Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers

The best kitchen cabinet manufacturers focus on making cabinets that work for today’s homeowners. Traditional still accounts for the largest share of cabinetry, claiming 63 percent of the market in 2006. Contemporary is gaining ground, though. It’s a broad style category that runs the gamut from sleek and modern to tailored but warm and inviting.

While the cabinet industry has taken a hit during this housing slump, it’s resilient and responds to shifting consumer tastes by adjusting production methods and lowering lead times. Some even expand to serve growing demand. For example, Kraftmaid increased its production capacity 250 percent and reduced its lead time by more than 50 percent by implementing lean manufacturing practices.

Many cabinet makers also work to address environmental concerns by limiting their use of chemicals and using lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which verifies that a forest was harvested and managed in a sustainable manner. FSC lumber is also often recycled, which reduces waste and the need to build new forests.

When shopping for cabinets, look for a label on the bottom of a wall cabinet or on an inside panel in your sink base to see who made your kitchen. It’ll usually tell you the brand and sometimes the construction details.

Local millwork shops are a good source of quality cabinetry, as well. These are typically small, independent businesses that specialize in the design and fabrication of custom furniture, including cabinets. They often have a Rolodex of vendors that they use for different projects, and they can work with you to find the right look within your budget. kitchen cabinet manufacturers