Choosing the best wood for cabinets can be a challenge. After all, you must pick the one that can hold up wear and tear when cooking in the kitchen while serving an eye-catching design or style.
Perhaps you’ve been searching the net for the right wood for your kitchen cabinet doors. If so, I’ve prepared this guide to help you out.
Popular Types Of Wood Cabinets
The solid wood kitchen cabinets you must invest in should have functionality and style. However, every wood used in kitchen cabinets has a unique appearance and quality.
Here are the most popular wood cabinet varieties that I rely on:
1. Maple
Over the years, I’ve found myself continuously gravitating towards Maple when selecting wood for cabinets. In my experience, its versatility is unmatched, effortlessly blending with a vast array of home decors. Further, you can paint them any color you desire. However, steer clear of maple as wood for making axe throwing targets.
Hard Maple
Wood kitchen cabinets made of hard maple can withstand high force or abuse and are highly resistant to scratches and dents. Additionally, they’re easy to clean and eco-friendly.
Soft Maple
You must apply a pre-stain wood conditioner before applying a stain to this kind of kitchen cabinet. I learned the hard way that without it, soft Maple can turn uneven and blotchy, quite unlike its robust counterpart, hard Maple.
What I Like
- It's a highly durable hardwood
- What impressed me was how effortless it was to stain and paint
- Its versatility allowed me to use it for various cabinet designs, fitting both traditional and contemporary styles
- Moisture-resistant, which ensured my projects stayed in top condition even in humid settings
What I Don't Like
- One downside is that Maple can sometimes be a magnet for certain insects, so it's essential to keep an eye out
- I observed that cabinets can get yellowish when exposed to sunlight
2. Oak
Oak is typically available in different colors, from dark red to lighter shades depending on the type of oak and whether you have applied a light or dark stain.
Red and white oak cabinets also have a distinctive aesthetic quality that adapts to modern styles.
Red Oak
Delving into specifics, red Oak, with its Janka rating of 1,260 lbf, has repeatedly proven its mettle in my projects. This allows red oak cabinets to have high resistance against harsh wear and tear. Red oak also has pink undertones, adding uniqueness to one’s kitchen cabinet.
Rift-Cut White Oak
Rift-cut white oak is much lighter in color than red oak. However, white oak still bears slight purple and pink hues. White oak has a straight grain pattern that cuts like flakes.
What I Like
- Oak's sturdiness made it a reliable choice; they felt robust and well-built
- Maintenance was a straightforward task, and any minor damages were easy to repair
- Another plus was its ability to handle heavy loads
- Its resistance to wear and tear meant less frequent refurbishing or replacements
What I Don't Like
- The only snag was the price – Oak doesn't come cheap
- It darkens over time, which some might find charming, but it's good to be aware of
3. Birch
In my years of crafting kitchen cabinets, I’ve observed that birch consistently complements contemporary styles beautifully. One thing I particularly admire about birch is its superior finishing properties. It takes paint so well that even when going for a farmhouse style, it looks impeccable.
Birch wood can also effortlessly absorb dark stains and fit your desired design. Additionally, birch is one of the best wood types for bathroom shelves.
What I Like
- I was delighted to find that Birch fit right within my budget, making it an affordable option
- It's decay-resistant, adding to its longevity.
- I was aiming for a more contemporary style, and Birch offered that sleek, modern look I wanted
- When it came time for finishing, Birch was wonderfully cooperative, taking both paint and stain beautifully
What I Don't Like
- One thing I had to be cautious about was its sensitivity to moisture; Birch isn't particularly resistant to wet conditions
- I also noticed in drier climates, Birch tended to crack and warp a bit
4. Walnut
Like most wood cabinets, walnut cabinets are extremely durable, with high resistance against scratches and dents. Interestingly, walnut cabinets and kitchen tables can hold heavy stuff without chipping or cracking.
What I Like
- It's highly durable
- Walnut's resistance to both mold and water was a major plus, especially for damp areas like the kitchen
- Being eco-friendly, Walnut gave me peace of mind knowing I was making an environmentally responsible choice
- The wood accepted both stain and paint with ease, providing a smooth finish
What I Don't Like
- Installation was a bit challenging, perhaps due to Walnut's density
- It's expensive
5. Pine
For those dipping their toes into the world of woodworking, especially cabinetry, pine wood cabinets have been my go-to recommendation. Pine, being a softwood, is delightfully workable. Over the years, I’ve seen many woodworking beginners find their footing starting with pine.
