4 Reasons To Get A Sample Before You Buy Cabinets

The beauty of wood attracts us with its color, grain pattern and texture. The many wood species available, like Cherry (shown here), have characteristics that set each one apart. As you start to plan your new kitchen, it's a good idea to get at least one cabinet-door-sized sample in the style, color and wood species you are considering. 

A beautiful set of cherry wood cabinets goes with almost any decor.

A beautiful set of cherry wood cabinets goes with almost any decor.

Wood is a tactile substance. Brochures with beautiful pictures can inspire, but they're no match for seeing the real thing in the light of your planned project. You can also feel the grain, texture and weight of the wood you're considering. 

Sea Drift is a soft, warm grey stain. What color do you see on your monitor?

Sea Drift is a soft, warm grey stain. What color do you see on your monitor?

Live color is always better. In photos, the colors that you see may be heavily influenced by the way the photographer has lit the room, and by surrounding design elements. If you're viewing pictures on your phone or computer, the color may vary widely from one device to another.

All of these Fairfax doors are the same style, with different species & finish selections.

All of these Fairfax doors are the same style, with different species & finish selections.

Doors are 3D, photos are 2D. Most door styles have some type of detail to them, like the Fairfax doors above. Having an actual sample lets you see how deep the grooves are, what the profile of the raised center panel is, and what the edge of the door feels like.You can also get an idea of what glaze looks like, or how Artisan distressing affects the styling.

Selecting countertops is so much easier with the sample in your hand! Cabinets make up a large part of the design, and you'll want everything else to work well with the style you've chosen. Taking an actual door into a lighting showroom, granite yard, or paint retailer will give you a much better visualization of how your new kitchen will come together.

Those are just a few reasons why we encourage you to order a door sample before you make a final decision about your cabinets. Do you have other reasons? We'd love to hear them!