The Comeback Of Oak

Design Notes

When you think of oak cabinetry, what do you envision? Probably a kitchen in an older home with lighter-toned cabinets and all of the “typical oak” graining showing on every door and drawer. We have indeed torn out many of these older-style oak kitchens to complete updated remodels in our clients’ homes. However, due to recent techniques we’ve developed for treating this durable wood, oak is making a comeback. We will be featuring it in a variety of styles in our new showroom in uptown Shelby. Oak has long been a widely used resource for cabinet building due to its hardness and strength. It contains a high level of the chemical tannin, which makes it invulnerable to insect or fungal attack. The grain of the wood makes it widely recognizable and desirable, especially when quartersawn. As you’ll see here, the species can encompass many different styles.

Victorian

Organic shapes and spiral flowing details are hallmarks of the Victorian furniture style. While most of the cabinetry we build and the accents we use are rectangular, we can incorporate carvings, corbels, onlays, and decorative posts to achieve the Victorian look. Glass and mirrored doors are often used in this style. We can now design and cut any door shape on our CNC machine, creating endless design combinations. We used to be limited to rectangular shapes, but using the latest technology, we can now develop softer curves and gliding lines that fit into the Victorian designs.

Traditional

This has been the most popular style in the Walker Woodworking customer service area for many years. Neutral stain colors are most commonly used in this style, but neutral paints have become more popular in recent years. Thicker moldings, a few touches of ornamental details, and raised paneled doors and drawers are staples of this design style. Although we don’t do very many projects like this these days, it is still a timeless classic style.

Industrial

As the name implies, this style is characterized by its practical look and use. These cabinets are designed with ultimate functionality in mind, not necessarily decorative appeal. For our cerused oak industrial cabinets, we let the grain and finish speak for itself, not using elaborate moldings and ornamentation. Oftentimes, slab doors and drawer fronts will be utilized, not unlike what you often see on utilitarian lockers or workbenches.

Cerused-oak-custom-cabinets-LED-lighiting - Young

Transitional

This is a recently evolving style that has developed through the years as a blending of traditional elements and cleaner, more modern designs. Cerused oak fits well into this style since many consumers already associate oak cabinetry with being a traditional design element. We’ll use simple door and drawer styles mostly when building this style, but can dress it up with ornate hardware, or dress it down with sleek handles. See more of this project here.

grey beverage center with hardwood floors

Contemporary

Everything about this design style says simple, straightforward, simple. Slab doors and drawers are a hallmark of this look, but not required. When using cerused oak in this way, the grain and coloring used speak for themselves. White is a popular color choice, as well as the other end of the spectrum, with extremely dark color selections. There are no curves to be seen in this style; hard edges reign supreme, letting the colors and textures speak for themselves. When we use cerused oak in this style, the grain adds an extra level of detail and makes this widely seen style feel fresh again.

Common Remodel Questions Answered

A remodel is exciting because it means your home is getting ready to be transformed. What was dysfunctional, dated, and dim will be turned into a functional, stylish, and bright space. Of course, like anything else, there are questions you have, questions we have been asked numerous times over the years, and we are sharing our answers with you.

February 21, 2021/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Storage Spaces For Small Spaces

What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not much room to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times.

February 7, 2021/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton

blue kitchen island with dishware in drawers

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Top 5 Home Organization Products

You choose to tackle the problem head-on and successfully discard everything that needs to go, but you are concerned that the same thing will happen again. This is why we created this post: 5 home organization products that can help you stay organized and enjoy peace of mind in your home.

January 23, 2021/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton

dining area and kitchen with big windows

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

How To Design A Healthy Kitchen

We know it is not always easy to stick with the decision to be healthier, but with a well-designed kitchen, it can be. With over twenty years of experience, our design team is well-versed in planning a healthy kitchen design that functions well for your specific needs while reflecting the style you love.

January 7, 2021/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Cabinet Trends For 2021

We know many of our clients wonder which styles, layouts, and elements should be included in their designs, which is why we like to share the latest cabinet trends in the cabinet world. As we explore some of the ones coming in 2021.

December 21, 2020/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker