We were all surprised when concrete countertops exploded in popularity in modern homes and businesses. Used in construction material to build roads and buildings, it’s hard to picture homeowners would want the same industrial look for their home. Although the concrete countertops you will find in modern homes are made to look aesthetically pleasing, they still have some definite drawbacks.

When you are looking to renovate your kitchen and are deciding between wood and concrete countertops, you may want to keep these things in mind.

Cost

Concrete countertops can be expensive. Depending on the design, you can pay in upwards of $150 per square foot plus maintenance costs for the life of the countertop. Because they are extremely heavy, you need to make sure that your cabinetry can handle the amount of weight a solid piece of concrete will place on it.

Although high-quality wood countertops are also expensive, maintenance is far less complicated. Because they are more durable, they need replacement less frequently. Over the life of your kitchen, it will cost you less over time purchasing a high-quality wood countertop like those we offer at Country Mouldings than the concrete alternative.

Maintenance

Concrete countertops require extra maintenance. Not only do they have to be sealed upon installation, they need to be resealed every few years to make sure that they don’t deteriorate. You also need to wipe up any spills immediately to insure that any type of acid in the food or beverage doesn’t damage the sealant and leave the concrete vulnerable. Just a few minutes of a substance like wine, vinegar and citrus laying on the countertop and you may have a permanent stain.

Functionality

While cutting on a properly finished wood countertop is acceptable, you cannot cut directly on a concrete surface as anything that will damage the sealant leaves the concrete countertops vulnerable.

Aesthetic

In an industrial loft, these concrete countertops may be the perfect fit. For a functional kitchen in your home, concrete countertops may not be the best choice. They can give a cold feel to the space especially if you also have stainless steel appliances.

Wood countertops give a warm feel to any kitchen. They are versatile and can adapt as your style changes over time. Wood countertops can fit into a light and airy city loft or a rustic country cabin depending on your choice of wood species.

Durability

Most wood countertops will age gracefully. They may deepen in color and depth. Even marks from everyday wear and tear can add charm and character to a wood countertop. Unfortunately, concrete countertops are the opposite. They can stain and show wear and tear easily. If they are not sealed and resealed properly, they will deteriorate with time looking old and worn.

Installation

If a concrete countertop is installed on site for custom jobs, it can be quite messy. Even a skilled professional can have a tough time keeping your kitchen clean while installing. Wood countertops like ours are ordered in a custom size and are shipped ready to install. It can be installed by the homeowner or a contractor easily.

Why not choose one of our high-quality custom wood countertops instead? They are beautiful, durable and easy to install. Our instant quotation and easy online ordering make buying your wood countertops as simple as a few clicks.

If you long for a new kitchen in your home, you aren’t alone. Many homeowners in America are in your same position. In a survey conducted by LG, it revealed that 53% of homeowners describe their kitchen as “outdated”.

When you finally decide to renovate your kitchen, it’s a big decision financially. It’s important that you not only get the most for your money, but that you purchase quality pieces that will hold up to the daily stress of preparing your families meals. By choosing countertops, flooring and cabinets that are timeless and durable, you can ensure that they will fit into your evolving style for many years to come. No matter what your budget, you can easily create a modern kitchen to fit your needs.

Modern Kitchen on a Tight Budget

You may not have tens of thousands of dollars to work with when you are renovating your kitchen. Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean that you can’t create a beautiful and modern space. By choosing one or two areas of your kitchen to focus your budget on, you can create the look and feel of a new kitchen.

For example, if your countertops are outdated or worn, use the bulk of your budget to replace them with high-quality wood countertops like ours at Country Mouldings. Our custom countertops are made to fit your space and provide the quality and durability you can count on. Use a small part of your budget to accessorize your kitchen and replace cabinet hardware. Installing sleek brushed nickel hardware for a few dollars per cabinet can make a big impact. If you are handy, you can even repaint your cabinets to fit your new modern style.

By choosing one area of your kitchen to focus on replacing and choose other areas that you can DIY, you can create a beautiful modern kitchen without breaking the bank.

