There are few things that set the tone of your home—and especially your kitchen—like the doors and cabinets. And now that we have jumped into the cabinet world here at SoCo Wood & Windows, we’re especially passionate about helping to ensure our customers create that perfect home setting using just the right cabinets. To that end, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you find just the right cabinet wood for your kitchen.
Need Help Selecting the Best Wood for Your New Kitchen Cabinets?
When choosing a wood for your ideal kitchen cabinets, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
- First, how much do you want to customize your cabinets? Certain woods lend themselves much better than others to customization.
- Second, will you want to stain these cabinets? The wood’s natural appearance may play a role.
- Third, does the look of the wood’s grain or durability matter to you? Each wood has its own unique grain pattern, and different types of wood are more durable than others.
- Last, but definitely not least, what is your project budget? Wood cabinets can vary dramatically in price, so it’s important to know your budget when making your decision.
The Seven Most Common Woods for Kitchen Cabinets Are as Follows:
Pine Wood Cabinets:
- Customization Options:
White pine is occasionally found in semi custom lines but is rarely chosen for full customization. - Color and Stain:
A knotty, yellow wood, pine cabinets are frequently stained to change the color but enhance the look of the grain. The grain’s knots are typically associated with a country style. - Grain and Durability:
A soft wood, pine cabinets dent more easily than other wood options. - Budget:
Pine wood cabinets are typically the most affordable option.
Hickory Wood Cabinets:
- Customization Options:
Hickory is usually seen in stock lines, and more rarely in semi custom lines, mimicking the more custom built oak cabinets. - Color and Stain:
Hickory wood cabinets are often chosen for their pale yellow color, and are generally finished with a natural stain to enhance their light color. - Grain and Durability:
Hickory has a subtle grain similar to oak and is an excellent choice for those who want to avoid woods with bold grain patterns. They are typically very durable and often seen in farmhouse kitchens. - Budget:
Hickory wood cabinets are typically more expensive.
Oak Wood Cabinets:
- Customization Options:
Oak cabinets typically come in two types: red and white. Red oak cabinets are available in all types. White oak is typically only used as a custom cabinet wood. - Color and Stain:
Red oak cabinets do excellently with a variety of stains and paints, and is perhaps the best option for those who want to explore these different styles. White oak cabinets are typically not stained due to the grain. - Grain and Durability:
Both red and white oak cabinets are very strong and durable. Red oak is known for its strong grain patterns. White oak has a more subtle grain pattern, and is often quarter-sawn for its unique patterns. - Budget:
Red oak wood cabinets typically run on the less expensive side. While white oak is not more expensive in itself, its status as a custom wood option, especially when quarter-sawn, makes it a more expensive option.
Cherry Wood Cabinets:
- Customization Options:
Cherry is frequently used as a custom cabinet option, although it can be found as a semi custom option. - Color and Stain:
Cherry’s reddish color, which darkens with age, is typically enhanced with a stain. - Grain and Durability:
Very strong and durable with a smooth, fine grain, cherry wood cabinets are highly sought after as a premier wood cabinet option. They are typically associated with a more traditional look, although it’s versatility can make it a good options for contemporary looks, as well. - Budget:
Because cherry wood is harder to source than most other wood options, it is usually on the more expensive side.
Maple Wood Cabinets:
- Customization Options:
Maple can be found in all three options. - Color and Stain:
Maple’s light color and fine grain are what make it so appealing, especially for those looking for a light, contemporary look, so people typically only use a natural finish on it to enhance its features. - Grain and Durability:
A fine grain wood, maple is sturdy but less dense and therefore less durable than other hard wood options, although it does withstand temperature well. - Budget:
Maple wood cabinets typically run on the more expensive end of wood cabinetry.
Ash Wood Cabinets:
- Customization Options:
Ash is frequently used in fully customized kitchen cabinets. - Color and Stain:
People typically choose a natural finish to enhance the light color and straight grain found in ash wood. - Grain and Durability:
Ash wood is similar to oak in that it is very strong and durable. It’s grain is very straight, and its color is typically very light, which means it is frequently used in more contemporary designs. - Budget:
Ash wood is typically on the less expensive side.
Birch Wood Cabinets:
- Customization Options:
Birch is typically used in stock lines, and can be found in semi customizable lines. - Color and Stain:
Birch wood takes stain well and is often stained to make it look like the more expensive cherry or maple cabinets. - Grain and Durability:
Birch wood often has a wavy pattern and is typically very durable. - Budget:
Birch wood is usually on the less expensive end of wood cabinetry.
SoCo Wood & Windows Now Sells Kitchen Cabinets!
If you have decided to replace your kitchen cabinets, you’re in luck because SoCo Wood & Windows now sells cabinets. With some of the best brands on the market, from Kemper and Crystal to Medallion and Showplace, you’re sure to find the kitchen cabinets that are perfect for your home.
Even better, when you buy from SoCo Wood & Windows, you can be sure you’re getting quality cabinets that not only look great but are built to last. To get started or view our showroom, visit us online or give us a call today.