I've had several posts during my kitchen reno, and I'm sure I'll have more. I appreciate all the input so far. I couldn't do projects like this without the advice.
I'm now moving on to my semi-custom cabinet install. I've become a big fan of Ikea carcasses and the Blum hardware that comes with them, but not a fan of their door fronts and paneling, so I'm going with a mix of Ikea carcasses and Walnut slab doors and end panels. I'll also be making custom floating shelves to replace some upper cabinets, but these will likely be painted (I've previously posted about those). The Ikea cabinets are assembled and ready to be installed using their suspension rail system and adjustable feet.
I will be picking up 3/4" sheets of walnut ply and edge banding tomorrow. I really love the look of Walnut and I'm leaning towards just putting a satin finish and leaving it. Some reading I've done suggests a light stain is good for consistency and to protect from fading. Although I've done some staining of cabinets and shelving, I don't have a lot of experience, and I've never worked with Walnut. I'm just looking for suggestions on finishing options...stain or not...color of stain...type of clear coat, etc.
I should add that this is a pretty modern looking kitchen - grey bamboo flooring, frameless cabinets, grey stone (to be decided) countertops, 4" LED can lighting, one 36" window, and one skylight. Opens up to living room.
I'm now moving on to my semi-custom cabinet install. I've become a big fan of Ikea carcasses and the Blum hardware that comes with them, but not a fan of their door fronts and paneling, so I'm going with a mix of Ikea carcasses and Walnut slab doors and end panels. I'll also be making custom floating shelves to replace some upper cabinets, but these will likely be painted (I've previously posted about those). The Ikea cabinets are assembled and ready to be installed using their suspension rail system and adjustable feet.
I will be picking up 3/4" sheets of walnut ply and edge banding tomorrow. I really love the look of Walnut and I'm leaning towards just putting a satin finish and leaving it. Some reading I've done suggests a light stain is good for consistency and to protect from fading. Although I've done some staining of cabinets and shelving, I don't have a lot of experience, and I've never worked with Walnut. I'm just looking for suggestions on finishing options...stain or not...color of stain...type of clear coat, etc.
I should add that this is a pretty modern looking kitchen - grey bamboo flooring, frameless cabinets, grey stone (to be decided) countertops, 4" LED can lighting, one 36" window, and one skylight. Opens up to living room.
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