Cabinets are the single biggest line item in most kitchen remodels — typically 25–40% of total cost. Picking the right tier and brand is more important than picking the right counter or backsplash. After 11+ years of Bay Area kitchen installs, here's how we group cabinet brands by tier, with honest pros and cons.
Tier 1: Custom local cabinet shops
Examples
Local Peninsula and South Bay shops that custom-build to your specs in 6–10 weeks.
Pros
- Truly custom — any dimension, any species, any finish
- Built locally with quick warranty service
- Often better wood grade than semi-custom national brands
- Single point of accountability
Cons
- Highest cost
- Lead times depend on shop capacity (6–14 weeks)
- Variable quality between shops — vet carefully
Price range (2026, installed)
$1,200–$2,500 per linear foot of cabinetry.
Tier 2: Wood-Mode / Brookhaven (semi-custom premium)
Pros
- American-made premium semi-custom
- Excellent build quality and hardware (Blum, Häfele)
- Wide door style and finish options
- Longstanding reputation
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Lead times 8–14 weeks
Price range (2026, installed)
$900–$1,800 per linear foot.
Tier 3: Crystal Cabinets / Plain & Fancy
Pros
- Strong semi-custom mid-tier with broad style range
- Reliable lead times (8–10 weeks)
- Good plywood construction (not particleboard)
Cons
- Less customization than Wood-Mode
- Finishes can show wear sooner than premium brands
Price range (2026, installed)
$700–$1,300 per linear foot.
Tier 4: Kitchen Craft / Schrock / Decora (mid-range stock)
Pros
- Reliable, widely available
- Lead times 4–8 weeks
- Wide range of door styles and finishes
- National warranty support
Cons
- Some lines use particleboard cores
- Less customization on size and configuration
- Drawer glides and hinges are mid-tier (not top-tier Blum)
Price range (2026, installed)
$450–$850 per linear foot.
Tier 5: IKEA (Sektion)
Pros
- Lowest cost path to functional new cabinetry
- Modular system works in small kitchens
- 25-year warranty on the structure
Cons
- Particleboard cores
- Standard sizes only — fillers needed for most configurations
- Door style choices feel "kit-like" without third-party fronts (Semihandmade, etc.)
- Long-term durability is OK, not great
Price range (2026, installed)
$280–$500 per linear foot.
How to choose
Budget under $50K total kitchen budget: IKEA Sektion or Kitchen Craft stock.
$50K–$100K kitchen budget: Kitchen Craft / Schrock semi-custom.
$100K–$200K kitchen budget: Crystal, Plain & Fancy, or strong custom local shop.
$200K+ kitchen budget: Custom local shop or Wood-Mode/Brookhaven.
Want a single-source build with full warranty under one contract: Custom local shop tied to your contractor.
We install all five tiers regularly across Bay Area projects. Reach out if you'd like to walk a showroom or shop with us.
Planning a Bay Area remodel?
High Touch Consulting & Development is a licensed general contractor serving the San Francisco Peninsula and Silicon Valley. We provide free on-site consultations and fixed-scope written proposals.
