White Oak Cabinets vs. Rift White Oak

Obsessed with rift white oak cabinet doors? Looking for an affordable solution to achieve that rift white oak look in your kitchen without breaking the bank?

If you know anything about cabinet doors and the materials used to make them, you know that rift white oak can be hard to get your hands on. This type of wood is popular for its unique grain pattern and high-quality look, but it leans on the more expensive side.

Let's discuss the differences between rift white oak vs. natural white oak cabinet doors, so you can decide which material is best for your upcoming project.

Here's what you need to know.

What Are White Oak Cabinets?

White oak comes from a white oak tree found in central North America. This wood choice is a crowd favorite for cabinet doors in kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces. Here's why:

Strong and Long-Lasting

White oak has a Janka hardness of 1360, making it durable enough to withstand general wear and tear. It's an excellent choice for high-traffic areas in both residential and commercial settings. Since white oak has a high hardness rating, it's more resistant to dents, scratches, dings, and other forms of damage. This means you can feel confident that they can last up to 50 years if taken care of.

Natural Look

White oak is a durable wood species with a tight grain pattern and subtle waves. The wood type is popular for its natural brown color, which can be easily stained to complement the desired style.

Style Fit

The style is easy to stain and pairs well with a variety of home designs. Whether you're looking for a rustic, vintage, or modern aesthetic, this wood type is a great choice for every idea. The versatility of the color, texture, and unique characteristics allows the cabinets to grow with your stylistic choices over the years. So if you ever want to change the look and feel of your space in 20 or 30 years, you won't need to replace your cabinets because white oak will always look as great as the day you installed it.

What Are Rift White Oak Cabinets?

These cabinet doors are made with rift-sawn white oak wood. The wood type is beige or light brown with a cool undertone. Here's what makes this wood type unique:

Special Cutting Method

This type of wood is cut using a specialized method to ensure the grain pattern is straight and even. Rift-cut white oak is white oak that is cut at a 30°–60° angle against the tree’s growth rings. This creates a distinctive, tight linear grain pattern. However, after the wood is sawn, the remaining material is discarded.

Clean, Modern Look

After the lumbar is sawn, there are no medullary rays or imperfections. The consistent, tight vertical grain patterns make rift white oak a top choice for modern and contemporary home designs. 

Higher Price

The special cutting method does make rift white oak cabinets slightly more expensive than traditional cabinets and quarter-sawn cabinets. Since the rise of modern home designs, demand for this style has increased, driving up prices. 

BROWSE CUSTOM WHITE OAK CABINET DOORS

Rift Sawn vs. Quarter Sawn Explained

When exploring the two different wood types, you'll notice there are two different rift white oak cabinet styles: rift-sawn and quarter-sawn. Cabinet doors made with quarter-sawn lumbar are cut at 60°–90° angles, creating a ribbon-like grain pattern with medullary rays. Rift-sawn white oak cabinets are cut at a 30°–60° angle, providing a straight, cohesive grain pattern. Rift-sawn white oak cabinets are generally more expensive than quarter-sawn ones because they require more labor and materials.

Differences Between White Oak Vs. Rift White Oak

Natural white oak is an affordable alternative to rift white oak, with a similar grain pattern. With this option, you don't need to sacrifice style and functionality to create a high-end, modern look for your space. White oak will help you achieve the kitchen design you're looking for - at a price that can't be beaten.

Look and Style

The best way to tell white oak apart from other woods is its distinctive grain pattern. This grain pattern for white oak is coarse and detailed. The lines run the entire length of the wood, creating a captivating grain pattern you won't find in other wood materials.

Cost

White oak is an affordable wood choice, while rift-cut is much more expensive. This is because, unlike traditional wood, you can only use a small portion of the piece of wood to get the rift-cut effect. This makes rift-cut a premium product that's hard to find at an affordable price.

Natural white oak, on the other hand, is somewhat affordable compared to other wood materials. With this option, you'll still get the gorgeous color you love about white oak, at a better price.

Care and Use

White oak and rift white oak are both durable wood types. However, white oak tends to hide everyday wear and tear for longer. You don't need to worry about scratches, dents, or other imperfections affecting the appearance of your cabinets. 

How to Choose the Right White Oak Option for Your Kitchen

When exploring the two options, consider your budget and aesthetic preferences.

White Oak Cabinets

White oak offers a warm, timeless appeal that pairs well with traditional, modern, and contemporary designs. While white oak wood tends to be more expensive than other wood types, it's a more affordable option than rift white oak.

Rift White Oak Cabinets

If you want to commit to the high-end, modern style, you can't go wrong with rift white oak. This option is worth the investment and will complement your home design for years to come.

Quarter Sawn White Oak Cabinets

Quarter-sawn cabinets have a unique decorative look with medullary rays. The grain pattern is unique and pairs well with different aesthetics. It's also more affordable than rift sawn, making it a great budget-friendly alternative.

Elevate Your Kitchen With White Oak Cabinet Doors

At CabinetDoors.com, we're excited to offer white oak for all our cabinet door options. Whether you're looking for white oak shaker cabinet doors or beadboard cabinet doors, we have everything you need to complete the home design of your dreams.

When you choose white oak, you can feel confident you're investing in a durable, timeless wood that will continue to complement your kitchen design for years to come.

Order custom oak cabinet doors online today.

FAQs About White Oak Cabinets and Rift White Oak Cabinets

Can white oak and rift white oak be used together in one kitchen?

Yes, you can pair white oak and rift white oak in the same kitchen. This will create a two-tone effect, adding more depth and dimension to your space. If you're looking for more design consistency, consider sticking with just one wood type.

Do white oak cabinets go with different kitchen designs?

Yes, white oak cabinets are incredibly versatile. Whether it's a rustic farmhouse or a contemporary design, you can feel confident that white oak will complete the aesthetic you're trying to achieve. The mild hues found in the grain are designed to complement your flooring and countertops. White oak is subtle yet warm, so you don't need to worry about the color distracting from other focal points in the space.

Do white oak cabinets work in both light and dark kitchens?

Yes, white oak cabinets are easy to stain, so you can adjust the natural color to complement your aesthetic preferences.