Kitchens are a central part of every home and often serve as the heart of the household. Because kitchens see so much use, it is important to choose the right materials when renovating this space. Wood kitchen cabinets are a popular option, but not all woods are suited for this application. In this blog post, we will explore the best wood for kitchen cabinets and offer some advice on how to select the right one for your renovation project.
Wooden Cabinets
Wooden cabinets are a classic feature in any kitchen. When stained or kept natural, the wood that is used in making cabinets provide different unique qualities and appearances but selecting the best wood for cabinets is one of the toughest decisions. There are many wood cabinet varieties like solid wood cabinets, pinewood cabinets, and white oak cabinets which can make your wood kitchen cabinets astonishing.
Varieties of Wood
There are many types of wood cabinets ranging in color and style based on the material used. The most commonly used ones are
Red Oak Wood Cabinet
Red oak is the most popular type of wood for kitchen cabinet materials. It is a strong, durable wood that can take a lot of wear and tear. Red oak cabinets also have a beautiful wood grain pattern that adds character to your kitchen. Red Oak can be found in a wide range of colors, from light blond to reddish brown.
White Oak Wood Cabinet
White oak is another popular option for oak cabinets. It is a bit more expensive than red oak, but it is also more resistant to scratches and dents. White oak has a very unique grain pattern that can add a lot of visual interest to your kitchen due to its wood quality.
Maple Wood Cabinets
Maple Cabinets are made either of hard maple wood or soft maple as they are wood one of the strongest and most durable options. They are also very resistant to scratches and dents. Hard maple cabinets have a light, creamy color that can brighten up your kitchen. Hard Maple Wood Cabinets cost a bit more than other woods, but they are worth the investment.
Cherry Wood Cabinets
Cherry Wood Cabinets are a popular choice for kitchens because they add a touch of elegance to the space. Cherry wood has a rich, red hue that will make your kitchen stand out. Cherry cabinets are also very strong and durable, making them a good choice for cabinets that will see a lot of use.
Hickory Wood Cabinets
Hickory Wood Cabinets are great for kitchens that see a lot of activity. Hickory is a very hard and durable wood, making it resistant to scratches and dents. Hickory also has a beautiful grain pattern that will add character to your kitchen. Hickory Cabinets look great when stained or left with a natural finish.
Birch Wood Cabinets
Birch Wood Cabinet is a type of luxury wood that has a light color with a fine grain. Birch is a very strong and durable wood, making it an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets. Birch Cabinets are also very resistant to scratches and dents. Birch cabinets are available in Pale white to reddish brown.
Ash Wood Cabinets
Ash Wood Cabinets look great in any kitchen. Ash is a strong and durable wood, making it ideal for cabinets that will see a lot of use. Ash also has a beautiful wood grain pattern that will add character to your kitchen. Ash Wood Kitchen Cabinets are also very resistant to scratches and dents.
Pine Wood Cabinets
Pine Wood Cabinets are a great option for kitchens that are on a budget. Pine is a strong and durable wood, making it ideal for cabinets that will see a lot of use. Pine also has a beautiful fine-grain pattern that will add character to your kitchen. Pine Wood Kitchen Cabinets are also very resistant to scratches and dents. Pine wood cabinets design can be found in many different styles, making it easy to find the perfect match for your kitchen.
The types of wood used in wood cabinets hold the key to making your kitchen beautiful and mesmerizing.
Kitchen Wood Cabinet Finish
Depending upon the wood or material used you can have different types of wood finish that match the kitchen. The three main finishes are
Stain Finish
Staining your wood cabinets is a great way to add color and character to your kitchen. There are many different types of stains to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your kitchen. When staining your wood cabinets, be sure to apply the stain evenly. If the stain is applied too thickly, it will be difficult to achieve a uniform finish. Be sure to test the stain on a hidden area of the cabinet before applying it to the entire surface.