Modern Kitchen on a Big Budget

For homeowners with a larger budget, you may find that giving your entire kitchen a facelift is the best course of action. In that case, to make the most of your renovation, you will want to choose products like Country Mouldings high-quality wood flooring and countertops to complete your look. With different styles of countertops and flooring, as well as many species of woods to choose from, creating the kitchen of your dreams is well within your reach.

Now that you have decided on what you can afford on your renovation, here are some simple ways to create a modern kitchen.

Creating a Modern Space

To create your modern kitchen, you may want to use these design principles for inspiration.

Clean and Simple

Look around a modern kitchen. You won’t see a lot of accessories sitting around. Minimalism is a popular theme in today’s homes. Using cabinets to house small appliances and trinkets that you previously had resting on the countertops can help with creating an organized and simple look and allow your new countertops to get the attention they deserve.

Light vs. Dark

Many modern kitchens give the appearance of being light and airy, but many use contrasting woods and the juxtaposition of light and dark. This is so the space doesn’t appear to be washed out. You can achieve this by using light cabinets, white walls, white or stainless appliances and pairing it with either dark countertops or flooring.

Use of Metal

Modern kitchens often use metals like stainless steel and brushed nickel to complement the sleek and simple style. By using cabinet hardware, appliances and accessories made of metal, it gives an instant modern feel to a kitchen.

The use of Country Moulding wood countertops and flooring can help to give your kitchen modern appeal while featuring the strength, beauty and durability that you crave. Wood also introduces a natural element into your space and can instantly warm the cool, industrial feel of today’s modern homes.

When you are creating your new kitchen, we hope that you will visit our online store to get a free instant quote. We would love to help you make your dream kitchen a reality.

Source of http://www.bizjournals.com/prnewswire/press_releases/2014/02/04/CG57296

Just because you want to preserve the integrity of an old home, it doesn’t mean that you need to live in a time capsule. Many homeowners choose to update their homes while keeping some of the charms of yesteryear. In older homes, there is a fine line between rustic and replaceable. We put together some examples of some items you may find in an older home that you will want to replace for the comfort of modern times.

Old Appliances

If your appliances are older than you are and come in colors you haven’t seen since the 70’s, it’s time to replace them. Older appliances may have been built to last, but they lack in energy efficiency and are unreliable. There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of modern appliances without sacrificing the vintage feel. Companies like Big Chill create appliances that resemble those from years past with the modern amenities of today. Just look at how this kitchen marries old and new flawlessly!

***Courtesy of BigChill.com

Tile or Linoleum Countertops

Does your countertop resemble a 50’s style diner? That would be great if you were running a theme restaurant with waitresses in poodle skirts. But in your home, it can be a telling tale that your kitchen hasn’t been updated in decades. Countertop styles have evolved over the years. The original countertops that you find in older homes may be made of linoleum or tile. Unless the previous owners never used the kitchen, there are probably extreme signs of wear and tear on those countertops. Replacing them with high-quality wood countertops can help echo the rustic charm you are looking for while fitting in with your modern style.

Shag Carpeting

Is there still shag carpeting in your home? Sure, there are new versions of “shag” carpeting in neutral colors with a lower profile. Shag throw rugs can even be found today in home stores. There is an acceptable amount of shag in your living room or bedroom. But how do you know if your shag is the right kind? Well, if your rug is longer than an inch high and is in jewel tones like burnt orange, pea green or royal blue, it’s time to go. Just imagine those treasures of dirt and years of grime trapped down deep under what you can see. Get rid of it! If you want to add warmth and beauty to a room previously filled with shag carpeting, replace it with hardwood flooring. You can always add a shag accent rug like this one if you feel nostalgic.

***Courtesy of Overstock.com

If you found that after reading this your home is more replaceable than rustic, we can help! You don’t have to lose the character of your older home when you update it. Our wood flooring, countertops and other custom wood products can add the craftsmanship of yesterday to the homes of today! We make ordering our custom wood products easy with instant online quotes and ordering. With just a few clicks, you can be on your way to updating your old house today!

