One of the most important aspects of custom cabinets lies in the material that is used to make them. Wood is still the most common option for making cabinets. The natural beauty and elegance of the grain make the wood contrast with the elegant stainless steel and plastic of many contemporary appliances. It is also a robust, reliable, easily accessible, 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 finished space will largely dictate what type of wood you use. But there are still many options in typology, characteristics and finishes that will allow you to fully customize your cupboards.
Kind
There are many varieties of wood available in the market that are suitable for your custom cabinets. Different woods are desired for the firmness or uniformity of their grain, coloration, paintability, and resistance to wear. Think about who will be using your cabinets most often and for what when you are deliberating on your wood type.
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 decorative style.
Birch and ash are also popular; these woods are very light in color and retain stains quite well. Pine, a very yellow wood, is preferred in French and English decorative styles, but it is very soft and prone to nicks.
The walnut is sought after for its firm, elegant grain and clear complexion. Hardwoods like walnut and walnut are more difficult 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 that you can change the color and sheen of your wood so that the finished product is more in line with your vision. Staining 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, prevents water as well as unwanted discoloration and minor scratches and blemishes.
Once you’ve decided on the wood type, characteristics, and finish 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.
