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Greenbrook Design Center

September 12, 2019/in Company /by Stacey Walker

***Latest Post Update 8/21/2018

CHECK OUT OUR NEW SHOWROOM!

***Latest Post Update 10/30/2017

WE ARE MOVED-IN AT THE DESIGN CENTER!

WE ARE EXCITED TO SHARE WITH YOU OUR

DECISIONS, DETAILS, & DESIGN IDEAS!

OPENING FALL 2017 TO UPTOWN SHELBY!

GREENBROOK DESIGN, KITCHEN & BATH HOME DESIGN CENTER

Inside the Design Center, you will find a unique one-of-a-kind showroom. The kitchen and bath home design center will be sure to appeal to homeowners, interior designers as well as contractors. Plan to be intrigued and watch us GROW in Uptown Shelby.

We are excited to be under construction! Stay up-to-date with what’s happening as we share more details on this page!

OUR JOURNEY TO UPTOWN SHELBY

Location Address: 112-1 North Lafayette St. Shelby NC 28150

Construction has officially started! This is formally known as part of the Campbell building.

Here is a sidewalk view (before) of the Design Center. We have great plans in the works.

Storefront prior to construction.

Update 10/30/2017

AND WE MOVED IN!

It’s been a busy few weeks. Before during and after moving is a big job. For this update, I am adding just photo’s be sure to read the captions for details.

Featured lighting & James Martin Vanities!

Stickwood installed!

Walker Woodworking door display.

Wellborn display in progress, of course, we still need a backsplash, appliances & lighting!

This backsplash is going somewhere…

Hardware towers and more.

Our Walker Woodworking Display! In progress, appliance install underway!

Subzero appliances on standby for install. This will be for our Walker Woodworking kitchen where we will be hosting live cooking demonstrations.

Dura Supreme display in progress, of course, we still need a backsplash, appliances & lighting!

It was exciting to reveal our tile floors that had been covered up for many weeks.

Mahogany doors being built in our shop and what they look like the day of installation. There were four doors total to make and the sizes 3′ wide by 8.5′ tall. Travis did the majority of the work on these with help from Chris Masters and Justin Webb (not pictured).

Update 9/16/2017

ANOTHER GREAT WEEK OF PROGRESS!

If you look back through this post – you notice that I keep the most recent updates at the top. A year ago on 9/17/2016, I made a post about how the work had stalled. Things are finally happening at the Design Center and we can’t wait to be able to move into our new space.

SATURDAY WORK & SATURDAY SURPRISES.

We have been working lots of Saturdays here at Walker Woodworking. Not only do we have a packed production schedule, but we also have design center items to make. One of my early visions for this building was the exterior. We were unable to make some of the changes I wanted because of the historic preservation rules. But I felt that the doors just looked so common and small compared to the massive size of the windows. My idea was to bring in taller wood-framed doors and I volunteered Travis to make them (he wasn’t thrilled about that idea at all). I talked to him into getting it done, knowing that in the end, it would be something he would be proud of that he personally had a hand in making. Travis delivered the doors yesterday (Friday) and today we went by so that our daughters could see the progress. We were pleasantly surprised to see the doors getting installed and another step toward getting this project completed.

DISPLAY CABINETS GET INSTALLED.

We have had a huge warehouse full of cabinets, lights, sinks, hardware displays and all sorts of things that we have collected over the last two years for this project. So when we started loading up the truck to take to the showroom to be installed – it was a really exciting moment for me. I won’t lie – I have been impatient and I am ready to get moved in. The gray cabinets are for our Wellborn display and the white cabinets are Dura Supreme. These are the 2 semi-custom cabinet lines we will be offering.

Cabinet Install – Phase 1

Update 09/05/2017

FLOORS – A BIG DECISION!

One of the things I have learned during this whole process is that I can’t always let my personal preferences lead my decisions. I really wanted a stain on these floors because I really love to see color in wood finishes. I would have been happy with just about any stain color but the light gray was my favorite. I ultimately decided to go natural for two reasons, I felt that over time the lighter finish would be the most neutral and organic color to work our displays and decor around. The other reason I went with natural is that I felt it stayed true to the original elements of the building. I am so glad I went with the natural finish, these floors are truly beautiful and full of history. I would love to hear your thoughts – comment below!

Floors before and during finishing. The final decision of the stain choice was to go with Natural!

FLOORS AFTER.

You may notice in the showroom, there are actually three different types of wood used. Maple, Pine, & Oak. Over the years and due to multiple renovations, the flooring is what adds so much character to our space.

Update 8/20/2017

CEILINGS GET A MAKEOVER IN WHITE.

I had a few people tell me that I should keep the ceilings black but I just couldn’t do it. I am actually a big fan of black ceilings I have black ceilings in my basement, most showrooms have black ceilings but for me, changing the ceiling back to white was the easiest decision I have made so far. Without a doubt, these ceilings make this building. They are original to the building and something we needed to show off. It has been amazing at how much bigger and brighter the space is.

Here is a before and after of the ceilings before the lights were installed. The before and after photos were all with natural light from outside.

Update 07/17/2017

WE ARE FINALLY SEEING PROGRESS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

This has for sure been a test of patience for us over the last 2 years but I am happy to announce that things have been moving along again. Of course, if you have been following our social media sites you already noticed! Although things have been slow to move along, this week we will begin to see lots of progress. Some of the major things to be done include installing windows and doors which mean there is some interior and exterior work to finish up.

In order to keep the historical preservation of the building, several of these interior and exterior items had to be special ordered. Although we don’t own the building, keeping true to these historical elements is important to us as well. Once the doors and windows are installed, we hope to start seeing some paint on the walls and ceilings and trim work getting done. From there, things should move relatively quick. This also means that Walker Woodworking will be busy building some specialty items as well.

For the latest information, we suggest that you follow us on social media. With the new ‘stories’ on Instagram, we are able to introduce more behind the scene pictures with captions, which tell you more about the locations and pictures as you view them. We usually visit daily and post updates.

Interior tile work was completed last week.

Update 9/17/2016

AND THE WORK HAS STALLED…

Construction of our Design Center has been stopped temporarily due to a Federal Grant approval process. Stay tuned, construction is scheduled to resume November 3rd.

