Kitchen Cabinet Wood Options – Pros and Cons

Are you looking for a new kitchen cabinet? You want to remodel your kitchen, but you’re not sure which kind of wood cabinets will look the best.

There are many different options, and it can be hard to tell what is right for you. We have all sorts of different styles and colors, so you can get exactly what you want in your house. You can even customize them with the type of design that suits your home perfectly!

Here’s a quick guide on the pros and cons of each type so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your new cabinets. With so many different styles of cabinets available on our website, you can find one that matches your style perfectly.

Kitchen Cabinet Wood Options – Things To Consider

When looking for a new set of kitchen cabinets, you need to consider more than just the style. The type of wood you choose will significantly impact your kitchen’s overall look and feel. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

Characteristics of wood

Each type of wood has unique characteristics, such as color, grain, and texture. It would be best to determine what you want most out of your cabinets so that the wood-style you choose will be a good fit. Wood is a natural material, so that it will vary in appearance from one piece to the next.

Some woods are more durable than others, so it’s important to choose one that will last a long time. Manufacturers treat wood to ensure that it won’t warp or crack, so be sure to read the product description.

Style options

Are you looking for something contemporary, transitional, or traditional? Depending on the type of wood you choose, your cabinets could have a country kitchen feel or a sleek, modern look.

Some woods are better suited for certain styles than others. For example, cherry cabinets are perfect for a traditional or transitional kitchen, but they might not fit in a contemporary space.

But don’t worry! Wood is a versatile material, and many different wood styles can go together. If you’re not sure, we have a wide variety of different styles to choose from.

Finishes for Kitchen Wood Cabinet

Kitchen cabinet finishes are another aspect you need to consider before selecting your cabinets. There are tons of different options available, so you can find the perfect finish to match your style.

Availability

Not all types of wood are available in every finish. If you’re looking for a specific color or finish,  make sure to check the availability of the wood you want before making your purchase.

Pricing

Kitchen cabinets can vary in price depending on the type of wood you choose. Some woods are more expensive than others, but the final price will vary depending on the style and finish. So, it’s important to consider all of your options before making a decision.

Top 10 Kitchen Cabinet Wood Options

Now that you know the basics about wood finishes, it’s time to look at your different options. Here are some of the most popular types of wood for kitchen cabinets:

Maple Kitchen Cabinets

Maple is a light color hardwood and has a fine grain. It is one of the most popular types of wood for cabinets and is available in various finishes. The durability and availability make maple an attractive option for kitchen cabinets.

There are two types of maple: hard maple (also known as sugar maple) and soft maple (also called big leaf maple). Hard maple is more durable than soft maple.

Pros:

1. Durable

2. Available in a variety of finishes

3. Attractive light color

Cons:

1. Can be expensive

2. Can show scratches and dents

Oak Kitchen Cabinets

Oak is one of the most popular types of wood for cabinets. It’s available in various finishes, but the ones marked “rustic” will have an imperfect look. Oak is hard and durable, so it’s an excellent option for cabinets that see a lot of use.

Oak is available in two types: red oak and white oak. Red oak is the most common type and has a reddish color. White oak is lighter in color and has a more subtle grain.

Pros:

1. Available in a variety of finishes

2. Hard, durable wood

3. Attractive grain pattern for rustic finishes

Cons:

1. Attracts fingerprints

2. Can show scratches and dents

Cherry Kitchen Cabinets

Cherry is a beautiful wood type with a reddish color and a fine grain. It is available in various finishes, but darker colors are recommended for traditional kitchens. Cherry cabinets are very durable and resistant to warping, so they’re perfect for kitchen spaces that see a lot of use.

Cherry is hardwood, so it’s very durable. It also has a natural resistance to moisture, so it won’t warp or swell over time.

Pros:

1. Beautiful reddish color

2. Fine-grain

3. Durable

Cons:

1. Sunlight might harm your cherry wood.

2. Water and dampness will cause cherry wood to crack.

Walnut Kitchen Cabinets

Walnut is a type of hardwood that is dark in color and has a smooth texture. It is available in various finishes, but darker colors are most popular for traditional kitchens. Walnut is tough and durable, so it’s an excellent option for busy kitchen spaces.

Walnut is available in two types: black walnut and English walnut. Black walnut is the most common type and has a very dark color. English walnut is lighter in color and has a more subtle grain.

Pros:

1. Dark, rich color

2. Smooth texture

3. Durable

Cons:

1. High Cost

2. Large Color Variation

Rift Oak Kitchen Cabinets

Rift oak is a hardwood type with an attractive, light color. It is available in rustic and unfinished finishes. Rift oak is very durable and resistant to warping, so it’s perfect for kitchen spaces that see a lot of use.

