Walnut kitchen cabinets merge warmth and luxury to any kitchen. Whether you prefer a classic look like light walnut or cabinets with more modern look and feel, their distinct richness and warmth elevate the entire kitchen aesthetic. Here’s a guide to walnut kitchen cabinets.
[ez-toc]What Are Walnut Kitchen Cabinets?
Walnut is a hardwood with a rich, grainy texture. It has a warm and inviting hue that ranges from a light golden brown to a deep chocolate brown. The hues change depending on the species, the age of the wood and how it has been treated in the manufacturing process.
Walnut wood has a distinct grain pattern that is not quite as pronounced as some other hardwoods, making it easy to blend with other woods. It’s naturally resistant to decay, making it an excellent choice of wood to build with for long-term pieces such as kitchen cabinetry. Its dark color also makes it a great choice for staining and finishing. This allows you to take on various hues and finishes as your interior decorating style changes through the years.
Because of its durability, walnut wood is a fantastic building material for kitchen cabinetry. With its natural beauty and strength, walnut kitchen cabinets can last for generations. Even for hardwood standards, walnut is one the longest lasting. It lasts longer than oak and maple and can easily be refinished or repainted.
To top it off, walnut is scratch resistant, has natural antibacterial properties, anti-fungal and anti-dust properties. You don’t have to fuss too much about keeping these cabinets clean as they are naturally resistant to damage and decay.
Know that if you invest in walnut kitchen cabinets, it will last you decades with minimal issues and calls for maintenance.
What To Know About Walnut Wood Fading
As part of going through this walnut kitchen cabinet guide, keep in mind that walnut wood fades. Although not necessarily a bad quality, walnut has a tendency to lighten over time.
Initially, walnut presents a deep or golden brown hue, but as the years pass, the color will start to fade. When exposed to sunlight, the dark browns will transform into a honey-like, pastel shade.
The main reason behind walnut discoloration is sun damage from ultraviolet rays. Depending on the quality of the walnut wood, it will fade quickly or slowly.
Generally, the change in hue will be gradual over the first few years, but you will notice a substantial difference in that time. Paired with sun damage, walnut wood will naturally oxidize. Again, while not naturally a bad quality, the look of your kitchen cabinets are expected to change if you use walnut wood.
Caring For Walnut Kitchen Cabinets
When cleaning walnut kitchen cabinets, it’s important to use the right products to avoid damaging the wood. In most cases, wipe down the surface with a damp microfiber cloth. You can add a drop of dish soap to get through any stubborn dirt or grime. Be sure to rinse the cloth often to avoid spreading dirt or leaving behind residue.
Oiling walnut wood is important in keeping it looking beautiful and free of cracks. Aim to do this every 6 months or annually.
On clean wood, use a lint-free cloth and a walnut oil to polish the wood. This is usually made of tung oil and boiled linseed oil. Start in one corner and work your way across the piece of furniture, going in small circles and pushing the oil into the grain of the wood. Allow the oil to sit for a few minutes before wiping away any excess with a clean cloth. Repeat the process as needed, but be sure to not over-oil the wood.
Costs Of Walnut Kitchen Cabinets
For a typical 10 x 10 kitchen without any additional amenities, you should expect to pay at least $4,000 to $6,000 for solid walnut cabinets.
You can expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,000 for 10 x 10 kitchens if you choose prefabricated wood or a walnut veneer, which will save you a sizable sum of money.
When buying walnut cabinets, it is crucial to distinguish between real (solid) walnut wood and walnut veneer. Keep this in mind when you buy from a larger manufacturer or home improvement retailer. You shouldn’t expect solid walnut cabinets as veneer is what’s more commercially available.
With that said, if you want solid walnut kitchen cabinets, you’ll need to collaborate with specialized cabinet manufacturers for higher-grade walnut wood materials.
Walnut Kitchen Cabinet Pairings
When looking for more walnut cabinets kitchen ideas, take a cue from these interior design pairings to really make this choice in cabinetry material shine.
Let The Grain Speak For Itself
Let the distinct grain of walnut wood speak for itself and treat it as the central visual in your kitchen. Allow it to shine by keeping the rest of your kitchen simple. Sleek appliances, light countertops and a backsplash that reflects its natural grain compliment walnut cabinets perfectly.
Work With Neutrals
Light walnut kitchen cabinets are a minimalist’s dream. The light color of walnut wood with its distinct grain is enough to give a sleek and minimalist kitchen a touch of texture and character. Compliment the light color with warm neutral tones such as a beige backsplash, kitchen island, gray-toned floors, and cream walls. The result is a beautifully modern and minimal aesthetic.
Compliment Wood With Stone
If you want the luxury of solid walnut kitchen cabinets, know that even just using it in a portion of your kitchen is enough to elevate the space. Pair solid walnut cabinets with stone elements to enhance its earthy vibe. Stay consistent with the dark tones by incorporating granite. The mix and match of dark tones and natural elements create a classy and intimate kitchen.
Go With The Grain
Grain-matched walnut cabinets feature a uniform pattern. If you want your kitchen to look polished and streamlined, incorporate grain matched walnut cabinets. Further compliment the look of the grain by carrying over the lines throughout the kitchen. For instance, with a grain that flows horizontally, align your backsplash tiles horizontally, work in horizontal lines on the ceiling and add wide seated stools.The effect of this line flow is subtle but visually satisfying.
To conclude this walnut kitchen cabinet, know that walnut kitchen cabinets provide a timeless look that can pair with any style of décor. With the many different styles and finishes available, you can trust that walnut kitchen cabinets will provide a beautiful and lasting addition to your home.
