Have you ever gone into a home improvement store and been completely overwhelmed by the variety of wood types for kitchen cabinets on the market today? Lets talk about some Types of Kitchen Cabinet Wood.
When it comes to how to choose kitchen cabinet wood types, you want something that will withstand the usual wear and tear of kitchen cooking while also providing an eye-catching style.
So, to assist you in striking a balance between aesthetic and solidity when choosing kitchen cabinetry and flooring, here’s a look at the most common kinds of wood for cabinets, as well as their benefits and drawbacks.
1. Alder
Alder continues to be a design staple in any contemporary kitchen. This type of wood, which is pliant and supple, has been used in many different kinds of homes.
This species of plant is mostly found in the Pacific Northwest. Some have a gorgeous reddish undertone, while others appear a warmer yellow, providing cabinetmakers with a variety of styles to choose from.
This wood has great practical properties, making it one of the finest kitchen cabinet materials. Furthermore, many home builders believe that alder is a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for construction and renovation.
Homeowners should be aware that alder is considered a relatively soft wood of medium density that has low bending strength, shock resistance, and stiffness.
Pros:
- Alder is comparatively inexpensive when compared to other wood materials.
- Alder, unlike other timbers, does not darken over time.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, because of its knottiness, alder wood tends to stain irregularly.
- Alder rapidly absorbs moisture, causing the wood to warp and crack over time.
2. Oak
Because of its durability and ability to retain stains, oak is one of the best woods for kitchen cabinets. It comes in a variety of styles and finishes, displays distinctive grain patterns, and is most commonly used for classic cabinet styles.
The slower development rate of the oak tree makes the material denser and more suitable for furnishings. And, it is water-resistant and close-grained, making it an excellent option for indoor as well as outdoor projects. Oak is one of the Types of Kitchen Cabinet Wood.
Oak cabinets are highly resistant to absorption and warping when subjected to moist conditions. Overall, this wood works admirably even in high humidity and requires little maintenance.
Pros:
- Oak timber is unaffected by temperature or weather.
- It is not easily affected by outside factors due to its compact structure and extended lifespan.
- Oak’s detailed grain makes it ideal for rustic designs.
Cons:
- Because of the demand for it and the slow development rate, oak wood is costly.
- Because of its dense structure, oak wood is very heavy and difficult to transport.
3. Birch
Birch is a hard, fine-grained wood that works well with both machines and manual tools. It has a beautiful light appearance and many unique qualities.
The Birch family incorporates up to 60 different varieties. The majority of birch species are endemic to boreal regions in northernmost North America, and the hardness, grain pattern, and mass of these species vary.
Birchwood is primarily used to make home furniture. However, because of its light, strong, and inexpensive qualities, birch is also used to create high-quality boxes.
Pros:
- Birchwood is renowned for its durability and low maintenance requirements.
- It has a nice appearance because of the reddish light-brown hue and straight grain pattern.
- Birchwood is simple to work with because it easily takes stain and polish.
Cons:
- Because birch lacks natural rot resistance, it is unsuitable for outdoor uses.
- When exposed to constant sunlight and weather change, birch will become less ashy and acquire a slightly yellow color.
4. Maple
Maple is an Asian native, but it is most commonly found in the northernmost Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic regions. It is a fine-grain, light-colored wood renowned for its strength and low cost.
Tiger maple, red maple, and hard maple are the most prevalent types of maple. All of these different kinds have varying wood colors and grain patterns.
Maple can be stained, but for a light, contemporary appearance, it is usually dressed with a clear or natural finish. However, because it is a closed-grain wood, staining it without appearing blotchy takes practice.
Pros:
- Maple is well-known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for furnishings and other applications.
- Despite its toughness, maple is a breeze to deal with.
- When correctly finished, maple wood has a lovely appearance.
Cons:
- Due to everyday exposure to light, maple fades and may become yellowish over time.
- If there are drastic temperature changes in the home, such as relative humidity in the summer, maple will expand and contract.
5. Cherry
Cherry is one of the most appealing decor woods. It has a nice smooth finish and an appealing pinkish-brown to reddish-brown looks, with a timeless appearance that sticks out in any space.
It is ideal for kitchen applications due to its long lifespan and resistance to decay. In addition, despite its elegance and formality when employed for certain traditional styles, cherry’s design flexibility can give a kitchen a modern personality.
Despite being softer than other timbers, cherry is a tough hardwood. The smooth, fine-grained wood has a deep red to reddish-brown tone that becomes darker with age and is frequently stained for color consistency.
Pros:
- Because of its uniform grain and flexibility, it is a better option for furniture and cabinets.
- It works well with glue, nails, and fasteners.
