Wooden cabinets have a unique and organic look that can add character to any kitchen. They also create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
There are a variety of types of woods that can be used for modern wood kitchen cabinets, including pine, oak, hickory, cherry, and maple. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.
Brown Maple
Maple is an excellent hardwood choice for kitchen cabinets that take a variety of stains and finishes. You can get a stained look or opt for a glazed finish that highlights the natural properties of the wood.
Hard maple is a slightly stronger option than oak and can resist dents and dings with ease. This is due to its higher Janka hardness scale rating and QW hardness score.
Brown maple is a beautiful solid choice for your kitchen cabinetry that can be stained or painted to create the exact color you want. The smooth and non-porous wood grain of this hardwood also makes it easier to stain than other wood varieties.
Cherry
Cherry wood has always been a favorite choice for traditional style kitchens. Its natural warm tone creates a more welcoming and inviting space.
While this wood species is expensive, it is one of the hardest and most durable of all cabinetry options. It’s also a fine hardwood that shows a beautiful fine grain and has an even-toned appearance once stained.
Unlike some of the darker woods, cherry doesn’t require a heavy stain to bring out its rich, beautiful color and unique grain. This characteristic makes it more suitable for a clear coat finish.
White Oak
White Oak Kitchen Cabinets are a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of natural warmth and character to their home design. The wood can be stained in a variety of colors to customize your cabinetry.
The light to medium brown coloring of white oak gives it a more neutral feel that’s paired well with today’s trend towards neutral colors in home decor and furniture. It’s also a versatile material that can work in any style.
Quarter sawn and rift sawn white oak cabinets can be stained in a variety of stains to customize your kitchen’s look. These long, straight grained woods are more durable than plain-cut lumber because they’re cut perpendicular to the growth rings of the log. They also take stains better because they’re smoother and more resistant to moisture penetration.
Red Oak
Red Oak is one of the most popular wood species used for kitchen cabinets. Its warm red-gold color works well with many different design styles and it accepts stains very well.
White oak is also a popular choice for kitchen cabinets, and is an incredibly durable material. It has a Janka hardness rating of 1360, which means it can resist denting and wear without a problem.
Durable oak cabinet doors are a great option for homeowners who want their kitchen to be a family gathering space that is always in use. It can handle heavy traffic and is resistant to water damage and steam.
Hickory
Hickory kitchen cabinets are a unique choice that adds an element of warmth to your kitchen design. This natural material is strong, durable, and takes paints and stains well.
Its rich colors and natural grain patterns lend themselves to rustic farmhouse-style homes and modern minimalist designs. This wood also ages gracefully and is less likely to dent or scratch than many other hardwoods.
Because hickory wood varies in color from light creams to dark browns, it offers a wide variety of options for cabinets that fit into many aesthetic styles. Its distinctive knots, mineral streaks, and burls can give your hickory cabinets a dramatic personality that stands out.