- Softwoods for Cabinetry
- How to Avoid Warping and Damage to Your Wood Cabinets
- How Much Do Wood Cabinets Cost?
- Should You Finish or Paint Your Wood Cabinets?
- Shop Quality Wood Cabinetry With WG Wood Products
Cabinetry is one of the most important aspects of any home. While cabinet trends are always changing and color schemes touching every end of the spectrum, wooden cabinets stand the test of time. Whether you are renovating your space to replace cabinetry or starting from scratch with new construction, wood cabinets are an honest choice.
With so many different choices for wood cabinets, it’s a decision that takes a bit of time and consideration since not all wood is the same. Before choosing what kind of wood to use for your cabinets, there are some factors you should consider.
Wood Cabinet Features to Consider
When you’re selecting new wood cabinets for your home, there are a few qualities of the wood to think about:
1. Color
Natural wood comes in many color variations. You’ll have various options to choose from, plus the opportunity to make any customizations to the style of the wood.
The two most common ways to customize the color of wood cabinets are by painting or staining them. Painted cabinets have a smooth, clean finish that gives a modern, high-end look. Stained wooden cabinets offer a more traditional, rustic look. The different finishes of the wood you can use depend on the specific wood you select, so that is something to keep in mind.
2. Construction
Not all wood is the same. So when looking for the best wood for your cabinet, it is important to look at the quality of the material, specifically the way the joints line up. The joinery of cabinets on the less expensive side is usually assembled by stapling the sides together, which is not the sturdiest. Solid wood cabinet construction will give your home quality, functional accents.
3. Durability
Wooden cabinets are the most durable of all cabinet construction materials. Even when it comes to repairing, they are easier to fix than other cabinet materials. The strength and durability of wood cabinetry are unmatched. Note that construction, wood type and finish can all contribute to improved durability.
4. Grain
Wood is a product of nature, and because of that, there will be variations in the grain. Grain refers to the different knots, markings, patterns and textures found within the natural wood. It is distinctive and can only be found in solid wood, so other cabinet materials like laminate can’t flawlessly mimic the look of wood. Depending on the woodcut and species, these patterns and textures may vary. When describing the grain, there are many different terms used:
- Arch grain patterns areU-shaped and can feature inverted V-shapes.
- Cross grains feature a pattern of parallel lines.
- Curl grain is characterized by circular patterns.
- Fine grains have subtle, inconspicuous lines.
- Spiral grain patterns feature tornado shapes.
- Straight grains have simple, vertical line patterns.
- Wavy grain includes line patterns in waves.
Best Solid Hardwoods for Cabinetry
With those factors in mind, you can decide what the best wood for your cabinetry would be. Some of the best solid hardwoods include:
Cherry
Cherry wood is considered a hardwood, despite being on the softer side when compared to other hardwoods. Cherry wood is also considered to be a luxury wood and is known for its rich appearance.
The original color of cherry wood is a rich reddish-brown, but it can darken from exposure to light and air. No need to worry, though, because cherry wood can be easily stained to any color of your choosing with a nice finish. Even after being stained, the natural texture of the wood is visible, which makes this type of wood unique. One thing to note is that it can sustain normal wear and tear more easily than other hardwoods. Still, it is durable and great for cabinetry.
Maple
Maple is a strong, nonporous hardwood known for its smooth, fine wood grain. Maple wood cabinets are popular and highly suitable for kitchens because of their durability.
This wood ranges in color from creamy white to reddish-brown. Maple is a relatively versatile wood that works well in various kitchen styles. It is one of the hardest wood types. Occasionally, maple wood can lose its luster if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Maple works well in a variety of stains or paints and ends with beautiful results. If you’re looking for customizable wood for your cabinets, maple is a good choice.
Ash
Ash wood is known for being easy to work with and for its seamless finish. This wood is one of the least expensive materials and a strong wood type for cabinets.
Natural ash wood comes in a variety of tones, from light brown to beige. Painting or staining ash wood is also pretty easy if you’re looking for customizable wood. If sealed properly, these types of cabinets require little to no maintenance to keep their smooth, unique appearance. Ash wood is porous, so if it is not treated properly, it is prone to rotting. Due to environmental factors like sunlight, your light ash wood cabinets may become a little darker, or your darker cabinets may turn lighter.
Hickory
Hickory wood is another popular type of wood for cabinetry. This wood is easily accessible and known for being one of the sturdiest woods. If you are looking for the most durable wood for your cabinets, hickory wood is a good choice. The colors of hickory wood come in a range of shades, from dark brown to shades of white. When stained, hickory takes natural or light colors well.
Oak
Oakwood is one of the most common solid woods because oak trees are found all over the world. Depending on the specific type of oak, the colors of the wood range from dark brown or red to light tan and red.
If those aren’t the colors you want for your oak cabinets, much like hickory, this wood takes well to staining. Just be aware that oak has a strong natural graining that will likely show through almost any color. In addition to having strong graining, it is also a very durable wood.
Commonly Used Hardwoods for Cabinetry
Some of the most commonly used hardwoods include:
Birch
Birch wood is grown in Canada throughout the Northeastern United States. Due to there being an abundance of birch, it is an affordable wood option. It is a pale color wood with a slightly rough, uneven texture that looks the best in traditional kitchens.
Birch takes a bit more effort to stain, so when considering this type of wood, keep its natural colors in mind. When stained, it looks quite similar to walnut, mahogany and cherry. If your cabinets will be receiving a lot of activity, birch is a great choice. It is a durable hardwood, and it holds nails and screws very well.