There is nothing wrong with wanting to build something for your home. It’s an amazing feeling to look at something day after day that you built with your own two hands and feel a sense of pride. There also is nothing worse than staring at it day after day and wondering – “why did I ever do that? I wish I would have hired a professional.” We hope that your next DIY project is successful, so here are some tips to avoid an epic DIY disaster!

Know Your Limitations

If you have never picked up a screwdriver, a full custom kitchen renovation shouldn’t be your end game. It’s not that we want to discourage you, but there are a lot of things that can go terribly wrong. Forget the fact that you have no idea how to use power tools, wood can be finicky. Start small with your DIY projects.

Painting a chalkboard wall – go for it! Installing a pull out drawer in your cabinet – absolutely! Crafting a custom kitchen – No. At least not yet. Work your way up to larger projects. Was the Sistine Chapel’s Michelangelo’s first time at the rodeo? No. It takes years to work your way up to a major renovation.

Many DIY’ers think that custom pieces are expensive and would rather make their own. The trouble is there is a lot of tools and training behind making a custom piece. Especially custom countertops, stair treads and flooring that we manufacture here at Country Mouldings. We use special tools, premium woods and commercial grade varnishes. There is also decades of experience behind the skilled woodworkers crafting these pieces. Some things are best left to the professionals.

Measure Twice, Cut Once – Or Just Skip The Cutting All Together and Order The Size You Need

Stop! Back away from the power tools! Are you absolutely sure that it’s 1-3/8” inch or was that 1-5/8”? When you are cutting wood and other materials, measurements are crucial. It makes the difference of your sink sitting perfectly on your countertop or it falling through to your cabinet below. Always measure twice (or even three times) and cut once. Even better – measure twice and order it custom in the size you need. Our instant online quotations and ordering lets you have your piece in the exact measurements you want it with little to no cutting involved. We find that most DIY disasters can be avoided by keeping things simple. When you receive your countertop from us, you can simply install it.

You Can’t Fix Ugly

There is a reason why custom countertops cost money. The quality is hard to replicate by a weekend warrior. Unfortunately many people who try DIY countertops either end up hating them or ripping them out and starting over with a store bought countertop. It’s hard to fix these mistakes after they happen, so why not save the hassle and order a custom countertop from us. There are other projects in your home that you can invest your time and money in.

Complete the DIY project you have dreamed of with our custom countertops, stair treads and mouldings. We make your DIY project easy with offering custom sizes and wood choices. Your countertops and stair treads come custom to your space and ready to install. Order our prefinished wood items to save time and money staining.

Did you have a DIY disaster of your own to share? Can you offer some tips to the new DIY’er? Share with us in the comments below.

We realize that not everyone has an extra $50,000 laying around to update their kitchen. Just because you can’t afford a major kitchen overhaul, doesn’t mean that you can’t have the kitchen of your dreams. There are updates you can do that will give your kitchen a quick update and look like new. If you are looking for an easy and cost efficient way to give your kitchen a facelift, choose one of these five projects that should cost you less than $10,000 each.

Update Your Countertop

A new countertop can be just what your kitchen needs to go from blah to amazing. By choosing a high-quality butcher block countertop from Country Mouldings, you are introducing the beauty of locally sourced wood into your kitchen. The costs can range depending on the size of your kitchen and size of countertops, but it’s safe to say that we can find a high-quality countertop that can add value and beauty to your kitchen for much less than $10,000.

You will be amazed at how the look of your kitchen will be altered, simply by changing your countertops.

New Flooring

Do you have old tile or vinyl in your kitchen? You may want to look into replacing it. For some kitchens, the flooring is what makes the entire space look outdated. A few decades ago, putting wood floors in your kitchen would be unheard of. Today it’s becoming the norm. The best part of wood flooring is that it can be installed quickly and for a small to mid-size kitchen, is extremely affordable.

