2022 Kitchen Design Trends
November 12, 2021
Kitchen Countertop Options
April 13, 2022
The biggest focal point in your kitchen is the cabinets. It’s not surprising that they make up 20 to 40 percent of your kitchen remodel budget!
With an investment like that, you will spend a lot of time deciding on the perfect cabinets for your kitchen.
A popular material for your kitchen cabinets is wood. Wood kitchen cabinets can be a beautiful choice to complement any kitchen style.
The wood for kitchen cabinets that you choose can have quite an impact on the final look of your remodeled kitchen.
Read on to learn about the different wood choices for your cabinets in this guide.
Types of Wood for Kitchen Cabinets
Nothing transforms the look of your kitchen like new kitchen cabinets. Custom cabinets can give you the look you are going for while providing you with function that will fit your lifestyle.
Wood is also a good option for kitchen cabinets because they are easy to clean and can keep up with everyday wear and tear.
When designing your kitchen, there are many different types of wood you can have your kitchen cabinets built from.
Oak
The distinctive, wavy grain pattern of oak is easily identifiable. In its natural state, this wood is light brown. Staining your oak cabinets is a good choice because of how porous the wood is.
You can change the look of oak cabinets depending on the stain you use. A darker stain on oak brings out the grain of the wood. A more traditional honey stain can make a great choice for a contemporary kitchen.
Maple
This hardwood is a popular wood for cabinetry because it is easy to find and work with. Unfinished maple comes in a golden off-white color.
Because this wood has such a fine grain, stain and paint apply smoothly and evenly. Staining your maple cabinets can enhance the light mineral streaking seen on maple. This brings out the uniqueness of the wood.
Maple is a great choice for kitchens that get used a lot, as maple is a durable wood that can withstand frequent use.
Walnut
This premium wood choice is not as common as other types of wood on this list. Walnut wood has a fairly fine and straight grain that can hold interesting patterns.
You can stain this wood a lighter color to let the natural grain of the wood shine through. A darker stain will give your walnut cabinets a classic look.
A great feature of walnut cabinets is that they can resist water without getting damaged. This makes cleaning walnut cabinets easy!
Although not the strongest wood, walnut can keep up with the hustle and bustle of a kitchen. This means you can avoid many dings that would show up over time with softer wood.
Hickory
If you are looking for rustic kitchen cabinets, hickory wood may be worth checking out. This wood is ready to make a statement!
The color of hickory wood varies with streaking in shades from a light cream to a dark red. Knots, mineral streaks, and burls are all common in hickory wood and make each cabinet unique.
Many people choose to finish their hickory cabinets with a clear sealant. This lets the patterns and colors of this wood take center stage.
You’ll need to follow some cleaning rules if you choose hickory for your cabinets. Harsh chemicals can do permanent damage to this wood. Using a soft cloth to clean these cabinets can prevent scratches.
Hickory can have a higher cost than other types of wood. This can be worth it for the character that you’ll get when using hickory for your kitchen cabinets.
Cherry
If a classic kitchen is what you are looking for, you may consider cherry cabinets.
The darker, reddish-brown color wood is unique because it darkens with age. Although this wood is not hardwood, it can keep up with the frequent use of kitchen cabinets.
Cherry wood has a smooth grain that takes stain well. Many people choose a darker mahogany or walnut for their stain for a timeless look.
Kitchen cabinets made of cherry will cost more than popular wood like oak or maple. Although you’ll be paying more, the high quality of cherry cabinets will make up for it. Cherry wood cabinets are strong enough to withstand daily kitchen use.
Alder
Another wood known for its rustic charm is alder wood. If you are looking for a modern style cabinet for your new kitchen, alder may not be the right choice.
This type of wood has knots and distressed features like dents throughout its grain. The color of this wood ranges from a light pinkish brown color to a tan color.
Staining this type of wood can be tricky because it can come out unevenly. Adding a clear sealant to this wood lets its natural color shine through.
Alder wood is softer than other wood seen in kitchen cabinets. Despite this, it is still a good choice for cabinets and can handle frequent use. Over time, you may have to deal with scratches and dents on this type of wood.
Wooden Cabinets Will Create a Kitchen You’ll Love
When deciding on a material for your kitchen cabinets, wood’s natural character is hard to beat. The many types of wood for kitchen cabinets that are available can fit any aesthetic style you are looking for.
If you are ready to begin your kitchen remodel, the experienced kitchen designers at Von Tobel are available!
Contact us today to request a free consultation. Let’s work together to get you the kitchen cabinets you’ve always wanted!
