1. If Stain Grade - Determine which wood species to use:
The species listed below are most commonly used for residential cabinets in our area.
You can also visit my suppliers site for a complete
list of available hardwoods.
Hard Maple is not listed below because it is rarely used for custom cabinets in our area. Maple lumber, with it's different species and grades, can be a very confusing subject. This Hard vs. Soft Maple page can help you learn more about the subject and dispel the myths.
A) Smooth Tight Grained Hardwoods -
If interested in Soft Maple, we can help determine which grade best suits your needs.
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Soft Maple - Select & Better:
The sapwood of Soft Maple varies in color from creamy white to greyish-white, and is sometimes marked with darker colored pith flecks. Although not as rich as Hard Maple, the heartwood is similar in color, with reddish-brown tones ranging from light to dark. Soft Maple is a straight-grained wood that is moderately hard and strong but less so than Hard Maple.
The "Select & Better" grade will be creamy to greyish-white and is recommended for lighter stains when uniform color is desired.
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Soft Maple - Natural:
Varies in color from creamy white to greyish-white with reddish-brown tones ranging from light to dark. The different colors will remain visible with lighter stains but will balance out with medium to dark stains.
Cost less than select maple and it's a good substitute for cherry at a lower cost.
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Cherry:
The heartwood of cherry varies from rich red to reddish brown and will darken on exposure to light. In contrast the sapwood is creamy white. The wood has a fine uniform straight grain, smooth texture, and may naturally contain brown pith flecks.
It has the highest cost of the smooth grain woods in this list.
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Knotty Alder:
Alder, when freshly cut, is very pale, almost white in color. As it begins to oxidize, the color grows deeper and takes on golden and red tones. Heartwood occurs only in trees of advanced age. The boundary between Alder sapwood and heartwood is virtually invisible. The wood has a fine, uniform textured with a straight, yet subdued grain.
There are several different grades of alder, the picture shown above is "Premium Frame" grade with tight knots that remain intact.
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B) Coarse Open Grain Hardwoods -
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Ash:
Ash is a ring-porous wood with prominent growth ring patterns. The sapwood is light in color and can very from a creamy color to nearly white. Depending on the species, the heartwood can vary in color from pale yellow to light brown with greyish tones, sometimes tinged with red. A very straight-grained wood, Ash can appear similar to Red Oak, with a coarse, even texture.
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Appalachian Red Oak:
Red Oak sapwood ranges from white to light brown in color. Most varieties of Red Oak heartwood will have golden, reddish tones, although some display deeper, reddish-brown tones. The wood has a course texture with a straight grain and shorter rays than White Oak. Slow maturity means tight growth rings, strong fibers and consistent grain patterns which give Appalachian lumber it's coveted beauty, strength and durability.
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2. Select Door Style:
- See Cabinet Doors (shown in maple) for sample pictures.
- 1. Raised Panel Doors
- 2. Flat Panel Doors
- 3. Optional Arches on Upper Doors (we like to use the "Americana" aka "Classic" arch)
3. Design New Cabinet Layout:
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At this stage measurements are taken on site to custom fit the cabinets. You will need to have any new appliances picked out, we will need their dimensions for proper fitting in or between the cabinets. This mainly applies to built in appliances that have custom sizes, such as wall ovens, apron sinks, or any other non standard appliance.
With your input and our suggestions we then determine the most functional layout for the kitchen. Things like best location for Drawer Stacks or using Corner Cabinets to prevent those dreaded dead spots. You can also provide pictures of kitchen layouts that appeal to you.
Then Cabinet Amenities such as listed below can be added into the mix to give your kitchen that custom touch.
- Large Pot & Pan Drawers, Tray Dividers
- Trash Roll-Outs, Spice Roll-Outs, Roll-Out Shelves
- Crown Mold, Bun & Scroll Feet
- Raised Panel Ends and Backs, Round Corners
- If you've seen it, chances are we can do it. The options can go on and on...
4. Pricing:
After we have the answers to steps 1-3 we can quote you a price on your custom cabinets. Hopefully the information above has been helpful and we look forward to working with you.
You can reach me by calling 940-427-8870 or by e-mail at my contact page.
Thank you, Ray Hopson