Meanwhile, our team is still making plans, making selections and getting excited about moving to Uptown Shelby.

MAKING SELECTIONS

The process of making selections as been underway for a while now but there is still lots to do. We thought it would be interesting to see how we take certain design elements and put them together for the final product. Often times HGTV makes the construction and remodel process look fast and easy in a 30 minute TV show, but the reality is a much longer and very complex process. A lot of time and thought from multiple sources of professionals goes into making a project of this proportion come to life.

TILE

This past week we went tile shopping; Wendi and I (Stacey) spent a day visiting several tile centers – 5 in all. We have several areas that we will need to select tile. The construction plans will be adding bathrooms and office space. Although we made some progress we still have a lot more to do and more to select. Here is a peek at some of the fun things we found. Did you know Charlotte has so many great tile centers? Daltile, Emser, Florida Tile, The Tile Collection, & Crossville Tile.

Update 5/21/2016

AND THE WORK BEGINS…

Construction officially started in early March, and the bulk of that time has been spent in the basement. More updates coming soon.

View from the mezzanine to the main showroom floor.

Original Post 5/13/2016

HOW WE GOT HERE…

When Travis and I purchased a CNC Router at the end of 2013, we never imagined how much things would change for us and our business with Walker Woodworking. We certainly had much to learn and we definitely had many challenges to overcome, but we will save that story for another day. The CNC router enabled us to take our company to a new level with innovation and technology and while we have embraced these changes, we also had new needs that our current space could not provide.

Learning the CNC software and getting the process up and going was initiated by Brandon Fitzmorris. Brandon was our lead engineer and helped through the initial transition. As many people may remember, our designer at the time in 2013 & 2014 was Jeneane Beaver. Jeneane had just had her first child and with another on the way she decided that she wanted to stay home and be with her kids; a decision that we respected but it left us in a position to find a suitable replacement. Brandon was eager to accept the challenge and therefore we had yet another position to fill. By the end of 2014, we had Brandon in his position as Designer and a new engineer in place, with the need for an additional engineer.

Travis and I had been debating ideas to build a new shop or open a new showroom. While we were not necessarily making any immediate plans for one or the other, we were approached in the early summer of May 2015 by excited new owners of a building in Uptown Shelby. They had heard that we may be looking for space and we were very eager to see the space. Soon after we were signing a lease. Since that time we have been patiently waiting for the process of architects, engineers, and permits from the City of Shelby to run its course. Planning the space with the owners took some time, but we are thrilled with the end results.

Meanwhile, we have been making necessary staff changes in anticipation of this new showroom. Adding staff in space you don’t have has certainly put a strain on our working environment but we became creative and made temporary adjustments to make it work. Over the last year we have added to our staff: Jan Blanton – Design Assistant, Tyler Triplett – Engineer, and most recently Ryanne Turner – Design Assistant. Marie Walker, a longtime administrative assistant, is patiently awaiting the new showroom to have her own office. During this transition, she has moved to a home-based office with me (Stacey Walker) and continues with day-to-day duties. We are all looking forward to the new Design Center.

A LITTLE HISTORY…

Campbell Building – full corner view

The Design center building itself is located right on the corner beside of First Baptist Church. Originally, construction started on the building in 1928 and was completed in 1929. The first use was a general store, then it became a pharmacy and had a little restaurant in the mezzanine area. It was later a furniture store and they sold toys in the basement area. Within the past 10 years, the last to use the building was a furniture store. As far as we know the 2 upper floors have never been used for much except storage.

Over the years the building was handed down to generations of the same family. The new owners are the first ones to actually purchase the building. Kay, the previous owner, is the great-granddaughter of the men who built the building. One was a steelmaker and another owned a brick factory and these two men had children that married each other. That couple had a child, and that child was the parent of Kay and Edgar.

At one point in time, all the stairs and railings were painted bright orange! A few years back, Edgar took all that paint off himself and refinished each of the railings and banisters on site. (*Please feel free to comment in the feed if you have any other information about the historic building, we want to give as much accurate information as possible about the building)

The interior of this building has some great features that are original to the building that we want to preserve and maintain as much as we possibly can. From the original tin ceilings, the beautiful wooden staircases, and the pine floors. We worked diligently with the owners & architects to help make this happen, but in order to bring the building up to date with today’s codes, there will be a big transition in some areas inside and out that can’t be avoided. In the near future, the upper floors will be renovated as well. The 2nd floor will be Uptown Indigo – an event space and the 3rd floor will be the residence of the building owners.

Old Newspaper – Campbell Building

Old Ads From Furniture Store

Old Newspaper Ad

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram – #walkerwoodworking #greenbrookdesign #uptownshelby #shelbync for more photos and event updates!

Greenbrook Design Center

May 12, 2017/in Company, News, Stacey Walker /by Stacey Walker

Remodeling 101 Part 4 Finishing Touches

January 26, 2017/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Part 4: The Finishing Touches

Construction crews have left your home now and it is time to put your space back together with the last details.

Cleaning up

Now that everything is in its place and the dust has literally settled, it’s time to clean up. As was mentioned in our article on Part 3; if you used a contractor some cleanup may be included in their estimate. This is probably basic and may not include wiping down all of the surfaces. Your new cabinets will be dusty inside and out. First from being assembled in the shop, then from installation, and finally from the countertops and appliances being put in. Hopefully, the dust barriers you put in place helped some, but you should still plan a large chunk of time to devote to the task of straightening up.

Tile backsplash

If you have a tendency to procrastinate, you’re in luck. Your tile backsplash can be decided on and installed after you’ve lived in your kitchen for awhile. In fact, mine wasn’t installed until after 6 weeks of using our kitchen. We had narrowed our selections down to three options and my husband requested to wait on deciding until he could “see it all come together”. Once it was all together we went with my original selection from months earlier…..happy wife, happy life, right?

Artwork

All of the photos and prints you took down to avoid being damaged can now be put back into space. Since the walls have likely been freshly painted you can get creative with the way you rehang your photos. Mixing frame sizes and finishes is gaining popularity. Now that you’re living in the renovated space you will most likely want to buy some new artwork to bring the space together. Don’t be afraid to play with scale and color when making art purchases. If you live with something for awhile and don’t love it then you can always switch it out. That is what makes decorating with artwork so fun.

