How to Choose Cabinets: Part 2

In the market for new kitchen cabinetry? We’ve already discussed tips for choosing cabinets on our blog—but we think it’s important enough for a whole other post! If you didn’t read part one, here’s a quick recap:

Consider the room you need new cabinets for—including the style (modern, rustic, etc.).
What are your priorities—maintenance, environmentally friendliness, beauty?
Think about the bigger picture and the long term.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss finishes and door overlays.

Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

Two important things to consider are the finish and door overlay.

Finishes

In general, there are several basic different types of finishes for cabinetry:

Stain
Stain with glaze
Paint
Burnish

To create a stained finish, a color is applied and then hand-rubbed into the wood—this provides a rich yet natural look. Natural characteristics of wood—such as knots, graining, etc.—become more prominent.

Staining with a glaze is created by applying a flood coat of glaze after the base stain is put on. Then the flood coat of glaze is hand wiped, which softens the tone.

Painted finishes diminish the natural characteristics of wood like the graining and knots and provide a smooth, clean look. Cabinets with painted finishes are often used in modern kitchens.

This type of finish is made by distressing, over-sanding, and applying a burnishing stain. A burnished finish helps a door look unique.

Door Overlays

Cabinet door overlays affect how much of the cabinet frame shows and can help transform a kitchen from traditional to modern.

With a full overlay, barely any of the cabinet frame shows around the door and drawer front. This creates a more seamless, contemporary appearance.

A half-inch overlay leaves two inches of the frame exposed, which is a more traditional look.

You may have also heard of inset cabinet door styles, especially related to overlays. Inset doors have no overlay—the door sits inside the cabinet frame.

Custom Cabinetry in MD, DC & VA

If you need new cabinetry and live in Maryland, Washington, DC, or Virginia, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens is the only name you need to know! Whether you’re in the process of choosing cabinets and need some tips or want a whole new kitchen design, including new cabinets, we can help.

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