Add a Kitchen Island With a Butcher Block

For some homeowners, their choice to renovate is born from a necessity to better use their space. They may need more storage or additional space to prepare their meals. A quick and inexpensive fix can be to install a custom kitchen island with a custom Country Mouldings butcher block countertop. You not only create a new preparation space, but more storage as well. Find a cabinet base that has the combination of shelving or drawers that you need and build your island from there.

Switch Out Your Appliances

Just like a new piece of jewelry can make an outfit look completely different, new appliances can do the same for your kitchen. Many homeowners are trading outdated appliances for new, sleek appliances in stainless steel and black. Buy in a package from your local home improvement store and you can save money and ensure that the color and look is cohesive (yes, stainless steel isn’t created equally).

Update Your Backsplash

For those of you who just crave a little change without any major renovations, you can spice up your kitchen with a new backsplash. You can choose tiles to complement your existing color scheme or add a pop of color to accent the space. This is a project that generally can be completed in a weekend by yourself or a contractor. Depending on the tile and whether you can install it yourself, you may spend a few hundred to a thousand dollars.

As you can see, you shouldn’t let a small budget hinder you from making big changes in your kitchen. By choosing one (or more) of these projects, you can create a beautiful space without compromising your budget.

How can we help you make your kitchen dreams a reality? At Country Mouldings we have a wide variety of custom wood countertops, flooring and moulding to fit any budget. Our high-quality custom products can be ordered with just a few clicks at our online store.

Source – for Average Kitchen Renovation http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2014/

Imagine walking into a majestic log cabin. What would you see? The sweeping ceiling, the wood walls and grand fireplace greet you as you walk into the main area. It envelopes you and makes you instantly get the feeling of warmth. This type of rustic charm doesn’t have to be reserved for a log cabin in the mountains; you can take elements from this look and use it in your home. Are you looking to infuse your kitchen with some rustic charm? Country Mouldings knotty pine countertops are a great addition to a country home, or modern home that wishes it was in the country.

What is Knotty Pine?

Knotty pine is a wood with tons of character. It is light in color with tight knots throughout. The sapwood of knotty pine varies from pale yellow to nearly white, while the heartwood is light to reddish brown. The grain of knotty pine is straight with a fine, even texture.

It’s important to note that knotty pine is a very soft wood that needs to be handled with care. Choosing knotty pine for your countertops will add beauty and charm to your space, but they are better suited for a kitchen that doesn’t see a lot of traffic. Country Mouldings knotty pine countertops are perfect for a second home or in a kitchen that doesn’t get a lot of use.

Why Choose Country Mouldings Knotty Pine Countertops?

At Country Mouldings, we take pride in every wood product that leaves our factory. Our countertops are no exception. You will instantly see the difference in quality. Our countertops are crafted by skilled woodworkers in our Ohio factory. Most of the woods we use, including knotty pine are harvested locally and are of the finest quality. When you purchase a knotty pine countertop from Country Mouldings, you have a one of a kind work of art made custom for your kitchen.

Your knotty pine countertops can be finished or unfinished. For our finished countertop, we apply three coats of a catalyzed commercial grade varnish. This process adds strength and durability to the piece. It also allows the natural beauty of the knotty pine countertops to shine through. We know that when receive your countertops, you will fall in love with your kitchen all over again.

Styling Your Country Mouldings Knotty Pine Countertops

Although today’s modern homes may rebel against the imperfections of knotty pine, many homeowners embrace it due to its unique characteristics. Discerning homeowners who wish to create a rustic retreat within their home turn to knotty pine to add country charm.

Knotty pine countertops can add warmth to many spaces. Although traditionally used in country homes, knotty pine can also bring a natural element into a modern kitchen as well. Just picture an all-white kitchen with lacquer cabinets in a city loft. Using a knotty pine countertop will add warmth and a unique characteristic to that space.

A knotty pine countertop is a great addition to a kitchen in a second home, especially a mountain cabin. For people who love the vintage era, knotty pine was widely used in wood panelled walls mid-century. For homeowners wanting to restore a vintage inspired kitchen without losing the original charm, knotty pine wood countertops can complement the space without looking outdated.

At Country Mouldings, we make creating a beautiful kitchen simple. From our instant online quotation to our one click ordering, you can start building your dream kitchen today.

