Author: mcintyrecabinets

6 Things to Consider When Designing Custom Cabinets

Are you here because you’re considering investing in custom cabinets for your home? If so, this short guide will break down 6 important things to square away before settling on a design.

Why Custom Cabinets in the First Place?

First, since there are so many options out there in stock cabinets that basically any contractor can install, we have to answer the question of why you’d want custom cabinets in the first place.

Well:

  • Custom options are usually built to a higher standard of quality than stock counterparts.
  • They’re usually made of solid hardwood and will last a lifetime with proper care.
  • They give you the flexibility to color the setting with your own personality.
  • Custom designs guarantee that there’s no one else that has the same exact design.

With that squared away, here are 6 things to consider before investing in custom cabinets.

Budget

First and foremost, you need to determine a budget for the project so you can help set some constraints on the design. Your budget will help determine what materials you can use and what other features you can work into the design.

Storage Considerations

One of the most important aspects of storage is space. You want to come up with a custom design that will have enough room for you to store what you need.

Then, beyond that, you’ll want to consider where the cabinets will be in your kitchen; whether they’ll be mostly compact or long and tall, and what will be inside them. Will they just have shelves, or will they have racks and other storage features?

Wood

What wood you will use for your cabinets is one of the most important considerations. If the cabinets will be finished or painted, it doesn’t matter that much, but at the same time, there are many popular hardwoods available for cabinetry, including but not limited to maple, oak, walnut, beech, and birch. Some softwoods, like knotty pine, are also popular because they create a rustic feel.

Adjustable Shelving

If you create custom cabinets, you’ll have the flexibility to work adjustable shelving into the design. That means you can accommodate the interior design of the cabinets to what you need at any given time.

Hardware

The species of wood you choose, and the finish or paint color, are not the only things that will impact the quality and aesthetics of your cabinets – the hardware you choose will too. Customizing will give you greater control over creating visual harmony in your home.

Soft-Touch Features

Lastly, working with a cabinetry design to come up with a custom design will give you the option of using soft-close drawers and doors so that you’ll never accidentally slam one – which is better for the cabinets, too.

Need Help with Custom Cabinets?

Thinking about investing in custom cabinets? Work with McIntyre Cabinets. They have extensive experience producing custom cabinets and use proven construction techniques (such as dovetail joinery and features that enable shelf height adjustments). They also utilize choice hardwood species, state of the art water-based paints and clear coat finishes, and soft-touch hardware.

To learn more about your options, visit their website or contact them directly to get started designing custom cabinetry today.

For more information about Gauntlet Gray Cabinets and Custom Built Bathroom Vanities please visit:- McIntyre Cabinets

Choosing the Right Finish for Walnut Cabinets

Walnut is one of the most prized woods in woodworking due to its rich, dark color, attractive grain patterns, and natural durability. When it comes to cabinetry, choosing the right finish is essential to bring out the beauty of the wood while also protecting it from wear and tear.

The right finish can enhance the natural grain of the walnut and provide lasting protection, ensuring that your cabinets remain beautiful for years to come. There are various finish options for walnut cabinets, and you need to consider the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.

Why Finish Matters for Walnut Cabinets

The finish you choose for walnut cabinets plays two key roles: enhancing the wood’s natural appearance and providing protection against environmental factors. Walnut has a naturally rich, brown color with a slight purplish or reddish hue, and the finish you select will determine how much of this color is enhanced or muted.

Moreover, the finish protects the cabinets from moisture, stains, and daily wear, ensuring durability and longevity.

Oil-Based Finishes

Using an oil-based finish particularly for walnut cabinets is popular for its ease of application. Also an oil-based finish has the ability to enhance the natural beauty of the wood with a deep, rich color. Using an oil-based finish has the following advantages:

  • Enhances walnut’s natural grain, providing a rich and deep look.
  • Easy to apply and maintain.
  • Can be buffed for a natural sheen.

However, using an oil finish also has the following disadvantages:

  • May not be as durable as other finishes, especially for high-traffic areas like kitchens.
  • Oil finishes tend to yellow over time, which can change the color of the walnut.
  • If you have a household with kids or heavy kitchen use, you might want something more durable.

Graphite Finish

The Graphite finish gives walnut cabinets a modern and sophisticated look with a touch of dark elegance. This finish darkens the wood significantly, providing a sleek, nearly black appearance while still allowing the grain patterns of walnut to subtly shine through.

Graphite is a great choice for homeowners who prefer a contemporary or industrial style, as it complements stainless steel appliances, minimalist hardware, and bold, modern lighting. The advantages of using graphite are:

  • Adds a contemporary, high-end appearance to walnut cabinets.
  • Maintains the wood grain’s visibility, adding texture to the dark finish.
  • Works well in modern, minimalist, or industrial kitchen designs.

There are also disadvantages:

  • The dark color may make a room feel smaller if used in excess, particularly in small kitchens with little natural light.
  • Requires regular cleaning, as smudges and dust can be more visible on darker surfaces.

Nutmeg Finish

The Nutmeg finish provides a warm, medium-brown tone to walnut cabinets, enhancing the natural grain without drastically changing the wood’s inherent character. It highlights walnut’s rich brown hues, giving it a more rustic or traditional look.

Nutmeg is ideal for homeowners who want a cozy and inviting kitchen or dining space, as it complements natural materials like stone countertops and wooden floors. The advantages of using this finish are:

  • Warm, inviting tone that enhances the natural beauty of walnut.
  • Versatile enough to fit both traditional and transitional kitchen designs.
  • Allows the natural grain of walnut to shine through without overpowering it.

However, using this finish does not help the walnut stand out in modern or ultra-contemporary settings where a more dramatic finish is preferred.

Which One Suits Your Walnut Cabinets?

Of course, there are other finishes you can choose for your walnut cabinets, including timber and natural finishes. However, choosing the right one comes down to personal style preferences and the atmosphere you want to create in your space.

If you want to appreciate walnut’s natural beauty, choosing a clear, natural finish is the best option, preserving the wood’s unique characteristics. But no matter what finish you want to put on your walnut cabinets, you can always bring timeless elegance and style to your home.

For more information about Saginaw Cabinets and Kitchen And Bath Showroom please visit:- McIntyre Cabinets