Finding a place for everything

Great storage with drawers.

Restocking your new cabinets is an exciting time. Think through where you want to put things based on how you utilize the space. You probably planned this out with your kitchen designer in advance, but now you can put your plan to work. I’m talking about all the utensil dividers, spice pullouts, mixer lifts, custom corner storage, etc. At Walker Woodworking they pride themselves on making use of every square inch available. My favorite part of my new kitchen was using my silverware drawer. We had not previously had one close to the sink in our old 80’s kitchen, so we’d been using a silverware tray set in an upper cabinet. I now have a huge silverware drawer with a custom divider and knife block inside, courtesy of Walker Woodworking.

Grocery shopping

Now for the fun part. If you’re like me you may be thinking “How on Earth will I fill all of these cabinets?” Believe me, you will be able to. When I had gone shopping prior to our renovation I had to buy only necessities for the next meal; due to having very little extra pantry storage in our kitchen. We now have a snack drawer, bread drawer, sippy cup drawer, a full tall pantry cabinet, places for stock pots, crock pots, storage for my broom/swiffer, and even a recycling nook. I love being able to shop knowing that I have space for all the food to fit in my kitchen.

Cook and enjoy

You can now use all of your wonderful appliances and the gorgeous new deep sink you put in. Once in your new kitchen, you can branch out and try some new exciting recipes. Hopefully, you will be inspired to move beyond the microwave for cooking and learn some new techniques. The only bad news is that using your kitchen means it will get dirty again. Have fun in your new space……cook, clean, rinse, and repeat.

Article by guest blogger Jeneane Beaver, former Designer at Walker Woodworking.

“Having worked with Walker Woodworking for 7 years, I have the opportunity to share my experiences as a designer as well as a client, I remodeled my own kitchen in 2012.” ~ Jeneane Beaver

Ready to start your next project? Call Walker Woodworking today and get the process started. 704-434-0823

If you have recently completed a renovation and you want to share your perspective, please comment below.

Check out the other parts of our remodeling series.

Intro to this remodeling series? Click this link to see it now.

Part 1 Budgeting and Planning Remodel Budget Analysis? Click here to see it now.

Part 2 Making your selections. Click link to view post.

Part 3 Under Construction. Click link to view post.

Remodeling 101 Part 3 Construction

January 9, 2017/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Part 3: Living in a Construction Zone

It’s here, it’s finally here!!! The day you’ve been dreaming of has arrived……construction begins! Then it hits you…..construction chaos has arrived! I now realize, I need more time!

It can be stressful to have your home torn apart and even more daunting to think of living in your home the entire time during the renovation. But you can do it. If you’ve read and followed our previous blog posts in our remodeling series, Part 1 and Part 2, then you should be well prepared for the demolition and construction phase. The pre-planning done during those stages of your project should make this most arduous phase as brief as possible, getting you smoothly to Part 4 – Finishing Touches – and ultimately to the reward of tasting the first delicious meal in your new kitchen.

Before the construction crew arrives

Clean out the cabinets and haul off old appliances. This is a good time to purge. You probably have more than you need in terms of kitchen gadgets, and cookbooks that have been replaced by e-versions. Use this time to clear out the clutter. Bonus: if you give them to charity you can keep the receipt for a tax write-off.
Set up a makeshift “kitchenette” somewhere that is easily accessible. During my own personal experience, my husband and I used a mini fridge, toaster oven, and microwave to survive our construction phase. Coffee is essential for me as well, so I also set up a coffee station in our bathroom. Keep your take out menus in a convenient spot; they will come in handy to help you survive life without a kitchen.
Find a place to store excess food until the job is completed. We turned a spare closet into a temporary pantry while our home was being disassembled.
Setup dust barriers if possible, or have this quoted from your contractor. This will depend on your layout and the scope of the project, but if possible you can hang sheets at the construction entrances to minimize dust and debris extending beyond the work zone.
Breathe – you’re prepared, enjoy the process as much as you can 🙂

Demolition Day

The contracting crew will disassemble walls, cabinets, floors, etc. Whatever is required to create a “clean slate” for your new design to become reality. It will be exciting to see the old cabinets leave the space. Seeing the new open area can help you envision how the new plan will come together. Once our space was emptied I used my plans to draw out the footprint of the kitchen. I really became excited, to see the reality of my vision finally appearing before my eyes.

The work continues

Depending on the scope of your project the work may take a few weeks to complete. However, things will generally happen in this order:

Plumbing and electrical rough in changes will be made. New pathways will be made for outlets to be accessed and for a new sink placement if needed.
Framing and drywall will be completed. This is where the dust barriers will come in handy. The process is messy. I’d recommend painting the new walls once they are ready; that way the walls will be completed prior to new floors going in.
Floors are installed. Whether wood or tile, the flooring installation can last a few days. They will be beautiful in the new open space.
Cabinets will be installed next. I believe this is the most exciting part of the construction process, because these custom components are the backbone of the new work-space. The day they arrive will be better than Christmas. The beautiful finishes, hardware, spacious drawers, and custom pullouts are finally arriving in your home! Yay! The installation will last a few days, then a counter-top template can be finalized.
Counter-tops are next to go in. The gorgeous tops you’ve selected will be the icing on the cake. If you need any of these to be cut on site, the dust barriers will need to be in place for this as well. You are almost to the finish line!
Last electrical and plumbing can now be completed. Appliances can be installed, and you can now have a working sink, as well as a better place for your coffee machine (no longer in the bathroom).

Cabinets Arrive! Work Continues.

Prepare for hiccups: I know what you’re thinking. “That doesn’t sound too bad,” and you’re right. The idea of living in a construction zone doesn’t sound too bad here. If only a project could be finished in the time it takes to read this article, but alas, it cannot. Any home project takes time, and a major remodel is definitely a lengthy process. Be flexible and expect at least one delay to come up; they are inevitable. Be courteous to the people working in your home, if you are respectful to them, they will be more inclined to treat you and your home with respect. Be sure to report anyone that comes into your home that is not courteous. Small business owners appreciate knowing of any problems as soon as they arise.

