First off, KDs work for you...and they should be respecting your needs and wants. However, it may be that your wants are not feasible or, at least, very functional. If that's the case, they should be discussing it with you rather than just ignoring you and doing what they either think is right or want.

Have you discussed this with them?

I will say, though, that I sense a red flag with these KDs...if they're not communicating satisfactorily with you now when they're trying to get your business, it likely won't get better later.

As to finish...are you going with painted cabinets or stained? Have you discussed your concerns about the finish with the KD that you like? I think you can have a finish that's almost, if not as, good as a factory with stained cabinets in a local shop. I don't know about painted, though.

I have had custom cabs made twice. First were done with a dye mixed in the marine varnish and they were nicer than any I had ever seen and held up to everything. Now I have painted custom cabs, we used oil based BM satin impervo. The only nick I have is from a clock falling off a beam and hitting the bottom of a cab as well as denting the floor. I do not have toe kick areas and I drag the vac and bump them. So far no problems.

I guess the grass is always greener. I prefer the non-factory finishes on the medium toned, stained and glazed cabinets that I am pricing now. I think cabinets are a major purchase and design is of utmost importance. You should work with and buy from someone who works with you rather than against you. Good luck.

Having had both, I believe that the "oven-baked finish" hype is just that: marketing hype from the cabinet industry. Your custom shop can use a pre-catalyzed finish that will be every bit as durable for your kitchen (unless you plan on taking your cabinetry for a dip in the ocean). :-)

What circuspeanut said. I didn't buy into the whole catalyzed hype. Better? I doubt it. On a par? More likely. This is assuming the local guy does indeed use the quality stuff. I went with a custom cabinet maker and what they told me is that it just takes a little longer to cure naturally. But once cured, the finish will be solid.

I've had both as well. The custom guy should use a catalyzer in his finish coat to make it a really hard surface. Whether this is as hard or not quite as hard as the factory finish is probably up for debate. Either way,i think it will take a significant hit to the cabinetry to ruin the finish. Also, remember that KD's in stores sometimes are offered financial incentives to sell one brand or another that month or they want to sell the brand that they are more comfortable dealing with bec of lead times or ease in getting damaged parts replaced, etc.

I'll echo what Buehl said. You should be the lead in the kitchen design, but if almost every KD you've approached is "doing what they want" then I really have to ask what it is that you want? That sounds more like a red flag against your design ideas than against the KD's "not listening". Because KD have to understand building codes and necessary clearances and other functional aspects of how a kitchen works that the casual user doesn't understand. Such as the legal aisle requirments and the needed clearances and ventilation for a pro style range, etc. And if you are asking for something that is against code, or is extremely non functional, then they should NOT be including it in the plans, but they should also be explaining to you WHY they are not able to do as you've asked.

So, post a layout of your ideas. And tell us what it is that you want to do that they haven't included, and if it's a bad idea, we'll tell you why it's a bad idea.

From what I've read, large cabinet manufacturers bake their finishes so the cabinets don't sit around taking space while they dry. They then market as an advantage what really is just a cost saving measure. The type of varnish and how it is applied determines the hardness, not whether the curing is speeded up by "baking" it. It sounds nice, but usually things that cure over time end up harder than if the curing is rushed.

Very enlightening answers! Thanks to all of you.

Hi Janralix,

You are doing the right think to really think through your choices here. I agree with the above posters. I've been in your situation, and would like to share my thoughts.

Re: The KD - You should not work with anyone who doesn't make you feel comfortable and informed. Communication is essential. I know you are probably anxious to make a decision and move forward, but you should keep looking if you haven't found the right fit.

Also, take some time and really read the contract before you sign. Make sure you have rights regarding termination and you understand the way fees are calculated. Is the KD getting a fee or a commission on cabinet sales?

Re: Manufactured cabinets - vs- local cabinet-makers: I've been all around the block on this question. The "finish durability" issue is one that made alot of sense to me (especially since I live in CA where environmental restrictions limit the types of finish products allowed). However, after talking to a lot of people, and visiting cabinet shops and completed projects, we decided to go with a local cabinetmaker after all. I think the answer is that not all cabinetmakers can produce the same kind of results as a factory - but some can. It requires a more sophisticated finishing operation. If they have the right kind of exhaust system, they can use the catalytic conversion varnishes (even in CA), which are a big selling point for the manufacturers. I visited a 10 year old kitchen with cabinets that looked brand-new - just like the mfg. ones. They were able to customize the cabinets to our exact requirements, and they were cheaper (somewhat). The turn-around time was much quicker, and in the future they could make changes or additional cabinets for our home that would match. Also, it felt good to support our local businesses.

Good Luck!