At Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets, we’re always looking for new ways to help clients personalize their homes with finishes that feel both stylish and long lasting. In addition to our 75+ curated finishes and custom paint, we’re proud to introduce a new way to elevate your space: oil-based custom stain.
Designed for those who love the natural beauty of wood, our custom stain creates a warm, rich, wood-forward finish that ages gracefully while enhancing the unique character of every grain. Unlike water-based, mass-produced stains our oil-based approach brings out a dimensional depth that’s as touchable as it is timeless.
Meet Our New Custom Stain Option
At Valet, we’re committed to bringing our clients the very best in style, quality, and longevity. That’s why our new custom stain option offers just that. Our new oil-based, hand-crafted stain is designed for those who want a warm, luxe, wood-forward finish that feels as good as it looks. Unlike the water-based, mass-produced stains commonly used in high-volume cabinetry, oil-based stain highlights the natural beauty of the wood and ensures your cabinetry will stand the test of time.
Appearance and Style
Oil-based custom stains create a richer, warmer tone that enhances the natural grain and depth of the wood. Every piece feels unique and tailored. In contrast, water-based stains often lean cooler in tone, with a uniform satin sheen that can minimize the character and authenticity of the wood beneath.
Quality Over Time
Durability is where oil-based stains truly stand out. Because they can be easily recoated or touched up, long-term maintenance is simple and effective. With water-based options, refreshing the finish often requires a full recoat or even stripping. And because water-based stains rely on a protective topcoat, scratches and wear are more noticeable.
Craftsmanship in the Process
Each oil-based stain is applied by hand by skilled artisans, who respond to the unique character of the wood. By comparison, water-based stains are usually sprayed by machine on automated production lines, which is faster, but far less personal and precise.
Finish Performance
The difference continues long after installation. Oil-based stains age gracefully, with less abrupt color change over time. Because the stain penetrates deeply into the wood, you’ll enjoy a dimensional, layered look and the natural texture of the wood remains beautifully touchable. Water-based stains, by contrast, tend to shift color more quickly, may develop spotting or yellowing, and often leave a surface that feels like plastic rather than natural wood.
Why Alder
- Superior Stainability – Alder has a fine, even grain and a uniform texture that takes stain exceptionally well, producing a smooth, consistent finish without blotching.
- Versatility in Appearance – Alder veneer can be stained to mimic more expensive hardwoods (like cherry or walnut) at a fraction of the cost, giving designers flexibility without compromising aesthetics.
- Rich Color Range – Its natural light brown tone readily accepts a wide variety of stains, from light to dark, making it highly adaptable to different design styles.
- Consistent Quality – Alder veneer provides a more predictable look compared to cheaper veneers (such as birch or luan), which may have irregular grain or unpredictable absorption patterns.
- Warm, Natural Character – Even without heavy staining, alder has a naturally warm appearance that enhances the visual appeal of cabinetry.
- Minimizes Waste – Veneer sheets provide uniform coverage with fewer imperfections, unlike cheaper substrates that may require more sanding, filler, or rework to achieve a professional finish.
- Durability with Elegance – Alder veneer is resilient enough for everyday cabinetry use while maintaining a high-end look over time.
- Better Match with Solid Alder – For projects using alder face frames or solid alder trim, alder veneer ensures seamless color and grain matching, something cheaper options cannot replicate.
When to Choose Custom Stain
Custom stain is ideal if you:
- Love the character of real wood and want the grain to shine.
- Prefer warmth and depth a film-forming top coat can't replicate.
- Value easier touch-ups and refinishing for long-term beauty.
- Need a custom finish that harmonizes across multiple rooms with flooring and furnishings.
Where Stain Truly Shines
- Wardrobes: for a furniture-grade look that elevates a bedroom.
- Home offices & media walls: where cabinetry becomes a centerpiece of the home.
- Guest rooms with wall beds: for timeless, built-in furniture appeal.
- Laundry & mudrooms: functional spaces that deserve elevated design.
Why Valet
With nearly 50 years in business and over 100 years of combined design experience, our team is known for expert craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a seamless process from consultation to installation. Backed by hundreds of five-star Yelp reviews, we deliver cabinetry that’s as functional as it is beautiful, and always tailored to your lifestyle.
Ready to See What Stain Can Do?
Your space deserves a finish that not only looks beautiful but also performs beautifully for years to come. With Valet’s new custom stain, you can have all three. Request your consultation today and explore the finish options that will bring warmth, richness, and timeless style to your home.
Valet Custom Cabinets & Closets designs, manufactures and installs custom organizational solutions that enhance the functionality of your living space while complementing the décor of your home.
Our talented design team creates unique solutions tailored to your specific needs, style, and budget. We are independently owned and a direct manufacturer.
Our areas of specialty include Home Offices, Wall Beds, Media Centers, Closets, Pantries, Garage Cabinetry, and much more.
Exceptional Design * 5-Star Execution and Service * Expert Craftsmanship
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