Working Toward a Completed Project

Take some before, during, and after pictures to share with friends and family. It is exciting to see the progression.

Last tip: Don’t bother trying to clean up until the job is truly complete, because you’ll be dissatisfied and will be doing it more than once. If a General Contractor is looking after your project, he may have clean-up included as part of your estimate.

Once construction is done it will be time to put your kitchen back together and get ready for Part 4 – The Finishing Touches (coming soon to complete our renovation series).

Article by guest blogger: Jeneane Beaver, Former Designer at Walker Woodworking

“Having worked with Walker Woodworking for 7 years, I have the opportunity to share my experiences as a designer as well as a client, I remodeled my own kitchen in 2012.” ~ Jeneane Beaver

If you are only in the dreaming stage of beginning your project, we’d love to talk to you and work with you to fine tune your very own remodel plan. If you’re ready to be further from dreaming and closer to construction, call Walker Woodworking today 704.434.0823.

Please feel free to add a comment about your own personal experience with remodeling.

Did you miss the intro to this remodeling series? Click this link to see it now.

Did you miss Part 1 Budgeting and Planning Remodel Budget Analysis? Click here to see it now.

In case you missed it – Part 2 Making your selections. Click link to view post.

Remodeling 101 Part 2 making your selections

January 8, 2017/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Remodeling 101 Part 2 – Making Your Selections.

We continue our remodeling 101 series with part 2 – making selections for a kitchen remodel project. A remodel is like a journey, so to speak. To make a journey successful and memorable, much planning must take place. The purpose for the journey must be established up front, of course. Financially, plans must be made and adhered to. Small details must be addressed while at the same time, the big picture of the journey must not be lost in the details. Otherwise, the journey may result in a miserable experience for everyone involved. Avoid these types of problems when planning for a kitchen remodel.

Let’s get started

Now that you have determined your budget goals (Remodeling 101 Part 1: Budgeting and Planning Remodel), it’s time to talk “ design.” A kitchen remodel must begin with focus on planning and designing for the space you have. Cabinetry will most likely consume the majority of your budget in the kitchen and will dictate the space and layout.

A major kitchen remodel must be completed in the right order for maximum efficiency. Working with an experienced kitchen designer is a key factor to obtaining the best layout for function, organization, aesthetics and overall flow of your kitchen remodel.

A kitchen designer can help you with all the elements involved and will suggest that you make your selections in this order. Consider the Selection Guide shown here:

Cabinetry design & space planning

Appliances

Flooring

Cabinet finishes

Countertop material & finishes

Backsplash

Sinks & fixtures

Lighting

Cabinet hardware

While the Selection Guide may seem daunting and overwhelming, the biggest factor is to understand all the possibilities up-front instead of as an afterthought. Please note that cabinets are mentioned 3 times in this process. After 15 plus years of remodeling kitchens, we know the process that works best for most of our clients. The only time the process doesn’t follow this order – is when the planning & design function is completely left up to the designer. (Omitting the client)

Keep in mind that this Selection Guide will provide the order in which your decisions should be made. It’s okay to be thinking about all of these components at the same time. But, ideally this is the order that works best for most clients, even those that are well organized and know exactly what they want. Based on our past experiences with our clients, the more our designers use the Selection Guide with clients, the better satisfied the clients are with the final product. Now, let’s break down each step.

cabinet design ideas, kitchen design ideas, remodeling

Cabinetry design & space planning in your kitchen layout.

Cabinetry design & space planning

During this stage of the process, you really should postpone thoughts of everything else and focus on designing your space. When remodeling a kitchen, think function, efficiency, style and longevity. Choose cabinets you love and a layout that works for your family’s lifestyle. If you like to cook, organizing your kitchen for your cooking style may be your priority. Let’s say that you love to entertain in your kitchen. If so, you need a layout that allows for people in your kitchen while maintaining your work zone. Maybe you want your kitchen to be the main command center in your home. A desk area where you would sort mail and work on your computer may be needed. Of course some people like the “WOW factor,” and insist on the newest styles and trends. Kitchens are used in different ways by couples and families. Allow your cabinet design & space planning to meet your specific goals. Needless to say, the majority of our client time is used for design & space planning.

Appliances need to be selected early in the process. Location and sizes are important in design.

Appliances

If you thought about appliances during your budgeting phase, you probably have an idea of the features you would like. In order to finalize your cabinet design, you need to make your final appliance selections. Size matters and depending on your selections, you may gain or lose space for your cabinets. So plan carefully and discuss your decision with your design team.

Flooring

I am sure by now you have been thinking about what type of flooring to use. Many people already have hardwood floors in their kitchen and opt to have those refinished for a fresh new look. Changing out and replacing your floors can be an expensive part of the project compared to keeping and refinishing an existing floor. Before you make other finish selections, we recommend you give much consideration to the flooring selection.

Choose cabinet finishes

Over the years we have found that often people approach cabinet design with a picture. And while we can certainly replicate most finishes, we can’t make a picture of a kitchen fit into your space. Once you have decided on the cabinet design and your appliances, (the most expensive parts of the remodel), you can think about your finishes. We provide sample finishes in our showroom from which our customers may make the selections. If a custom sample is needed we usually start with a selection of crown molding in order to establish a color. Once that decision is made, we provide a sample cabinet door. Sample cabinet doors will prove to be invaluable when you are ready to select the countertops and backsplash that you prefer.

white cabinets, quartz counter-tops, marble backsplash

Cabinet finishes, counter-tops and tile backsplash bring together all the elements for the final touches.

Countertop material & finishes

Now that you have your cabinet finishes selected, it’s time to shop around for the perfect countertop. The options are only limited by your budget as price is usually based upon the type of material used and the quantity available. Of course the most common material used today is granite, but marble and man-made stones are in very close second place.

Backsplash

Often you can select your backsplash at the same time you select your countertops. It’s highly recommended to make an appointment when you decide to shop around for tile and granite, the most popular choices for a backsplash. When you enter a showroom with an appointment, you are more likely to be served quickly. Be sure to bring an elevation view of your design drawings so the vendor will be able to provide a quick estimate of materials that you will need for the backsplash. For the visit to your first vendor, we recommend that you allow yourself at least 1 hour for your tile presentation /discussion and 1 hour for your granite presentation/discussion. By the time you visit your next vendor, you will be much more informed about what you are looking for and can narrow your selections down much faster. We would advise that you to visit only two vendors per day. Too much information and too many choices can be overwhelming.