- Cherry wood allows cabinetmakers to easily curve and turn it.
Cons:
- Cherry wood is a bit more expensive than many other hardwoods.
- Cherry wood staining requires a lot of experience.
- After being exposed to the elements, cherry wood changes appearance.
6. Ash
Ash is primarily used in furniture, interior parts of upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and architectural trim and cabinetry. This species is known for being straight-grained, strong, and hard, with white ash being the most superior variety in these qualities. Ash also possesses good bending properties, high shock resistance, and wears smoothly during usage.
There are around 65 varieties of trees and shrubs that fall under the category of ash. Among these, six types – white, pumpkin, blue, black, green, and Oregon ash – hold significant commercial importance for lumber and other wood-based products. White ash has a widespread presence throughout almost the entire forested region of the United States, east of the Great Plains, excluding the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. This species is also found in southern Ontario and Quebec.
Ash wood is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets due to its unique combination of strength, durability, and beauty. However, like any wood species, there are both pros and cons to using ash wood for kitchen cabinets.
Lets know more:
Pros:
- Durability: Ash wood is a hardwood and is known for its durability and strength. It is resistant to dents and scratches, making it a great choice for high traffic areas like the kitchen.
- Attractive Grain: Ash wood has a unique and attractive grain pattern that can add character and interest to kitchen cabinets.
- Versatility: Ash wood can be stained or painted to match any kitchen decor. It can also be finished with a clear coat to showcase its natural beauty.
- Affordable: Ash wood is relatively affordable compared to other hardwood species, making it a budget-friendly option for kitchen cabinets.
Cons:
- Susceptible to Warping: Ash wood is prone to warping when exposed to moisture, which is a common occurrence in the kitchen. Proper sealing and finishing are necessary to prevent warping.
- Staining can be Difficult: Ash wood is known to have inconsistent absorption of stain, which can make it difficult to achieve an even finish.
- Vulnerable to Scratches: While ash wood is durable, it can still be vulnerable to scratches and dents from sharp utensils or heavy kitchen equipment.
7. Walnut
Walnut is one the Types of Kitchen Cabinet Wood. It has been a preferred wood among cabinet makers since ancient Greece and throughout modern European history. This hardwood is known for its toughness and medium density. The creamy white sapwood and brown to dark chocolate brown heartwood of walnut boast darker streaks occasionally tinged with purple hues, and it develops a lustrous patina with age. Typically, the wood is steamed to darken the sapwood and has a straight grain with wavy or curly patterns, often featuring burled figures.
Walnut stands out among American wood species as it is cultivated on tree farms and also grows naturally. While American walnuts have darker hues than their counterparts from other regions, all walnuts display lively color variations due to dark brown, dark gray, and black streaks following the ring pattern in the wood. The tones of this wood range from pinkish brown with blackish-brown streaks, adding an extra layer of character and charm to the finished product.
Walnut wood is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets due to its unique properties. However, it also has its drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Walnut wood for kitchen cabinets:
Lets know more:
Pros:
- Durability: Walnut is a tough hardwood of medium density, making it durable and able to withstand wear and tear over time.
- Aesthetics: Walnut has a distinct and beautiful grain pattern that makes it an attractive option for cabinets. The wood develops a rich patina that grows more lustrous with age, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
- Color variations: Walnut wood has lively color variations due to dark brown, dark gray, and black streaks following the ring pattern in the wood. Tones can be pinkish-brown with blackish-brown streaks as well, making it a versatile option for various kitchen designs.
- Availability: Walnut is one of the few American wood species planted on tree farms as well as naturally regenerated, making it readily available in the market.
Cons:
- Cost: Walnut wood is relatively expensive compared to other hardwoods used for cabinets, which can be a downside for those on a tight budget.
- Maintenance: Walnut wood requires regular maintenance to preserve its natural beauty and protect it from wear and tear.
- Hardness: Walnut wood is a tough hardwood, making it difficult to work with. Cutting and sanding the wood can be challenging and time-consuming, especially for DIY projects.
- Color changes: Over time, the color of Walnut wood can change due to exposure to light, which may affect its aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
Your kitchen cupboard wood requirements will vary depending on your lifestyle. If you have plenty of heavy kitchen appliances, strength and stability will be the most essential factors to consider when selecting the wood material.
However, you must ensure that you are working with a cabinet maker who does not cut corners on wood quality in order to increase profits. Keep in mind that any cabinet maker that uses cheap fillers in place of genuine wood should be avoided.
Knowing this, it is critical that you select smart cabinet and countertop ideas that appeal to you. Keep in mind that having wood cabinets in your kitchen will have a significant impact on the general feel of your home.
This is how you deal with Types of Kitchen Cabinet Wood.
