Vrata Cabinets

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Old World Craftsmanship,
Cutting-Edge Style

aFata Cabinets, the largest custom-
cabinet maker in Michigan, is the perfect
blend of Old World craftsmanship and
contemporary style.
Started in 1962 by Peter LaFata, an Italian
furniture maker who came to this country with
nothing but a dream, the 53-year-old family-
owned company holds fast to Peter's standards
of excellence.
"My father started from ground zero," says
his son, Giovanni, who now runs LaFata Cabi-
nets. "He slowly worked his way up by working
hard, by being the best at what he does. He is
now semi-retired and will be 80 this year. I grew
up working in the business since I was a child."
The tradition of quality means that all
cabinets are made of furniture-grade wood and
select hardwoods at the company's manu-
facturing plant in Shelby Township. LaFata
headquarters and a showroom are also located
at the site.
"We've always manufactured our own
cabinetry," Giovanni says. "Quality is hard to
define. People underestimate what goes into

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a quality cabinet. There is preparation of the
wood before and after it is finished. It takes
lots of sanding and the finest-quality finishing
materials. And much hand work is combined
with technology."
LaFata, which has 140 employees, recently
installed a $1-plus million new state-of the-art
finishing line that does a very efficient and con-
sistent job yielding products that are extremely
durable and long-lasting for years to come.
"We try to stay ahead of the times and invest
in the latest technology and wood-working
machinery—the best available," Giovanni says.
Cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms, plus
bar areas, entertainment rooms and more,
are sold primarily in Southeast Michigan with
showrooms in West Bloomfield on Orchard
Lake Road and in Shelby Township on Hayes.
LaFata offers more than 60 door styles and
30-40 different color and finish combinations to
appeal to any tastes.
"We can pretty much accommodate a wide
range of budgets," Giovanni says, explaining
that LaFata works on basic kitchens as well as

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$5 million houses. "We can do full turn-key
remodeling, including installation, electrical,
flooring, plumbing and more, or as much as is
desired.
"We are a well-known eastside company. In
the last 10-15 years, we've been doing more
work in West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Novi
and the western suburbs. For those who know
us, the LaFata brand has achieved recognition.
People recognize our cabinets. In real estate
ads, LaFata is a feature brand that helps sell
homes. Our cabinets are recognized as high-
end quality products."
With quality a given, LaFata also prides

itself on being trendy and ahead of the fashion
curve.
"We have a team of designers constantly
looking at latest trends in industry and keeping
up to date with the newest colors and door
styles," Giovanni says. The company also of-
fers accessories and fixtures related to their
cabinets.
"People like to hear we have a heavy Italian
influence; design, that's our heritage. Italy leads
the world when it comes to style. Because we
are Italian, we follow closely what's happening
in the Italian market with design. We are always
on the cutting edge."

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LaFata Cabinets
50905 Hayes Road
Shelby Township, MI, (586) 247-1140

Orchard Mall Shopping Center
6335 Orchard Lake Rd
West Bloomfield, MI, (248) 851-1140
www.lafata.com