Best Woods for Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing the right wood is an important decision when buying cabinet doors. When it comes to wood types for cabinets, you need a material that will hold up to the normal wear and tear that comes with cooking in a kitchen, but also provide an eye-catching style. By exploring the different options for the best wood for kitchen cabinets, you can determine which is right for your needs and find a suitable solution that’s durable and stylish.

Here’s everything you need to know about the best wood for cabinet doors.

Why Wood Type Matters in Kitchen Cabinets

Not all cabinet door wood is created equally. The wood species vary by durability, color, and versatility. When shopping for the best types of wood for cabinets, here are a few different factors you’ll need to consider to find the best option for you:

Appearance

The type of cabinet door wood you choose for your kitchen significantly impacts the design and aesthetics of your space. Wood species can vary by hue, color, and characteristics. Some have a finer-grain pattern, while others have a coarser appearance with a curly grain pattern. 

Durability

When looking for the best wood for cabinets, durability is likely one of the first factors you may consider. The durability of a wood type is measured using the Janka wood hardness rating scale. The higher the wood type is on the rating scale, the stronger and more resistant it is to scuffs and everyday wear and tear.

Workability

Not all wood types will be easy to work with, which is something to remember, especially if you've never added a finish or a polish to cabinet doors on your own. For example, wood types with an open grain pattern can be more challenging for beginners to work with. The large, open pores may leave your cabinets looking unfinished and uneven, but it doesn't mean they're impossible to use. Instead, you'll want to consider working with a professional to get a more refined, put-together finish.

Price

Lastly, the types of wood used for cabinets vary in price. Some are more expensive than others, so you'll need to determine your budget for your project to find the best option.

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Which Are The Best Woods for Cabinets?

The best wood for cabinet doors should tactfully balance functionality and style. Choosing the cabinet wood type for you is no easy task, as there are plenty of species with different grain patterns and strength factors. Fortunately, you can’t go wrong when you start with a good list of options. The following are the best materials for kitchen cabinets, with each offering its own advantages.

1. Alder

Alder grows primarily in the Pacific Northwest, in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Although classified as a hardwood, alder is a fairly soft hardwood with medium density and is softer than oak and maple. Alder is often used more in the western states but is becoming more popular and more available across the US.

Alder’s grain is generally straight, with a fine, uniform texture. This wood has excellent working properties, making it one of the best materials for kitchen cabinets, and as a result, it’s becoming very popular in the cabinet industry. It has excellent finishing properties, too, but care is needed when staining. Alder requires careful wood sealing to prevent a blotchy and uneven finish.

Style	Characteristics
Excellent for traditional or modern styles, but can be distressed as a complement to rustic styles Similar to cherry in its color tone, but at a lower price  Looks great when glazed or stained to highlight its subtle grain, but also excellent at holding paint	A durable hardwood Easier to work with, shape, and paint than other hardwoods Features a straight, fine, and uniform grain

2. Oak

Oak is separated into two distinct types—red oak and white oak. Contrary to what you might think, white oak tends to be slightly darker and grayer in color, while red oak is lighter and varies from reddish brown to wheat in color.

White oak is commonly used in whisky barrels, wet environments, and cargo truck flooring, while red oak is typically used in furniture and cabinets because of its hardness. Red oak is a slightly softer but still durable wood, which stains well and withstands damage, making it one of the best choices for wood kitchen cabinets.

The slower growth of the oak tree makes the wood denser and superior for furniture wood. Oak, especially red oak, is good for staining but not the best option for painting.

Style	Characteristics
The detailed grain makes oak excellent for rustic, traditional, or farmhouse styles. Both types offer a warm, cozy ambiance Both types look excellent when highlighted with stain	Very elaborate and pronounced grain patterns, often with knots Hardwood that features impressive strength and durability Red oak is a lighter, pink tone, while white oak is slightly darker and features beige tones

3. Maple

Maple is a widely available and common choice for wood, typically found in the northern Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states. Unlike most other hardwoods, the sapwood of hard maple lumber is used more often than its heartwood. The heartwood tends to be a darker reddish brown and is seldom used in cabinets, while the sapwood ranges from nearly white to a charming off-white cream color.

The grain in maple is generally straight, with a fine, even texture. Maple finishes to an attractive light color with polyurethane alone; however, it can be tricky to stain correctly. Because maple is a tight, closed-grain wood, it requires experience to stain without looking blotchy and uneven.

Hard maple is a hard and heavy wood, as the name indicates, and it has excellent strength. That makes it resistant to wear and tear, so it is a particularly excellent choice for wood kitchen cabinets.

