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Prime Buyers Guide Cabinet Companies

How to Find the Best Cabinet Companies in Sonoma County

Beautiful cabinetry can be the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Handcrafted cabinetry by cabinet makers in Sonoma County can add that special touch. There are several custom cabinet companies in Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Santa Rosa CA who can create wholly original designs from scratch, with quality woodwork and cabinet design.

The following research by The Prime Buyer's Report identifies the best cabinet contractors in Sonoma County and issues related to hiring them.

Updated February 20, 2013

Top 10 Cabinet Companies in Sonoma County

Doug Monti Construction
Send an email to this Company
(415) 453-1380
24 Clyde Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
State Contractor's License #387703 (B)
   Prime Buyer's Report TOP 10 Marin Builders Association RRP Certified (Lead-Safe Renovator) Build It Green-Certified Professional

Areas Served: Bay Area including Sonoma County
Services: new cabinets, cabinet installers, custom cabinets

Fine Art Of Carpentry
Send an email to this Company
(707) 584-8807
1168 Emily Ave
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
State Contractor's License #655060 (B)
   Prime Buyer's Report TOP 10 EPA Lead Safe Certified

Areas Served: Sonoma County incl. Rohnert Park CA, Santa Rosa CA, Cotati CA, Agua Caliente, ...
Services: cabinet installers, custom cabinets, new cabinets, kitchen cabinets

Dream Builders
Send an email to this Company
(707) 591-0399
5412 Arnica Way
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
State Contractor's License #459717 (B)
   Prime Buyer's Report TOP 10

Areas Served: Sonoma County incl. Santa Rosa CA, Healdsburg CA, Petaluma CA, Sebastopol CA, ...
Services: new cabinets, cabinet installers, kitchen cabinets, custom cabinets
Key Brands: Marvin Windows, Kohler

Steven G Schloming, General Contractor
Send an email to this Company
(707) 829-0441
PO Box 271
Sebastopol, CA 95473
State Contractor's License #456187 (B)
   Prime Buyer's Report TOP 10 NCBE (North Coast Builders Exchange)

Areas Served: Sonoma County incl. Sebastopol CA, Santa Rosa CA, Healdsburg CA, Petaluma CA, ...
Services: new cabinets, kitchen cabinets, custom cabinetry

W Isaak Construction Inc
Send an email to this Company
(707) 782-9002
PO Box 750
Penngrove, CA 94951
State Contractor's License #753653 (B)
   Prime Buyer's Report TOP 10  Better Business Bureau NCBE (North Coast Builders Exchange) EPA Lead Safe Certified COTS (Committee On The Shelterless)

Areas Served: Sonoma County incl. Penngrove CA, Santa Rosa CA, Healdsburg CA, Petaluma CA, ...
Services: new cabinets, custom cabinets, cabinet refacing
Key Brands: Marvin Windows, Kohler, ROHL

How to Find the Best Cabinet Companies in Sonoma County 

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 Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County 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 survey calls to customers, hiring only documented workers, verified license and workers' comp insurance, clean complaint record, and more.



Cabinetmakers in Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County 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.

Cabinetmakers in Sonoma County offer many materials and styles. 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. Cabinet builders can also make wine rack lattices, vanities, valances, and even change the surface of your appliances to match the new cabinets. They can apply different decorative accents 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 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 Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County
There may be reasons to consider cabinet refacing as an alternative to new cabinets, but not all cabinet refacing companies in Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County
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 Sonoma County: Doug Monti Construction, Fine Art Of Carpentry, Dream Builders, Steven G Schloming, General Contractor, W Isaak Construction Inc, Cloverdale Cabinet Inc, Mike's Custom Cabinets, Briggs & Sons, Wine Country Woodworks. Other cabinetmakers and cabinet companies that might still serve Sonoma County include: Plaza Cabinetry, Scott Clower & Associates Cabinets Sonoma, , Teevax Home Appliance & Kitchen Center, Hardisty's Homewares. Didn't find what you wanted with the TOP 10 Cabinet Companies in Sonoma County? Then click here to see additional companies in this category.

There are Many Methods to Locate Quality Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County."

 

 

Working with Cabinetmakers and Cabinet Companies in Sonoma County 

Step 1: Know What You Want When It Comes to Home Cabinetry
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 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 Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County?

• 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 Sonoma County 

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 Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County.

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 Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County" 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 Sonoma County, 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 Sonoma County 

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)
Diamond Certified www.diamondcertified.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 Cabinets in Sonoma County within the following zip codes:

94922, 94923, 94927, 94928, 94931, 94951, 94952, 94953, 94954, 94955, 94972, 94975, 94999, 95401, 95402, 95403, 95404, 95405, 95406, 95407, 95408, 95409, 95412, 95416, 95419, 95421, 95425, 95430, 95431, 95433, 95436, 95439, 95441, 95442, 95444, 95446, 95448, 95450, 95452, 95462, 95465, 95471, 95472, 95473, 95476, 95480, 95486, 95487, 95492 and 95497


Cabinets Boyes Hot Springs CA

Holleman & Co Cabinet Maker Boyes Hot Springs CA 95416

 

