley, Sunset District, Mission District, Laurel ...
Services: new custom cabinets, new kitchen cabinets, cabinet replacement, cabinet refacing, ...
| Cabinets & Beyond Design Studio |
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(415) 863-5550 1219 Harrison St San Francisco, CA 94103 |
Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. Mission District, North Beach, Laurel Heights, The Presidio, ...
Services: cabinet makers incl. new cabinets, cabinet refacing, new kitchen cabinets, custom ...
| Poggenpohl Kitchens |
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(415) 865-0443 650 Townsend St # 90 San Francisco, CA 94103 |
Areas Served: San Francisco incl. Sunset District, Pacific Heights, Sea Cliff, Noe Valley, Twin ...
Services: new custom cabinets, high end cabinetry, new kitchen cabinets, cabinet builders & ...
| Gilman Screens & Kitchens |
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(415) 550-8848 228 Bayshore Blvd San Francisco, CA 94124 |
Areas Served: San Francisco incl. North Beach, Sunset District, Laurel Heights, Noe Valley, ...
Services: new cabinet sales, kitchen cabinet sales & cabinet installers, cabinet building & ...
| Couture Designs |
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(415) 626-1981 2901 Mariposa St San Francisco, CA 94110 |
Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. North Beach, Noe Valley, Russian Hill, Twin Peaks, Sea Cliff, ...
Services: kitchen cabinet replacement, cabinet sales, cabinetmakers incl. cabinet refacing and ...
| Pacific Mill Work |
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(415) 861-6519 2901 Mariposa St # 20 San Francisco, CA 94110 |
Areas Served: San Francisco, incl. Inner Sunset, Outer Sunset District, Mission District, North ...
Services: local cabinet company offering new cabinet sales & new cabinet design, new kitchen ...
How to Find the Best Cabinet Companies in San Francisco
New cabinets improve the appearance and resale value of a home. If you're making updates to your kitchen, those old cabinets, even if functional, are not going to match up to the rest of the design. Or getting only new cabinets can make an old kitchen suddenly look new even when you haven't changed anything else, since they're the main focal point for the room and take up a lot of real estate.
When it comes to new cabinets, know that licensed cabinet contractors in San Francisco are those with a C-6 license from the state of California to do new cabinet installation, including kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, or cabinets for offices or retail properties. If the cabinets are only one part of a larger project, then the contractor still needs a license, but it needn't be the C-6 license for cabinet contractors. Additionally, custom cabinet makers in San Francisco need not have any contractor's license as long as they are not doing the installing, and are only cabinet builders or cabinet dealers.
If the cabinet contractors have employees, they're required to have workers' compensation insurance for your protection. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't have this insurance, you could be liable to pay for their injuries and your homeowner's insurance may not cover those costs.
Cabinet contractors in San Francisco are not legally required to have liability insurance; however, all cabinet contractors bearing the Prime Buyer's Report-TOP 10 designation have general liability insurance coverage which reimburses their customers in the event of any damages, in addition to passing all other requirements for certification as Prime Buyer's Report-TOP 10 such as customer reference checks, hiring only documented workers, verified license and workers' comp insurance, clean complaint record, and more.
Cabinetmakers in San Francisco are Highly Skilled 
Prefabricated discount cabinets at the chain home improvement stores seem to have a lower price but may not save you money. Those prefab cabinets made from fiberboard, MDF and particleboard aren't as durable as real wood cabinets, so you'll have spend money again to replace them sooner. And they may not save much money even at the outset when you consider the installers have to spend time trying to fit them in because they weren't custom made for your exact space, so they can take days longer to install than customers expect. Those unexpected installation costs on cheap cabinets from a home improvement store can add up to what it would cost to buy custom made cabinets in the first place.
Cabinet Contractors in San Francisco Offer a Variety of Materials and Design Styles
When it comes to custom cabinets, ask the cabinet contractor about the characteristics and performance of different wood choices. It can be difficult to know what to expect based on only a tiny wood sample. For example, cherry wood will often darken as it ages, and it can have spots that you can't take out. Maple may yellow with age. In both cases, these may still be great choices for you but the best cabinet contractors in San Francisco should tell you about these issues so your choice is an informed one and you're still happy with the new cabinets for years or even decades to come.
If you prefer something more creative, cabinet makers can stylize kitchen 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 such as with finger pulls, light bars, decorative pegs, miter cuts, mirrors, hinges, or dovetail drawer boxes. Ask the cabinet contractors about all the decorative and design options available. Many custom cabinet makers in San Francisco can show you computer visualizations of the new cabinets so you can see how all the different options would look when they are finished and installed, to help make your decision easier.
