Maple blotches like crazy when you go darker than a light to medium light color. If you want a darker color, you should choose a different wood. Also, your cabinet maker should be the one providing you with finished door samples that have been through the entire finishing process. The top coat choice, application methodology, and skill level, will change the look of the stain.

These cabinets are maple - finish labeled "Kaffe" by cabinet manufacturer. I think they look darker in person than in this pic.

We used a cherry stain on Maple, and it made a lovely brown with red undertones- very pretty cabinet! Unfortunately, I don't have pics and we've since moved. Do you have a few pieces of wood to sample stains on?

Our kitchen island and bathroom cabinets are pretty dark stained maple. Maple doesn't take stain as evenly as some other species so it can look splotches in areas...we knew this and we're okay with it. We love our cabinet color (Arctic Gray from Huntwood).

ljsquishy's ideas · More Info

ljsquishy's ideas · More Info

ljsquishy's ideas · More Info

Here are my maple cabinets with Sable stain.

Theyou are a nice medium brown without any reddish undertones.

Thanks all!! That was a great help!!