One of the most important aspects of custom cabinets lies in the material with which they are made. Wood is still the most common option for making cabinets. The natural beauty and elegance of the grain make wood a pleasant contrast to the elegant stainless steel and plastic of many contemporary appliances. It is also a robust, reliable, readily available, and affordable resource for your project.
When selecting the type of wood to use in your custom cabinets, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Your vision of your entire space will largely dictate what type of wood you will use. But there are still many options in typology, characteristics and finishes that will allow you to fully customize your cabinets.
Writes
There are many varieties of wood available in the market that are suitable for your custom cabinets. Different woods are desired for their rigidity or uniformity of grain, coloration, paintability, and resistance to wear. Think about who will use your cabinets most often and for what when deciding on the type of wood.
Oak is the most used; It is lightweight, somewhat water resistant, and the grain stands out even after staining. It is often used to enhance “country” or “rustic” motifs, but can also be used solely for a decorative style.
Birch and ash are also popular; These woods are very light in color and stain quite well. Pine, a very yellow wood, is preferred in French and English decorative styles, but is very soft and prone to notching.
Walnut is sought after for its firm, elegant grain and fair complexion. Hardwoods like pecan and walnut are harder to stain, but you can’t beat their durability and resistance to blemishes.
Characteristics
In addition to the types of wood, you can consider the characteristics of the wood itself that could enhance your space. Features can add visual interest to your custom cabinets and give them a more “natural” or “earthy” feel. Some common features are bird pecks, sugar tracks, wormholes, knots, mineral tracks, and knots. These traits are unique to each individual tree.
End up
There are several ways to change the color and brightness of the wood to make the final product more closely match your vision. Stain is a popular option used to bring out the natural color of wood. Many modern brands come with a sealer that prevents moisture from seeping into the wood. Paint is also an option; Adding a base coat will also prevent moisture from warping or rotting your cabinets. Thermofoil – A process in which a plastic material is adhered to the surface of the cabinet to prevent water as well as unwanted discoloration and minor scratches and blemishes.
Once you have decided on the type, feature, and finish of the wood for your custom cabinets, all that is left is to get started on your project. Choose a contractor you can trust to install your new cabinets. These options will give you a finished project that will look attractive and will last for many years.