What Is the Best Wood for Cabinets? (With Pictures)

Cabinets—they appear in all styles, sizes, and shades. Most importantly, they are crafted from different wood supplies. Some professionals swear by maple, although other individuals declare nothing at all can examine to birch and beech. So, how do you make the right option here? What does the ideal wood for kitchen cupboards seem like? We’ve got your back on this one particular! Right after months of meticulous, arms-on tests, we created a checklist of top-fourteen woods for cabinets.

The checklist includes ash, hickory, oak, maple, alder, and birch, to title a number of. All these wood sorts have different hardness scores, density, and resistance to environmental factors. Let’s just take a closer seem at each wood sort and see which ones offer the proper combine of aesthetics, simplicity of use, reliability, and affordability.

The 14 Best Woods for Cabinets

1. White Oak

What Is the Best Wood for Cabinets? (With Pictures)
Image Credit: u_jup1hbno, Pixabay
 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 1,360 lbf
Wood Density 56.2 lb/ft3
Water Resistance High
Flexibility Moderate/High

White oak is one of the most employed normal woods in furnishings. It requires quite tiny energy to stain/finish or paint. More importantly, it boasts previously mentioned-average hardness and density, which equals an extended lifespan. As for the graining, it is coarse, uneven, and will display by means of stain—if you are likely for an all-organic look, keep this in head.

Another massive pro of white oak is it is extremely resistant to not only drinking water but also rot and UV rays (daylight). Adaptability will be a part of the offer as effectively. Regardless of the impressive hardness, this wooden is straightforward to operate with. White oak isn’t particularly low-cost, however.


2. Red Oak

 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 1,290 lbf
Wood Density 48.7 lb/ft3
Water Resistance Low
Flexibility Moderate

What’s the distinction amongst white and crimson oak—that’s the large concern here. Properly, red oak has a lighter, much more organic texture. The wood grain sample is more robust, as well. If you have got kids and animals in the property, red oak will be a more realistic select, as it does a much better task of concealing very small dents and scratches. In addition, it’s less costly than white oak and seems excellent on kitchen area cupboards.

On the downside, pink oak is not at all drinking water-resistant (so, not a really very good selection for a humid location) and normally takes far more energy to operate with. Furthermore, the hardness ranking is a little bit reduced, but the difference isn’t that massive.


3. Maple

 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 1450 lbf
Wood Density 47.1 lb/ft3
Water Resistance High
Flexibility Moderate

The ideal thing about maple is that it functions excellent with any stain but even now maintains the wonderful normal-wood look. You can try out portray or varnishing it right up until you get that ideal vibe for the kitchen. This tree mainly grows in Asia, which is why maple cabinets created in China are reasonably-priced, even with this becoming an high-priced hardwood. Maple is a challenging and comparatively dense species with higher water resistance and ok workability.

As for the shade, it ranges from creamy to white and suits a extensive variety of kitchen area patterns, specifically standard designs. Ultimately, maple is hugely resistant to scratches, dents, and dress in.


4. American Cherry

What Is the Best Wood for Cabinets? (With Pictures)
Image Credit: Artazum, Shutterstock
 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 995 lbf
Wood Density 34 lb/ft3
Water Resistance Very High
Flexibility Very High

There are several distinct cherry species on the earth, but American cherry is the a single that fits cabinets greatest. Its hardness and density ratings are not off the charts, however this is even now a long-lasting and reliable wooden variety. The a single point that tends to make it stand out is the flexibility. American cherry is quite simple to minimize, form, complete, or paint. Furthermore, it very easily handles even the optimum humidity levels.

Following, the deep and wealthy purple/brown color, alongside with the wavy grain, is perfect for kitchen and dwelling place cabinets. The only draw back is cherry is fairly pricey, but it also has that premium, timeless appear.


5. Ash

 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 1,320 lbf
Wood Density 53 lb/ft3
Water Resistance Low/Moderate
Flexibility Moderate

If you are heading for a organic, light-weight theme for the cupboards, ash may be specifically what you need to have. It is hard, durable, dense, and does not take several years of knowledge to function with. Ash stains nicely and seems great, equally treated and normal. Now, what helps make it a truly attractive pick is the cost-effective value. It grows in the States and is a quite well-liked selection in American households.

It’s not especially extravagant but does search wonderful. As for the cons, resistance to water, decay, and scratches is common at very best.


