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. Soon Rex's hard work and craftsmanship paid off and he took Rex Custom Cabinets under his leadership. Rick Kalem brings more than 50 years of design and cabinetry experience to assure each client receives superior quality and the best value.
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. Soon Rex's hard work and craftsmanship paid off and he took Rex Custom Cabinets under his leadership. Rick Kalem brings more than 50 years of design and cabinetry experience to assure each client receives superior quality and the best value.
Services
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.
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 (12)
Jacque C.
Jan 18, 2022
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Just, wow.
Rex helped us make our dream bathroom a reality with his amazing product. It was an absolute breeze to work with him to determine what we needed based on what my husband and I wanted... He was quick, responsive, he communicated with our contractor, and the final product could not be any better. See for yourself!!! Thanks so much, Rex. We will definitely be coming back for all of our custom cabinetry needs, and highly recommend Rex for yours
Rex helped us make our dream bathroom a reality with his amazing product. It was an absolute breeze to work with him to determine what we needed based on what my husband and I wanted... He was quick, responsive, he communicated with our contractor, and the final product could not be any better. See for yourself!!! Thanks so much, Rex. We will definitely be coming back for all of our custom cabinetry needs, and highly recommend Rex for yours
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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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.
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
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.
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
