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The Trick To Staining Maple
Staining maple can be challenging because it is a dense and close-grained hardwood that tends to absorb stain unevenly. The trick to staining maple evenly is to not stain it at all, rather use a technique called toning . As opposed to letting the wood absorb the stain (which, when it does so unevenly, leads to blotching) the stain is mixed with the clear protective topcoat and layered on top. It's worth noting right out of the gate: toning is not a very DIY-friendly technique


Fabuwood: A Cabinetmaker's Review
We've gotten to know Fabuwood well over the last year and have become very big fans of their finishes, availability, and customization....


How Frameless "Euro" Cabinets Are Made
Frameless cabinets, also known as European-style cabinets or "Euro" cabinets, are a type of cabinet construction that eliminates the face...


5 Kitchen Design Trends You'll See In 2025
The kitchen transcends its role as a mere cooking space, as it truly is the heart of the home. A thoughtfully designed kitchen not only...


What Is A Cerused Finish?
The process of "cerusing" or created a cerused finish, is when a white paste or pigment is applied to the surface of wood. Used for...


The Difference Between Custom vs Semi-Custom Cabinets
The main differences between custom and semi-custom cabinets are in the level of personalization and flexibility in design.


How Are Cabinets Finished In A Factory?
We hear a lot about "factory finishes" on cabinets, but what are they? Are they worth it? What is the biggest difference? We'll break...


The Complete Guide To White Oak Cabinets
Oak cabinets have quickly become the most popular choice in the United States, and for good reason. The soft, natural look of rift white oak or the warm amber tones of flat-sawn red oak... but what do all of these words mean? We'll break down every detail, and help identify possible issues to help ensure your new oak cabinets look as beautiful as those on your Pinterest board. Let's jump right in! (Photo and design credit: Jake Arnold) White Oak vs Red Oak Simply put, white o


How To Clean Cabinets Like A Pro: Expert Tips
We've all been there... you look away for what felt like two seconds to hear your kiddo finish their story, and the spaghetti sauce has...


Modern Kitchen Cabinets: Your Complete Guide
Subtle details, clean lines, and a preference for less-is-more... we'll discuss all of the details needed to create the perfect modern...


The Problem(s) With Inset Cabinets
At Wayhome we like to help homeowners consider all the information so they can make informed decisions about their home projects. Inset...


What Is Oak Veneer?
Simply put, oak veneer (or any veneer for that matter) is a paper-thin piece of real oak. Available in red or white oak and all the cuts...


Inexpensive Alternatives To White Oak
If you are wanting the white oak look without the white oak price (which is all the talk in our Ask A Cabinetmaker facebook group ), we've put together some great options. From large manufacturers' specific finish names, to how to make sure your local company is using the right technique (especially on maple), we get into all of the details so you can make as informed a decision as possible! This is Fabuwood's Timber finish on birch. While the grain is more subtle than oak, t


How To Find The Right Stain Color
We'll break down the process to arrive at the perfect stain color for your project, and match exactly the finish in that beautiful...


How To Make Red Oak Look Like White Oak
With white oak being so popular these days, it has quickly become one of the most expensive hardwoods in America. While switching to maple or cherry could be a money-saving option, using red oak will achieve the exact same beautiful grain pattern as white oak. We just need a special stain to mute the orange and pink, and create that soft white oak finish we've all fallen in love with. (Design and photo credit Studio McGee) Let's first give credit where credit is due: we got


Is Veneer Good or Bad?
Short answer is: it depends. Veneer has gotten a bad rep over the years, though traditionally, veneer has been an excellent option for...


Popular Oak Finishes
We get asked a lot about how to achieve the beautiful oak finishes seen on Instagram and Pinterest, and recently broke each finish down...


How To Be More Assertive With Your Contractor
The trades aren't exactly known for their communication skills and, unfortunately, sometimes we find ourselves frustrated when dealing...


The Complete Guide: Types Of Cabinets
With so many options, configurations, and technical terms flying around, selecting your kitchen and bath cabinets can quickly become an...


A Guide To Wood Countertops
Wood countertops bring warmth, beauty, and natural charm to your kitchen, but to maintain their integrity and long-lasting appeal, it’s...
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