Wood kitchen cabinets offer a timeless, natural look that can warm up any kitchen. With so many options for wood species, finishes, door styles and custom designs, wood cabinets provide almost endless possibilities to match your taste and kitchen decor. From traditional to contemporary to cottage, wood cabinetry transcends style.
Benefits of Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Wood kitchen cabinets offer many benefits beyond just attractive aesthetics:
Timeless Appeal
Wood never goes out of style. The natural beauty of wood has appealed to homeowners for centuries. Wood cabinetry provides a classic look that fits seamlessly into traditional and contemporary kitchens alike. The rich grain patterns and range of wood stains and paints allows you to customize your look.
Durability
High quality wood cabinets are extremely durable. Hardwoods like maple and oak hold up well over years of constant use. Solid wood doors and frames will last a lifetime. Wood can be easily repaired, restained or repainted over time. With proper care, wood cabinets remain beautiful and functional for generations.
Value
Though initially more expensive than stock cabinets, wood cabinets are a valuable investment that will increase the worth of your home. Custom wood cabinetry offers the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. This translates to many years of daily use without needing replacement.
Customization
One of the best features of real wood cabinetry is the ability to fully customize your design. With the expert help of a cabinet maker, you can select the exact wood species, finish, door style, storage solutions and accessories to perfectly suit your kitchen layout and style. Every detail can reflect your personal taste.
Storage Solutions
Wood cabinet construction allows for customized storage features like pull-out shelves, spice racks, wine racks and other specialized storage solutions. This helps keep your kitchen items organized and easily accessible. Clever storage can also reduce kitchen clutter.
Green & Sustainable
Using solid wood cabinets is an environmentally responsible choice. Sustainably harvested wood is a renewable resource. Real wood cabinets use less energy and waste than manufacturing synthetic materials. And solid wood cabinets can be recycled, reused or repurposed at the end of their lifetime.
Natural Insulation
Wood provides more effective insulation than metal or synthetic materials, helping keep kitchen temperatures comfortable. Solid wood acts as a thermal mass, absorbing and radiating heat slowly, preventing temperature swings.
Types of Wood Kitchen Cabinets
With so many wood species, grains, colors and finishes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the best wood cabinets for your kitchen. Here is an overview of the most popular woods used for kitchen cabinetry:
Oak Cabinets
Oak is a top choice for cabinets due to its availability, affordability and natural beauty. The distinctive grain patterns and range of finishes make oak cabinets suitable for both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Red oak has a reddish hue. White oak has a mellower tan/brown tone. Oak holds up well to daily wear and tear.
Maple Cabinets
Maple is a hardwood prized for its smooth, fine grain pattern. The light blond wood has a pale uniform appearance. Unfinished maple has a bright white tone. Stained maple takes darker stains well for an elegant look. The hardness of maple makes it extremely durable. Its versatility fits any decor from modern to farmhouse.
Cherry Cabinets
Cherry wood has a distinctive reddish-brown hue and visible dark brown grain lines. The rich color deepens into a darker amber tone with age. Stained cherry has a dynamic depth and accentuated grain patterns. Distressed cherry finishes are also popular. Cherry adds a luxurious warmth well-suited to traditional decor.
Hickory Cabinets
Hickory is known for its bold grain patterns and natural brownish red to tan color. The rustic wood has visible markings from knots and mineral streaks that provide decorative character. Hickory is extremely hard and durable. The pronounced grain provides a dynamic look. Its strength makes it suitable for high-use areas like a kitchen.
Walnut Cabinets
Prized for its luxurious appearance, walnut has a rich dark chocolate brown color with darker brown grain patterns. Subtle gray undertones provide depth. The elegance of walnut fits well in upscale traditional or contemporary kitchens. Walnut adds warmth and enhances natural light. Durable walnut wears gracefully over time.
Pine Cabinets
Pine has remained popular for generations due to its affordability and ability to be customized. Simple knotty pine provides a rustic cottage look. Clear pine offers a more refined appearance when stained. Durable and easy to work with, pine can be finished, painted or distressed for any style from modern farmhouse to coastal.
