Deciding on Hickory as an alternative to Oak for less grain, opinions?
sherchicago
4 years ago
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Comments (34)
cpartist
4 years agomononhemeter
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Cherry vs maple vs hickory
Comments (2)In my opinion the look of the wood grain should override the hardness. With cabinetry being vertical, it isn't likely it will be dinged by falling objects like floors are. Yes, kids will hit cabinetry with toys but I still think the look of the grain and how the wood takes stain is the number one consideration. Maple has a smooth grain, takes stain evenly. Cherry grain is more pronounced and also takes stain nicely. BUT, most cherry cabinets these days include sap wood which doesn't stain the same as the heart wood. Heart wood appears redder and deeper toned while sap wood is more yellow. Hickory has lots of color variation in the wood which gives it a very distinctive appearance. Attached is an example of sap wood on a cherry cabinet. My cabinets are cherry and show this much variation on some doors and drawers....See Morehickory non-rustic
Comments (5)Hickory can make a beautiful kitchen. However, KM hickory is a bit more rustic than you actually sound like you want. You should find a maker who uses something like select hickory or pecan. The two are completely interchangeable grainwise. Try Dynasty for that. Quartersawn oak is also beautiful, but if you plan on going dark, you lose the grain that makes it so special. Keep it medium to light if you choose it, or you're wasting money on the upgrade and might as well choose plainsawn oak. The other thing is that laminate is NOT wood. It's plastic over a paper picture of wood on MDF. The MDF is the only wood product in it. Once it scratches, it's ruined and cannot be repaired. It's also not the best choice for a kitchen unless you do a glue together installation to keep the moisture out of the seams. You can usually buy a medium grade wood for the same amount that a higher grade laminate will cost you, and at least with real wood, it can be refinished if it becomes damaged. Slate would also be a good choice but be careful of the source. Box store slate can have as high as a 50% cull rate so it actually ends up costing as much as a more premium slate from another better quality flooring supplier....See MoreHelp deciding Granite: Key West v. Tropical Brown OAK cabinets
Comments (8)The key west looks nice in the photo, and I am sure it looks even more beautiful in person. I echo what others say, your cabinets are really nice and warm. The chosen stain makes the grain really stand out, which is lovely, even if it is not exactly what you might have chosen. I also echo the comments to work with what you have - does this counter really compliment your cabinets? That is generally the wow factor from counters. I can see the dark part of the counter pulling out the dark in the grain. I think it could be lovely. But, totally unsolicited, have you considered something lighter that might brighten the kitchen complimenting some of the warmer lighter tones of the cabinets? You reference that the walls and floors are dark and lighter counter could be a really gorgeous contrast, especially if it has bits and swirls of the darker colors or even some gold. I imagine something with a cream/white background (or whatever works with the oak stain.) I have seen a couple of oak kitchen face lifts and they have had lighter counters and it has really made it look fresh. That said - I don't think you could go wrong with what you have picked. It sounds like you love it - congrats!...See MoreHelp with Hickory Floors!
Comments (44)Nothing here other than air conditioning in the summer, furnace in the winter, and maybe the windows open in the spring and fall if the humidity is low and it's beautiful outside and nice enough to open the windows. I really don't think you're going to have any issues at all as long as your wood is acclimated for the week or two it needs and your installer is doing the job correctly. The tongue and groove part of the wood takes care of itself (keeping it together and giving it the ability to move as it needs). You're going to be fine....See MoreILoveRed
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