Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Walker Woodworking, managing day to day operations, and marketing. Stacey has helped many clients create their dream space.

What is a Rubio Finish?

With over 1500 projects under our belt, it is safe to say that we have done something in just about every color and every stain. While we have some clients who enjoy selecting unique colors and stains there are a great many who prefer a more traditional look and feel for their cabinets. Often oak wood is selected for the cabinet along with a stain of their choice. Once a cabinet has been stained it usually needs a finish. Rubio is among the most popular finish options chosen but what exactly is a rubio finish and what does it do for your cabinets? These are some of the questions we want to answer in this blog plus showcase a few projects completed with a Rubio finish.

What is a Rubio finish?

There are multiple finishing options for wood cabinets such as polyurethane, lacquer, and even wax. This gives an added layer of protection for the cabinets as well as enhancing the look of them. Rubio is a hard-wax oil finish that permeates the wood versus just forming a protective barrier like other finishes. The results are stunning as the natural beauty of the wood grain is allowed to shine through. Another bonus is that it comes in a broad range of colors, over 40, meaning the possibilities are endless and the types of variations are numerous. This is what makes Rubio finishes such a wonderful option when building custom cabinets. A Rubio finish is also durable ensuring that your cabinets will still look amazing after a year and beyond which is an important feature for homeowners.

What are the benefits of a Rubio finish?

Rubio comes with several benefits that are sure to please homeowners, especially those who prefer a better alternative than traditional finishes that may have more of a chemical base. Since Rubio is made from natural plant oils that means no bothersome and annoying odors later like traditional odors. It is also extremely environmentally friendly as it has no VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) which are gasses that are emitted into the air from products and processes which can be harmful. As we said before, Rubio finishes are an easier maintenance for homeowners, they do not require as much attention as others. Rubio Monocoat, the main manufacturer of Rubio finishes, has a list of products available that will assure your cabinets will remain in the best condition possible. See their full selection here which also includes products that disinfect and can clean. Another bonus to using this finish is the fact that it is a one and done application meaning that only one coat is needed to create the desired finish. Of course with so many color choices as well, it is safe to say that you can find exactly the shade you are looking for to suit your home.

What wood goes with Rubio finish?

There are many wood species available to homeowners which gives them the ability to find just the right one for their home. Because a Rubio finish brings out the natural beauty and character of the wood, it is the perfect choice for any you want. The wood you want to use for your project is completely up to you as a Rubio finish will only serve to enhance and protect. Be sure to speak with a designer about which wood and finish would work best for your specific cabinet needs.

Projects with Rubio finish

We have done countless projects using a Rubio finish and the results have proven over and over again why it is gaining in popularity. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this unique finish method and here are a few examples of some recent projects we have completed and something that makes it interesting is the fact that all three use the same wood specie. This will highlight the amazing power of Rubio finish to transform a cabinet simply by changing the color choice.

Vertical Wine room 

Quarter sawn white oak was used for this project with a pure Rubio finish. The soft coloring of this wood was elegantly shown through and highlighted even more by the choice to build the cabinets with panels done in a vertical grain versus horizontal which is the typical choice. Pairing it with glass shelves and a contrast of black make this a stunning place to relax anytime of the day.

Master bathroom

Quarter sawn white oak was also used for this project but by changing the Rubio finish we were able to achieve a completely different look. For these master bathroom inset cabinets a white Rubio/Cerused finish was used. We love just how light of a color came through while retaining the natural beauty of this wood.  The polished nickel hardware was the perfect compliment to these cabinets and was another successful project with a happy homeowner.

T-shaped island

This time the quarter sawn white oak was combined with a Rubio intense gray custom whitewash. The result was an elegant warm gray tone to these custom kitchen cabinets. This client wanted to create an island that was large enough to have the whole family together so our team designed it to be T-shaped which was perfect. The color choice was perfect, giving this space charm and character, both of which make the atmosphere even better.

All of these projects resulted in a new space that was exactly what each homeowner needed and represented their unique personality. Using a Rubio finish was a part making these designs what they were meant to be for each home. Your home is meant to be a reflection of you and what matters, color is a big part of making that happen.

Rubio finishes

We love using special finishes to create a design that is perfect for our clients and Rubio is one of the great ways we can do that. This is one of the reasons we invest time in researching the newest methods and ideas in woodworking, so we can provide our clients with the best options for their homes. Read more details about Rubio products from our expert team here. Our goal is to always be the best woodworkers possible and that includes staying informed on all the latest design trends and options such as a Rubio finish. With over 20 years of experience and more than 1500 projects under our belt, we are confident that we can give you the best service available. Servicing more than 15 counties across two states including Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Gaston, Spartanburg, Greenville, and York, our team is ready to help you create the perfect new space in just the right finish for your home. Connect with us today and let’s get started on yours.