Alder Cabinets
Alder is appreciated for its affordability and ability to mimic more expensive woods when stained. With a straight, even grain pattern, alder takes stain uniformly. The wood has a light tan color that can be easily darkened with stains. Unfinished alder has a yellowish undertone. Durable alder provides an economical option.
Teak Cabinets
Used extensively for outdoor furniture, teak is also suitable for kitchen cabinets due to its exceptional hardness and weather/water resistance. Teak has a coarse, oily grain with colors ranging from golden brown to a dark brown. Teak has natural oils that help it stand up to moisture. The attractive wood gains a silvery patina with age.
Bamboo Cabinets
Eco-friendly bamboo has become a popular choice for sustainable kitchen cabinets. Made from fast-growing grasses, bamboo has distinct light-colored stripes along the grain. Bamboo can be stained like wood or used in its natural blonde hue. Though a grass, bamboo has a hardness comparable to many hardwoods like oak.
Wood Cabinet Finishes
The finish plays a key role in the final look of wood cabinets. Consider these popular options:
- Stain: Penetrating wood stains add rich color while allowing the beauty of the wood grain to show through. Stain color options range from light natural tones to dark espresso hues. Different woods take stain differently.
- Paint: Painted wood cabinets provide limitless color options from white to bold hues. Paint obscures the wood grain for a solid, opaque look. Use a high quality cabinet paint for durability.
- Glaze: A colored translucent glaze adds an extra layer of color over stained cabinets. Glazing accentuates the grain below for added depth and dimension. Popular glaze colors include brown, gray, black or white.
- Oil: Oils like tung oil accentuate the natural wood grain by soaking into the pores versus coating the surface. Oiled cabinets have a rich, low luster sheen. Oils allow the natural color to shine.
- Wax: Waxes add protection with a smooth, low luster finish. Natural beeswax and wood waxes enhance the subtle variations in the wood. Wax finishes keep a natural appearance and feel.
- Lacquer: Clear lacquers provide a durable, protective finish that dries quickly. The clear coat adds sheen without altering the natural wood color. Lacquers bring out the depth of stain or wood.
- Varnish: Clear varnish forms a hard, glossy surface finish. Varnish creates a smooth, polished look that accentuates the variations in wood grain. The thick protective coating is more suitable for furniture than cabinets.
- Whitewash: Whitewashing coats wood with a chalky, matte white finish. The white paint remains translucent so wood grain shows through. Whitewash creates a beachy, Scandinavian vibe.
Styles of Wood Kitchen Cabinets
With an extensive range of door designs to choose from, wood cabinets can be customized to match any kitchen decor. Consider these popular wood cabinet door styles:
Shaker Style
Defined by their clean, simple lines, Shaker style cabinet doors have a timeless appeal. The flat center panel is framed by the same width top and bottom rails and side stiles. Recessed panel doors and slab doors are common Shaker styles.
Raised Panel
Raised panel doors feature a solid wood center panel that sits higher than the frame around it. The dimensional look offers shadow lines and depth. This traditional style adapts well to formal, country and contemporary kitchens.
Beaded Inset
Beaded inset cabinetry has doors with a decorative groove cut into the inside edge that fits into the cabinet frame. The traditional Old World style provides a built-in look with dimensional detail.
Louvered
Louvered cabinet doors place overlapping strips of wood diagonally over the door. This allows ventilation while providing a decorative screen. The dynamic lines offer a casually elegant look.
Windowpane
Mullion bars, small strips of wood, form “windowpanes” over the cabinet doors and drawers. The grid-like design adds charming architectural detail in an unobtrusive way.
Distressed
Distressingcreatesaweathered, imperfection look by intentionally distressing the wood with dents, wormholes, cracksand othercharacteristics. The finish mimics the natural patina of aged wood.
Glass Front
Glass front cabinet doors allow you to display attractive dishware while introducing light. Glass panel doors work beautifully in combination with solid wood cabinet doors. Etched, frosted and colored glass offer further options.
