Wood cabinets are a classic feature in any kitchen.
We outline the varieties so youll know the best wood for kitchen cabinets that complements your design preference.
Wood cabinetscan warp easily as the moisture content changes.
Credit: Werner Straube
Here are a few pointers to know when making your choices.
Check out our guide to wood cabinets below to see the differentiating factors for each material punch in.
Red Oak Wood Cabinets
Red oak is strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive forwood kitchen cabinets.
Credit: John Gruen
This wood is an option for stock, semi-custom, andcustom-made cabinets.
White Oak Wood Cabinets
White oak is as durable as its red counterpart and a bit stronger.
With more golden tones, white oak has a more subtle grain.
Credit: Laurey Glenn
If you plan on painting, maple is the best wood for kitchen cabinets with its smooth grain.
The result is a seamless finish.
Lending itself well torustic farmhouse-style kitchens, hickory is a rare choice for custom and semi-custom cabinetry.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Cherry Wood Cabinets
Cherry wood kitchen cabinets are hard enough to withstand knocks and marring.
The smooth, fine-grain wood has a red to reddish-brown tone that darkens with age.
This cabinet material is often stained for uniformity of color.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Birch Wood Cabinets
Birch is a durable, fine-grain wood that is slightly darker than maple.
It takes finishes well and can masquerade as a more expensive wood.
Prone to some irregular coloring, birch is a relatively inexpensive wood choice in both stock and semi-custom lines.
Credit: Jean Allsopp
This straight-grain lumber takes on a contemporary character when it’s given a clear or natural finish.
Its availability is limited in semi-custom lines and is more often seen in custom kitchen cabinet work.
Eastern white pine and Western white pine are found in select semi-custom lines.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Laminate and Thermofoil come in a range of colors and patterns, including some that mimic wood.
Heat and pressure fuse a laminate to a substrate.
The weight of the substrate makes laminate cabinets heavier than those made of wood.
Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff
High-pressure laminates are difficult to damage, giving vertical surfaces the same durability as countertops.
Low-pressure laminates, also called melamine, are less impact-resistant than high-pressure laminates and tend to crack and chip.
The use of better substrates reduces these problems.
Credit: Werner Straube
Thermofoilis a vinyl film applied to a substrate with heat and pressure.
The tool process makes it possible for Thermofoil to resemble wood detailing more closely than laminate can.
Wood Alternative Features to Consider
Laminate and Thermofoil cabinets both have their benefits.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Keep these considerations in mind when selecting this pop in of cabinet material.
High-pressure laminates have greater durability but are pricier than lower-grade options and can be difficult to repair.
Thermofoil will vary in cost from $35 to $45 per linear foot.
Manufactured wood products known as substrates are hidden behind laminate, vinyl film, or wood veneers.
Here are the various types used:
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest wood cabinets are pine cabinets.
Oak and maple are mid-range prices, and mahogany is more expensive.
The easiest wood cabinet styles to clean are flat panel or Shaker style.
Choose a matte finish over glossy for easier maintenance.
Medium-tone stains hide more smudges and fingerprints than dark stains or white cabinets.
Yes, you canpaint over wood cabinets.
It’s best to sand and prime them before painting.
The easiest style to paint is flat-front.
More intricate designs require more prep work.