Cabinets Cloverdale CA

Cloverdale Cabinet Cloverdale CA 95425


Cabinets Cotati CA

Kingwood Cotati CA 94931
Knock On Wood Cotati CA 94931
Mitchel Berman Cabinetmakers Cotati CA 94931
Scott Bare & Associates Cotati CA 94931
Sonoma Country Pine Cotati CA 94931
WNT Cotati CA 94931

 

Cabinets Duncans Mills CA

Higgins Cabinetry Duncans Mills CA 95430

 

Cabinets Geyserville CA

Design Custom Cabinet Geyserville CA 95441

 

Cabinets Graton CA

Dutch Craftsman Graton CA 95444

 

Cabinets Guerneville CA

Accent Design Cabinetry Guerneville CA 95446
David Granahan Quality Cabinet Guerneville CA 95446


Cabinets Healdsburg CA

Aristocrat Wood Products Healdsburg CA 95448
Howling Dog Woodworks Healdsburg CA 95448
Hudson Street Healdsburg CA 95448
Mike's Custom Cabinets Healdsburg CA 95448
North Coast Cabinetry Healdsburg CA 95448
Tedesco & Sons Healdsburg CA 95448


Cabinets Kenwood CA

Paul Kruzic Woodwork Kenwood CA 95452


Cabinets Petaluma CA

Ahlers & Son Cabinets Petaluma CA 94952
Almo Kitchen Cabinet Petaluma CA 94952
California Woodworks Petaluma CA 94955
California's Custom Cabinetry Petaluma CA 94954
Crespi Woodworking Petaluma CA 94952
Ed Abbott Custom Cabinetry Petaluma CA 94952
Hamilton Cabinets Petaluma CA 94952
Luedecke Woodworks Petaluma CA 94952
Rhodehouse Wood Works Petaluma CA 94952
Swift Custom Cabinet Finishing Petaluma CA 94954
Tom Levin Custom Woodwork Petaluma CA 94952
True Line Petaluma CA 94952
Wine Country Cabinetry Petaluma CA 94954


Cabinets Rohnert Park CA

A&W Woodworks Rohnert Park CA 94928
Aladdins Custom Cabinets Rohnert Park CA 94928
Best Built Fine Cabinets Rohnert Park CA 94928
Halawah Woodwork Rohnert Park CA 94928
Sweetwater Custom Cabinets Rohnert Park CA 94928
West End Wood Products Rohnert Park CA 94928
Woodforms Rohnert Park CA 94928

 

Cabinets Santa Rosa CA

Ansaldo's Cabinets Santa Rosa CA 95404
Cabinet & Millwork Santa Rosa CA 95407
Cabinet Tree Santa Rosa CA 95403
Classic Mill & Cabinet Santa Rosa CA 95403
Closet Crafters Santa Rosa CA 95403
Creative Cabinets Santa Rosa CA 95407
Creative Kitchens Santa Rosa CA 95401
Custom Wood Finishing Santa Rosa CA 95407
DG Wright Enterprises Santa Rosa CA 95407
Deegan Woodworks Santa Rosa CA 95403
Design Line Cabinetry Santa Rosa CA 95407
Flying T Cabinetry Santa Rosa CA 95407
Halaweh Cabinets Santa Rosa CA 95407
JR's Woodworks Santa Rosa CA 95407
Keller Custom Woodwork Santa Rosa CA 95409
North Bay Cabinets Santa Rosa CA 95407
Pacific Hardwood Cabinetry Santa Rosa CA 95407
Petaluma Valley Cabinets Santa Rosa CA 95401
Phoenix Woodworking Santa Rosa CA 95401
Phoenix Woodworks Santa Rosa CA 95407
R&B Custom Cabinets Santa Rosa CA 95407
Rillcraft Fine Woodwork Santa Rosa CA 95404
SG Custom Cabinets Santa Rosa CA 95407
Skyline Casework Santa Rosa CA 95407
Solid Wood Custom Cabinets Santa Rosa CA 95407
Sonoma Millwork Santa Rosa CA 95406
Stanley Wood Products II Santa Rosa CA 95403
Stanley Wood Products II Santa Rosa CA 95407
Stapp Fine Woodworking Santa Rosa CA 95404
West Coast Cabinet Makers Santa Rosa CA 95407

 

Cabinets Sebastopol CA

Frogs Hair Sebastopol CA 95472
Green Valley Woodworks Sebastopol CA 95472
Larry Doty Cabinet Maker Sebastopol CA 95472
Out of the Woods Sebastopol CA 95472
Rhyne Design Cabinets & Closet Sebastopol CA 95472
Roe & Co Sebastopol CA 95472
Woodencraft Sebastopol CA 95472


Cabinets Sonoma CA

Briggs & Sons Sonoma CA 95476
Gerald Hanlon Complete Cabinet Sonoma CA 95476
Kris Hill Carpentry Cabinetry Sonoma CA 95476
MC Cabinets Sonoma CA 95476
Mca Creative Sonoma CA 95476
Plaza Cabinetry Sonoma CA 95476
S Therrien Cabinetmakers Sonoma CA 95476
Sonoma Garage Cabinet Systems Sonoma CA 95476
Wine Country Woodworks Sonoma CA 95476
Wood Touch Sonoma CA 95476

Cabinets Windsor CA

Scott Clower & Associates Windsor CA 95452