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Wood kitchen cabinets for centuries have been painted white and gray, hiding the natural wood texture underneath. Though white cabinets are considered forever in trend, many homeowners have started appreciating the natural grain appearance of wood. 

solid wood cabinets

Unique Kitchen Cabinet Wood Species

There are several types of wood that can be used for kitchen cabinets, but in this article, we will go through 5 common types of wood for your kitchen cabinet. With a little enhancement, you can let the natural grain pattern of the wood shine through giving your kitchen a classy look. 

Best Wood for Kitchen Cabinets

Walnut

For several years walnut has been considered a symbol of luxury and has gained popularity with the homeowners. Its availability in rich tones from creamy off-white sapwood to deep chocolate brown heartwood, adds depth to your kitchen. 

Natural finish works best on walnut cabinets, providing prominence to the swirling grain pattern, and giving your kitchen a classy look. To get a rich and luxurious look, walnut goes well with a dark brown color finish. 

Oak

Oak’s strength and durability have made it a favorite of interior designers across the globe. Moreover, it’s easily available and takes stains well. Apart from being cheaper than some of its counterparts, oak is wear-resistant. Water doesn’t soak into it and neatly flows off the cabinet. Depending on the cabinet finish, the color of the oak cabinet can range from pale honey, to red or even white.

Oak kitchen cabinets

Birch

Birch has a fine texture with an off-white color and straight grain. It is used as a more affordable alternative to cherry. The characteristics of white birch are similar to that of the maple, and it is a medium hardwood. Birch accepts stains well and is mostly used as a base for solid color finishes. Birch can achieve a shimmery finish when used on medium to darker stains producing a unique effect caused by interlocked grains of varying densities.

Cherry

Cherry wood cabinets add depth and character to your kitchen with their reddish and rich brown appearance. Cherry is considered as a medium hardwood with fine texture and straight grains; therefore, making it a good choice for a variety of styles. Easy maintenance and good moisture resistance make Cherry a good choice for the kitchen. Cherry is so sensitive to light that a high level of natural light can cause it to darken significantly. For this reason, cherry is used with stains that compliment its natural appearance.

 Hickory

Hickory cabinets are used by many owners to give their kitchen a rustic and natural look. It’s a hardwood known for its contrasting dark and light streaks. Its durability and distinctive grain pattern makes it a popular choice to be used for kitchen cabinet. Its wild contrast makes it visually appealing, hence a preferred choice for many homeowners. Hickory takes on stains well, but remember that the darker the stain is, the more likely it is to lose its contrast. 

Hickory kitchen cabinets

FAQs Related to Wood for Kitchen Cabinets

The most common wood used for kitchen cabinets is oak, due to its durability, availability, and ability to take stains well.

Walnut is often considered a premium choice for kitchen cabinets due to its luxurious look and durability, but the “best” wood can depend on your specific needs and budget.

Besides wood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood are common materials used for kitchen cabinets, often due to their lower cost and ease of customization.

Oak, maple, and cherry are commonly used woods for kitchen units. Each has its own set of advantages in terms of durability, aesthetics, and cost.

If you’re looking for durability and luxury, walnut is often cited as the best. Oak is a strong and durable choice that’s also less expensive. Cherry offers a rich, deep color.

Birch and pine are typically cheaper wood options for kitchen cabinets. They are both relatively soft compared to hardwoods like oak or walnut but are generally suitable for paint or light stains

In the end, choosing the best wood type for your kitchen cabinet depends on your own personal liking and preferences. Choose wood that is easy to maintain, durable and most importantly fits your budget. 

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