There has been a lot of interest in the Barker Cabinets posts. I shouldn’t be surprised, because I scoured the internet prior to our purchase. When I did my search, I found that there wasn’t a whole lot of finished projects posted online.
Because of that, I thought a quick video showing our cabinets and my favorite things about them might be helpful. We have had the Barker Cabinets installed since December. They have held up really well. They get used a lot when you have two adults and three kids around. I’m talking kids hanging from drawers and bashing things into them. (You will just have to ignore the kids in the background!)
The paint I used on them has been really durable and looks like they were finished in the factory. But, I’ll save that for another post.
What else do you want to know about Barker Cabinets and our process of installing ready to assemble cabinets in our home?
If you want to read about my past posts detailing our experience ordering, assembly and our review of the cabinets look here:
Post 3 – cabinet doors and drawers
Wendy,
I am finding your posts on Barker Cabinets interesting. I’ve scoured the internet and visited many “home improvement” stores. I haven’t found anything that I liked, and the cost was ridiculous! We plan to add two base cabinets to the built-in shelving in our Family Room (water damage) reno. We’d definitely go with Shaker style paint grade. looking forward to your post about the type of paint you would recommend.
_Joanne
I’m glad you are finding them of interest! You will have to share a picture of your Reno when done. If you are willing to do a bit of work by painting, you save so much $.
I’ve read that laminated wood is stronger than solid wood. A good choice for cabinets that take a lot of wear and tear over the years. It looks like this manufacturer puts heart and soul into creating an excellent product.
The fact that they used plywood boxes over the MDF or particle board spoke volumes to me….not to mention the hardwoods used in the doors! It has been good to see how they have held up. I know I was dying for any info like this!
Thank you for posting your experience with Barker. It sounds like they use a veneer for the inside of their painted cabinet option?
I would very much like to know what finishes you used. I really need them to hold up to four active kiddos. If we order unfinished we will be using a Wagner hand sprayer for paint and varnish coats.
Looking forward to your cabinet paint post!
Rosa, The piece of veneer is actually along the cabinet face. You don’t see it when the doors are shut. We haven’t had a problem with it at all. If Barker paints them they install some sort of plastic piece along the edge. I didn’t like that, because I thought it made the cabinets look cheap.
We ended up buying a Graco Magnum X7 paint sprayer, because I wasn’t happy with the initial finish. The Graco gave us a durable professional looking finish. I had been prepared to paint two coats on the doors, but ended up only having to do one. They wipe up easily and have not chipped…look as new as the day I installed them.
I have to say I started out with Benjamin Moore’s Advance line, because I heard so many positives about it. It was terrible. It was too thin and gave an inconsistent finish when sprayed. I most likely would have had to paint three coats for total coverage, if I had stayed with the BM paint. I ended up just using Ace Hardware “Cabinet, Door & Trim” paint in semi gloss. The finish was much superior & I didn’t have to thin the paint, even though it was thick.
The number one thing I would advise you is to try your paint sprayer on sample pieces first. You don’t want to sand out your new doors!
Good luck!
Thank you Wendy! I really appreciate all the information. I have been hesitant to order unfinished cabinets in fear I would not be able to get a resilient finish on them. We have an Ace around the corner and I will be checking out the paint you mentioned.
I’m glad to hear the info helps! Make sure to email photos when you get them in!
I’m late to the party, but stumbled on your blog while researching cabinetry. I’ve just bought an older (1945) house and am getting ready to remodel the kitchen. I wanted to find a company that was reasonably priced but also good quality, and one where I could get new base cabinets but just doors for the existing wall cabinets. I’m also most drawn to the Shaker style doors in white – it suits the feel of the house. Barker seems to be my best option and your posts are very encouraging.
Your kitchen plans sound great! Be sure to let us know what route you go and send photos when you are finished!
Your painted doors are awesome! I am in the process of painting my doors. While you were updating your Barker’s Cabinet Part 3, I was ordering the unfinished cabinets from them. Kitchen takes a long time since we are doing everything ourselves. We also bought Graco but true coat pro II using SW Proclassic Waterborne. I am praying and hoping that the paint will hold up like yours. Would love to see a post about your painting process 🙂
Rain,
How exciting to be taking on your kitchen! Make sure to post photos on my facebook page. It’s always fun to see everyone’s projects!
I will have to look through my photos to see if I have any photos of the painting process with the Graco. I would be interested in knowing how the Sherwin Williams holds up.