Which Type of Wood is Best for Kitchen Cabinets?

Don’t judge a book by its cover is a phrase that homeowners should absolutely take to heart when choosing kitchen cabinet materials. After all, what your cabinets are made of will determine their overall quality, beauty, and functionality. With that in mind, it’s important to understand that the process of finding the best type of wood for your kitchen cabinets will require finding a material that strikes a healthy balance between style and structure.

Pros & Cons of Wood Cabinets

Wood is a timeless cabinet material option. But before you invest in wood cabinets for your kitchen, it’s important to understand that wood is also inherently sensitive to humidity and can warp if not properly sealed and maintained. That’s why it’s important to invest in wood cabinets that are finished, sealed, and painted.

The Best Types of Wood Cabinets

In a high-traffic room, like the kitchen, homeowners should look at hardwoods for cabinetry. Most softwoods, with the exception of pine, will dent easily and can be difficult to maintain—especially in the temperate climate of the kitchen or bathroom. That said, the most popular hardwoods for kitchen cabinets often include:

Oak

Red oak and white oak are both extremely durable hardwoods. They are also relatively inexpensive for wood cabinets and are available in a wide range of styles and finishes, featuring pronounced grain patterns.

Hard Maple

Maple is a fine-grain hardwood that’s typically lighter in color. While pricier and less dense than oak, hard maple wood is still very durable and will hold up well in high-traffic rooms like the kitchen.

Cherry

If you are leaning towards an elegant wood kitchen cabinet style, then cherry is your best bet. It’s hard enough to withstand a lot of wear and tear, featuring a smooth, fine-grain pattern with a reddish-brown tone that will darken over time.

Custom Wood Cabinets

Of course, to truly benefit from the best wood kitchen cabinets, you should consider investing in custom cabinets. The process of crafting wood cabinetry is an artform; under an expert’s supervision, the right carpenter can build you wood kitchen cabinets that will last a lifetime.

Maintaining Your Wood Kitchen Cabinets

After all is said and done, you’ll need to properly maintain your wood kitchen cabinets to ensure they retain their original charm and function. Basic cleaning with a soft, damp cloth followed by a soft, dry cloth will keep them grime-free. However, it’s also suggested that homeowners deep clean their wood kitchen cabinets around four times a year. You can achieve this with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and hot water or with oil soap. Of course, you should always consult the cabinetry maker before testing any solution.

To learn more about cabinetry care or to find more custom cabinetry tips, explore AlliKristé’s blog. We are a custom cabinetry specialist who serves homeowners throughout Florida.