What I Like
- I've always loved that classic, rustic look, and Pine delivered just that for my cabinets
- The moisture-resistance of Pine was reassuring, especially for areas prone to dampness
- A noticeable advantage of Pine was its stability, with minimal swelling or shrinking over time
- Another benefit was its light weight, making handling and installation simpler
What I Don't Like
- They demand higher maintenance.
- It's somewhat prone to dents, especially in high-traffic areas.
6. Poplar
Poplar cabinets are softer than other best woods, making it easier to nail and screw. Furthermore, poplar wood cabinets vary in color. However, they look less appealing with a natural appearance.
What I Like
- It's an affordable option
- Fastening Poplar was a cinch; it took nails and screws without any fuss
- Its lightweight nature meant I could manage and maneuver it easily during the installation process
- I was truly impressed by Poplar's workability, making the crafting and shaping processes smoother
What I Don't Like
- It can be too soft for some
- Susceptible to dents, so a bit of caution is advised in high-use areas
7. Hickory
Hickory wood is more rigid and stronger than oak and maple wood. Its flame-like wood grain pattern provides an illusion of a casual look. In addition, hickory cabinets have a variety of colors ranging from white to reddish brown.
What I Like
- When I refinished my Hickory cabinets, both staining and painting were straightforward processes
- What stood out for me was its incredible durability, ensuring a long lifespan
- The range of colors gave an aesthetic advantage
- Another plus was its resilience; these cabinets took daily use in stride, showing remarkable wear-and-tear resistance
What I Don't Like
- The price tag is a little steep
- It seemed to attract more insects than I'd anticipated, so it's something to be mindful of
8. Mahogany
Mahogany wood kitchen cabinets have straight wood grains and expansiveness, making them a luxurious choice for wood materials. Though I’ve seen them grace only a few homes, partly because of their need for regular maintenance and the expensive price point, they are a symbol of timeless elegance.
What I Like
- I found it to be cooperative when it came to staining and painting
- The high durability of Mahogany reassured me of its long-lasting nature
- Its rich reddish-brown color adds an elegant touch
- The sturdiness was evident; it felt robust and well-constructed
What I Don't Like
- One challenge was its rarity; finding a matching replacement piece was a bit of a task
- It darkens over time
9. Cherry
Cherry wood is something I often recommend to budding woodworkers. They are excellent for nailing, polishing, gluing, and screwing, perfect for newbie woodworkers. Aside from that, cherry cabinets look traditional, warm, and inviting.
What I Like
- I was surprised by how lightweight they were, making them easier to install
- Feeling the surface, its smooth texture stood out and gave the cabinets a refined appearance
- Adds a nice rich look and aesthetic appeal
- Excellent finishing properties; they took to staining and sealing incredibly well
What I Don't Like
- It's on the pricey side
- I noticed they were somewhat prone to scratches, so I had to be careful around them
10. Ash
Ash is a wooden cabinet material that has a heavyweight handling ability. On top of that, ash wood custom cabinets are perfect for those who pay attention to details. They have an attractive unique look with a good finish.
What I Like
- A notable feature of Ash cabinets is their shock-resistance, ensuring longevity even with occasional bumps
- They can be installed in large spaces
- The wood grain patterns were truly a sight to behold, adding depth and character
- As for sturdiness, Ash cabinets held their ground, ensuring I didn't need replacements any time soon
What I Don't Like
- One thing to note is that Ash seemed more flammable compared to other wood types I've used
- These cabinets required a bit more upkeep to maintain their pristine look
11. Beech
When it comes to longevity on a budget, I often find myself recommending beech for both bathroom and kitchen cabinets. Beechwood has a lovely texture with a more subtle grain pattern. You can also color them as you wish while being cost-effective.
What I Like
- Working with Beech was a delight due to their high workability, which made customization much simpler
- It accepted both staining and painting effortlessly, allowing me to achieve my desired look
- Another advantage was their capability to support heavy things
- Surprisingly, they also stood strong against the occasional bumps, showcasing their commendable shock resistance
What I Don't Like
- Over time, I noticed that Beech cabinets were a bit of a magnet for pests
- They didn't fare too well in high-humidity environments due to their subpar moisture resistance.