For a bathroom remodel

If you are working on a bathroom project and plan to have floor and wall tile with several patterns and pieces, you will need to schedule two hours at each showroom.

white cabinets, antique brass fixtures & hardware

This homeowner chose to use antique brass for her lighting, fixtures and hardware finishes.

Sinks & fixtures

Selecting your sink and fixtures will likely be the easiest decisions to make. However, keep in mind that specs for farm sinks, apron front sinks, and oversized sinks need to be provided to your cabinet designer early in the planning stage. Nothing can be more disappointing than having a sink too big for your countertop due to lack of communication. Clients tend to worry about fixture finishes. There is no right or wrong selections when it comes to mixing metals. For example, a stainless steel sink and faucet will complement just about any type of hardware or light fixtures.

Lighting

Lighting can be a great selection to add a touch of your own personality. Many people consider lights to be a complement to the kitchen design. Selecting the perfect pendants or chandelier can be time consuming with so many options available online. We recommend selecting lighting components that will provide you with plenty of light, that are easy to clean, and will add charm to your kitchen.

Cabinet hardware

Cabinet hardware has improved greatly in the last 15 years. With so many options, narrowing down your favorites can prove difficult. As much as we would love for hardware to be selected when the cabinet finishes are selected, it is rarely the reality. Clients tend to let hardware be one of the final decisions they make. Selecting the perfect hardware for your kitchen is, of course, another big decision. We understand that you want the hardware to coordinate with all of your other selections. It can be difficult to visualize which hardware will look best. For example, some pieces are minimal while others are bulky. Don’t hesitate to seek the advice of your kitchen and bath designer. Having seen many styles and finishes over the years, we have a good idea about which pieces look really great and those that only look OK.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Taking things one-step-at-a-time and having the guidance of a kitchen and bath designer will make your kitchen remodel a more enjoyable experience. Following our recommended order in the Selection Guide will allow you to soar through the process with all decisions made at the appropriate times. Kitchen and bath designers can help with as little or as much of the process as you need. Some of our clients prefer to take an active role in making the decisions while others leave all the options to us.

The scope of your project will determine how long this process takes. The process of simply removing old cabinets and installing new ones is definitely less complicated than removing walls and/or changing plumbing and electrical locations. Whatever the scope of your project may be, please maintain patience and focus so that you will be pleased with the end result.

The next part in our Remodeling 101 Series is “Tearing it out and Replacing it with beautiful Walker Woodworking Cabinetry.” Click this link to view post.

Thanks for reading, tell us what you think, was this article helpful? We would love to have your comments.

Did you miss the intro to this remodeling series? Click this link to see it now.

Did you miss Part 1 Budgeting and Planning Remodel Budget Analysis? Click here to see it now.

Remodeling 101 Part 1 Budgeting and Planning Remodel Budget Analysis

December 1, 2016/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

Remodeling 101 Part 1 Budgeting & Planning

Setting a realistic budget

Does remodeling your kitchen and bath seem so intimidating that you are not sure where you should begin?

Do you want to remodel but can’t get started because you know you must stay within a certain budget?

Whether you are planning a kitchen or bath remodeling project, or some portion of that, the questions stated above are the common obstacles that keep many people from taking on what may seem like the daunting task of getting the process started.

It has been our experience over the years that most people want to know what the overall project will cost before they start. If the project is out of your total budget then you may have to re-evaluate what you can realistically afford or make decisions on how you want to spend the funds you have.

Not so fast…

Cabinets are probably the first thing most people think about when remodeling a kitchen. Cabinets can be a major portion of the expense of a kitchen remodel but not necessarily the most expensive. Most people don’t realize what cabinets, countertops and appliances really cost. Discussing these topics with a professional will help you make the most of your budget by explaining the different options and the cost of each.

How we integrate this into our process.

Getting a ‘budget analysis’ is the first step we like to start with to help our clients narrow down expenses for each part of the remodel task. We determine the products that are needed and the amount willing to be spent on them.

What is a “Budget Analysis”?

A budget analysis will give you an idea of what the scope of your project will cost. We have found that this method is very beneficial for all of our clients. We simply take some preset formulas, add them with measurements in your home and then discuss each element of the project with your preferences to determine an estimated cost.

So how exactly does the Budget Analysis work?

For starters we will need to know some simple things, we ask A LOT of questions. Are you keeping your same cabinet layout or starting with a fresh plan? Do you want to remove walls to open up your space? Are any of the walls that you want to move load bearing? Are you wanting to add a new addition to your home?

Determine how to spend your budget.

Another area of important topics that we will ask; What is the purpose of remodeling? Are you remodeling to sell? Is this your forever home? Are you updating to get newer appliances? What is the value of your home? This will help determine what your budget levels should be.

As an example, Walker Woodworking offers 3 types of cabinetry; basic-standard cabinets, semi-custom cabinets and custom cabinets. The price difference can vary from 30% to 50%. If you are updating your kitchen in order to sell in a couple of years, you may not want to spend your budget on custom cabinets.

Other options; you can mix and match cabinets. Let’s say you have a fairly large kitchen or you want to splurge on appliances. You can spend less money by purchasing semi-custom cabinets and have a custom hood built. There are solutions for most situations. We help our clients get the most out of what they want to spend while making their space functional and unique to their lifestyle.

Are you overwhelmed yet?

Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the questions. People remodel for many different reasons. By determining what your goals are will ultimately help you determine where you should invest your budget. As professionals of our industry, we are here to help guide you along the way.

At our very first meeting with our clients we discuss budget. By asking questions and taking some simple measurements, we will leave you with a budget we feel is a close estimate of your project. Is it exact science? Of course not, but we are usually within 8% of the actual cost. This process can take up to 2 hours or more depending on the scope of the project.

Don’t be discouraged by the numbers, there are always ways to save. Once you make your final selections you still have plenty of ways to decide what you want to spend your money on.

Once you have settled on a budget that you feel comfortable with, it’s time to make selections.

