We are currently in the design phase of our kitchen project. We've decided on a face framed inset cabinetry look in rift cut white oak. In our discussion with our general and their cabinet maker, white oak is very tricky in getting an exact shade of stain. He gave us some preliminary samples but the stains were really across the board with some too yellow or too dark. The trouble he explained was that you cannot really know how it will come out until the stain is applied and even then, different planks may absorb the stain differently. Our concern is since we are going for a shaker style on the doors, he explained there could be a slight variation of tones from one plank to an adjacent or connecting plank on a given door. We narrowed down to a natural look which is one of the samples where he just used a satin clear coat. The cabinet maker suggested an extra cost to bleach the white oak prior to staining which will allow more even tones and a more controlled shade of stain. He will provide us samples soon.

I was wondering if any one here have worked with rift cut white oak that can provide us with their personal experience in dealing with this particular product. Maybe photos if you want to share! Thanks!