Not every WordPress theme becomes hugely popular, obviously. In fact, the majority go completely unnoticed by the community, and for the most part, it’s just as well. Many of them are just (to be blunt) terrible!

Just in this past week, I’ve launched my Bedrock Grid WordPress theme. Now, you may be wondering why I chose that particular name. The ‘grid’ part, should be fairly obvious to those who have been following, but, why ‘Bedrock‘?

I think we’ve all got a fair idea what the term ‘bedrock’ means, but let’s go to the dictionary anyway…

–noun
1. Geology. unbroken solid rock, overlaid in most places by soil or rock fragments.
2. bottom layer; lowest stratum.
3. any firm foundation or basis: Technical courses will be founded on a bedrock of sound, general education so as to produce a well-rounded engineer.
4. the fundamental principles, as of a teaching, belief, or science: Let’s strip away the cant and get down to bedrock.
–adjective
5. basic; fundamental.

In the above quotation, I’ve highlighted the specific definitions which caused me to choose the word, ‘bedrock‘. I firmly believe this theme can provide a foundation for those who like to customise their blogs with their own tweaks, while all the time, giving them a valid structure, which will almost guarantee it to work well, and look good.

My top 5 ‘bedrock’ WordPress themes…

Over the past few years, as WordPress has developed into a leading blogging platform, there have been a few WordPress themes ,which have become the ‘bedrock’ to many beautiful designs. For the most part, these designs are fairly minimal in aesthetic appearance. However, although most look beautiful on their own, they also allow room for creativity, which is really where their strength lies.

1. Cutline - by Chris Pearson

It has to be Numero Uno. Even though the management of Cutline has now changed hands, it’s still one of the most used themes ever. Cutline ignores the need for graphics, except for rotating header images of the users choice. Its strength lies in its markup, and attention to largely ignored details, such as handling images. It’s not for no reason, that Pearsonified is the 4th most linked to blog in the world!As a side note, however, I’d recommend taking a look at Chris’ latest release, Neoclassical. By using it instead of Cutline, you’ll be able to get support from Chris if you need it.

2. Sandbox - Scott Wallick & Andy Skelton

I must be honest, Sandbox is a theme I haven’t taken much time to look at. However, I have to place it near the top, or else Sandbox evangelist, Alister Cameron, will be very annoyed at me.Unlike some of the others, Sandbox isn’t (generally) the kind of theme you use with out customising, which is part of the beauty of it, really. It forces people who want to use its robust markup, to think for themselves, and draws out their creative side. In fact, well clued people such as the aforementioned Mr. Cameron, believe there’s no need to look any further for a WordPress theme framework.

3. Kubrick - Michael Heilemann

Ah…good old Kubrick. The default theme, which comes packaged with every download of WordPress. Probably used mostly now by the unadventurous, with an ‘if it’s not broke, why fix it‘ attitude. Having said that, Kubrick is has proven to be a very customisable theme and has been used to create other successful themes in the past.It’s now overseen by WordPress, and many reckon its sibling, K2, is a much better design to work from.

4. Vertigo - by Brian Gardner

Up there among the top most used, and appreciated themes, is Brian’s Vertigo theme. Due to the simple, and easay to understand coding structure Brian uses, Vertigo is probably one of the most easily customisable themes around. Probably more than any of his other works, Vertigo has helped Brian to climb to the position where he’s now been able to leave his job, and focus on freelancing.

5. MistyLook - Sadish Bala

I must be honest, it was a difficult decision to come up with the fifth theme, but, I think MistyLook has to be included. It’s a solid theme, which in the past, was favoured by the ‘make money online‘ niche (thanks to a certain John Chow). From memory, I think it once stood aloft in the WordPress ThemeViewer.
It’s still an extremely popular theme, helped by the fact that Sadish is keeps on top of updates, and irons out all bugs.

My aspiration for Bedrock Grid

As I look at the themes I’ve mentioned, I can’t help but desire, that Bedrock Grid will have the same impact. It’s going to be difficult to start with, as it has a price tag attached to it, but it’s for a good cause, and I foresee the $20 fee remaining for at least the next 6 months. After that, I’ll probably make it free, but that’s not guaranteed.

Take note…

I’ll be constantly working to improve this theme. Every useful feature which I can add to it, without adding a plugin, I will work on adding. I may also look into including built-in administrative options too.

Oh, and don’t worry, everyone who buys the theme, will be able to upgrade for free!

In the near future, I’ll also be showing you how some simple changes, can completely change the look and feel of the theme, and you’ll see recognise that it’s the first and last WordPress design you’ll ever need, (well…maybe).