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.

The kitchen backsplash may seem like a small thing, but it brings a wide variety of benefits, making it a valuable design element. When walking through a model home or flipping through an interior design magazine, the kitchen’s backsplash always catches our eye.

Walker Woodworking, we know that the decision to paint cabinets or other wood furniture is a personal one. Still, our team of local cabinet makers near Charlotte, North Carolina, wants to address whether there are times when painting may not be advisable.

Walnut is getting a lot of attention lately and continues gaining in popularity as we move forward this year. This wood is valued for its natural beauty and durability. From elegant kitchen islands to a stunning gun room, walnut adds a touch of luxury to any space. Let’s learn more about it and why it is worth considering for your home.

If you have an older home, you may be considering custom cabinetry, since newer, off-the-shelf cabinets may not fit in terms of size or style. Vintage-style cabinets can give a kitchen the old-world charm often lacking in modern homes. See a few examples of how these cabinets can set a beautiful tone in the kitchen.

By removing the traditional design elements associated with other styles, such as conventional and farmhouse, modern allows homeowners to incorporate elements that resonate with them and break from the standard. Let’s explore the contemporary design style and discover if it is for you.