Rex Custom Cabinets is a family owned business and is the premier source for cabinetry in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our goal is to provide clients with only the best in quality and service. Our designer gives you individual service from the beginning to the end of your projects, working with you to emphasize space, form and function.
Whether you are building or remodeling you get exactly what you want without compromise. Rex Custom Cabinets invites you to visit our showroom & facility to see first hand the quality of our products. From sweeping floors as a teenager to sweeping clients off their feet after seeing their custom cabinets, Rick Kalem has taken designing cabinets to another level.
Rick's uncle, Rex, emigrated from Greece and worked alongside his relative, Steve, at a small cabinet shop in 1960. While working there he was often ridiculed for being an immigrant. Rather than let it get the best of him Rex worked even harder and learned the trade and became the best. He was a natural at the art of fine cabinetry.
Whether you are building or remodeling you get exactly what you want without compromise. Rex Custom Cabinets invites you to visit our showroom & facility to see first hand the quality of our products. From sweeping floors as a teenager to sweeping clients off their feet after seeing their custom cabinets, Rick Kalem has taken designing cabinets to another level.
Rick's uncle, Rex, emigrated from Greece and worked alongside his relative, Steve, at a small cabinet shop in 1960. While working there he was often ridiculed for being an immigrant. Rather than let it get the best of him Rex worked even harder and learned the trade and became the best. He was a natural at the art of fine cabinetry.
Services
Rex Custom Cabinets is a full service custom cabinet and furniture builder. Working closely with designers, architects, home owners and commercial clients, we use your conceptual drawings to manufacture and finish your specialty cabinets, furniture and casework. All furniture, cabinetry and millwork is manufactured in our locally owned Oakland facility with an emphasis on master craftsmanship, using an extensive range of woods and veneers.
From sweeping floors as a teenager to sweeping clients off their feet after seeing their custom cabinets, Rick Kalem has taken designing cabinets to another level. Rick's uncle, Rex, emigrated from Greece and worked alongside his relative, Steve, at a small cabinet shop in 1960. While working there he was often ridiculed for being an immigrant.
A rough draft or plans of your project - kitchen, bathroom vanity, bookcase, desk area, etc. This should include all measurements of the room, including doors, windows and ceiling height. Cabinet style or fabrication method (standard reveal, 1/4 flush inset, mortise and tenon, etc.). Drawer guides (standard, full extension or soft close) hinges (exposed, concealed or soft close).
For cabinets, I recommend working with Rick Kalem at Rex Cabinets. He makes all his own beautiful, custom cabinets in his shops which is right next to his showroom. Since we didn't have an architect or designer, we worked with Rick on every detail of our kitchen design. We appreciated his ideas and flexibility when he helped us design a kitchen (with a desk area, mudroom, bar area) which uniquely fit the way we live.
Reviews (19)
Joan X.
Sep 14, 2021
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WOW! We were the GCs on our own kitchen remodel and worked with over a dozen contractors - Rick was way at the top of our favorites to work with. He's excellent at his craft, brings so much vision and attention to detail to his work, and vastly exceeded our expectations in timeline (other cabinet makers were quoting several months ... Rick had ours to us within a few weeks) and quality (was able to match our existing cabinetry flawlessly)
We did a partial cabinet replacement due to an unfortunate kitchen leak. Though we had a vague idea of the features we wanted (dishwasher! Recycling pull
We did a partial cabinet replacement due to an unfortunate kitchen leak. Though we had a vague idea of the features we wanted (dishwasher! Recycling pull
Isadora G.
May 16, 2021
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Kevis B.
Apr 21, 2021
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This shop built the custom cabinets in our kitchen in 1987 in a complete remodel. I finally replaced my ovens and my cooktop this year 2021, and due to the cooktop being slightly deeper and the gas connection in a different place, one of the drawers under it needed adjustment in both length and depth. I called the shop and he said to bring it in and they would fix it. I brought it over in the morning and picked it up in the afternoon. It fits perfectly -- what great service! Rex Custom Cabinet Shop takes care of their customers.
S. R.
Nov 09, 2020
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I called Rick for assistance with a small project that most other cabinetmakers should have found laughable. I was at the end of a cabinet refacing project (done by another company) when I had the bright idea that I wanted all new shelving. I called around and Rick was the most pleasant and helpful person that I encountered. He didn't make the cabinetry but he sure made them better. If I'm ever in need of custom cabinetry they'll have me add a customer.
Margaret H.
Jan 02, 2020
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Rick is very nice. I had a problem with some store bought drawers' sides hanging out too much and they won't clear the door molding. After running around several stores, Rick offered to trim them for me for free, with no guarantee of course. The cuts came out perfectly clean. There was no visible chips to the highly glossy lacquered finish. Otherwise, I would have to buy whole new cabinets. Rick saved the day. I am so relieved.
B. J.
May 23, 2019
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Fran L.
Mar 21, 2019
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Bert B.
Aug 29, 2018
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We initially thought we would go with some ikea cabinets however, after mulling over differ configurations, we decided that the best option was to go with a custom build and I'm really glad that we did. Rick came to the house and measured out our kitchen. We spoke about different options and what we ultimately wanted to do. We had a pretty complex remodel as we planned to move the stove/oven and needed something that would allow us to maximize the storage in the space given that we live on bayfarm in alameda space is always so limited. We were really happy about the suggestions that Rick
Debra O.
Jun 17, 2018
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In a world where good customer service is no longer valued, Rick has shown me that his business values giving you top notch service. I've gone to his business twice with unusual requests and he has been able to help me on both occasions.