Arched
Arches add a graceful architectural element to cabinets. Rounded upper cabinet doors provide beautiful visual interest. Arched panels and arch-shaped cutouts modernize the historical design.
Custom Design Options
One of the biggest perks of solid wood cabinets is the ability to fully customize your design. Consider these custom options:
Built-in Appliances
Integrate appliances like refrigerators, ovens and microwaves directly into cabinetry for a unified appearance. Appliances can be fronted with matching cabinet panels. This helps reduce visual clutter.
Interior Storage
Maximize kitchen storage with pull-out shelves, glass-front drawers, Lazy Susans, tilt-out trays, spice racks, tray dividers, waste bin compartments and other specialty storage solutions fitted to your specific space.
Adjustable Shelving
Having shelves that can be moved up or down to accommodate various item sizes helps maximize cabinet efficiency. This versatility prevents wasted vertical space.
Unique Materials
Accent your classic wood cabinetry with special materials like zinc countertops, natural stone backsplashes, metal handles and glass tiles for contemporary flair.
Open Shelving
Incorporate wall-mounted open shelving in place of upper cabinets for a lighter, more spacious ambiance. Open shelves work well in casual, country or urban kitchens. They allow you to creatively display decorative dishware.
Two-Tone Combinations
Mixing two complementary stained or painted wood tones provides bold contrast. Popular combinations include white uppers with stained lowers or contrasting stain hues on base and wall cabinets.
Backsplashes
Creative backsplashes like marble tile, metal tiles, subway tile, reclaimed wood, travertine and rustic stone make a big visual impact. Extend backsplashes to the ceiling for a feature wall effect.
Moldings & Trims
Extra architectural details like crown molding, light rails, fluted columns, decorative feet and accent trims provide custom elegance. Moldings contribute shadow lines and dimension.
Hardware
Update the look simply by switching out cabinet hardware for glass knobs, bold metal pulls, hammered hardware or unique shapes like criss-cross cutouts. Mixing hardware finishes also adds character.
Maintaining Wood Kitchen Cabinets
With proper care and maintenance, wood kitchen cabinets will stay beautiful and functional for decades. Here are some top tips for caring for your wood cabinetry:
- Dust cabinets frequently using a soft lint-free cloth to prevent dust buildup.
- Clean cabinets with a mild soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive pads.
- Use a wood cleaner and polish to protect and enhance wood’s natural luster.
- Tighten any loose hardware promptly like hinges and pulls to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
- Inspect cabinets yearly. Fix nicks, scratches and rehang loose doors to limit damage.
- Consider refinishing cabinets every 5-10 years. Sand lightly, re-stain, paint or add a fresh topcoat as needed.
- Use cutting boards, hot pads and coasters religiously to protect cabinet surfaces from knives, heat and moisture that can mar finishes.
- Immediately clean up any water spills, drips or leaks to prevent possible wood warping or staining.
- Store commonly used items conveniently to minimize everyday wear and tear. Install organizers to contain contents.
- Limit direct sunlight exposure on real wood to prevent uneven fading. Use window treatments to control UV exposure.
With the right care, beautiful wood kitchen cabinets become better with age, much like a fine wine. The patina wood gains over time adds to its natural warmth and quality. Taking the time to maintain your cabinetry helps ensure it remains a focal point of your kitchen for life.
Wood Kitchen Cabinet Costs
Custom wood cabinetry represents a significant investment for your kitchen. But quality wood construction ensures durability to last a lifetime. Here are the main factors influencing the cost of wood cabinets:
Wood Type
- Economy woods like poplar and alder provide the lowest cost options starting around $2,000 for an average 10×10 kitchen.
- Mid-range woods like oak, maple and cherry run $5,000-$8,000 for a 10×10 kitchen.
- Exotic woods like walnut and mahogany fall between $8,000-$10,000 for a 10×10 kitchen.