12. Spruce
Spruce wood is one of the most commonly used in the cabinet industry. It has a straight grain pattern with a high hardness quality. You can see spruce cabinets in garages and shops.
What I Like
- The flexibility of Spruce was evident, allowing for slight adjustments without causing any damage
- I was pleasantly surprised to find Spruce to be quite cost-effective
- Despite its lightweight nature, it didn't compromise on strength, boasting an impressive strength-to-weight ratio
- Installation was quite straightforward, thanks to its lightweight character
What I Don't Like
- One drawback was its susceptibility to insect attacks, so I had to be proactive in their protection
- While they looked beautiful, they weren't the best choice for areas prone to decay
13. Douglas Fir
The following wood material is less durable than other woods. However, the Douglas Fir woods for kitchen cabinets can last years with regular maintenance and a good finish.
What I Like
- The cabinets I made of Douglas Fir held up well against the natural decay, giving me peace of mind about their longevity
- Their versatility was a notable feature, allowing me to utilize them in various designs and settings
- What caught my attention was their innate flexibility; these cabinets adjusted to minor modifications without any hitches
- I appreciated the fact that it's chemical-free, making them a safer choice for the home
What I Don't Like
- Maintaining them was a bit of a task as they needed regular attention and care
- Another issue I encountered was their vulnerability to insect attacks
14. Alder
Knotty Alder wood cabinet doors have a rustic natural finish that improves the woodwork quality. Its natural beauty can easily match your office, kitchen, dining room, and bathroom designs.
What I Like
- The beauty of Alder cabinets lay in their versatility, which made them fit seamlessly into different design schemes
- Eco-friendliness was a significant plus, making me feel good about choosing a sustainable option
- Whenever I needed them, I found Alder readily available, ensuring that supply wasn't an issue
- Getting the desired finish was a smooth process as Alder responded well to both painting and staining
What I Don't Like
- One challenge was its soft nature, which required a gentle touch during the installation process
- Minor incidents left their mark, making Alder cabinets more susceptible to visible scratches
15. Bamboo
Bamboo solid wood cabinets have a high resistance to splits and cracks. It is also softer than some hardwoods, but its strength is unbeatable.
What I Like
- Installing cabinets made of Bamboo was straightforward, saving me a lot of time and effort
- One thing that stood out was its resistance to water, which made it an excellent choice for areas like the kitchen or bathroom
- The sturdiness of Bamboo cabinets impressed me every time I used them, ensuring that they withstood daily wear and tear
- Their durability was a testament to the long-lasting nature of bamboo
What I Don't Like
- Over time, I noticed that Bamboo cabinets were somewhat prone to deterioration
- Another thing to consider was the varied wood quality I came across when choosing Bamboo, requiring a keen eye during selection
16. Plywood
Plywood frameless painted cabinets are popular cabinets in Europe. This material is not only for interior house aesthetics but also for construction purposes.
What I Like
- The flexibility of Plywood cabinets was evident, as they could bend slightly to accommodate various designs
- Their lightweight nature made the installation process much more manageable
- Despite being light, Plywood cabinets never compromised on sturdiness
- Their affordability was a boon, especially when working on a tight budget
What I Don't Like
- A downside was their vulnerability to water damage, which meant extra precautions in damp areas
- I also found that sanding and painting them required additional effort
Are All Wood Types Created Equal?
The short answer is no. The best wood for cabinetry relies on an individual’s personal taste, preference, and budget. Additionally, the construction method in the cabinet making must follow your housing’s specific needs.
Hard vs Soft Wood
The Janka hardness test determines how hard or soft your wood is. Ensure that you have chosen the wood species that matches your house interior.
Grain
Wood patterns range from pronounced grain patterns to straight, spiral, and curvy natural grain patterns. They are an excellent touch to your space.
Color
You will have no difficulties finding the perfect wood color for your cabinet wood types. Wood cabinets are available in various colors, from light brown to dark brown.
Pre-Assembled vs RTA Cabinets
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are the most popular options for those who want to save pennies on shipping and installation. On the other hand, pre-assembled cabinets are ideal for those who are not short on cash and have time to assemble themselves.
Read Next: Best Wood for Birdhouses
Conclusion
If you ask me, the best wood for cabinets has no one-size-fits-all answer. However, the vital features you must look for are its longevity, highly durable wood, and paint-grade wood with a medium-density fiberboard [1].
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
