Wood Cabinets 101: A Listicle on How to Choose the Perfect One

When remodeling your kitchen or any room in your home, the most critical decision is choosing the right type of wood cabinets that fit your design style and your home's needs. With so many options it is easy to feel overwhelmed or confused by the sheer number of choices. 

It is important to consider the wood type, color, and style of your cabinetry, as well as keeping in mind key factors such as budget and quality. The wood choice impacts everything from durability and cost to the overall look and feel of your kitchen or any other room. In this blog, we will break down the most popular wood options, compare their pros and cons, and help you to confidently answer the question: What wood cabinets should I choose?  

Top 6 Wood Types for Cabinets (and Who They’re Best For)

1. Oak Cabinets

• Best for: Traditional/rustic kitchens 
• Pros: Long-lasting, affordable, commonly available, strong grain adds texture.
• Cons: Prominent grain may not accommodate modern/sleek designs

2. Maple Cabinets

• Best for: Contemporary/transitional kitchen
• Pros: Smooth grain, light color, good with paint and stain, long-lasting 
• Cons: More expensive than oak, less visible grain

3. Cherry Cabinets

• Best for: Upscale-elegant kitchens
• Pros: A rich, reddish-brown tone that enhances with age, and a luxurious appearance
• Cons: Expensive, softer than other hardwoods

4. Hickory Cabinets

• Best for: Rustic/western style kitchens
• Pros: Strong, shock-resistant, dramatic color variations
• Cons: Bold grain may have too many small spaces

5. Birch Cabinets

• Best for: Cost-effective remodels
• Pros: Inexpensive, takes paint well, smooth, creates an even appearance
• Cons: Inconsistent in quality, not as durable as maple or oak

6. Walnut Cabinets

• Best for: Upscale-modern kitchens
• Pros: Deep, rich brown color, unique grain
• Cons: Expensive, sensitive to dents and scratches

5 Tips for Balancing Cabinet Quality with Your Budget

Cabinets can be expensive; therefore, it is essential to evaluate your budget as part of your decision for cabinet choice. Here are 5 tips for balancing cabinet quality with your budget;

1. Prioritize Key Areas: If you're on a budget, consider using a combination of affordable and high-end wood. Forinstance, use a high-quality wood like cherry or walnut for accent pieces, such as islands or cabinet doors, while opting for a more affordable wood like oak or birch for the rest of the cabinets.
2. Opt for Stock or Semi-Custom Cabinets: Custom cabinets made from high-end woods can be quite expensive. Consider stock or semi-custom cabinets, which offer a wider selection at a more reasonable price.
3. Consider the Finish: The finish you choose can impact both the look and price of your cabinets. High-end, hand-applied finishes can add significant cost, while simpler, factory-applied finishes might be more budget-friendly.
4. Look for Discounts and Sales: Some cabinet manufacturers offer sales during certain times of the year, or you can find discounted models that have been discontinued or have minor imperfections.

Focus on Durability: Higher-quality wood cabinets tend to last longer, so investing in a mid-range or high-end option can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs or replacements.

Solid Wood vs. Veneer: What’s the Difference?

When choosing wood cabinets, you’ll also need to choose between solid wood and wood veneer.  

• Solid wood cabinets are made from natural wood. They are very durable but more expensive than veneer. Thesecabinets are great when you want a quality and unique addition to your kitchen.
• Veneer cabinets use a thin layer of wood over plywood or MDF. They are a more affordable option and less prone to deformation. These are a great option when you want a high-end appearance at a lower price. 

How to Choose the Right Wood Cabinets for Your Home

After reviewing the types of wood cabinetry, it's decision time! Here are a few tips to guide your decision:

1. Consider your style - What type of kitchen style are you looking for? Oak and hickory would be good options for a traditional or modern kitchen. Maple and walnut would be better for a sleek or elegant kitchen. The style of your cabinetry should match your style throughout the rest of your home, consider the long-term benefits of the style you choose, and ensure it aligns with the overall look of your house.
2. Think about the finish - Would you rather paint your cabinets or show their natural grain? If you prefer painting, consider maple and birch for their natural grain. Alternatively, cherry and walnut look better with a stain. 
3. Evaluate your budget - If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, oak and birch are the way to go. If you want more high-end options, look into cherry and walnut. 
4. Look at durability - Hardwoods like maple and hickory are ideal if durability is high on your list. 

Final Thoughts: What Wood Cabinets Should You Choose?

The best wood cabinets for your needs depend on your budget, design style, and durability requirements. No matter which wood cabinet you choose, the right wood will bring comfort and value to your home for years. 

Timber Ridge Table Company is a custom home furnishings woodworker located in Maryland with a specialty in live edge tables, epoxy tables, and unique wood furnishings. At Timber Ridge Table Company, we take pride in delivering one-of-a-kind, handmade, extraordinary products and custom woodwork.

All custom furniture is customizable by hand-picking your own wood slab, as well as the additions to it. We are here to bring your custom wood creation to life. 

Let us design a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for you; together we can make something amazing! To get a free quote, contact us via our contact form or call at 240-204-4781.