Business Details
Your Trusted Cabinet Supplier in Philadelphia, PA
Desmondkitchens has been a trusted name in cabinetry since its founding in the mid-1950s. Our legacy began with John Desmond, who initially supplied builders during the post-World War II housing boom before passing the business to Franklin Hartzell. Over decades, Frank and his sons Bill and Don expanded our expertise, later joined by their sons Chris and BJ to form three generations of leadership. We specialize in providing tailored cabinetry solutions, from cost-effective stock options to fully custom designs, ensuring each project meets the unique needs of builders and consumers. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service sets us apart in the competitive wholesale cabinet industry. With showrooms in Philadelphia and Avalon, we serve clients across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Manhattan.Our team collaborates with trusted designers and manufacturers to deliver precision-engineered cabinetry, including frameless, full overlay, and flush inset styles. We pride ourselves on guiding clients through every step of the process, from initial design to final installation, ensuring seamless satisfaction. Our extensive product range includes hardware, specialty vanities, and outdoor cabinetry, catering to diverse budgets and preferences. With over 65 years of experience, we remain dedicated to innovation while honoring traditional craftsmanship. Our reputation for reliability and personalized service continues to make us a preferred partner for builders and homeowners alike.
Services
Custom Cabinetry
Stock Cabinets
Hardware Supply
Outdoor Cabinetry
Built-In Cabinets
Highlights and features
- We offer three generations of cabinetry expertise since 1955.
- Our team provides tailored cabinet solutions for every project and budget.
- We guarantee end-to-end support from design to final installation.
- We partner with top manufacturers for quality-assured products.
- Our showroom offers hands-on consultations during extended business hours.
Services
Custom Cabinetry
We design and supply fully custom cabinetry to match unique kitchen and space requirements. Our process begins with detailed consultations to understand client visions, followed by precision manufacturing of frameless, full overlay, and flush inset styles. Each project ensures seamless integration of materials, finishes, and hardware for functional and aesthetic excellence.
Stock Cabinets
Our cost-effective stock cabinetry options provide immediate solutions for standard kitchen layouts. Available in popular finishes and door styles like Seville and Mouser, these pre-manufactured units combine durability with affordability. Ideal for quick installations without compromising on quality or design coherence.
Hardware Supply
We offer a curated selection of hardware from brands like Hardware Resources and Top Knobs to complement cabinetry. Products include handles, hinges, and specialty vanities that enhance both functionality and visual appeal. Our experts guide clients in selecting finishes and styles that align with their overall design theme.
Outdoor Cabinetry
Our weather-resistant cabinetry solutions are engineered for outdoor kitchens and living spaces. Constructed from durable materials, these units withstand environmental elements while maintaining aesthetic consistency with indoor designs. Perfect for patios, poolside areas, and coastal properties like those in Avalon, NJ.
Built-In Cabinets
We create custom built-in cabinets for bars, libraries, and mudrooms, optimizing space utilization. These solutions blend seamlessly with room architecture, offering tailored storage and display options. Crafted from premium wood, they ensure durability and a cohesive look across residential and commercial interiors.
People
Franklin Hartzell
Former Owner
Franklin Hartzell acquired the business in the 1950s, leveraging his kitchen industry expertise to expand its reach. He led the company until 1994, establishing a foundation of customer-centric service and quality craftsmanship that continues through his family's leadership.
Chris Hartzell
Co-Owner
Chris Hartzell represents the third generation of leadership at Desmondkitchens. He collaborates with his cousin BJ to uphold the company's legacy of excellence, focusing on client relationships and innovative cabinetry solutions while maintaining family-driven values.
BJ Hartzell
Co-Owner
BJ Hartzell joined the business to continue his father Bill's contributions, ensuring the company adapts to modern design trends without sacrificing quality. He works closely with builders and designers to deliver tailored cabinetry solutions that meet evolving customer needs.
Questions
What types of cabinetry do you offer?