Cabinet Refacing in San Francisco
There may be reasons to consider cabinet refacing as an alternative to new cabinets, but not all cabinet refacing companies in San Francisco are the same. Some use cheap looking peel-and-stick applications. But there are some good cabinet refacing companies that use a thick veneer and miter the corners of the cabinets so the edges of that veneer are not exposed. Or cabinet refurbishing may include replacing the cabinet doors and updating the moulding style for a new look.
There are Many Choices of Cabinets in San Francisco
We have researched the local cabinet contractors and cabinet makers to determine to leaders of the industry. The Prime Buyer's Report lists these cabinetmakers and cabinet stores in San Francisco: Doug Monti Construction, Brossard Workshop, Cabinets & Beyond Design Studio, Poggenpohl Kitchens, Gilman Screens & Kitchens, Couture Designs, Pacific Mill Work, Cooks Boulevard. Other cabinetmakers and cabinet companies that might still serve San Francisco include: .
There are Many Methods to Locate Quality San Francisco Cabinetmakers and Cabinet Showrooms
It's possible to get a more refined idea of your preferred custom cabinets design if you look at related media. Magazines and websites not only discuss this topic, but often mention reputable, affordable cabinetmakers and cabinet showrooms. For a list of these resources, see The Prime Buyer's Report article "Key Resources for Cabinetmaking in San Francisco."
Working with Cabinetmakers and Cabinet Companies in San Francisco
Step 1: Know What You Want When It Comes to Home CabinetryIn 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 or cabinet showroom.
Step 2: Answer Questions & Take Notes When Talking With Cabinet Makers
Once you have presented a general idea of what you'll need, let the cabinetmaker or cabinetry store ask questions. 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? Does the cabinet showroom staff understand what kind of bath cabinets or kitchen cabinets you are looking for? Do they have some in stock, or will they have to create custom cabinets?
Step 3: Ask Questions & Take Notes
Once you've laid out your basic design preferences, ask some questions to establish the San Francisco cabinet contractors' qualifications. Here are some examples to guide your interview.
• How long have the cabinet companies been in business or how long has the cabinet maker been making custom cabinetry?
• How many cabinets have the cabinet companies completed in San Francisco?
• Do the cabinet makers or cabinet stores specialize in the type of work you've described? If so, ask them to provide some examples of similar cabinetry design or cabinet installation.
• Can the cabinetmakers build custom cabinets, garage cabinets, wood cabinets, glass cabinets or wall cabinets? Do they have a speciality, or are they able to build all types of cabinets?
• What is the cabinet makers' estimated timeframe for completion of your cabinets?
• Will the cabinet makers and cabinet companies provide a detailed, written estimate for new kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets or cabinet storage?
• What materials will the cabinet builder use to create your custom cabinets?
• Does the new cabinets price include both parts and labor?
• What type of warranty do the cabinet makers and cabinet stores provide for their work?
• Will the cabinet companies and cabinet builders provide a written contract?
Step 4: Make a Preliminary Decision on Cabinet Builders and Cabinet Companies
After you've interviewed multiple cabinetmakers and cabinet companies, narrow down your options by reviewing your notes and gauging the best responses. Your new list should include only those cabinet builders 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: Do a Background Check on the Cabinet Makers
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 on the Right Cabinet Builders
Now it's time to select and contract with your cabinetmaker. Call and ask any final questions. Ask for your cabinet company representative to provide a signed, written pricing, timing, quality and warranty agreement.
Tips About Cabinets in San Francisco
Take Time Choosing Your Cabinetmaker and Cabinet Company.
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 San Francisco cabinetmaker is capable of fulfilling your design preferences for kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets and storage cabinets. Find your first-choice professional by interviewing several different cabinet companies in San Francisco.
Know What You Want from the Cabinet Builders.
Ultimately, you'll get the best cabinetry results from a well-communicated plan with your cabinet company. 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 cabinet maker will be quoting the same project. You may then better judge which cabinet builder gives you the best responses to your consistent description.
Shop Around for the Best Kitchen Cabinets and Bathroom Cabinets.
You should familiarize yourself with several cabinet builders and cabinet makers 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 for the exact cabinetry design and custom cabinets you're looking for.
Document Everything When Agreeing to New Cabinetry.
Make sure that your first choice cabinet maker in San Francisco provides you with a written description of the work, pricing and timeframe for completion. Good cabinet companies will put all the details in writing so there are no unanswered questions. You can never be too thorough with your record keeping when it comes to putting in new custom cabinets in your home.