A kitchen is only as beautiful as its countertops. If you have seen butcher block countertops in a big box store, you may have some preconceived notions about them. Many homeowners feel that they are too “country” or not fancy enough for a home of distinction. The truth is, butcher block countertops fit just as well into a small country cottage as they do in a mansion. With the right choice of wood, you can complement the elegance of a traditional home or complete the perfect country kitchen. No matter what the style of kitchen you have in your home, there is a butcher block countertop to fit your space.

If you are contemplating putting one of these custom butcher block countertops in your home, here are a few facts about our Country Mouldings Butcher Block Countertops that you may not know:

Country Mouldings Butcher Block Countertops Are Built to Last

At Country Mouldings, we understand that countertops are the backbone of a kitchen. They need to be strong, durable and able to stand up to the demands of your kitchen. That is why we craft our butcher block countertops from full-length solid strips which are inherently stronger than the alternative of pressed wood covered with laminate. Our method not only makes the countertops aesthetically pleasing, it also makes them stronger and more durable. With the exception of knotty pine and knotty alder, we use FAS and Select Grade lumber when creating all of our countertops. These are the finest grades of lumber that you can find. The other butcher block alternatives will show signs of wear and tear much easier than a wood countertop. When you are choosing a product for your home, choosing a quality piece that is durable can ensure that you will enjoy your countertops for many years to come.

You Can Choose Your Wood

Our butcher block countertops are not only custom made for the size of your cabinets, we can also create a one of a kind masterpiece by taking your choice of wood species and using them to create a custom countertop for your kitchen. We can even use different wood species to create a one of a kind masterpiece. Our large selection of wood choices offer a variety of color and grains, and we will be launching our stained collection of butcher block countertops soon.

Each Butcher Block Countertop is Custom Made

What sets Country Mouldings apart from other butcher block countertops is our customization. There is no “one size fits all” approach at Country Mouldings. Every butcher block is made for your kitchen and your kitchen alone. From your measurements, we craft a beautiful, custom and easy to install countertop. We also make quotation and ordering your custom countertop easy. Our website features instant quotations and easy ordering.

Most Country Mouldings Butcher Block Countertops Are Made From Locally Sourced Wood

Many of our woods used in crafting our countertops are found within a hundred miles from our shop. By using locally sourced wood, we are not only keeping the production times for custom products down, we are also supporting the economy here in the United States. We feel that using locally sourced wood from our “backyard” also adds to the character and charm of the piece.

All Our Butcher Block Countertops Are Handcrafted

Unlike the mass-produced version of a butcher block countertop, ours are crafted by hand. A team of skilled woodworkers oversee the whole process from start to finish. These countertops are made slowly and thoughtfully, just like they were in the old days.

These are just a few facts about our butcher block countertops. We hope this made your decision that much easier. Choosing high-quality butcher block countertops for your kitchen will ensure that they will last for many years to come. At Country Mouldings, we pride ourselves on producing high-quality custom wood countertops for homes across the country and we hope we can create one for your home as well.

We would welcome the chance to show you the Country Mouldings difference. Head over to our online store where you can get an instant quotation and begin building your dream kitchen today!

You may have heard about the “Tiny Living” movement on shows on television or saw it in the news. Many people are choosing to downsize and live small to gain simplicity and financial freedom. In fact, many Americans live in smaller homes and love it. Although you may have embraced living in a small home, the one area you always feel the squeeze is the kitchen. The kitchen is where most families spend a lot of time preparing food and congregating. Take notice of your next party where everyone is hanging out and socializing. It’s the kitchen!

Whenever we talk with our customers about any challenges they have in their current kitchen, it usually involves space. When renovating a kitchen in a small home, it’s not always feasible to add more space to the kitchen, so working with what you have becomes key!

