When you think of cabinet materials, wood often comes to mind. This popular material is a tried-and-true choice for implementing long-lasting, space-saving solutions. Wood offers durable features and an elegant look that many non-wood materials attempt to replicate. But if you’re starting a home renovation project, it’s important to understand what you’re paying for and how materials can impact cabinet longevity.
Discover the benefits of choosing solid wood cabinets and how this material compares to other popular material choices like engineered wood and laminate.
The Benefits of Choosing Real Wood
Wood cabinets remain a popular choice for homeowners because they deliver many benefits. This material can add warmth to your home, and the unique character of each piece creates charm and exudes elegance. This timeless material can complement any style and offer long-lasting peace of mind.
Solid wood cabinets offer benefits like:
- Superior durability: One of the most significant benefits of solid wood cabinetry is enhanced durability. Solid wood can withstand daily wear and tear, which is essential for traffic-heavy places like the kitchen and bathroom. Although different wood types offer varying levels of strength, any solid wood choice can last decades with proper care.
- Beautiful aesthetics: Solid wood is also an excellent option for homes because of its beautiful aesthetics. You can create looks that exude rustic charm or embrace modern sleek designs. Opt for simple, timeless beauty or add elements to create a luxurious look. Find wood pieces to complement your existing aesthetic or remodel a unique space that centers around your new cabinetry. No matter what you envision, solid wood empowers you to do it all.
- High value: Wood cabinets can last for many years, allowing you to get the most out of your investment. While some large remodeling projects may seem costly upfront, opting for solid wood means you can go decades before needing a replacement. Sometimes, you may never need to replace your cabinets, offering a one-time investment for a lifetime of beauty.
- Customization: Regardless of the space you’re working with or the style you love, solid wood offers the customization you need to bring your vision to life. Solid wood enables you to create and enjoy custom cabinets. From choosing a finish to selecting the perfect shape, solid wood knows no limits.
- Sustainability: Wood cabinets are sustainable for several reasons. First and foremost, the long-lasting life spans of wood cabinets ensure you can enjoy decades of beauty. This longevity means you can reduce waste and avoid mass production by needing fewer replacements. Wood is also a renewable material, allowing you to positively impact the environment by choosing this material over plastic.
What Type of Wood Is Used for Cabinets?
Wood is a versatile material, and there are several common types to choose from. Depending on the specific variety you choose, you may notice enhanced properties. Understanding the different types can help you make an informed decision that enables you to enjoy your cabinets for a lifetime.
The best wood types for cabinets are:
Pine
Pine is a softer material variety, making it easy to work with and cut. This lightweight wood offers many customization opportunities and is an excellent choice for large wood pieces like hanging cabinets. With a light beige color, pine is easy to paint, further empowering unique looks and customization for every home.
Cherry
Cherry cabinets are strong and hardy, with a beautiful grain that delivers exceptional looks whether you leave it natural or apply color. This wood often has brown or red tones, adding to a home’s warmth. Cherry wood can obtain a darker look over time with exposure to light and oxidation, which makes applying a clear finish an excellent option for enhancing natural color and grain.
Oak
Oak, specifically red oak, is common for those looking to create traditional-looking cabinetry. It is less common to paint red oak cabinets as the wood’s natural beauty offers unique elegance. Additionally, you’re more likely to see the wood’s grain beneath any surface paint than with other wood varieties. Oak prices often fluctuate, but they tend to be moderate and affordable.
Maple
Maple is another popular cabinet material because it offers a generally straight grain pattern. This material is less porous than some other types, meaning you can apply dark stains without worrying about blotchiness. Maple is less dense than oak and can withstand temperatures very well, making it a great choice for bathroom and kitchen cabinetry.
Birch
This wood type has a more uniform surface, making it excellent for creating cohesive looks. This material can also develop unique colors as it ages, often gaining a slightly reddish hue over time. However, this material is easy to paint, allowing you to embrace natural or bold colors. Birch is very accessible in the United States, contributing to its lower price tag compared to some other wood varieties.
Engineered Wood vs. Solid Wood
To truly see the value of solid wood, it’s beneficial to understand the comparison to other common alternatives, like engineered wood. While engineered wood can bring benefits to homeowners, such as lower costs, there are several notable ways these materials differ. Here’s how they compare:
- Material: Engineered wood refers to man-made materials. Engineered wood could consist of furniture board, composite board, high-density fiberboard, plywood or another material. Similar to choosing a specific wood variety, the type of engineered wood you choose can bring different pros and cons. However, you may not always know what you’re getting when choosing engineered wood, depending on whether your manufacturer or seller discloses this information.
- Appearance: Despite the name, engineered wood does not offer the natural, sleek appearance of solid wood. While some options may look more natural than others, engineered wood will often feature repeating grain patterns and other signs of inauthenticity.
- Damages: Engineered wood cabinet doors warp with sunlight exposure with some finishes. This issue can create an unsightly appearance, and to make matters worse, it can be challenging to repair. In many cases, you will need to replace warped pieces. Materials such as particle boards can break easily, presenting another challenge, especially if you don’t know the complete makeup of your materials. Replacement and maintenance costs can quickly offset your initial savings.
Laminate Cabinets vs. Wood Cabinets
Another common cabinet material choice is laminate. This material offers benefits for those looking to embrace endless design options but falls short when it comes to long-lasting peace of mind. Here’s what you need to know:
- Durability: A significant difference between these materials is durability. While wood cabinets can last decades, laminate cabinets will require replacements in shorter time frames. However, laminate can better withstand dents and scratches, which may be more suitable for those with young children or pets.
- Aesthetics: Laminate offers an immense selection of patterns and colors, which can be attractive for those looking to embrace bold trends. Alternatively, wood offers a timeless beauty.
- Cleaning: Laminate cabinets only need soap and water to maintain their look, while wood cabinets may need more attention. Cleaning solid wood cabinets requires an effective routine that preserves the wood’s integrity. You should also consider applying wood conditioners or similar solutions every few months to maintain shine.
- Cost: Many people consider laminate to be a more budget-friendly material. Wood cabinets are often more expensive than laminate options because wood offers enhanced durability and long life spans. While laminate may offer a small initial investment, you’re more likely to need replacements over your lifetime and can expect lower value than wood cabinets.
Choose Solid Wood Cabinets From WG Wood Products
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Cabinets should be functional and beautiful. When you’re investing in your home, why not opt for the long-lasting, durable option that brings peace of mind? At WG Wood Products, you can find solid wood cabinets that meet quality standards. We have nearly two decades of industry experience and more than 10,000 items to browse. Customize your home with our quality cabinets. Request a quote to get started.