We provide custom, semi-custom, and stock cabinetry, including frameless, full overlay, and flush inset styles, tailored to fit any budget or design preference.
Do you serve areas outside Philadelphia?
Yes, we serve Pennsylvania, New Jersey (including Avalon and the Jersey Shore), and Manhattan, offering both in-showroom consultations and remote project support.
What is the process for designing a custom kitchen?
Our process begins with a design consultation, followed by material and style selection, manufacturing, and final installation support to ensure your vision is realized.
Do you provide hardware and accessories?
Yes, we supply hardware from brands like Hardware Resources and Top Knobs, including handles, hinges, and specialty vanities to complement your cabinetry.
Are outdoor cabinetry options available?
Yes, we offer weather-resistant cabinetry designed for outdoor kitchens and living spaces, ideal for coastal areas like Avalon, NJ.
What are your business hours?
Our showroom is open Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, Friday 8:00 AM–2:00 PM, and by appointment outside these hours.
Reviews (7)
Lu Johnston
May 08, 2022
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Don Hartzell (Desmond Wholesale Distributors) was a great help with a recent kitchen renovation in Stone Harbor. He was accessible, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and delivered exactly what he said he would. We'd definitely use him again!
Courtney Lauer
May 07, 2022
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We could not recommend Desmond Kitchens more. Chris did an absolutely amazing job designing our kitchen and really listened to what we wanted. He communicated frequently with us and our contractor to make our kitchen what we wanted and on a time frame that was reasonable. Our contractor was impressed with not only the quality of the cabinets but the ease of working with Chris throughout the entire process. He made sure everything was perfect. We would definitely work with Chris again.
Kimberly Mehler
Feb 21, 2022
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Chris was very knowledgeable and helpful with our kitchen cabinetry choices, and suggested some great options developed for ease of use. Cabinets arrived in perfect condition.
Donna Geiger
Nov 17, 2021
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We are beyond happy with the cabinets we ordered from Desmond Wholesale Distributors. I went to their showroom with my vision. Within 48 hours Don had sent us plans. The cabinets were ordered and arrived before the projected delivery date. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our new kitchen. Thank you Don and Desmond Wholesale.
Cynthia Silber
May 08, 2021
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Absolutely wonderful and seamless experience buying semi-custom cabinets for a major kitchen renovation. Chris Hartzell came to see our space, walked us through the entire process, did all the measurements (twice) designed a beautiful and functional layout, helped us select a cabinet style that we love and that fit with our budget, worked through several design problems with us, made sure we ordered all the filler and molding that we needed, worked closely with our architect and contractor, made sure that what we ordered worked with our appliance choices, helped us pick out the various inserts, and made sure everything was done right and done on time.
He also stored our cabinets for several weeks when our project was delayed due to COVID, helped us select hardware, helped us find a similar but less expensive cabinet for the laundry room, was flexible and helpful when we had a mid-project "change", and on top of all of this, was always available and was an absolute pleasure to deal with. We recommend Desmond without hesitation, and would use them again in a second. Thank you, Chris. We appreciate all of it!
He also stored our cabinets for several weeks when our project was delayed due to COVID, helped us select hardware, helped us find a similar but less expensive cabinet for the laundry room, was flexible and helpful when we had a mid-project "change", and on top of all of this, was always available and was an absolute pleasure to deal with. We recommend Desmond without hesitation, and would use them again in a second. Thank you, Chris. We appreciate all of it!
K. Coady
Nov 16, 2020
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Desmond designed our kitchen for us. The lay out they drew up was amazing and we are loving the new cabinets they supplied for us. Top-notch company - Bill and Don were a pleasure to work with.
Brig Williams
Jun 01, 2020
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Chris paid a great deal of attention and was very patient as we explored different cabinet makers, styles, etc. He was very prompt and professional in coming to our house to measure the kitchen, paid a lot of attention to details. and was very good about answering all of our questions. The installation proceeded without a hitch and the kitchen is beautiful.