NEXT ~ Making selections is our next phase of the remodeling process. Let’s see what that entails.

Tell us what you think, was this article helpful? We would love to have your comments.

Custom, Semi-Custom, Stock Cabinets

October 16, 2016/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

What is the difference between Custom, Semi-custom and Stock cabinets?

If you’ve already renovated a kitchen or are just beginning the process, you know how overwhelming the details can be. One of the many things to consider is whether or not you want to purchase custom or semi-custom cabinets and what the differences are. This blog will primarily focus on the differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom kitchen cabinets.

The first thing to know when noting differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets is that the terms refer to the type of production methods used to make the cabinets, and not to the quality of the cabinets. If you want more information about the quality of materials and construction methods, then you can find that in this blog. (stacey will link)

Stock Cabinets

Stock Cabinets by Wellborn

Stock cabinets are readymade, pre-manufactured cabinets, meaning they’re mass-produced in a factory and ready to ship when ordered. They’re sold in modular units, and no customization is available. What you see is what you get! The advantages of stock cabinets are affordability and a quick delivery time. However, you usually have a limited selection of styles, shapes, colors, wood types, etc. Delivery time is typically 1 to 3 weeks from the time of your order.

We recommend using stock cabinets if:

You are looking for a low cost solution to your cabinetry needs.
You can save money by installing them yourself.
Stock cabinetry is the quickest solution if time is a factor.

The disadvantages of Stock Cabinetry:

Finish & color selections are limited.
There are standard height dimensions for base, wall, vanity and tall cabinets. Stock cabinets cannot be modified.
Generally stock cabinets will last 5 – 10 years.

Standard Width: Start at 9″ with 3″ increments to 48″

Standard Depth: 12″ for wall cabinets, 24″ for oven, base, and utility cabinets.

More information about Wellborn Cabinets

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Semi-Custom Cabinets by Dura Supreme

Semi-custom cabinets are basically stock cabinets with extra detailing options. The basic cabinet sizes still apply, but consumers have the option to change certain dimensions, like resizing the cabinet drawers and door fronts, or increasing/decreasing the cabinet depth. The advantages of semi-custom cabinets is that you get the feeling you have some individual input into the design (however limited) without the cost of full-on custom cabinets. Sometimes that’s all you need to get great cabinets without the expense of a custom job. Semi-custom truly is the best of both worlds. Delivery time is typically 3 to 8 weeks from the time of your order.

We recommend using Semi-Custom cabinets if:

Semi-custom cabinets offer a great balance between stock & custom cabinetry. A budget friendly choice for a simple upgrade to your home.
Incorporate stock options with modifications and customization to feel as if you are involved in the design phase.
Quick lead times can make the process move along faster.

The disadvantages of Semi- Cabinets:

Hardware: better quality hinges and slides are available as an upgrade only.
Construction: Although made to the client’s size requirements, semi-custom cabinets are predetermined sizes and often fillers are used to fill areas which can limit your storage options.
Semi cabinetry typically will last in the home / office 10 – 20 years.

Standard Width: Start at 9″ with 1″ increments to 48″

Standard Depth: Can be reduced or increased according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

More information about Dura Supreme Cabinets

Custom Cabinets

Custom Cabinets by Walker Woodworking

Custom cabinets are built to your specifications, so they can be pretty much anything you want! When designing custom cabinets, we start with your floorplan and window and door locations. We then determine what your appliance preferences are and then we custom design your cabinets around that incorporating all your accessory and storage ideas. Because of this, custom cabinets are expensive, labor-intensive, and usually take a few weeks or months to complete. Custom cabinets are built by skilled carpenters, and manufactured on a build-to-order basis.

We recommend using Custom cabinets if:

You are building a new home or if your floor plan is more complex and requires customization by not using standard sizes. Custom cabinets are built to fit.
Custom cabinets allow the consumer complete freedom in the design, style and construction of the cabinetry. You don’t have to settle for average, you can add all the bells and whistles!
Custom cabinetry is built to last a lifetime.

The disadvantages of Custom Cabinets:

Timing: generally custom cabinets take the longest. The design and construction phase are more detailed. All work is done by skilled craftsman, therefore the production takes longer.
Huge cost difference: No doubt custom is the most expensive of the three, but the value received will be well worth it!
I wish I could come with another negative but I can’t. If you plan on living in your home for a long time and quality is very important, then custom is for you!

Standard Width: Customizable

Standard Depth: Customizable

The Biggest Difference is PRICE

As you may have guessed, the more options you have with customization, the higher the overall price will be. Another advantage to having more custom options is that you are usually able to get a lot more storage gadgets such as spice pullouts and drawer organizers. Rev-A-Shelf has an endless supply of items that can be added into custom cabinets and semi-custom cabinets. The ability to build custom hoods can also add a unique complement to your overall design. Some Kitchen and bath dealers (like us) have the ability to provide semi-custom cabinets while being able to offer custom built pieces such as a hood or hutch as enhancements to your order of kitchen cabinets.

The possibilities are endless, you just need a creative designer to make it happen. Afterall, your kitchen is the heart of the home, where you and your family spend lots of time, and you’ll want it to be functional, durable, and beautiful!

Call us today and see how we can design a great kitchen at the price-point that is right for you.

What kind of cabinets do you have in your kitchen? Share your experiences and recommendations! Was this information helpful? Share your comments.

How Cabinets Are Made

October 15, 2016/in Consumer Information /by Stacey Walker

How are kitchen and bath cabinets made? Until you started shopping around for cabinets you probably didn’t realize that there are different ways that cabinets can be built and several options for materials. Most people come to us with a picture and say “this is what I like”. While this is perfectly fine, we still like to offer some education about the different ways that cabinets are made as well as the materials that we use.

As a consumer, it’s always a good idea to know how cabinets are made. Research the construction techniques and know the quality of well designed cabinetry before you purchase.

There are distinct choices you need to make. Here, we take them on one by one to help you pick the right cabinets for your home.

Learn a few basic terms about cabinetry, a few important things to know include;

Materials used
Construction techniques
Build methods

These are the 3 main factors that will ultimately determine the look and the quality of your cabinets.

