Design Notes

Custom Cabinet Finishes

Color gets the attention. Preparation creates the finish.

Whether cabinetry is painted or stained, the final appearance depends on numerous steps that happen before you ever see the finished door.

Painted vs. Stained Cabinetry

Paint creates a more uniform color.

Stain celebrates wood’s natural character.

Neither is universally better.

They’re simply different design languages.

Wood Species Matters

Different species have different grain patterns and characteristics.

Walker offers standard species, including maple, quarter-sawn white oak, walnut, cherry, alder, and hickory, with additional species available for custom applications.

Painted Cabinet Materials

Material selection matters here too.

Walker uses MDF panels in painted doors because they’re less susceptible to the expansion and contraction patterns visible in hardwood panels.

green bathroom cabinets

Preparation Is Everything

Sanding and surface preparation create the foundation.

A premium finish can’t compensate for poor preparation.

Stain Celebrates Natural Variation

Wood is natural.

Variation isn’t necessarily a defect—it’s part of the material.

Two boards from the same species can absorb stain differently or display different grain.

That’s part of what makes wood cabinetry beautiful.

Think About the Whole Room

Cabinet finish should coordinate with:

  • Countertops
  • Flooring
  • Tile
  • Hardware
  • Lighting
  • Wall colors

The goal isn’t choosing the prettiest sample.

It’s choosing the finish that belongs in the overall design.

Our team at Walker Woodworking knows firsthand that organization and storage in your kitchen cabinets are essential. Our experienced wood cabinet makers, who create some of the finest custom cabinets in the foothills of North Carolina, can tell you that cabinets come in a variety of styles, including traditional, shaker, rustic, contemporary, country, and many others.

Glass front cabinets are a beautiful addition to the kitchen, but how many are just right? While you can choose to do all of your upper cabinets in glass, it’s important to remember that everything will be visible, so if you have certain dishes or food items that you would prefer to keep out of sight.

We desire to help create a space that is ideally suited for them and will allow them to continue doing what they love, completely unhindered. We have 20 years of experience helping our clients in more than ten counties and look forward to helping you achieve the kitchen you need.

At Walker Woodworking, our custom cabinetry craftsmen know that one of the most basic decisions about your kitchen cabinet is the material from which they are constructed. You certainly have several popular choices for this decision.

When doing a kitchen or bath remodel, one major decision you’ll have to make is whether to go with off-the-shelf cabinetry, custom cabinetry, or a combination of the two. While pre-made cabinets may cost less upfront, they offer limited flexibility in achieving your exact design and functionality goals.