Real wood, honestly explained.
What to expect from natural wood and hand-applied finishes — and how to keep your Schaad & Sons cabinetry beautiful for decades.
The beauty of wood
Wood has always been the beautiful choice for fine home furniture. Its natural features are unique, and each piece is one-of-a-kind.
Color, texture and grain will vary from any given sample, and within the finished product itself — especially with natural finishes. Ask us about the characteristics of each wood species we offer.
Protect your investment with the right environment
All finished wood is affected by temperature and, most importantly, humidity. To avoid dimensional changes, keep cabinetry within:
Cabinetry stored before installation must be kept in a climate-controlled space. Product stored in a non-complying environment for more than 7 days is not warranted, and lack of humidity control at the installation site may void the warranty.
Homes that may need extra care
These environments are more prone to out-of-range humidity. We can recommend products — such as frameless cabinetry and MDF components — that tolerate them better.
- Hot water, steam or electric baseboard heat
- Homes without central air
- Seashore locations
- Desert locations
- Island locations
- No powered central humidification
- Storage on recently poured concrete
- Long-term storage directly on concrete
What to expect from your finish
Every Schaad & Sons finish is hand-applied to ensure quality and maximize the beauty of our select hardwoods.
Natural finishes+
These finishes are meant to magnify, not mask or change, the natural characteristics of the wood. Grain and color variations will be pronounced.
Stain finishes+
Our stains are designed to complement, not hide, the natural beauty of wood grain. They add color and highlights that blend with — not mute — the character of your chosen wood.
Paint finishes+
Designed for maximum color consistency and long-term durability. Because durability requires hardness, fine stress lines can appear at door corners and frame joints from humidity changes and handling. They don’t affect durability and aren’t cause for warranty repair. Frameless cabinetry and MDF components greatly reduce their appearance.
Glazed finishes on paint or stain+
Glaze adds an additional visual “layer.” It changes the overall color and “hangs up” in the details of doors and drawer fronts — varying by door style. Glaze density will vary from sample blocks to the finished product, so a project-specific door sample is always advisable.
Physical finish treatments+
Distressing, edging, weathering and wearing impart a worn or antiqued appearance. Like natural wear, the visual effect can vary greatly within a project.
How finishes age+
All colors change over time. Whites tend to amber, clears tend to cloud, cherry becomes darker and redder, greens go gray, reds lose brilliance and blues fade. We use the finest coatings and woods available to minimize these reactions.
Changes over time & add-ons+
Your cabinetry will be a different color five years from now. Direct sunlight can darken natural wood and fade painted surfaces — blinds or draperies help. For replacement parts or add-ons on projects over 12 months old, send a sample from the original job so we can best blend new with old. (New cherry will never perfectly match old cherry.)
Normal wear & tear+
The limited warranty does not cover normal wear such as finish wear around knobs and hardware. Regular cleaning as outlined below helps minimize it.
Simple habits, lasting beauty.
Wipe gently
Use a soft, damp cloth with mild soap and water, then dry immediately.
Skip harsh cleaners
Avoid abrasive pads, ammonia, bleach and silicone-based polishes.
Shade from sun
Blinds or draperies help slow fading and darkening from direct sunlight.
Mind moisture
Wipe up spills promptly and avoid steam from kettles or dishwashers on doors.
Let’s design something that belongs only to your home.
Sit down with Ryan at your kitchen table, or tour our 6,500 sq. ft. showroom and manufacturing facility in McConnelsville.