Instruction
- Clean the surface of the cabinets with a mild cleaner. Be sure to remove all grease and dirt from the surface.
- Sand the surface of the cabinets with fine-grit sandpaper. This will help to create a smooth surface for the stain to adhere to.
- Apply the stain evenly to the surface of the wood kitchen cabinets.
If you are not happy with the results, you can always sand and re-stain your cabinets. Be sure to allow the stain to dry completely before applying a sealant.
Plain Finish
Plain Finish cabinets are left unstained and unfinished. This is a great option if you want to show off the natural finish beauty of the wood. Plain Finish cabinets are also easy to maintain, as they do not require any special care or treatment.
Instruction
- Gather cabinet materials
- Clean the surface of the cabinets with a mild cleaner.
- Sand the surface of the cabinets with fine-grit sandpaper. This will help to create a smooth surface for the paint or sealant to adhere to.
- Apply paint or sealant evenly to the surface of cabinets.
- Allow the painted cabinets to dry.
Glaze Finish
Glaze Finish cabinets are stained and then sealed with a clear glaze. This gives the cabinets a beautiful shine and makes them easy to clean. Glaze Finish cabinets are also very durable, as the glaze protects the wood from scratches and dents. Applying a glaze to your wood kitchen cabinets is a simple process.
Instruction
- Sand the cabinets down to bare wood.
- Next, apply a stain of your choice.
- Allow the stain to dry completely before applying the glaze.
- Apply a clear sealant to protect the cabinets from dirt and grime.
- Polyurethane Finish is achieved by sealing the wood cabinets with a layer
When choosing a finish for your wood kitchen cabinets, be sure to consider the overall style of your kitchen. If you have a modern kitchen, you may want to choose a more contemporary finish for the wood type used, door style, and other wood materials. If you have a traditional kitchen, you may want to choose a more classic finish with luxury wood.
Alternative Wood Types
Wood can be hard to get for cabinets but there are four wood alternatives that can be used for kitchen cabinets.
Solid Hardwood
Solid Hardwood is the best type of wood to use for kitchen cabinets. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for cabinets that will see a lot of wear and tear. Solid wood cabinets are also easy to clean and maintain. However, solid hardwood is also the most expensive type of wood to use for cabinets. If you want to save money, you can use less expensive wood for the frame of your cabinets and use solid hardwood for the doors and drawers.
Engineered Wood
Engineered Wood is a type of wood that is made from multiple layers of wood. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for cabinets. Engineered Wood is also available in a variety of colors and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect match for your wood kitchen cabinets.
Veneer
Veneer is another type of wood that is made from multiple layers of wood. A veneer is thinner than Engineered Wood and making it less expensive. Veneer is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets because it is strong and durable, making it ideal for cabinets that will see a lot of wear and tear. Veneer is also available in a variety of colors and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect match for your kitchen.
Laminate
Laminate is a type of material that is made from multiple layers of plastic. Laminate is less expensive than both Engineered Wood and Veneer. It is also available in a variety of colors and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect match for your kitchen. Laminate cabinets are durable to heat and moisture, making them ideal for cabinets that will be exposed to these elements.
Tips For Choosing Wood
Some things to look for when choosing wood includes:
- Wood warp over time
- Finished or unfinished wood
- Custom design
- Affordable or not
- Stained wood or not
- Kitchen Design or look
When making cabinets be sure to plan ahead that either you want modern styles or traditional styles or you wanna leave the natural beauty of the wood. You can also make custom cabinets according to your desire.
Transform Your Kitchen With Expert Opinion
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most important pieces of furniture in a home. Not only do they provide storage, but they also contribute to the overall design and feel of a space. When it comes time to choose new kitchen cabinets, there are many factors to consider like the type of wood you select, the finish you want, and other alternatives in the market as well. Hiring a professional can help you make that decision more easily. Artistic Cabinet Finishes can help you renovate your kitchen cabinets according to your desires.
