Don’t use them that is the only to not have them wear with use.Why do you think that look is more modern looking ? IMO finger pulls would be more morern and lessen the wear and tear

I think this question is too isolated...any advice should be based on more than wear and tear...in most cases this type of opener would require a certain type of wood and construction for this feature

I was planning to use teak wood. Such as in this picture. But I see that you agree...it's nearly impossible to have no wear and tear. I had hopes that there was something that could be done to minimize that issue. Sort of like a rubber grommet (poor choice of word, but not sure what you'd call it... A rubber/plastic liner for the cut out).

Modern Masculine Master Bathroom · More Info

Thanks everyone for your help. Sometimes you just need to talk it out. After I wrote my last comment, an idea came to me. I need to create a mold for the cutout, and then use epoxy as a sealant to cover the area that the fingers would touch. Open to any thoughts on that one.

No, you need to use closely color matched channel pulls. Those cutout things went by the wayside for big functional reasons.

Ahah!...with teakwood i would not worry...this will most likely never need any more than possibly cleaner for body oil or lotions ..if that...they make boat decks with this!

Your original post was unclear...sounded like you were changing an installed cabinet ...not a question about building one with this option...

I can see how there can be function issues as live wire has suggested...perhaps this should be considered also...

PERFECT! Those channel pulls are exactly what I need. I wasn't sure what they were by the name, but the pictures below clear it up completely. Thank you so much!!

" I was planning to use teak wood. Such as in this picture."

Those cabinets are walnut.

Phyllis Funk you're welcome! I love them too-- I plan to put them in my future kitchen and bath. I also love the look you were talking about where there is no trim around the cutouts, but you bring up a good point about how long lasting they might be.

I don't know about you, but I wear sunscreen every day and that stuff seems to discolor / etch certain types of surfaces over time. beauty treatments (retinol, AHAs, etc) are probably also pretty bad for wood. metal trim is a safer bet!