Think About the Cabinet Design
The kitchen cabinet design decides your level of customization; there are three design levels to choose from.
Stock Cabinets
These cabinets are ready-made and can be picked up on the same or next day. They are fully assembled, come in limited sizes and styles but are perfect for when you're on a budget or need cabinets in a hurry.
Semi-Custom Cabinets
These are made to order and require a longer lead time. These cabinets offer a wider range of sizes and styles to match your aesthetic.
Custom Cabinets
These cabinets are custom-made. You can choose a size, style, and specifications that are just right for your kitchen. With custom cabinets, you have the freedom and flexibility to choose the frame, panel style, color, and finish of your cabinets.
Types of Wood Used for Kitchen Cabinets
There are many options when it comes to choosing the type of wood you want for your kitchen cabinets. Different types of wood have different levels of durability and differ in color, grain and texture. Understanding the differences will help you select the best one.
Oak
Red oak is commonly called oak and is known for its red hues. This wood type is light to middle brown in color and has a straight grain pattern. Oak kitchen cabinets can be stained with any color. They are a popular choice because of their traditional appearance and because they are easy to clean, lightweight and inexpensive.
Birch
Birch kitchen cabinets starts out pale and grows dark over time. Its open grain design is mostly made up of straight lines, making it easy to paint. This kitchen cabinet wood type is an affordable and accessible option.
Maple
Maple wood is durable, has a smooth grain and a creamy white color making it a good choice for modern kitchens. It has the versatility to fit into most homes because of its natural texture. Maple kitchen cabinets resist moisture and stains well. They can darken with sun exposure.
Hickory
This kitchen cupboard wood type fits in perfectly with a rustic or farmhouse style home. It has a two toned appearance which consists of streaks of white on dark red wood. This creates a natural contrast. These are typically sealed with a clear finish since it has a coarse texture which wouldn’t stain well. A hickory kitchen cabinet is highly durable and sturdy.
Cherry
This is considered a high quality kitchen cabinet wood type and is popular in traditional and contemporary homes. Cherry wood has rich red undertones. Its coloring ranges from white to deep brown. It is a durable hardwood with a smooth texture and a closed grain. It looks best when varnished, glazed or with a natural finish. It also does not require a dark stain due to its natural aging process.
Poplar
Poplar is a light-colored wood and one of the strongest softwood options for kitchen cabinets. It is easy to paint owing to its smooth and uniform texture. Lightweight , this kitchen cabinet wood type has grown popular recently. A poplar kitchen cabinet has the versatility to go with rustic and modern style homes, but it may be vulnerable to dents and scratches.
Alder
Alder is the softest hardwood available and is known for its rustic aesthetic. Its reddish hue and smooth texture is similar to cherry wood. You can choose between its smooth or knotty patterns. This kitchen cabinet wood type is easy to work with and lightweight. It looks best covered in a traditional glaze that brings out its rustic quality.
Examine Durability
Both durability and quality are important when it comes to kitchen cupboard wood types. Each wood has its unique characteristics and deciding which is best depends on your personal preference. While oak might be one of the most durable, alder is also a good cost effective solution.
Protect Wood with Finishes
Adding a finish to your wood cabinets can elevate its appearance and protect it from sun exposure. You can choose between using a clear coat, stain, primer, or paint as a finish for your cabinet. This might help prevent scratches, decaying, and water damage. You can consider unfinished wood cabinets if you want to stain the wood yourself. A finish can also slow down the natural aging process of wood since it acts as a barrier against air and moisture.
Cabinet Box Material
Plywood is considered a high-quality option because it brings longevity to your kitchen cabinets. It is sturdy, durable, and made from compressed wood sheets.
Consider the Upsides and Downsides of Wood
Wood is sturdy, durable, and creates a beautiful look for your kitchen. It has a long life-span and blends well with most house styles. Since each piece of wood is unique, every cabinet has its own distinct characteristics. But wood cabinets can be affected by moisture that leads to warping, shrinking or expanding. They might also lighten or darken due to sun exposure. Do think through these points to decide which kitchen cabinet wood type is best for your kitchen.