Cabinet Grade or Quality
- Stock or semi-custom mass produced cabinets cost $3,000-$4,000 for an average 10×10 kitchen.
- Custom cabinets hand-built by carpenters range from $13,000-$16,000 for a 10×10 kitchen.
- High-end designer custom cabinets run $20,000 to $50,000+ for a 10×10 kitchen.
Door Styles
- Simple slab cabinet doors help keep costs down. More ornate doors like raised panel and glass inset increase costs.
Features & Accessories
- Specialty storage solutions, applique trim, glass fronts, and functional inserts raise costs but maximize utility.
Hardware
- Simple hardware like knobs and pulls run just $2-$5 per piece. Ornate hardware, smart pulls and soft-closing hinges raise costs quickly.
Installation
- Homeowners installing DIY stock cabinets reduce labor costs drastically versus hiring professional installers for custom cabinetry.
While an investment, keep in mind that wood kitchen cabinets offer a lifetime of daily use that synthetic alternatives cannot match. And quality wood cabinets actually increase home value and make selling your home easier. By adding beauty, function and character to your kitchen, wood cabinets deliver lasting value well beyond their initial cost.
Wood Kitchen Cabinet FAQs
Still have some questions about finding the perfect wood kitchen cabinets? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is the most durable wood for cabinets?
The hardest woods like maple, hickory, oak and cherry are the toughest and most scratch resistant options for heavy-use kitchens. Avoid softer woods like pine for cabinetry.
How much do custom wood cabinets cost?
Custom wood cabinets range from $13,000 to $20,000 on average for a 10×10 kitchen. High-end custom cabinetry can run $50,000 or more. The wood type, accessories, hardware and installation drastically influence cost.
What thickness should cabinet boxes be?
3⁄4-inch thick plywood is the minimum standard for cabinet boxes. Dovetail joinery and upgrades to 1-inch lumber further improve strength and durability. Avoid particleboard boxes.
Should I choose raised panel or recessed panel doors?
Raised panels offer a dimensional, high-end look. Recessed panel doors cost a bit less yet still have a quality appearance. Choice comes down to personal style and budget preferences.
What are the best paint colors for wood cabinets?
Soft white and gray hues look fresh and elegant on stained wood cabinets. Deep green, navy blue and black paints work well for dramatic contrast on wood. Soft pastels like sage green and antique white suit cottage kitchens.
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace cabinets?
Refacing costs about 50% less than full replacement. Refinishing costs even less but involves more labor. If cabinet boxes and frames are solid, refinishing is the most economical option.
Should I get matching wood cabinets and floors?
Matching wood cabinets and floors creates a seamless, integrated look. Just be sure the same wood species, grade and stain are used so they match perfectly. Too much of the same wood can feel monotonous. Adding some contrast is recommended.
How long do wood cabinets last?
With proper care and maintenance, solid hardwood cabinets can last 50-100 years. Even lower grade plywood cabinets typically last 25-30 years with moderate use before needing refacing or replacement.
Quality wood kitchen cabinets offer beauty, function, value and sustainability. Taking the time to select the perfect style and custom options results in a kitchen designed just for you to enjoy for decades to come.
Summary
Wood kitchen cabinets provide a timeless material and endless custom options to create your dream kitchen. The natural beauty, quality and character of real wood cabinetry enhances any home. With proper care, wood cabinets become treasured fixtures to last a lifetime. Whether you prefer traditional oak cabinets, sleek modern maple or budget-friendly pine, wood infuses warmth and refinements into your heart of the home. If investing in a quality kitchen, wood cabinets are a choice you won’t regret.
Conclusion
With its unmatched beauty and customization, wood is a top choice for kitchen cabinets. The range of woods, from oak to cherry to exotic woods, combined with customizable storage options, finishes and hardware allow you to design the kitchen of your dreams. A timeless investment, quality wood cabinetry enhances your home for a lifetime and beyond when properly cared for. For looks, function and value, wood kitchen cabinets deliver everything you need to achieve your ideal heart of the home.