Make Sure Time Frames Match Before Installing New Cabinets.
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 cabinet builder can deliver the work punctually.
Credential Your Potential Cabinet Builder and Cabinet Company.
Before you contract for any cabinetmaking job, be sure to check licensing, workers' compensation and liability insurances, as well as other relevant credentials. See The Prime Buyer's Report article "Key Resources for Cabinetmaking in San Francisco" for some useful resources to locate cabinet maker and cabinet company credentials.
Make Sure Your Cabinet Makers are Listening.
From the start, it should be clear that your cabinet maker is listening to the particulars you require. If your cabinet designer seems to discount your preferences at any point in the custom cabinet 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 cabinet maker and cabinet company.
Know Your Rights When It Comes to Custom Cabinets.
Consumers have some special rights that vary according to where they live. You're dealing with cabinetmaking contractors in San Francisco, so you can check out the consumer affairs Web site for the State of California.
Check the Cabinet Company's 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 on new custom cabinets.
Resources About New Cabinets in San Francisco
Associations & Licensing for Cabinetmakers and Cabinet Companies
AAW American Association of Woodturners (http://www.woodturner.org/)
ASFD American Society of Furniture Designers (http://www.asfd.com/)
ASID American Society of Interior Designers (http://www.asid.org/)
BBB Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com/)
BIFMA Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association (http://www.bifma.org/)
CMA Cabinet Makers Association (http://www.cabinetmakers.org/)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
FS The Furniture Society (http://www.furnituresociety.org/)
HPVA Hardwood, Plywood, and Veneer Association (http://www.hpva.org/)
KCMA Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association (http://www.kcma.org/)
NCA National Craft Association (http://www.craftassoc.com/)
NKBA National Kitchen and Bath Association (http://www.nkba.org/)
WMIA Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (http://www.wmia.org/)
Media & Web Resources for Cabinetmakers and Cabinet Companies
http://www.cabinetmakeronline.com/
http://www.hometime.com/
http://www.superkitchens.com/
http://www.talkshopbot.com/
http://www.woodweb.com/
http://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 San Francisco within the following zip codes:
94101, 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94114, 94115, 94116, 94117, 94118, 94119, 94120, 94121, 94122, 94123, 94124, 94125, 94126, 94127, 94129, 94130, 94131, 94132, 94133, 94134, 94140, 94141, 94142, 94146, 94147, 94157, 94158, 94159, 94164, 94165, 94166, 94167, 94168, 94169, 94170, 94172 and 94188
Cabinets San Francisco CA
Acme Carpenter & Cabinet Co San Francisco CA 94103
Acme Carpenter & Cabinet Co San Francisco CA 94124
Allure Concept San Francisco CA 94124
Applebox San Francisco CA 94110
Architectal Millwork San Francisco CA 94124
Baliantz San Francisco CA 94112
Best Cabinet San Francisco CA 94124
Cabinets & Beyond San Francisco CA 94103
City Cabinetmakers, Inc. San Francisco CA 94124
Connon Woodworks San Francisco CA 94124
Cuschieri's Cabinet Shop San Francisco CA 94122
Custom Cabinet San Francisco CA 94124
Custom Made Cabinets San Francisco CA 94124
Denning Cabinetry San Francisco CA 94124
Discount Kitchen Cabinets San Francisco CA 94117
D's Custom Cabinets San Francisco CA 94110
Eamonn O' Brien Cabinet Making San Francisco CA 94158
Etagere San Francisco CA 94124
Euro-Art of California San Francisco CA 94124
First Cabinet San Francisco CA 94112
George Slack Cabinet Makers San Francisco CA 94107
J&N Kitchen Cabinets San Francisco CA 94112-3403
James Kusz San Francisco CA 94124
John Clark Woodworking San Francisco CA 94124
John Ranney Bright San Francisco CA 94124
Kenwood Cabinetry San Francisco CA 94107
Korts & Knight San Francisco CA 94103
L&D Cabinets San Francisco CA 94124
Lanie Abano Cabinets San Francisco CA 94124
Len Knyper Cabinetmaker San Francisco CA 94117
Pacific Mill Work San Francisco CA 94110
Quality Craftsman Cabinets San Francisco CA 94124
RKF2 San Francisco CA 94124
Robert Leeds Woodworking San Francisco CA 94107
Seidman Woodworks San Francisco CA 94124
Sinawi Cabinetmaker San Francisco CA 94107
Standard Cabinets San Francisco CA 94124
Wong Sunchoy San Francisco CA 94124
Yamaguchi Cabinet Shop San Francisco CA 94107
Zomadic San Francisco CA 94110




