I do work for the local Norwalk franchise. From what I have heard, the frames are imported, the motion (recliner) mechanisms are domestic and the upholstery is done in northern Ohio (Norwalk, duh). The fabric, something like 1400 different ones, might come from anywhere. You should educate yourself on fabrics and fibers so you know something about the suitability (i.e., wear and cleaning ability) before selecting something. Joe Ruggiero's Sunbrella line appears to be good. I think it's good value for the money. My wife and I are starting to look at re-doing our family room and we will be looking first at Norwalk. No, I don't get a discount there and I have many clients who could sell me upholstered furniture. Read into that what you will.

The part that made me think that I wasn't measuring correct was in width. The measuring guide said to measure how much you would like covered. I measured that with the small walls mace and little bit of window I want to cover it should be about 12 inches. Type that into the estimate,set, and the final step asks if you want it to be all on the right left, or split down the middle. So does that mean I need to put in 24 inches of width instead? The price if it is just one side seems high to me, which is why I am trying to gauge where they fit in terms of pricing. I always liked calico but know in general they are a little on the expensive side. Wasn't sure if S&N is also in the price range?

I used cabinetrydirect 4 years ago and had an absolutely wonderful experience with Ken. The price for beaded inset in cherry was about 1/4 - 1/3 less than the prices from other companies that we looked into. And the best part for me was no annoying KD. I got to do the whole design and implementation myself, my own choices, my own budget, no one dictating what I "should" or "should not" have. I got to line price items and adjust them myself according to my budget as needed. (I'm a bit of a control freak, can you tell? :-)) Ken was wonderful also. Sometimes difficult to get in touch with on the phone but very responsive through email. He doesn't really help you with design so much and the process will go really smooth if you know what you're doing regarding design, sizes, etc. He works really well with people like me. If you're needy and need a lot of handholding, he may not be your guy. Delivery was on time and very personal. The couple who drove the cabinets up to MN from MS were so sweet, unloaded everything, and drove through a hurricane (literally) to meet my delivery deadline. I could go on and on with positive things. Not to mention the quality of the cabs! :-) Here are some pics and the link to my finished kitchen below: Here is a link that might be useful: My Finished kitchen by cabinetrydirect

From what I read on their website, I think they might be quite nice. I remodeled in 2002, and at that time, I nixed Elkay immediately because the only choices were a mirror finish or an extremely brushed finish. The brushed finish was just too much, IMO. The description of Lustertone sounds like what I ended up with --- I got a Kindred with a Satin finish. No matter which finish you get, stainless does scratch. Getting a Satin, Silk, and probably Lustertone finish somewhat minimizes the scratches vs a mirror finish, and the softer finishes blend those scratches into a nice glowing patina faster. Cleaning your sink with Barkeeper's Friend or Bon Ami helps too.