Style	Characteristics
Versatile enough to fit traditional, modern, and contemporary styles, depending on the door design and hardware Excellent for open designs and bright spaces Can be either lightly stained or painted for an eye-popping look	Features a detailed but fine and subtle grain. Known for its strength Has a lighter, brighter appearance than most woods

4. Cherry

Cherry is one of the most charming cabinet wood types, featuring a timeless look that stands out in any space. Although softer than other woods, cherry is still a durable hardwood that is resistant to wear and surface damage. This durability makes it an excellent choice for your kitchen.

The wood features a fine but detailed and prominent grain highlighted by a dark red hue. A dark stain helps to emphasize the elegant appearance of cherry even further and brings uniformity to the wood. Cherry often runs at a higher price point than other woods, but with this higher cost comes higher durability and a distinct eye-drawing appearance.

Style	Characteristics
Offers an elegant, charming appearance Perfect for both traditional and contemporary style homes, depending on the door design Works great with a stain that highlights its natural grain and provides uniformity	Resistant to surface damage like dents and chips Has a distinctive red hue that darkens as it ages with a fine, vertical grain

5. Hickory

Hickory is one of the most popular wood types for traditional kitchens. The wood type is known for its distinct grain pattern, and prominent knots and burls are found throughout, providing more visual interest, best for traditional, vintage, and rustic kitchens. There's also quite a bit of color variation. Hickory typically has a mix of browns and whites, meaning no two cabinets ever look the same. 

This wood type for cabinet doors is incredibly durable and resistant to general wear and tear. However, it's more expensive than other cabinet wood types, which is something to consider if you have a tight budget. 

Style	Characteristics
Ideal for vintage, rustic, or traditional kitchen styles Takes stains well and can be customized with a different color to get the perfect finish	Dense and open grain pattern  Natural knots and burls add more visual interest but can create natural variation  Durable and ideal for high-traffic areas

6. Beech

Beech is a versatile wood type for cabinet doors, offering a smooth, even grain pattern and a stunning light cream tone. It's a simple wood type that takes stain well and can be customized to complement a variety of aesthetics. It's a top choice for modern and traditional styles and is resistant to general wear and tear. Beech is a more affordable wood type, making it a top choice for budget-friendly renovations. It's also more porous and easier to stain for beginners. 

Style	Characteristics
Versatile wood type, great for modern and traditional kitchen designs Can be stained to look and feel like more expensive wood types Durable and long-lasting	Porous wood type, easier to stain Tight, strain grain pattern Consistent look and feel throughout, not as much natural variation as other wood types

Solid Wood vs. Veneer or MDF Cabinets

If you want to explore options outside solid wood, veneer and MDF are great alternatives. Veneer is a budget-friendly alternative that’s made with thin pieces of wood that are fused together to a particleboard. It's durable, resistant to warping, and easy to maintain. 

MDF cabinets are made with medium-density fiberboard. This is a paint-grade option that is the recommended choice if you decide to paint your cabinets. The material is made with wood particles and a resin binder. It’s also resistant to warping and offers a consistent, even surface best for painting. 

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Find the Best Wood for Your Cabinet Doors

When it comes to choosing cabinet doors that work best for your home, the correct wood makes all the difference. At CabinetDoors.com, we offer a handful of options for wood species and hundreds of cabinet door styles, so you can get high-quality, custom-sized doors for your kitchen cabinets made with the most attractive woods.

Explore our complete inventory of cabinet door styles to find which material and style works best for your personalized preferences. Once you’ve chosen a style and wood species that fit your needs, you can enjoy brand-new cabinet doors delivered straight to your door in just a few short weeks without any retail markups. If you have any questions about choosing the right wood for your cabinets, contact us at 1-800-342-1010 for more information.

FAQs About The Best Wood for Cabinet Doors

What is the best thickness of wood for cabinets?

The wood thickness may vary depending on the style of your kitchen cabinet doors. For example, edge-banded slab cabinets run on the thinner side, around 1/16 to 1/8 inches thick. Most cabinet doors range from 3/4 inch to 1 inch.

How long do natural wood cabinets last?

If you clean and care for your kitchen cabinets, you can expect them to last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Some wood types for cabinets are more durable than others and are more resistant to everyday wear and tear.

Should I buy unfinished or prefinished wood cabinet doors?

If you want your cabinet doors to be ready to install when they arrive, consider ordering finished wood cabinet doors. This is the best way to achieve a professional, even finish. If you want to DIY your home renovation or paint your cabinets yourself, ordering unfinished might be a better option. 

Is it okay to mix wood types in upper and lower cabinet doors?

Yes, mixing different wood types for cabinet doors is a great way to make your space more visually interesting. Another option is to pair solid wood with painted cabinet doors. 

Which woods are most resistant to humidity or climate change?

MDF cabinet doors are resistant to warping and ideal for humid climates. However, the material is not waterproof and should not be exposed to water.