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The Allure of Early American Stain

Trends

Early American stain on wood goes back many years. Wood product experts say it was mostly inspired by the colonial period, a perfect stain to emphasize natural wood grain patterns and to circumvent the sometimes-unwanted patina that results with clear finishes.

Superior Cabinets BLOG – The Allure of Early American Stain, Author - Shahan Fancy.

Early American has been a stain in the Superior Cabinets portfolio since almost day one, going back to the early 1980’s. Most kitchens back then were made of Oak, so the Early American stain was a great alternative for those who wanted a bit of colour in their kitchen. This stain colour was also very trendy, back in the day, as medium brown was an easy colour to decorate with. Today, it’s offered on Maple and Oak.

A TIMELESS TRADITION

Over the past 40 years, the Early American stain has surprisingly held steady in popularity as a consistent selection by cabinet designers, interior designers, and homeowners, even as trends change.

This stain has had a boost in popularity in the past 5 years, as the modern rustic farmhouse style has been trending, as many select it as a warm accent colour, often as an embellishment on a hood fan or floating shelves.     

WHY IS EARLY AMERICAN SO SPECIAL?

There are many factors as to what makes this stain on wood so special, for those who love it. The biggest reason is the richness of the stain and the overall character it exudes. This is because, at Superior Cabinets, this finish has an extra step where the excess stain gets wiped off before it dries. This added handwork and technique results in highlighting the natural wood grain, often giving it a blotchy look, which is extremely desirable to many. This process does add an upcharge, so be sure to consult with your professional kitchen designer for more information on this for budgeting purposes.

A DYNAMIC OPTION

This is a very dynamic stain that can result in opposing looks. This depends on what wood species, door style, and type of wood grade is selected, for example regular stain-grade or rustic/knotty wood. When this stain is applied to Rustic or Knotty wood on a Raised Panel Door, it gives a strong and commanding traditional style, full of character.  

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When this stain is applied to a Five Piece Recessed / Flat Panel, for example a Shaker Style door, the results are completely transformed to a warmer colour with a bit more consistency, lending to a sleeker contemporary feeling.

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When a lower 10-degree topcoat is applied to Early American, the results offer an extremely high-end look that resembles fine furniture. Read more on the other advantages of choosing a reduced sheen on wood cabinetry.

ALTERNATIVES TO EARLY AMERICAN

If the blotchy look of Early American doesn’t define your personal style, consider the Autumn stain. This stain was inspired by trend predictions from the designers and trend spotters at Superior Cabinets, developed to have a similar tone of Early American, but without the blotchy appearance and added cost. Read more here about the Autumn Stain.

SUMMARY

Kitchen Design Experts feel that Early American will be around for many years to come, as it is timeless, warm, and sophisticated. Consider this as an option on Maple and Oak if you are fond of a warmer tone and not adverse to natural wood. For those who find it a bit too dramatic and blotchy, consider the Autumn stain on wood as a unified alternative. Remember that the Early American stain is more expensive due to the process, but well worth it for those who appreciate its character.

If you would like to see the Early American Stain in person, consider visiting a Superior Cabinets showroom in Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, or Calgary by booking an appointment online or by giving them a call. If you don’t live near a corporate store, consider connecting with an Authorized Superior Cabinets Dealer Partner in Canada or the United States.     

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Here are some additional helpful articles to check out:
2024 KITCHEN TRENDS
COMMON CORNER CABINET TYPES AND IDEAS
WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON NEW KITCHEN CABINETS
WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE KITCHEN COST?
KITCHEN DESIGNER CHEAT SHEET
FARMHOUSE SINK CONSIDERATIONS
ACTING AS YOUR OWN GENERAL CONTRACTOR, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ADDING TO EXISTING CABINETS

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