Verified record
R Cantwell Woodworking is a New Bedford woodworker built around one thing: cabinetry and millwork made to fit a specific room, not pulled off a shelf. Reviewers writing about him describe kitchen islands with hand-painted inset cabinetry, a walnut countertop, teak pieces with blind handles, and built-in shelving and cabinetry worked into a loft space. One client, a design firm, says it used him for cabinetry and millwork for over ten years and calls him a design resource beyond just the builder. A Marion homeowner describes three years of built-in projects across a bathroom renovation, a computer desk, a bed, and extensive shelving. The five written reviews on file, all from 2012 and 2013, land in the same place: praise for the precision and finish of the joinery, not just the design. That written record is old — every review dates to 2012–2013, so there's nothing on file that speaks to his current pace of work or availability. Houzz shows a 5.0 rating from five reviews and lists 20 projects, but with over a decade since the last written account, it's worth confirming current lead times and whether he's still taking on comparable work before booking. He's a fit for a homeowner who wants a piece built to their own space — an island, a run of built-ins, custom furniture — rather than someone installing stock cabinetry; ask about current timelines given how dated the written record is.
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from R CANTWELL WOODWORKING. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
A typical single-level deck is 12×16 — about 200 sq ft.
Estimated range
$7,750 – $14,500
Typical carpentry project around $11,100
Rick completed more than three major built-in products for us. Each was completed within budget, without a hitch, on time and we were thrilled with the precision, style, workmanship and overall aesthetics of his work. He is a professional craftsman with extraordinary artistic talent. The most challenging project was the design-from-scratch, build and installation of our great room faux limestone fireplace surround. He designed the curves, lines and size in perfect proportions, and it turned out better than we could have even imagined. His prices were more than fair, and I would strongly recommend him for the most up-scale artistically perfect results.
For over three years it has been my good fortune to have Rick Cantwell produce a number of outstanding works for my Marion home. From built-in cabinetry in a bathroom renovation, to a computer desk, a bed, and extensive built-in shelving, cabinetry, and wood trim in a loft area, Rick has without exception created beautiful and functional items. The expertise and care he brings to every project are exemplary, and he is a pleasure to do business with. I have enjoyed my association with Rick, and appreciate the process of give and take he invites- from the selection of wood species, to design development through implementation of the agreed upon plan. Rick Cantwell is a craftsman of the highest caliber, who I can recommend enthusiastically and without reservation.
I have worked with Richard Cantwell for over 10 years. He has handled a wide variety of cabinetry and millwork for my company, Stephens and Company, Inc. Perhaps more importantly, he has become an invaluable design resource. His professionalism, willingness to work as a team, and constant diligence make him and his company an integral part of my company's success. Additionally, his love of the craft and constant desire to improve raises the quality of the work produced by those arround him.
Rick designed, constructed and installed the kitchen cabinets and island in my kitchen. The kitchen cabinets are classic beaded inset doors made of poplar, hand painted in white. The island has a walnut top that Rick constructed and finished. The craftsmanship is exemplary, the attention to detail exquisite and working with Rick is just plain fun. Rick is incredibly knowledgeable about wood, joinery and finishes. Has an eye for proper scale and is incredibly adept at finding solutions to challenging design requirements. Rick pours his heart and soul into his work and the product you get reflects that. I could not be happier with my kitchen. Rick helped me build the kitchen of my dreams and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking custom woodwork.
Rick knows his stuff. He has built a few pieces for me over the last few years. For example: teak cabinets with blind handles or a massive cherry counter top with a spill proof edge. I design many custom projects and working with Cantwell's knowledge of the materials allows for outlandish ideas to come to life.
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2 changes recorded — last scanned Sep 7, 2026.
Takes on repairs others declined5.0
Shed craftsmanship5.0
Works with crooked houses5.0
Rescues stalled projects5.0