Beech
Similar to birch wood, beech wood is ideal for sturdy furniture that will be used frequently since it’s known for its durability. Beech wood has a pale reddish-brown color that can be easily stained. Beech also has a subtle grain and texture and is a highly popular alternative to oak wood. Woodworkers say beech is one of the easiest woods to work with, allowing for nearly any style to be achieved with the material.
Red or White Oak
Red oak is a strong, durable wood, available in a wide range of styles and finishes. It has pronounced grain patterns that usually show through any stain, so this wood is commonly used in traditional kitchens and homes.
White oak is a durable, strong wood, as well, and is considered to be stronger than red oak. With subtler grains and light golden tones, it is stain-friendly, but many love its natural hue. In most cases, white oak is used for custom-made options.
Rich and Dark Woods for Cabinetry
Popular rich dark woods include:
Walnut
Walnut is a classy wood used for high-quality cabinetry. It’s known for its signature color, which is a rich dark brown, but walnut also comes in other color variations. It can range from a pale light brown to a dark chocolate brown color.
The graining in walnut has swirls and waves, which makes it unique compared to other woods. Walnut is a versatile wood and works well in a variety of design styles, from traditional to modern. When walnut ages, it may lighten slightly in color. All in all, walnut is a strong, durable wood and will last for years if properly maintained.
Mahogany
Mahogany wood is a tropical wood grown in South and Central America. Mahogany is a popular choice, known for its smooth texture that makes it good for carving. It has warm tones from tan to reddish-brown that become darker over time like cherry wood. Mahogany features a straight grain pattern, suitable for modern and traditional homes alike.
Other cabinet materials need waxing and care to get a glossy finish, while mahogany wood has a natural glossy finish. With or without staining, mahogany finishes nicely, so this type of wood is customizable. As the wood ages, mahogany may take on a deeper and darker tone, giving cabinets a rich look. With proper maintenance, mahogany wood will last for years because of its rot resistance and durability.
Softwoods for Cabinetry
Softwoods are another popular option, which include:
Spruce
Spruce is a straight-grained softwood that is tougher than its counterpart, pine. While this wood is not as commonly used for cabinetry as other varieties, it is an option.
Pine
Pine is the only softwood often associated with cabinets for cabins. However, it does pair well with modern and contemporary kitchens and homes. Pine has a smooth texture and is moisture resistant, so it won’t swell or crack.
This material has yellowish light tones, popular for rustic styles. Pine is easy to stain, which makes this wood versatile. It is prone to denting more easily than hardwood options. This wood type can be easily nicked and scratched, making it less durable than other wood types. So, it is essential to properly care for pine cabinets. Pine is eco-friendly and affordable, making it a popular softwood option.
Fir
Fir wood is known for its stability amongst the other softwoods. It is light in color, but when exposed to sunlight, it can darken and redden over time. It is also not as easy to veneer, with its straight grain and medium coarse texture. It is one of the most durable softwoods.
How to Avoid Warping and Damage to Your Wood Cabinets
Wood warping is a deformity in the wood that occurs when moisture affects different parts of the wood unevenly. Several factors affect wood warping, and some of those factors are easier to control:
- Proper storage: The way you stack the wood is important to prevent warping. One technique is to rest wood in a stack on a flat surface.
- Proper drying: The way the wood dries affects warping. One technique is to seal the ends of the wood to prevent warping and uneven drying.
- Proper sawing: If you or a manufacturer doesn’t saw the wood correctly, the wood will be prone to warping because of uneven cutting. Sawing the wood so that the grain is parallel to the edge of the board can prevent warping.
How Much Do Wood Cabinets Cost?
Wood cabinetry price ranges can vary. The cabinet wood type and the style will determine the cost. Stock cabinets usually have a lower price than semi-custom. Fully custom-made cabinets tend to cost the most since they’re made to fit your specific space. When using rare wood types, the price could be higher for custom designs. The price per cabinet can be in the low hundreds on average, but getting a quote for your room will give you a more accurate answer.
Should You Finish or Paint Your Wood Cabinets?
When it comes to painting or staining your wood cabinetry, all types of wood will do. But know that different types of wood will work easier one way and vice versa.
There are advantages to both painting and staining your cabinets. What you select will depend on your preferences and your home renovation goals:
- Longevity: Stain on cabinets can last for over 20 years with minimal maintenance, while the paint on cabinets lasts for about 10 years before it needs to be retouched. Paint is prone to chipping and cracking rather than stain, making stain a popular choice.
- Cost: Staining your wooden cabinets typically costs less than painting. With painting, you’d have to factor in priming, while staining wood doesn’t always require a primer coat.
- Variety: While there is a wide variety of stain finishes for your wood cabinets, you can find more variety with paint. If you’re looking for the option with the most color range, then painting it is the way to go. It all depends on the style and look you are going for.
Shop Quality Wood Cabinetry With WG Wood Products
If you are looking for the best quality wood for your cabinetry at affordable prices, there isn’t a better choice than WG Wood Products. At WG Wood Products, we manufacture an extensive selection of unique custom wood cabinets and storage and organization solutions for your home.
Providing our customers with quality wood cabinets is our priority. We offer an incredible range of customization options to help you achieve the exact look you want. We take pride in making custom wood cabinets and will work with you to find the best wood for your cabinetry. Connect with us to create your one-of-a-kind space with new cabinetry.
