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.

How do we undertake a historical renovation and update while staying true to the roots?We are a family-run business, which means history matters, especially its preservation. Our beginning started with a fallen oak tree that Travis Walker’s grandfather had planted.

Over the last year and a half, home has taken on a whole new meaning. It has also undergone significant changes and had to make several adjustments, especially in safety and wellness. Your family is always a priority, including the home.

For many people, a home is the biggest investment they will make. While it is always exciting to make property improvements that make it feel more like home, it’s always a good idea to consider whether the money you are spending will convert into added value when it comes time to move on and sell.

There is evidence that having a home office can make a home more attractive to potential buyers. Here we share a few things we believe are essential to creating an office that will help make it easier to meet those deadlines and check off that to-do list.

Home shows are packed with hundreds of exhibitors and eye-catching displays—all designed to grab your attention. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed the moment you walk through the doors. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together a few simple tips to guide your day, keep you focused, and ensure you walk away with the information you came to find.