6. Mahogany

What Is the Best Wood for Cabinets? (With Pictures)
Image Credit: Pixabay
 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 900 lbf
Wood Density 56 lb/ft3
Water Resistance High
Flexibility Very High

What tends to make mahogany a worthy select for kitchen area cabinets? First, it’s received a dim, deep, and elegant tone (reddish-brown). Next, it is water and decay-resistant, stains properly, and can be painted in excess of. It’s secure to say that mahogany is a single of the greatest-hunting wood species out there. It is durable, difficult, and has an earlier mentioned-typical density score. However, it is also quite expensive it charges much more than oak, maple, and walnut.

In the long run, it depends on your spending budget for the cupboards. If you’re ready to invest a bit additional for best-notch top quality, mahogany will be income properly spent. If not, go for something less costly, like ash or red oak.


7. Hickory

What Is the Best Wood for Cabinets? (With Pictures)
Image Credit: Psnoonan, Shutterstock
 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 1,820 lbf
Wood Density 38.7 lb/ft3
Water Resistance Low
Flexibility Very Low

Did you know that hickory is one of the hardest wooden species in the entire world? Yes, which is correct, and it means two items: hickory cupboards will last for several several years (if not decades) with minimal upkeep. Nevertheless, this wooden is also difficult to work with. To stain it, you’ll have to sand the surface with heavy-grip sandpaper. In addition, resistance to humidity is nicely underneath common.

On the bright aspect, hickory has a bright, uplifting brown color and will go completely with a rural slash rustic concept. The issue that tends to make this hardwood well-known is the cost-effective price.


8. Poplar

 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 540 lbf
Wood Density 31 lb/ft3
Water Resistance Moderate
Flexibility Very High

Is poplar even hardwood? That’s what most men and women feel when they check out its hardness and density. Effectively, of course, it is hardwood, but a delicate a single. As you have possibly presently guessed, lower strength means substantial overall flexibility. Poplar is simple to stain or paint and has a relatively “boring” texture that’s quite effortless to match to a extended list of styles.

This is 1 of the minimum pricey choices on the marketplace, by the way. So, if you’re searching for a lower-priced, flexible, and functional wood for your kitchen area cabinets, poplar might be the appropriate pick. It will not last for decades, but as a quick and cheap solution, you cannot go incorrect with it.


9. Birch

What Is the Best Wood for Cabinets? (With Pictures)
Image Credit: Artazum, Shutterstock
 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 1260 lbf
Wood Density 38.1 lb/ft3
Water Resistance Low
Flexibility Moderate/High

Darker than maple and more powerful than most hardwoods on the industry, birch is a splendid choice for kitchen area cabinets. With the proper complete, it will look virtually as lush and high-priced as the best-tier wooden species. The most significant downside of birch is its weakness against humidity, decay, and rot: inflammation and warping are likely to be an situation with this hardwood.

And if you accidentally scratch or dent it, that will be a little bit demanding to disguise. Still, as a reduced-priced and flexible material for cabinets, birch is a discount.


10. Beech

 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 1300 lbf
Wood Density 56 lb/ft3
Water Resistance Very Low
Flexibility High

Beech has a whole lot in frequent with birch. Just like its “big brother”, it characteristics a straight-ish, mild-brown grain and a decent hardness rating. The pattern is a little bit diverse, even so, and it is denser than birch. Beech is an even less costly alternative to oak, maple, and cherry and stains well, specifically if you are likely for lighter tones. Woodworkers, in turn, appreciate its adaptable nature beech is very simple to lower and form to your liking.

Pale in coloration, beech fits standard kitchens best but is also appropriate with present day, classic, and futuristic designs.


11. Walnut

What Is the Best Wood for Cabinets? (With Pictures)
Image Credit: Klem Mitch, Shutterstock
 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 1,010 lbf
Wood Density 38.1 lb/ft3
Water Resistance High
Flexibility High

Walnut is not inexpensive. It does increase in the US and Canada, even though, and is broadly accessible. With a slightly above common hardness score and respectable density, it doesn’t scratch, dent, or warp very easily. Nevertheless, its largest attractiveness is the lush, sleek brown color that goes exceptionally well with contemporary-day kitchen area components and appliances.

This wooden is offered in dozens of different grains and hues. To deliver out the grain and make it shine by way of, we advise using a mild end/coating.


12. Pine

 Wood Type Softwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 1225 lbf
Wood Density 31 lb/ft3
Water Resistance Moderate/High
Flexibility High

Pine is a softwood species, not a hardwood. So, does that indicate it is brittle, difficult to maintain, and warps simply? Not at all! Pine has an exceptionally higher hardness rating for softwood (1225) and can stand up to typical to large humidity levels. It is a adaptable wood sort and has a “royal” yellow hue with a rural/rustic vibe, regardless of the lower price tag.

Yes, pine is one of the most affordable woods for cabinets. Sadly, there is one particular downside: it very easily scratches and dents. But, if you are cautious, this shouldn’t be that big of a dilemma.


13. Douglas Fir

 Wood Type Softwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 660 lbf
Wood Density 33.1 lb/ft3
Water Resistance Low/Moderate
Flexibility Moderate

An evergreen conifer, Douglas fir is a softwood species, like pine. It is not extremely hard, durable, or dense. Moreover, it is not at all resistant to scratches. You might still want to hold it on the record, however, since this wooden is inexpensive, flexible, and has a “universal” style that provides the kitchen a cleanse, clean appear.

The pale, rosy-coloured tone performs specifically properly on cupboard doorways. We would not advise making use of this wooden in humid places, even so.


14. Alder

 Wood Type Hardwood
Hardness/Denting Resistance 590 lbf
Wood Density 42 lb/ft3
Water Resistance Moderate/High
Flexibility Very High

Alder is a hardwood species, but it is not at all tough. That can make it a highly adaptable choice, which is great information if you are a specialist carpenter and want to manufacture the new cabinets for your kitchen manually. Reduced toughness also means a shorter lifespan, of system. Alder looks a lot like cherry and will come at a considerably reduced cost.

Aside from, it has a softer hue that will get lighter as it ages. Conventional, transitional, rustic, and farmhouse—alder will fit all these styles like a glove. You can go with knotty alder as properly. It’s not very popular but but it is just as beneficial.

How To Pick the Right Wood for Kitchen Cabinets?

What is the distinction amongst paint and stain? Is hardwood the greatest option for cabinets, or not? Does versatility engage in a huge function here? Read on, and you’ll find responses to all these queries in our comprehensive guide.

What Is the Best Wood for Cabinets? (With Pictures)

Hardwood Or Softwood?

For most property owners, the limited answer will be hardwood, of system. It is significantly sturdier and has a outstanding lifespan in comparison to softwood. Additionally, it needs very small upkeep. Hardwood is quite hefty, however, and usually costs much more. Softwood, in contrast, has a shorter support daily life, but it is significantly more affordable. In addition, softwood is far more flexible and demands considerably less drive and capabilities to operate with.

Hardness And Density

No issue how costly a particular wooden species is, if it has a beneath-typical hardness rating, it won’t stand the examination of time. The increased the hardness rating, the much more resistant they will be to wear and dent. Density is also critical. It defines how rigid and robust the material is.

Environmental elements like humidity, atmospheric pressure, and temperature fluctuations have a enormous influence on wooden. Above time, they make it warp and tumble aside. Moisture is the most significant “enemy” of any wooden sort. So, check the h2o and decay resistance ahead of investing in any wood species.

What Is the Best Wood for Cabinets? (With Pictures)
Image Credit: shadowfirearts, Pixabay

Flexibility/Workability

You need to only fret about flexibility if you are arranging on carving out the cupboards manually. Deficiency of workability is one particular of the biggest downsides of hardwood, while softwood is less complicated to lower and condition. In most cases, the greater the hardness-density, the reduce the versatility, but this rule doesn’t often implement.

Stained Or Painted?

In several techniques, it depends on your personal tastes. Some individuals love the natural seem of different wood species. If you’re just like that, staining will be the appropriate decision. It’s less costly than paint, easier to apply, and ideal for bringing the natural wooden grain forward. On prime of that, you won’t have to primary the wood before applying it. In distinction to paint, stain absorbs into the wooden alternatively of spreading over the surface. Even so, this can also be a con.

Dependent on how absorbent the area is, you might need to add several layers/coats of stain for it to “stick”. Paint also benefits from an added layer or two. But, as talked about, it does not seep into the wood but relatively stays on prime of it. Furthermore, with paint, you have tons of distinct colors, mattes, and sheens to pick from. Paint is pricey, though, and does not seem fantastic on non-primed surfaces. Moreover, it tends to peel.

Conclusion

The ideal factor about wooden is you are cost-free to merge diverse types/species and finishes to generate the right vibe. So, if you are getting a new house or just transforming the kitchen, make confident to select the excellent wood for the cupboards. As we uncovered these days, oak, maple, walnut, and hickory are some of the strongest and most sturdy alternatives.

They do cost a lot, but if you’re searching for high quality wood for your cabinets, these will be a reasonable expenditure. And then we have birch, pine, and beech that come at a far more affordable price tag. Get your time with our record, pay out extra consideration to the metrics, and rock individuals new wooden cabinets!


Highlighted Impression Credit score: timltv, Shutterstock

Contents