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Answers (7)
- Tina Beasley, "tcbeasley"
- Contributions:14
Oak is definitely out of style now in new construction. White or cream with chocolate glaze is definitely popular now. However, it depends on the style of your home. If your home is older and has a country theme, the oak will look nice and you can paint it later if you decide that you don't like it.
My father was a home builder and I helped design the kitchens for our clients. Whatever you do, just do not do that "pickled" looking glaze that makes the cabinets look white washed. That is just horrible to me. I recently had a listing that would not sell because it had those pickled looking cabinets in the kitchen and baths. No one wanted to deal with it.
When I recently remodeled a kitchen in one of my homes, I went with all new oak cabinets, full overlay doors and just natural with a light ginger glaze to give the cabinets some richness. You could still see the natural wood coming through, but the ginger glaze darkened the cabinets slightly. Full Overlay is more expensive, but I think they just look awesome! When I sold the home, the buyers said that the kitchen put their decision over the top and they just had to take my house.
Ask friends and neighbors for their thoughts too. It never hurts to get someone to actually look at what you are doing and give their opinion. The more input you get, the better you will feel about your decision.
Good luck with the project!
Tina Beasley
Associate Broker
Envision Real Estate, LC
804-972-9927 Cell
804-262-0001 Office
My father was a home builder and I helped design the kitchens for our clients. Whatever you do, just do not do that "pickled" looking glaze that makes the cabinets look white washed. That is just horrible to me. I recently had a listing that would not sell because it had those pickled looking cabinets in the kitchen and baths. No one wanted to deal with it.
When I recently remodeled a kitchen in one of my homes, I went with all new oak cabinets, full overlay doors and just natural with a light ginger glaze to give the cabinets some richness. You could still see the natural wood coming through, but the ginger glaze darkened the cabinets slightly. Full Overlay is more expensive, but I think they just look awesome! When I sold the home, the buyers said that the kitchen put their decision over the top and they just had to take my house.
Ask friends and neighbors for their thoughts too. It never hurts to get someone to actually look at what you are doing and give their opinion. The more input you get, the better you will feel about your decision.
Good luck with the project!
Tina Beasley
Associate Broker
Envision Real Estate, LC
804-972-9927 Cell
804-262-0001 Office
- Ben Kastein Bob Hudetz, "AdvantageRealtyGroup"
- Contributions:814
Sounds like your long terms plans are to be at your current home for many years! This being said, my suggestion if you are able to afford the cabinets that you really want is to splurge and do it! You'll feel better about them each morning you walk into your kitchen for many years to come.
Tastes and cabinet popularity over time changes so as far as the investment aspect, a crystal ball is just not available to suggest that your home is better off with one or the other in 10 years. Go with what your heart tells you and if those cabinets work with the decor in the house as it is now then its even more of a safe investment.
Best of luck and enjoy our new cabinets!
- Richard Dettra, "rdettra"
- Contributions:232
I would get samples and take them home before deciding.
- Ritu Desai, "VARealtor"
- Contributions:697
While updating calculate the cost to updates other things in the kitchen also. If you update the cabinets how will your flooring, light fixtures, appliances and other stuff match.
I am with Young, go where you and your family will enjoy the kitchen for the rest of the time you will spend.
Good luck!
I am with Young, go where you and your family will enjoy the kitchen for the rest of the time you will spend.
Good luck!
- Jeff Grenz, "Jeff Grenz"
- Contributions:245
Cabinet finishes have about a 5-10 year trend. The latest finishes I've seen in custom homes is the creamy beige maple as you like as well as a rich dark alder. Glazed furniture finishes almost always work on any species, but the added layer of finish adds cost to the project.
Through my teens and twenties, while my family developed custom homes, we installed so many Oak and Ash (similar grain, less red) cabinets in homes, the only thing left I enjoyed about them is it smelled like a winery (oak barrels). Remember the light oak glazes?
The most expensive homes will often be most conservative, using the old staples, cherry or maple as they will often stand the test of time, and contrary to popular belief, cherry is not red,
Through my teens and twenties, while my family developed custom homes, we installed so many Oak and Ash (similar grain, less red) cabinets in homes, the only thing left I enjoyed about them is it smelled like a winery (oak barrels). Remember the light oak glazes?
The most expensive homes will often be most conservative, using the old staples, cherry or maple as they will often stand the test of time, and contrary to popular belief, cherry is not red,
- Young - Jin Yang, "MyValleyDreamHome"
- Contributions:96
I always like to say the home is where your heart is. Do what makes you happy. My take on it? Sand the boards down your self and glaze them your self. With the help of family members this can be done with much less funds and brings together great bond and accomplishment. Used but durable Sanders can be purchased on eBay for less than $50. Have fun!
- Cara Silva, "Cara Silva"
- Contributions:1
Oak tends to date kitchens a little. Even though it would cost less in my opinion it wouldn't be a great investment. On the other hand, creamy maple with glaze may be too taste specific and you might shorten the range of buyers. Something to think about. But remember 7 to 9 years is a long time! You might want go with the option that would make you smile everytime you go in the kitchen :) good luck!
Oak or Maple Cabinets
My kitchen cabinets are builder grade oak -with thin plywood doors. Wondering if it would be better to 1.) Replace cabinet doors with oak shaker style real wood- total cost approx $1200 OR 2.) Reface cabinets with Maple or Painted Maple with glaze- total cost approx $3900...I love cream coloured Painted Maple with chocolate glaze. We plan to live here for 7-9 years. I am not sure what the resale value may be 7-9 yrs from now. Should we do a small upgrade or complete reface?...Is the creamy beige maple cabinets with glaze only a 'trend'?
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