Here are a few of the best small kitchen ideas so you can make the most of your space:

Create a New Prep Space

Small kitchens don’t always have a lot of preparation space. Creating a separate area for preparation that doubles as storage can add volumes to your small kitchen. A kitchen island with one of Country Mouldings high quality butcher block countertops is not only beautiful but functional. Even a small island can add much needed countertop space and room to store additional kitchen tools. Use the cabinets in the kitchen island to store appliances, canisters and other items that you would normally leave on the countertops. For small kitchen islands, you can have wheels added so it can be moved around or tucked away when not in use if you are worried about taking away from your already tight space.

A small kitchen island can add seating, storage and preparation space to any kitchen.

Buy Multi-Purpose Appliances and Accessories

When you are short on space, finding kitchen tools and appliances that serve many purposes is crucial. Instead of a bulky stand mixer, food processor and blender, opt for a hand blender with attachments that function as all three. You can ditch your griddle, panini press and George Foreman grill for a multipurpose Griller with interchangeable plates or use griddle/grill plates that fit on your gas stove. Take stock of the appliances you have and get rid of those you don’t use on a frequent basis. Don’t get caught up in purchasing specialized appliances like cake pop makers and rotisseries that take up space and only get used occasionally.

Any bowls, dishes and pots that nest or stack will save a lot of space in your cabinets. Choose attractive serving dishes that can also be used on the stovetop, oven and microwave. Store away any seasonal items until you need them. If you are a once a year cookie baker for the holidays, don’t keep all of your supplies in the kitchen all year round. Use another storage area in your home.

Banish Clutter & Organize Like a Pro

With the DIY craze in full steam, you can get tons of ideas for smart organization in small spaces. Sites like Pinterest or Apartment Therapy are ripe with inspiration. Clutter not only makes your kitchen look smaller, it also takes attention away from your beautiful countertops. To keep the clutter to a minimum you can try tricks like using chalkboard paint on the inside of kitchen cabinets or adding a magnetic board. Using the space inside your cabinet doors can help to alleviate the clutter from your refrigerator and removes the need for a kitchen station where papers and pictures collect.

***Photo courtesy of DIYinspired.com

In cabinets you use to store pantry items, look for products like a spice organizer that stacks spices and stackable food containers lets you make the most out of a small pantry. If you have tall cabinets, use risers to stack items on top of each other. To hang mugs and teacups, find a hanging rack at your local hardware store that attaches to the cabinet shelf above. If you are extremely short on space, use your oven to store pots and pans when not in use. Many of these items can be found at Organized Living or at Amazon.com

Use Light Colors to Make Small Spaces Appear Larger

One of the simplest “tricks” in designing small spaces is to use light colors to make a small space look open and airy. A dark room will make it appear smaller. White or light colored wood cabinets paired with light countertops can create the illusion of a much larger space. If you are afraid it will make your kitchen look washed out you can add some contrast by creating a custom wood butcher block countertop that blends dark and light woods or you can keep your countertops and cabinets light and use a darker hardwood flooring to create a dramatic look without making the space appear smaller.

The best small kitchen ideas are those that make the most of what little space you have. Country Mouldings has quality wood products for all sizes and styles of kitchens. Our high quality countertops and wood flooring are custom made to fit any size space. Get started making your dream kitchen a reality with our easy instant online quotation and ordering process today!

Why Brazilian Cherry Countertops

Brazilian Cherry is an extremely hard wood and also very beautiful. Its unique reddish hue sets it apart from other woods. Like a fine wine, Brazilian Cherry Countertops also get better with age. When Brazilian Cherry is fresh cut, the color may vary and appear lighter. After a finish is applied and with time, the color deepens into a deep reddish color. Brazilian Cherry countertops are prized for their strength and durability. For the same reasons it makes for a difficult wood to work with, it creates a resilient piece that will stand the test of time in your kitchen.

Why Country Mouldings

Brazilian Cherry tops the chart as one of the hardest woods we carry at Country Mouldings. Here, our Brazilian Cherry Countertops are crafted from only the finest Select and FAS grade lumber. Skilled craftsmen, experienced with working with the eccentricities of this wood, craft these countertops slowly, piece by piece. As many choose Brazilian Cherry because of the expensive look it portrays, the quality we offer matches the customers’ expectations. These countertops can come prefinished or unfinished. They are offered in edge grain with thicknesses up to 4-1/2”. Brazilian Cherry Butcher Block Countertops are offered in standard and custom sizes. No matter what customizations you choose, you won’t be disappointed installing one of these beautiful Brazilian Cherry countertops in your kitchen.

