building my own kitchen cabinet doors... - DIY Chatroom

Jeremy Hillary Boob, PhD · 05-05-2009, 05:14 PM

...and I've got a couple of questions. I've just about finished building the cabinets and face frames and I'm just starting to think seriously about the doors. The cabinets and face frames are birch, with semi-gloss (water-based) polyurethane. They look OK, but kinda boring (I wanted to use the oil-based poly, but the wife thought the water-based was nicer). We've decided to go with Shaker style cabinet doors, and I've got the router bits I need, so I'm about ready to get started on that.

Anyways, I was wondering if anybody has any thoughts about using a different wood species for the doors than the cabinets/face frames? I think walnut would look great, especially in contrast to the rather bland birch. However, I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before. And how about if I were to get really wild and make the door stiles and rails, say, walnut, but the interior (flat panel) birch plywood---or maybe even maple for the panels. OK, even I think that would probably be too much, but what about doors that contrast with the cabinets? Any thoughts? Thanks.

Willie T · 05-05-2009, 05:35 PM

Have you considered matching the frame face material for the door panels, with a contrasting wood for just the door stiles and rails? This would help tie it all together.

Ron6519 · 05-05-2009, 07:24 PM

Make a sample of the combinations you're contemplating and put them up. Live with them for a while. You'll know then if you like it.
Ron

Willie T · 05-05-2009, 10:04 PM

HERE is a link to some contrasting cabinets you might enjoy.

Jeremy Hillary Boob, PhD · 05-06-2009, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie T

Have you considered matching the frame face material for the door panels, with a contrasting wood for just the door stiles and rails? This would help tie it all together.

Yes, I think that would be good, and give it a real custom look to boot.

Jeremy Hillary Boob, PhD · 05-06-2009, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron6519

Make a sample of the combinations you're contemplating and put them up. Live with them for a while. You'll know then if you like it.
Ron

Yes, I'll definitely make some samples, but I doubt I'll put them up and actually live with them---I'm too impatient to get this done...

Jeremy Hillary Boob, PhD · 05-06-2009, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie T

HERE is a link to some contrasting cabinets you might enjoy.

Thanks for the link. I think what I have in mind is fairly tame compared to most of those. I'll try to make a sample door or two in the next few days, then I'll post a picture...