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.

Many of our clients live an hour or more away in the Charlotte metro area. This usually leads people to ask, “Why should I drive to Shelby when I can go somewhere closer?” We understand the reason for the inquiry and want to share why we believe you will find value in taking the time to make the drive.

laces like Pinterest and Houzz are a fantastic way to explore a variety of gray kitchens and the possibilities that await you in your new space, so be sure to spend some time there before meeting with your designer.

Pullouts are one of the many ways to fully optimize your square footage and make life easier for everyone. At Walker Woodworking, we provide the accessories you need to make the most of your home. Talk to your designer about how pullouts can be used in your upcoming project to maximize your space.

At Walker Woodworking, we continually seek ways to integrate functionality into our cabinet designs, which is one reason we appreciate using Rev-a-Shelf’s products.

The Twin Chimney Farms renovation project. Travis and I were honored that the homeowners, Jack and Carole Arey, trusted Walker Woodworking and us to be a part of this 18-month-long project. These final results of his circa 1817 farmhouse rehabilitation project are truly amazing!