Even if you’re not the type of person who’s inclined to ponder- how things are put together – it’s still helpful to understand the basic parts and how cabinetry is constructed. This will help you have a better feel for the different levels of cabinet quality and what you do or don’t get for the various levels of cost you’ll encounter.

Materials – What are your cabinets made of?

Material – Solid Wood – Wormy Maple

There are several material options when cabinets are specified. You should know the difference between solid wood, MDF, Plywood and particleboard. Let’s start by having a basic understanding of these materials.

Solid wood – As the term implies, it’s solid homogeneous wood, all the way through. The only variation might be boards or panels that are several pieces of solid wood joined together.

Plywood – is an engineered wood product, but one that’s probably most familiar to people. It’s made up of thin wood “plies” or layers of wood that are glued together in a sandwich form. Usually the plies are oriented with their grain direction at varying angles with respect to each other to give the board or panel more rigidity and stability.

Medium density fiberboard (MDF) – another engineered wood product that’s made up of wood fibers. The fibers are combined with an adhesive under pressure and formed into boards and panels. MDF has a finer texture than particle board and is denser and heavier than particle board.

Particleboard – Is an engineered wood product that’s made from wood chips and particles that are combined with an adhesive and fused together into boards and panels.

Melamine – Is a plastic-based, sheet material similar to laminate that is applied to the exterior of cabinets. The substrate or material underneath the melamine is usually medium density fiberboard, particle board or plywood.

Another important point to remember about wood, is where it originates. If it’s important to you that your products are made in the USA, you should ask your designer if your products are domestic or imported. Other countries don’t have the same regulations as the US in how they engineer their wood products.

Construction Techniques – How are cabinets made?

Construction Techniques

There are different ways that cabinet boxes, frames and drawers are made when joined together. While there is no wrong way to build cabinets, there are different ways in which they are constructed. The process that is used, will determine the integrity of the product and the time and labor involved. Here are the most popular methods used today.

Mortise and tenon – another form of joinery, this method uses a square “post” protruding from one end of a piece of wood that fits into a square hole or cutout in the mating piece. This type of joinery might be used to fasten the pieces of a cabinet’s face frame together.

Doweled joint – this joinery technique uses round wood dowels (pegs) that are pressed and/or glued half way into holes drilled into one piece of wood. The protruding part of the dowel is then fit into holes drilled into the mating piece of wood. This method is another way to join the sides of drawers or cabinet boxes together

Dado – this is a groove that’s cut into a board or panel that the edge of another board/panel can fit into. A good example is the sides and back of a cabinet drawer that are dadoed to accept the edges of the drawer bottom. It’s a stronger way to ‘capture’ the drawer bottom than just gluing or nailing the drawer bottom edges to the side panels.

Putting together the Materials and Construction

Cabinets Assembled – ready to package for delivery

The materials and construction details that your cabinets are made from are not always as visible as the doors and drawers, but they contribute greatly to their durability and cost. The overall quality of kitchen cabinets is closely linked to their construction, meaning how they’re put together and the materials they’re made from. Let’s put the two together when considering the different components of the cabinets.

Cabinet boxes can be made from high quality material, such as ¾” maple plywood to a low quality material such as particle board and many options in between. This is one of the main factors that will affect the overall price of your cabinetry.

Cabinet Frames, the very front of what you see are usually made with solid wood.

Drawer boxes- The quality of material used as well as the way the boxes are joined together will affect the sturdiness of the drawer. For example, a dovetailed drawer will be stronger than a drawer using butt joints and screws. You will also have choices of different slides, from standard, to full extension, and full extension with soft close features.

Build Methods – What determines the overall look and style of your cabinets?

The construction style of your cabinetry determines how your doors and drawers fit and the overall look of the cabinet face. Regardless of the style you choose, you can rest assure that you will get the same superior quality of construction that we provide time after time. Cabinetry is divided into three major categories when considering methods.

Inset
Overlay
Frameless

Inset – The Inset Difference

Example of Inset Cabinets

The inset door gets its name because it is set inside of the cabinet frame. The door is designed and constructed with extremely precise measurements so that it nests inside the frame and opens and closes properly.

Overlay – The Most Common

Example of Overlay – Full Overlay Cabinets

The standard overlay cabinet is typically the most popular. The face frame of a standard cabinet door overlays from 1/2″ up to 1 ½” with varying gaps between doors and drawers.

Frameless – The advantage of Frameless Cabinets

Example of Frameless Cabinets

A frameless cabinet is a style of cabinet that has been popular in Europe for decades, but that wasn’t introduced here in the states until rather recently. Doors typically cover the entire cavity and box, which is called full-overlay. Because they don’t require a frame, frameless cabinets feature full access, allowing maximum use of space. Cabinets and drawers are slightly larger than those constructed with face frames. Frameless cabinets have a more modern look. If you are purchasing new cabinetry for your home, you owe it to yourself to look into the benefits of frameless cabinetry.

Other things to consider

There are several style options to consider for kitchen cabinets. The door style and finishes are going to define the style more than anything. So which style of cabinets is right for your home? It depends greatly on the overall architectural style of your house and your tastes.

Other decisions that will need to be considered include:

Door Style
Shelves
Finishes
Wood types
Accessories / Storage and organizational features
Custom & Semi Custom. Read more about custom, semi custom & stock cabinets – click here.

Look for these topics to be covered in future blogs. For more information about how Walker Woodworking builds our custom cabinets – visit our Product Education page.

Was this information helpful? Tell us what you think.

WSJ Laundry-Closet

June 3, 2016/in Company, News /by Stacey Walker

The story behind our 5 minutes of fame with the Wall Street Journal.

The famous laundry-closet

We were pleasantly surprised recently when The Wall Street Journal contacted Walker Woodworking and spoke to Travis Walker about a particular laundry room. The laundry-closet is one of many featured rooms on the Walker Woodworking profile site at Houzz.com and is how the Wall Street Journal found Walker Woodworking.

This particular laundry room closet combination has had over 454,787 impressions and over 5,193 adds to idea-books on Houzz in just the last year. Houzz is a website and online community about architecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design and home improvements.

With permission of the homeowner, we gave the WSJ the homeowner’s information and she was contacted for an interview. Shortly after being contacted, a photo shoot was scheduled at the home.

