For years, cherry wood has been a sought after wood by our clients remodeling their kitchens or bathrooms. It has a gorgeous grain and can take stain from a light reddish/orange to a deep espresso color. Fifteen or twenty years ago it was rare to see cherry used in cabinetry, but with its growing popularity we find that half of the kitchens we do today are cherry wood.
Those looking for a unique wood species for their cabinetry are turning to walnut. Walnut is considered a somewhat exotic species that is a fine textured with colors ranging from yellow-brown to a rich chocolate brown. Because of these characteristics, walnut can be a great choice for people who don’t want the red undertones you find in cherry wood. It also is a stunning wood for contemporary designs, letting the wood itself be the focal point of the space.
Walnut is not for every budget. It often carries a price premium and is limited to moderate to high end cabinetry, so you won’t find it in a big box store. Expect to pay 15-25% more for walnut wood than the standard maple and oak.
Lastly, always check with your designer or the cabinet manufacturer on the availability of walnut and the variety of stains it comes in. Some manufacturers will even make your drawer boxes from walnut for a more complete look.
