New Kitchen Cabinets: Part V - Choosing the Right Wood

Kitchen cabinets come in a variety of materials and finishes. If you're building a new home or contemplating a kitchen remodel, there are a number of factors that will influence what type of wood and finish you choose. Some of the factors include how long you plan to live in your house, if you are trying to increase your home's resale value, and if you're going for a contemporary, ultra-modern, or traditional look.

Wood Types

Wood never goes out of style and the majority of kitchen cupboards are at least partially made of wood. Wood adds a feeling of warmth, lasts for years, and if chosen well can fit nicely with the design of the entire house. The type of wood and finish you choose will impact the cost and durability of your cabinets. Some popular woods for kitchen cabinetry are:

Oak - one of the hardest woods, it is durable and features a grain that creates a country look and feel.
Maple - also a hardwood, it adapts to both modern and traditional decor. It is also durable enough to last for years.
Pine - susceptibility to scratches makes it among the least expensive and most likely to age quickly. The knots in pine give it a country look.
Walnut - darker in tone, it can even appear black and the sheen deepens over time.
Mahogany - elegant and rich-looking due to grain and reddish hues, mahogany is also a popular choice.

You may also choose a cabinet that features a less expensive material than hardwood, such as particle board or plywood interiors with genuine or faux wood doors.

Finishes

Wood treatment will impact the appearance and longevity of your cabinets. You can choose from a variety of paints, stains, or varnishes to achieve the look and feel you want in your kitchen. Modern, factory-applied finishes require little maintenance and offer years of protection.

When choosing a finish, keep in mind that wood cabinetry develops a patina or shine over the years. The lighter the wood is, the darker the patina will be. Lighting and humidity also affect how your cabinets look as they age.

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