I cannot address how Brookhaven compares with custom, but I have a Kitchen with Woodmode (stain finish) and Butler's Pantry (stain finish) and Laundry (painted) with Brookhaven. The Woodmode is inset, and Brookhaven is overlay. We had a number of issues with the dealer and his installer. Our project was a nightmare as a result. Do not assume that because a dealer carries a great product like Woodmode/Brookhaven, that they will be good at what they are supposed to do. And Woodmode's lead-time for replacement parts can be a real schedule-breaker. I am in the process of planning for another kitchen remodel (the Woodmode/Brookhaven is in our second home), and will be going with custom cabinets this time. The main reasons for deciding not to use Woodmode/Brookhaven this time around are cost and lead-time for replacement parts. I have to say, that even though Woodmode/Brookhaven cabinets are very, very nice cabinets, I do not think they are worth what they cost. The cost is staggering! My kitchen is very high-end. We spend a fortune on many custom items, such as a custom-carved french limestone range hood, custom hand-made forged lighting fixtures etc. No expense was spared. I have to say, that for all these items, I feel as if I got good value for the price. Not so for the cabinets. Don't get me wrong, they are great cabinets--just that they stand-out in a kitchen where everything is "over-the-top" as having a cost that is ridiculously out of line. I recently decided to add an smallish amoire-type cabinet in my laundry room to store brooms. This little Brookhaven gem--despite the fact that they were having a "sale," cost about $2,300. To store brooms. In my laundry room. Galling, no? But I chose Brookhaven, so if I want it to match... I have several friends who have done kitchens recently, and what I spent on cabinets easily is four times or more what any of them spent. Some of those friends used custom cabinets that seem as nice, if not nicer (especially when considering the ability to custom fit, or do any door style) than Brookhaven. Perhaps some are not as nice, but not significantly so, and the cost difference is huge. One thing to consider in terms of the durability of finish is how long you will be in the house--or how long until the next remodel. If it is a long time, a factory finish is almost always more durable than a custom. But the custom might be easier to retouch too. Funny, when I was ordering my Brookhaven, the dealer had a display that was finished by a local finishing specialist, because the finish they wanted was not available from Brookhaven! Not sure where you are located, but in the Pacific Northwest there is a company called Morgans Fine Finishes, and they specialize in cabinet finishing. They actually finish cabinets in their shop, and then you install, so you get some of the benefits of a factory finish, but the ability to customize. Guess it all depends on your priorities. There are some nice custom cabinets out there, but if Brookhaven offers the color and door style you want, they are great cabinets, just very, very expensive!

As others have noted it depends on what your goals are for this remodel. (1) How long will you be in your current house (the one you're remodeling)? [If a short time 3 years, remodel based on YOUR needs/wants] (2) What is the goal of your remodel? What kind of kitchen are you going for? Take the "The Sweeby Test". (3) How much do you plan to DIY? If at least some DIY, how good are your DIY skills? (4) What is your budget? (5) Look a the Finished Kitchen Blog to see sample kitchens and their various elements. (6) What is important to you? (I know, the best of everything you can afford!) You've already defined your kitchen's feel (Sweeby Test). (7) Now, armed with what you want out of your kitchen, your budget, and ideas from the FKB, list your priorities for you kitchen. Some people really want a granite or soapstone counter and will compromise on cabinets or flooring or appliances. Some want solid wood doors and all-wood door boxes while others want top-of-the-line, the-best-money-can-buy appliances. What are your priorities? To consider: Cabinets: ...Do you want well-built, well-accessorized cabinets or will basic (but still solid) cabinets with only a few accessories be fine? ...What style of door do you want...modern or traditional? ...Also look, at the style of drawer fronts...if you have mostly drawers in your base cabinets then drawer fronts will be a major part of the look of your cabinets in your kitchen. ...What type of doors do you want...wood, wood-veneer, metal, MDF? ...What construction do you want in your cabinet boxes...plywood, particleboard, metal, MDF? ...Do you need/want full-extension drawers and/or pullout shelves? ...Look at drawer & pullout shelf glides...are they plastic or metal? (metal is generally stronger and lasts longer) ...How much DIY do you plan? Some cabinets, like IKEA, come ready to assemble (RTA). Most come assembled. Other elements to consider: Countertop: granite, soapstone, quartz, solid surface, wood, laminate, recycled glass or paper, etc. Flooring: wood, tile, stone, laminate, etc. Backsplash: none, partial (continuation of countertop material), tile/stone, paint, etc. Lighting: recessed, undercabinet, pendants, etc. Appliances: You can spend 5,000 plus dollars on a range or refrigerator or you can spend One thing to keep in mind is that some things will last longer than others. Generally, appliances will need to be replaced long before cabinets and countertops so yes, you might go "light" on the appliances initially or even re-use what you already have. That would leave more of your budget for higher-end cabinets, countertop, and flooring--items that you change much less often. Backsplashes can be delayed. All these things are subjective...based on your needs and wants. You will get many opinions here; read them knowing that everyone is different and everyone (1) has different goals for their kitchen and (2) has different priorities. Filter comments through the lens of your goals/needs/wants. Good luck!

Cabinets made in Ca when made legally are to be finished with water based paint and stain products. The cabinets made in South Dakota like Starmark and Showplace are oil based catalyzed varnishes which are much more durable. If you want to test it. Ask to have a sample from both places. Put acetone on the finish and wipe it off. If it is water based the finish will dissolve to some degree during the wipe. The oil based finish will look un touched. The La area store of Ca I work does not offer locally made cabinets for this reason. If you want to buy oil based floor stain or poly urethane you have to drive to San Diego county just to purchase it... The basic premise of the what the dealer told you is correct... The acetone test will tell you if you will get a inferior finish from the local company... I have heard of one company that made cabinets for a project I bid and did not get where the local cabinet maker bought oil based finish in pints to have it shipped in from out of state. You would have to mix all them together I would think it get an even finish color... The national cabinet makers use the oven and the catalyst to be able to finish their products faster. The upside is most also add an hardener to the finish that cures with the oven making the finish more resistant to light scratches and other wear and tear.. I have spoken with many people who have locally made cabinets where the area around the knobs and pulls discolors over time from the oils in the skin from being touched. The out of state finish is likely to be more durable from a reputable company in South Dakota.

We used cliqstudios cabinets in 3 projects in our last house. 2 were stained wood, 1 was the painted wood (linen). The painted cabinets withstood 2 children coloring on them with non washable crayons, colored pencil, 3 cats who loved to rub their faces on the corners and a very VERY busy work area. After pricing the cliqstudios cabinets, the same kitchen in IKEA, and KountryWood Products (available through a local dealer), we've decided to go with cliqstudios again. The prices were exactly the same, IKEA doesn't come with plywood sides, they were only available as an upgrade on the KWP's and they come standard on the cliqstudios cabinets. Plus, I don't have to build the cliqstudios cabinets. As for the finished - my parents went with a VERY high end custom cabinetry company (apologies, I don't remember the name) - white painted inset shaker style - the finish on their cabinets started looking like crap within 5 years. Places where the cabinet finish has chipped, or flaked off, discoloration, etc.