Choosing the Perfect Cabinetry For Your Kitchen

Posted by Ben Thompson on 09.21.12

 

Investing in new cabinetry not only enhances your kitchens appearance it can add value to your home and improve the functionality of your kitchen. Understanding the many factors involved in purchasing cabinetry is the key to making your final decision with the confidence that the cabinets you have purchased are the best fit for the style and needs of your family.

 

Specie 

The type, or species of wood you choose will determine much of the color, grain, and style of your cabinetry.

Alder/Rustic Alder

 

Alder is a soft hardwood with a fine straight grain. It is light brown with yellow or reddish tinge. The color of alder will remain unchanged with exposure to light or heat and takes well to stains and finishes. Small tight knots can sometimes be found in this species. Being the softest of hardwoods Alder requires care in preventing damage. With rustic alder character" spots (knot, burl, blemish, etc.) are common and can impact the placement of hardware.

Cherry/Rustic Cherry

 

Cherry has a distinctive grain pattern with warm color shadings that can range from white to dark reddish brown. Dark pockets, pin knots, and random streaks are common with this species. Cherry does darken with exposure to light, especially those in lighter stains. With rustic cherry, a wide color variation may occur. "Character" spots are common in rustic cherry as well.

Hickory/Rustic Hickory

 

The hickory specie is heavy and strong with flowing, vibrant grain patterns and dramatic color variation. You can expect random pecks, burls, and mineral streaks. There is a wide spectrum of color from nearly white to dark brown. It is common for rustic hickory to have "Character" spots.

Maple

 

Maple is a versatile hardwood with a fine and smooth grain. The color of maple can vary from nearly white to slightly reddish brown. Mineral or sugar streaks are visible and varied with each piece and more noticeable in lighter stains.

 Oak/Quarter Sawn Oak

 

Oak is strong and has a long linear grain that is often displayed in tiny rays. This species can have small pinholes and tight knots. The color variation ranges from golden blond to deeper tones known as flat sawn. Quarter sawn oak is milled at a 60-90-degree angle allowing rays and flecks to be visible. It has a unique character and dimension with a coloration ranging from golden blond to deeper tones.

Lyptus

 

With a hard, fine grain and rich warm tone the lyptus species embodies a darker finish palette. There is minimal natural color variation with this specie. Lyptus will, however, mellow and darken more than most woods when exposed to light.

 Door Style   

Once you have determined the species of wood for your cabinets, the next step is choosing a door style. StarMark Cabinetry offers a large array of door styles for you to choose from.

CLICK HERE to browse StarMark's Door Style Gallery

Finish

Finish availability varies by door and species. Several different stain options are offered for each wood specie. One thing to remember when considering a finish for your cabinets is that variation is a natural characteristic of wood.

Specialty finishes use techniques to simulate wear and tear through burnished and broken edges, light chain distressing  , spattering and light sanding. Tinted varnishes are done on maple or red oak and give a paint like look. Cabinets with this type of finish are susceptible to wear and tear and will more easily show nicks, dents, and chips.

Drawer Style

When is comes to drawer style you have to choose between slab and 5-Piece Header. The 5-piece header style is detailed to match the door style you have selected. Where as the slab style is smooth and flat. Note: some 5-piece header drawer styles are considered an upgrade.

Kitchen For the Social Chef


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