Cabinets will dictate the look and feel of your kitchen. That is why they are going to be one of your biggest kitchen renovation expenses. There are so many different types of wood you can choose for your cabinets and even more finishes on top of that. Wood is a beautiful choice and can really allow you to create a truly customized kitchen Cabinets. Wood is a natural product which means it will vary in texture, color and grain. Below you can learn a bit more about the different types of wood you may want to choose from and some benefits as well as disadvantages to each.
Different types of wood for your kitchen cabinets
- Maple- It has a smooth, even, and fine wood grain. It provides multiple design possibilities throughout the home. It works beautifully with a variety of finishes, stains or paints. It is slightly inexpensive and used mostly in custom and semi custom projects.
- Cherry- This wood is known from its smooth grain and unique color that mellows and deepens as it ages just like fine wine. This mellowing effect is emphasized by exposure to bright light. It has the ability to stand up well to wear and tear. It does not easily show small knicks and scratches.
- Red oak- It is durable and strong wood. It is relatively expensive and ranges in color from white to pink and reddish tones. It is rich in texture and has a unique pattern of grain. You can find streaks of green, yellow and even black in the wood because of natural deposits in the wood.
- Pine- It is the only softwood commonly used for cabinetry. It comes in different versions like white, yellow and ponderosa and because of its soft color it can be stained or finished naturally. It is used in kitchens that are traditionally designed. It may dent or scratch more easily than other woods.
- Mahogany- Since this wood is becoming more rare day by day, it is very expensive. It has a deep rich reddish brown color that creates a very rich look. It has a different swirling grain that produces an attractive design
- When buying wood cabinets, you should always check that the central panels of the doors and drawers are made of same wood as the frame. If they are of different wood then they will turn different colors as they age due to the oxidation process.
- If you want budget friendly cabinets, then go with engineered cabinets that are made by laminating thin layers of wood together and then applying wood veneer outside for a professional finish
- Since wood is an easy material to work with, it allows for customization, more elaborate patterns and shapes and you will have many options to choose from.
- Wood cabinets are classic and beautiful and that is why they add value to the home.
- Wood will never go out of style.
- Wood is able to support heavy countertop materials like granite and particle board.
- They are durable and easy to clean
- They are susceptible to bug and water damage. Bugs can chew their way through wood easier than most other materials.
- You can keep your cabinets safe by keeping them clean and water free and checking for any signs of bugs in your home regularly