Styling Your Brazilian Cherry Countertops

Modern Kitchen: Brazilian Cherry is commonly used in modern and trendy kitchens. The rich red color and interesting grain makes this a perfect fit in a modern kitchen with stainless appliances and brightly colored walls. Chrome, glass and lacquer furniture and accessories found in modern kitchens blend well with the aesthetic of Brazilian Cherry countertops.

Traditional and Timeless: Many homeowners with more traditional styles also opt for Brazilian Cherry in their kitchens. Even though it is a great fit for the modern kitchen, when used with traditional or antique furnishings and fixtures, it can transform a space into a different era of class and distinction.

Would you like to update the look in your kitchen to feature our beautiful Brazilian Cherry Countertops? You can receive an instant quote from us and be on your way to transforming your kitchen!

When you think about a rustic kitchen, what do you see? Most people will agree that wood is a prominent theme in this style of kitchen. Whether it is used as the primary focus or just to add warmth and character to the space, the use of wood can transform an ordinary kitchen into something extraordinary. When you are looking for a kitchen that reminds you of a rustic retreat, choosing the right countertops, flooring and accessories is key. Homeowners that want the full rustic experience should choose woods with character that are hand-crafted just as they were in the past.

Country Mouldings features high quality hand-crafted wood countertops, flooring and trim that can help create the kitchen you desire. Here are a few tips from us for crafting the perfect rustic kitchen.

***From Amazon.com

Hand-Scraped Wood Flooring

Rustic kitchens are full of character. By using woods that have unusual grain patterns or unique characteristics, you can easily recreate that style. One way you can add the rustic feel to your kitchen is through the use of hand scraped wood flooring. At Country Mouldings, our woods are not scraped by a machine, they are created by a skilled woodworker scraping the wood by hand. The end result is a textured and unique piece of wood that adds rustic charm to your floor. We offer hand scraped wood in many species ranging from American Cherry to Beech.

Wood Countertops

Using wood countertops to create a rustic feel in your kitchen is the perfect choice. Wood countertops are not only durable, but they tend to get better with age. Many woods will deepen with time, adding to the character of the piece. Choosing woods that have visible grains or a custom butcher block countertop that marries light and dark wood can create a one of a kind masterpiece. Our plank style wood countertops are also a great choice for a rustic kitchen. Because the planks are placed together in random widths, it makes each countertop completely unique.

Unique Cabinets

Choosing the right cabinets in your rustic kitchen can be challenging. Your cabinets should have the same character but not compete with your flooring and countertops. You can do this with creative painting and staining techniques or using paints like milk paint to give your cabinets a rustic and primitive feel. Gently sanding the corners to expose the natural wood from underneath the paint can help make new cabinets look aged.

Rustic and Primitive Accents

Finding the perfect accent pieces to accessorize your kitchen can be the fun part. You can scour thrift stores and antique shops to find one of a kind pieces. Specialty stores like Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops often carry home decor that fits well in a rustic space. You can also accent your rustic kitchen with antlers, pine cones and berries and other elements that you find in nature.

***From Cabelas.com

Color Scheme

A rustic kitchen generally marries dark wood with natural colors like green, brown and tans. In smaller spaces, a homeowner may be hesitant to use dark woods as it can make the room look smaller. In that case, using a lighter wood like knotty pine can add the character you are looking for, but not make your kitchen look smaller.

Choosing the right wood countertops, flooring and moulding is an important decision, especially because you will be enjoying them for many years to come. Country Mouldings high quality wood products are not only hand crafted but are also custom made to fit your kitchen at no extra cost. You can get an instant quote online and in a few clicks be on your way to creating your rustic kitchen.

What suggestions do you have to create the perfect rustic kitchen? Leave them in the comments below!