Creating a laundry room that feels custom and design-forward comes down to the right mix of function, craftsmanship, and finishes.
Allegra, a contractor from Jackson, Wyoming, designed a set of rustic modern laundry room built-ins with warm wood character and clean Shaker lines — the kind of built-in storage that looks tailored to the home because it was.
To complete the project, Allegra paired CabinetNow’s unfinished Shaker cabinet doors in Red Oak Select with face frame cabinets and Blum hinges, then stained the doors to bring out that rich Red Oak grain that makes rustic modern spaces feel warm, intentional, and built to last.
Project
Project at a Glance
Rustic Modern Laundry Room Built-Ins • Shaker Cabinet Doors
Rustic Modern Built-Ins, Contractor-Approved
Laundry rooms do a lot of heavy lifting — and in a custom build, the cabinetry needs to work hard while still looking intentional.
As a contractor, Allegra focused on durability and clean install details, then chose materials that would bring warmth to the space without losing the modern edge.
She started with face frame cabinets for strength and a classic, built-to-last structure, then finished the built-ins with unfinished Shaker cabinet doors in Red Oak Select from CabinetNow. After install, she stained the Red Oak to highlight its natural grain — a key detail that makes rustic modern spaces feel elevated rather than “too plain.”
The end result is exactly what you want from custom laundry room built-ins: clean lines, warm wood character, and storage that feels like it was always meant to be there.
How-To
Measuring Cabinets Perfectly
A step-by-step guide to measuring for new cabinet doors
Accuracy is everything when it comes to custom laundry room built-ins. Measuring precisely helps your Shaker cabinet doors align cleanly and operate smoothly. Here’s a simple way contractors keep it consistent:
1. Measure Each Opening Twice
Measure each opening to the nearest 1/16 of an inch. Write it down as width × height (example: 14" × 30") and verify before placing your order.
2. Confirm Your Overlay
Overlay impacts door size and hinge choice. If you’re using face frame cabinets, confirm your overlay (like Allegra did with Blum hinges) before finalizing measurements.
3. Plan for Split Doors on Wide Openings
For wider openings, two doors often look cleaner and operate better. Always account for a small gap between doors so they don’t rub or bind over time.
4. Label Everything Clearly
Contractor tip: label each opening on your sketch (A1, A2, etc.) and match each label to your order list. This avoids “which door goes where?” during install.
Pro Tip: If you’re staining, order unfinished so you can control tone and sheen across the entire built-in. That’s exactly how Allegra achieved a cohesive rustic modern finish with Red Oak Select.
Why Red Oak Select Is a Rustic Modern Favorite
Rustic modern design works best when the materials do some of the talking. Red Oak Select brings visible grain, warmth, and character — but the Shaker door profile keeps everything clean and tailored. It’s a contractor-friendly choice for laundry rooms because it wears well, takes stain beautifully, and looks right at home alongside stone, tile, matte black hardware, or warm metals.
Design Inspiration
Shop the Look
Recreate Allegra’s rustic modern built-ins using Red Oak Select Shaker cabinet doors
Shown in Red Oak Select — ordered unfinished and stained for a rustic modern finish
Customization Notes (Contractor-Friendly Details)
- Unfinished doors give you full control over stain tone and sheen for rustic modern spaces
- Shaker cabinet doors keep the look clean and timeless while letting the wood grain stand out
- Face frame cabinets add structure and durability — ideal for a custom built laundry room
- Blum hinges support smooth, reliable performance in high-use utility spaces
Shop This Project
Shaker Cabinet Doors in All Wood Species
Available unfinished and ready for stain or paint
Red Oak Select
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Red Oak Natural
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White Oak Select
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Maple Select
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Maple Natural
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Alder Select
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Alder Natural
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Cherry Select
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Cherry Natural
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MDF Panel (Paint Grade)
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Rustic Modern Laundry Room Built-Ins That Work as Hard as They Look
Allegra’s project is a perfect example of why custom built-ins are worth it in a laundry room: you gain tailored storage, a finished look, and the durability of real cabinetry — not “builder basic” shelves. With Red Oak Select Shaker cabinet doors, sturdy face frame cabinets, and contractor-grade hardware, this Jackson, WY laundry room is built for daily life and designed to feel like part of the home.
Pro Insight
A Contractor’s Perspective on Laundry Room Built-Ins
What Allegra prioritized for a clean install, durable performance, and a rustic modern finish
When a contractor designs custom built-ins, the decisions are all about performance: doors that hang straight, hardware that stays smooth, and materials that finish beautifully. For this Jackson, WY rustic modern laundry room, Allegra focused on three pro-level essentials—structure, finish, and long-term durability.
- Start with a strong cabinet foundation: face frame cabinets add structure and help built-ins look truly custom—especially when you’re aiming for tight reveals and consistent alignment.
- Choose a door style that plays well with rustic modern design: the clean lines of Shaker cabinet doors keep the look modern, while stained wood brings the warmth needed for a rustic finish.
- Pick a stain-friendly hardwood: Red Oak Select is a contractor favorite for stained projects because the grain adds depth and character—perfect for laundry room built-ins that need to feel elevated, not utility-grade.
- Invest in professional hardware: Blum hinges are known for smooth operation and adjustability—two things pros rely on for a clean install and long-term performance.
- Plan the details before ordering: confirm overlay, hinge type, and door swing direction so the doors close cleanly and the finished built-in looks seamless.
Pro Tip: For stained Shaker cabinet doors, keep your finish schedule consistent across every door and drawer front (same sanding grit, same stain time, same topcoat). That’s the difference between “nice” and “built-in perfection.”
SEO Boost
Laundry Room Built-Ins FAQ
Quick answers for DIYers and contractors ordering custom cabinet doors and face frame cabinets
Are Red Oak cabinets good for laundry room built-ins?
Yes. Red Oak Select is a durable hardwood that holds up well in hardworking spaces. It’s also a favorite for stained cabinet doors because the grain shows beautifully—perfect for a rustic modern look.
Can I stain unfinished Shaker cabinet doors myself?
Absolutely. Ordering unfinished Shaker cabinet doors gives you control over the final color and sheen. For best results: sand lightly, apply a pre-stain conditioner if needed, stain evenly with the grain, and finish with a durable topcoat.
Face frame vs. frameless—what’s best for built-ins?
For many custom built-ins, face frame cabinets are a go-to because they add structure, make alignment forgiving, and create a classic “built-in” look—especially in laundry rooms, mudrooms, and storage walls.
What hinges work best with face frame cabinets?
Many pros prefer Blum hinges for soft-close performance, reliability, and smooth adjustment. The key is matching your hinge selection to your overlay and cabinet construction so doors sit straight and close cleanly.
What’s the easiest way to measure for cabinet doors?
Measure each opening to the nearest 1/16", confirm your overlay, and write measurements clearly. If you’re ordering for a built-in wall, label each door location so install goes quickly and stays organized.
Helpful links for this project
Planning Your Own Laundry Room Built-Ins?
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Made to order • Custom sizes • Built for real life