Wood Essence Texas Best Cabinet Company

Located near Houston, Wood Essence is Texas Best Cabinet Company

Founded in 1983, with a vision to design, fabricate, and install fine, custom cabinets made from the finest wood materials and installed in homes in Texas. Ken Craig Dale

President and Founder – Mr. Kenneth Manuel

Mr. Kenneth Manuel started his career in 1969 with General Electric where he worked in remote locations around the world on US Air Force electrical projects. In 1974, Mr. Manuel left General Electric to develop carpentry skills. He discovered a passion to design and fabricate exceptional, fine wood products. With a clear vision to provide the finest wood products, he founded Wood Essence in Houston, Texas and offered the company services to Houston’s most prestigious home architects, interior designers, and home owners. Today, Mr. Manuel serves as President with a clear focus on the company’s core products and corporate vision.

Vice President – Mr. Craig Manuel

Mr. Craig Manuel moved to the Houston area in 1975 with a resolve to join the home construction industry. Craig has over 30 years experience as a master carpenter and has worked in many aspects of home construction. Craig designs very complex and remarkable kitchens, libraries, wine rooms, closets and much more. His duties for Wood Essence include designing, estimating, vendor relations, and new product research. Craig works tirelessly to ensure that the client is completely satisfied with every aspect of their project.

Field Supervisor, Partner – Mr. Dale Young

Mr. Dale Young joined Wood Essence in 1993 as a partner. Mr. Young has 35 years of home construction experience with a focus on finish carpentry field operations management. Mr. Young supervises Wood Essence product installation and finish employees and vendors. He inspects our final product installations to ensure our excellent customer satisfaction.


Our highly trained and experienced employees are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality custom wood products. Office & Client Support Rebecca Sagona - Office Manager- With nearly 20 years experience in the customer service industry, Rebecca brings her extensive knowledge of book-keeping, customer service, product research and vendor relations to Wood Essence, Inc. Rebecca also maintains all of the financials for the company. Although Rebecca has only been with Wood Essence for a short while, she is looking forward to an exciting future with the company! Canaan Pate - Billing/IT- Canaan handles all of the billing and time management for Wood Essence, Inc. She has extensive experience in the information technology field and maintains all of the technical aspects of the company such as the website, office equipment and communications system. Canaan may be new to Wood Essence, but she is very excited to be a part of our team! Greta Tucker - Office Support - With over 20 years experience in the customer service industry, Greta Tucker ensures that the office runs smoothly. Whether she’s contacting new vendors and clients or researching new products, Greta is in her element. Greta will be leaving Wood Essence at the end of May 2011 to persue other interests. James Abram-Designer- is a second generation wood craftsman. James was taught by his father in the “Old World” style and workmanship. With James, quality and workmanship come first. James owned his own company in Las Vegas for eight years designing, manufacturing and installing high end entertainment centers and offices. His work has been published in many woodworking magazines. James taught himself software design for the cabinetmaking industry and has gone on to train other woodworkers on the software. James joined forces with Wood Essence in March of 2009 as the Senior Designing Engineer to bring his “outside of the box” ideas to the clients of Wood Essence. Fabrication & Installation

Wood Essence client homes have been featured in Luxe Magazine with photographs of the fine wood products that were designed, fabricated, and installed by Wood Essence.

Luxe Magazine Fall 2009 Houston Edition - Our work features installation of custom fabricated wenge wall units and fabrication and installation of custom kitchen cabinets, bar area, moveable art wall and custom laminated cabinets in the raceroom and laundry.

Luxe Magazine Fall 2007 National Edition - Our work features fabrication of custom millwork for the ceiling, beams and cypress interiors.