I went into his business about a year ago looking for narrow cabinet shelving that I could not find anywhere. Ric was so helpful that he personally cut me the shelving himself. I went into his business again last week looking for kitchen cabinet hinges that I couldn't find anywhere else and Rick was able to order them for me immediately. What can I say
I went into his business about a year ago looking for narrow cabinet shelving that I could not find anywhere. Ric was so helpful that he personally cut me the shelving himself. I went into his business again last week looking for kitchen cabinet hinges that I couldn't find anywhere else and Rick was able to order them for me immediately. What can I say
Luis C.
Jan 25, 2018
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Unbelievable how rude the customer service is at this place is. I'm beyond shocked. Seriously the owner of this place told me he didn't have time to answer a few questions because " 20 minutes of his time cost about 160" really???? I called for a few questions about hinges because I was told to call this business, that they would be able to help me. Instead I was treated rudely. As a bussiness owner he shouldn't treat customers that way if he wants to stay relevant. I don't recommend any body to go here, and if you already have a project going on with this bussiness
David T.
Jan 10, 2018
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I just contacted this shop and briefly explained my interest in refacing my kitchen cabinets. While talking to to the phone rep, I explained that I was looking into purchasing three cabinet doors, and wanted to know the different price points per door or an "average" cost to say the least before I made a visit. Im well aware its a custom shop. His response was " I do not know how this will help you at all, this is like me looking for a car and asking someone whats the average cost of a car."
First of all is analogy was completely inconsistent and irrelevant with my inquiry
First of all is analogy was completely inconsistent and irrelevant with my inquiry
John K.
May 27, 2017
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Shout out to these guys.
I've had this on again/off again relationship with one of my kitchen cabinets. The hinge broke from fatigue and I made a valiant attempt to replace it myself. It turned out to be a bad idea. I broke the screws. I misaligned the drill holes... and within a few days the door once again fell off. With my tail between my legs and cabinet door in hand I randomly walked into Rex and asked if they could help me. Rick looked at it and told me to come back the next day and it would be ready. And it was. The broken screws were removed. The holes were re-doweled and the hinges
I've had this on again/off again relationship with one of my kitchen cabinets. The hinge broke from fatigue and I made a valiant attempt to replace it myself. It turned out to be a bad idea. I broke the screws. I misaligned the drill holes... and within a few days the door once again fell off. With my tail between my legs and cabinet door in hand I randomly walked into Rex and asked if they could help me. Rick looked at it and told me to come back the next day and it would be ready. And it was. The broken screws were removed. The holes were re-doweled and the hinges
Mae E.
May 18, 2017
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So.. I needed to get a some custom cabinet doors made to match the existing ones in my kitchen and did quite a bit of research to get the job done at the best price that was the closest match to the current doors. NO WAY was I going to get this done at Home Depot where they just try to push you to order whatever--they just want the sale. Sure, they're cheaper at Home Depot. But will they match? Highly unlikely and you'll probably end up paying more in the end by having to get new doors that are a closer match.
Rex's however, was the kind of place that takes time to work with you
Rex's however, was the kind of place that takes time to work with you
David B.
Sep 28, 2016
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Bill W.
Jul 30, 2016
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Outrageously rude owner, Rick. I drove down to purchase hinges and was told unequivocally that his time was too valuable to assist a potential customer with a product he sells! It was if I was being ushered off the lot before I could ask a question. Rick, you are in the service industry. No one should act as if they are too busy for customer.
Priyam S.
Nov 24, 2014
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Chris M.
Jun 24, 2014
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Rick returned our calls and bid on our project in a timely manner. We submitted drawings for two sets of cabinets. He submitted a bid that looked good to us. We took it to our clients and they approved with a couple minor changes. We resubmitted drawings to reflect the changes (a few drawers instead of doors) and he resubmitted a bit that was a few hundred bucks more.
All was good at this point so we went in to talk in person about the finer details. This is when he alerted us to the fact that he didn't include one of the cabinets in the total cost of the bid. A $4,000 job was now a $6,000
All was good at this point so we went in to talk in person about the finer details. This is when he alerted us to the fact that he didn't include one of the cabinets in the total cost of the bid. A $4,000 job was now a $6,000
Carlo K.
May 24, 2013
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Well, I'm getting custom size cabinets, hand made locally in this shop, they'll be ready 2 weeks, ready to install. The cost 30 percent less than Home Depot! Rick Kalem is fast, efficient, provided many upgrades at no charge, with in budget!
I had 3 bids, theirs was the most comprehensive and complete bid! No hidden charges!!! I'm real happy with order!
Nice show room, you can see the whole process, from an idea to wood building, and finished product under the same roof!!! Much better than Home cheapo cabinets!!!!
I had 3 bids, theirs was the most comprehensive and complete bid! No hidden charges!!! I'm real happy with order!
Nice show room, you can see the whole process, from an idea to wood building, and finished product under the same roof!!! Much better than Home cheapo cabinets!!!!
E. Elizabeth S.
Apr 25, 2013
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My contractor just left for the weekend, and my gorgeous new handcrafted kitchen cabinets are up on the walls, glowing in the afternoon sun: smooth as silk, maple with a hint of buttermilk yellow, beveled glass doors hinting at treasures within.
And where did these beauties come from? A local Oakland business, Rex Cabinets, situated at the foot of Fruitvale Avenue -- a fixture in our community for forty years. Indeed, the present shop foreman has been there for thirty years.
But the best part? I didn't come in with a big order for a large home in a prestigious neighborhood. I was remodeling
And where did these beauties come from? A local Oakland business, Rex Cabinets, situated at the foot of Fruitvale Avenue -- a fixture in our community for forty years. Indeed, the present shop foreman has been there for thirty years.
But the best part? I didn't come in with a big order for a large home in a prestigious neighborhood. I was remodeling