Rift oak is available in two types: red rift oak and white rift oak. Red rift oak is the most common type and has a reddish color. White rift oak is lighter in color and has a more subtle grain.

Pros:

1. Attractive light color

2. Available in rustic and unfinished finishes

3. There are a variety of hues to choose from, including white and red oak.

Cons:

1. Stains can cause excessive darkness.

2. It is difficult to change the grain in oak cabinets.

Clear Alder Kitchen Cabinets

Precise alder kitchens are another popular choice. Alder is a type of hardwood with a light to medium color and attractive grain. It is available in various finishes, but it is most prevalent in natural finishes. Alder cabinets are very durable and resistant to warping, so they’re perfect for kitchen spaces that see a lot of use. feels like

Pros:

1. Low Cost

2. Different Colors and Hues

3. Versatile

Cons:

1. Uneven Staining

2. Moisture Retention

Knotty Alder Kitchen Cabinets

Knotty alder is another type of hardwood with an attractive, medium color. It is available in unfinished and rustic finishes. Knotty alder cabinets are very durable and resistant to warping, so they’re perfect for kitchen spaces that see a lot of use.

Pros

1. Rugged, knotty finish

2. Highly durable

3. Available in unfinished and rustic finishes

Cons:

1. Large knots

2. Marked Grain

3. Small Colors

Birch Wood Cabinets

Birch is a type of hardwood with a light color and a fine grain. It is available in various finishes, but it is most often seen in natural wood. Birch is very durable and resistant to warping, so it’s perfect for kitchen spaces that see a lot of use.

Birch is a type of wood that comes in different finishes. It can be natural, but other types include white and yellow birch. Yellow birch has an attractive, golden color that is similar to maple. White birch is lighter in color and has a more subtle grain.

Pros:

1. Light color

2. Attractive grain pattern

3. Very durable

4. Resistant to warping

Cons:

1. Only available in natural finish

2. For DIY projects, dark stains may appear blotchy.

Ash Wood Cabinets

Ash is another type of hardwood that has an attractive, light color. It is available in unfinished and rustic finishes. Ash cabinets are very durable and resistant to warping, so they’re perfect for kitchen spaces that see a lot of use.

Ash is often seen in natural wood with dark black knots throughout the grain pattern. It can also be available in a white finish, lighting up the space.

Pros:

1. Attractive light color

2. Many different colors to choose from

3. Easy to maintain

Cons:

1. Knots may be too large for some people’s taste.

2. Excessive warping may occur if exposed to excessive moisture.

Pine Wood Cabinets

Pine is a softwood type with a light color and an attractive grain. It is available in various finishes, but it is most popular in natural finishes. Pine cabinets are very durable and resistant to warping, so they’re perfect for kitchen spaces that see a lot of use.

Pine is the perfect wood option for a rustic style. The color and grain pattern are beautiful and lighten up a dark space. Pine cabinets can be seen in natural wood finishes, but they can also be available in brighter colors like white.

Pros:

1. Low Cost

2. Attractive grain pattern

3. Easy to maintain

4. Light color is perfect for dark spaces.

Cons:

1. Knots may cause cracking over time if exposed to moisture.

2. Hollow doors are likely to warp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best wood to use for kitchen cabinets?

That question will always be subjective, as it depends on your personal preference. However, some types of wood are often seen as more attractive than others, such as cherry, maple, and oak.

What is the cheapest wood to use for kitchen cabinets?

Pine is often the cheapest wood to use for kitchen cabinets, as it is softwood that is easy to work with. However, other options like birch and poplar are also very affordable.

What is the most popular kitchen cabinet finish?

The most popular kitchen cabinet finish is undoubtedly the natural wood finish. However, white and gray finishes are also very common. It allows the grain and color of the wood to be seen and appreciated, and it can be paired with a variety of other finishes and styles.

What is the most common wood used for cabinets?

The most common wood used for cabinets is solid birch. Other options include oak, maple, cherry, and poplar.

Is MDF good for kitchen cabinets?

MDF is a good choice for kitchen cabinets, as it is very durable and stable. However, it is more expensive than other options like pine.

Conclusion – The Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing a kitchen cabinet wood type, there are many options. Hopefully, this list of the most popular cabinet wood types has helped you narrow down the possibilities. Once you’ve decided which kind of kitchen cabinets will look best in your home, it’s time to start shopping for the perfect style and finish. With so many options available, it’s easy to find the ideal cabinets for your kitchen.