Design Notes
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.
Paint creates a more uniform color.
Stain celebrates wood’s natural character.
Neither is universally better.
They’re simply different design languages.
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.
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.
Sanding and surface preparation create the foundation.
A premium finish can’t compensate for poor preparation.
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.
Cabinet finish should coordinate with:
The goal isn’t choosing the prettiest sample.
It’s choosing the finish that belongs in the overall design.
Last week, I went out on a photo shoot at a beautiful home in Walnut Cove, near Asheville, NC. We got so carried away with snapping pictures in the kitchen that I forgot to get a few with my iPhone, which I really like to do.
While this may seem tedious, hinges are key to the design since you can’t open or close a door without them. From cabinet door style, wood type, and color, there are numerous decisions to be made when designing a kitchen.
Wow, I can’t believe the summer is almost over. August was such a busy month for us here at Walker Woodworking, but as usual, never a dull moment.
The first thing to know when noting differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets is that the terms refer to the production methods used to make the cabinets, not to the quality of the cabinets. If you want more information about the quality of materials and construction methods, then you can find it in this blog.
Today, many homes come with ample storage, but for many, it is still not enough. Homeowners are looking to renovate their current dwelling to gain more storage and more space to organize their lives according to their specific needs. A place for everything begins with a plan, and that plan starts by knowing what you need for specific areas in the home.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking