The Different Types of Wooden Cabinets for Your Kitchen

A kitchen remodel is a pretty big deal, and likely one of the biggest jobs you’ll ever undertake in your home. For that reason, it’s to be expected that many homeowners begin the process with a fair amount of trepidation. After all, home renovations are not a subject that most of us live and breathe on a daily basis. With any job of this magnitude, taking the time to do some research about the elements that will be used in the space can save you considerable time and money down the line. With that in mind, we’ve decided to shed some light on a very important part of a kitchen redesign: custom kitchen cabinets. If you’re a little uncertain about what type of kitchen cabinet will look and work best in your home, read on.

Choosing the Right Type of Wood for Your Cabinets

The material you choose to work with can greatly impact the style, functionality and longevity of your kitchen, so it’s not completely surprising that many homeowners struggle when it comes time to decide on the type of wood that will be used for their custom kitchen cabinets. Hopefully, the next few paragraphs will help to narrow your search.

 

Visit your local cabinet maker and they’ll tell you that they primarily work with hardwoods when building custom units. These woods tend to be denser and sturdier than softwoods that are available. The following is a list of a few of the different types of wood along with some of their more favorable characteristics. This list is by no means exhaustive (there are literally thousands of different tree species that you can choose from if you want something completely unique), but rather its purpose is to draw attention to which criteria are important to you.

• Red Oak: A pretty common wood type used for custom cabinetry, red oak is durable, strong, and when compared to the rest of the field, relatively inexpensive. It’s a versatile wood, lends itself well to many different types of finishes and features a pronounced grain.
• Maple: Beautiful in its own right, maple is often left “untouched” (many homeowners opt for a clear or natural finish as opposed to applying a stain to this type of wood), which gives off a more modern, contemporary aesthetic. Maple tends to be more expensive and less dense than oak.
• Hickory: Like oak, hickory has a great pattern, but it’s lighter colour means that more often than not a simple clear finish is applied in order to let the natural aesthetic of the wood do the talking. If you’re considering a rustic kitchen, hickory will work well.
• Cherry: This wood is very versatile and pairs well with contemporary and traditional styles. A very hard wood, cherry features a fine grain and tends to darken over the years.

In summary, each wood has its own advantages and while the “wrong” wood type can only be defined as the type you’re not happy with, be sure to consider these three very important characteristics when narrowing down some options or making your choice:

• Grain pattern: Do you want something subtle, or do you want to celebrate and highlight the grain pattern?
• Color: Remember that you needn’t settle for the wood’s natural color. If you love everything about the wood except for its natural hue, the right stain can make all the difference.
• Construction: If your aim is to build a kitchen that will stand the test of time, consider building the drawers using dovetails. It will use more wood and will be more expensive, but this sturdy method of construction will mean that your cupboards and cabinets will last a long time.  

The Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Wood Types

If you’re still having trouble narrowing down your list of potential wood types, it might help if you knew which woods other homeowners seem to favor. Remember, you may agree and you may not; the point is not to sway you towards a particular wood over another, but to give you a sense of what most people have in their homes. It’s still a good idea to speak to friends and family who have gone through the process themselves or with a professional cabinet maker. Here are some of the most popular wood types, in no particular order:

• Maple;
• Red Oak;
• Cherry;
• Walnut;
• Alder.

What Cabinet Color Should You Choose?

Much like the grain and durability of a particular wood, a wood’s color is a very important characteristic that you need to consider. Did you know that trees belonging to the same species can vary slightly in color from one tree to the next? Just imagine the potential color palette that is available to you! Of course, if this information is new to you, you might be lamenting that having an infinite amount to choose from is only going to make a tough choice all the more difficult. There are many widely available woods in the yellow/gold end of the spectrum, and many as well that feature dark colors, such as purple-toned black. Remember that you can also alter the wood’s color during the finishing process by choosing a light or dark stain.

 

Styles

If your head isn’t spinning yet after thinking about wood types and colors, hold on to your boots. Once you’ve covered the basics of the materials, there will be at least one more difficult decision to make: what style should you go for? If you haven’t been following recent trends in kitchen remodelling, here are a few that might appeal to you:

1. Shaker: Even if you aren’t familiar with the name, you’ve probably seen a shaker style cabinet, or currently have shaker-style cabinets in your home. Shaker cabinets are a five-piece flat-panel, meaning they’re constructed using four pieces of wood to frame a flat centre panel. It’s a classic style if not a simple one.
2. Louvered: Popular with modern, minimalist designs, louvered cabinets and doors are made up of horizontal slats. While they tend to come at a higher cost than shaker-style cabinets, because they are much more difficult to construct, they are great in kitchens that require ventilation.
3. Inset: If you’re looking for something classical, inset cabinets may be a great option for you. As the name implies, inset-style cabinets and drawers are set into the frame, for a clean look. Because each piece must fit perfectly, inset-style cabinets can be quite expensive.
4. Distressed: Arguably one of today’s more popular styles, distressed cabinetry delivers an antique look without the age. The techniques used to make new cabinets look old are truly something to behold.
5. Custom: If you can’t find the cabinets you want, you can certainly find a professional cabinet maker that will work with you to bring your vision to life. You’ll pay more, of course, but what you’ll be left with is something that is truly unique and won’t be available out of the box.

 

So there you have it. A beginner’s guide to choosing the right type of cabinets for your kitchen remodel. If you love the material, the color, the style and the price, then you’ve managed to build the perfect kitchen. Having said that, make sure you take the time to review as many options as you feel comfortable and if you still need help, considering enlisting the aid of a professional who’s seen it all before.