WSJ photographer getting photos of laundry-closet.

It’s not every day you can say your home was photographed and videoed by The Wall Street Journal, but that is exactly what happened to Mrs. Ellie Cartner. At Walker Woodworking we are equally excited to say our cabinets have been featured in The Wall Street Journal.

We want to thank Mrs. Cartner and her family for allowing us and the WSJ into her home.

Click here to view our Houzz profile.

Click here to see the article from The Wall Street Journal – be sure to click the photo to see the video.

We also have this home featured on our website. Click here to see the photo gallery.

Today’s Laundry Rooms

Laundry rooms today are a HUGE deal to homeowners. They are becoming the central work station for all members of the household.

Design and function are important in the beginnings stages of new construction or a remodel. With the many functions you can have in a laundry room, taking advantage of space is a MUST. Organized clean up can save you time.

Today the options are endless on the items that can be built into a custom laundry room:

Docking drawers for technology devices, phones, tablets, etc.
Desk area with mail sorters and dividers for family members.
Built in message center with chalkboards or bulletin boards.
Cabinetry positioned at a comfortable folding height.
Built in storage bins for laundry sorters.
Hanging rods for dedicates to dry, as well as pull out drying drawers with screens for sweaters and such.
Pet centers are also being incorporated into the laundry rooms, with storage bins for food, beds, and feeding areas.
Personal lockers for each family member to store book bags, coats & shoes.
Craft supply storage, rods for wrapping paper & ribbon.

The possibilities are endless, especially with custom cabinetry. Good design and planning should start prior to construction to make the most out of your space, this will also save you time and money.

Wash, dry & repeat! Laundry is a never ending thing in any house, so why not enjoy the command center of your home, with useful amenities, and beautiful cabinetry!

Thanks for taking time to read about our 5 minutes of fame, it was certainly an honor for us at Walker Woodworking. Jan Blanton – Walker Woodworking

2015 A Year In Review

January 2, 2016/in Company, News /by Stacey Walker

2015 A Year In Review for Walker Woodworking

As we reflect on the year of 2015, so much has happened, all of which we are truly grateful for. We would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all of our new customers, and to our loyal repeat customers we appreciate each of you! Being a custom cabinet shop, all of our custom cabinetry projects are unique, but occasionally some projects are outside our normal scope of work. We always welcome a challenge and love to explore our design possibilities that allow our creativeness to be seen. You never know where you will see Walker Woodworking Custom Cabinets and wood crafted pieces.

Highlighted Projects:

Newgrass Brewing Company: Click here for more information.

Remilling the Dover Mill flooring and seeing how it is enjoyed at the local Newgrass Brewery really has a special place in my heart for many reasons. My grandparents and father walked on this very floor during the textile days, as well as many other friends and family. Now a new stage and walls of the brewery a taste of history can be seen in the brewery just as good as a taste of local beer, and the local food prepared at the Newgrass Kitchen which happens to be owned by my brother Chef Jason Walker.

Flight paddles - newgrass by walker woodworking

Mountain Homes & Rustic Lodges: Mountain Lake Home Photo’s

Becoming more popular are Mountain homes and rustic lodge style lake houses. We had the pleasure of working with a few customers that were looking for this rustic look as if it had always been in their home! When wood is supplied by the customer of over 200 plus years, we get one chance to make the custom cabinetry just right! We constructed a lake house kitchen out of knotty heart pine. The homeowner wanted a welcoming look of rustic and warmth. Another home was a lake cabin, used for family gatherings and vacations. The look of live edge wood and rustic alder accented with twig like hardware can be seen throughout the home. The drop zone is a popular area for the family to place lake items and get ready for a fun day on the lake.

drop zone, mudroom, custom cabinetry projects

Community Involvement:

Community involvement with various organizations really allows Walker Woodworking to give back where it is needed most. Walker Woodworking custom cabinetry projects can be seen in many places! Some you may recognize, and some you may not!

Crest High School – Cheer leading boxes
Stepping Out Dance Productions – Dance props
Dover YMCA – installed a coffee bar area Travis Walker has donated this coffee station in memory of Robin Hendrick, who was very instrumental in getting the YMCA started in Shelby. Now many faces of Cleveland County can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee at the Dover YMCA. What a great way to rejuvenate before or after a workout!
Double Springs Baptist Church – installed a new kitchen for the youth minister home.
Pregnancy Resource Center – We made a desk from the flooring that was in the original home. The desk is now a beautiful one of a kind working desk out of pine. The desk was constructed out of the original pine floors which were naturally distressed and marked with worm holes.

Travel the countryside:

We have had the opportunity to travel and explore new areas building new construction and remodeling for our many custom cabinetry projects . We service many areas in both North Carolina & South Carolina.

A few of our favorites are:

The Cliffs – Asheville, NC (photo’s from a recent project)
Cheval – Charlotte NC (photo’s from homearama)
Lake James NC
Greenville SC
Albemarle

What’s Trending in Custom Cabinetry Projects?

Design elements, favorite color choices, and hardware are always evolving with new design trends in your home, here are a few trends that we have seen over the past year. Be sure to visit our Photo Gallery, we are always adding pictures of beautiful custom cabinetry projects.

We have had a popular demand for entertainment centers, mainly due to those TV’s that just keep getting bigger & bigger!

Closets & clever storage ideas have also been a popular request. Rather it be for an “In-law Suite” or to add more function and organization in your clothes closet or pantry, everyone has the need for more storage space.

Fire Mantles and Bookcases are back! Technology has not replaced the fact that people still like to display a good book, a family photo, or a beautiful Christmas display of greenery on the mantle. Rolling ladders are an added feature to most of the bookcases we build.

Bringing the outdoors inside with the rustic look of a barn door. It is a great way to close off the laundry room, playroom, and home office. Barn doors are just now approaching to the top of design ideas. I expect we will make many more in the year 2016. They are also popular for entertainment centers to be incorporated into the design as a wall covering when the TV is not in use.

Color choices: Gray, Silver, and White have been the trend for 2015, we are exploring possibilities of new crackle finishes, that have a vintage look to them. Our finish experts are always researching new possibilities, in the paint room with colors and stains, after all it is the finish on our custom cabinets that enhances the style so beautifully!