When embarking on a kitchen renovation, numerous design factors come into play, from layout and appliance placement to the overall style and aesthetic you desire. One of the most popular choices for our customers is wood, offering versatility in design, cost-effectiveness, and durability, while also being customisable to any measurements.
However, the decision to use wood for your cabinets is just the beginning; the next step is choosing the type of wood that best suits your needs. In this blog post, we'll guide you through various wood options for kitchen cabinets to help you make an informed decision.
Known for its strength and durability, oak is a top choice for wooden kitchen cabinets, offering a budget-friendly option compared to other wood types. With a variety of styles, including white and red oak, each with its own characteristics, oak provides flexibility in design. White oak, slightly denser, is ideal for those seeking golden tones, while red oak, with pronounced grains and darker colours, caters to different design preferences. Keep in mind that oak may not be the best choice for a smooth finish due to its distinctive grain patterns.
For those desiring finer grains and a lighter colour palette, maple is a suitable alternative to oak for kitchen cabinets. Its light colour can impart an airy, contemporary feel to any kitchen, and it can be stained to achieve a custom finish. While slightly pricier than oak, maple is less dense.
Opting for birch wood provides a budget-friendly alternative with many benefits similar to higher-end maple. Slightly darker than maple, birch can be easily stained to achieve a comparable look, showcasing fine grains. It's a durable and cost-effective choice for custom kitchen cabinetry.
As the sole softwood on this list, pine is commonly used for cabinetry due to its rustic appearance and frequent knots. While softwood is more prone to dents, pine stands out for its affordability and suitability for painting.
The choice of wood for kitchen cabinets ultimately hinges on your preferences, budget, and specific needs. With a variety of charming options available, making a decision may still be challenging. If you find yourself stuck, feel free to reach out to Imperial Kitchens today at 0417 327 566 and book a free consultation.
Our friendly team is ready to provide expert advice and guide you towards the perfect wooden cabinetry solution for your requirements. Discover our unique process and the possibilities with Imperial Kitchens in Geelong, Melbourne.
The durability of cabinets depends mostly on the type of wood you choose. You determine if the wood is either a hardwood or softwood. This determination is identified by the tree the wood originates from. Don’t worry though, we have broken down each domestic wood species and ranked it from the most durable to the least durable:
- Hickory
- Pecan
- White Oak
- Red Oak
- Maple
- Walnut
- Cherry
- Alder
Each of these woods has huge differences in cost and also many pros and cons so get in touch with us to find out the perfect choice for your kitchen
The simplest door style is the easiest to clean and maintain, making the flat slab or 1-piece doors are easiest (like MDF or Plywood). But for real woods then all of them will vary somewhat and will mainly depend on their finish, whether they are lacquered, varnished, stained or left natural. All will have more upkeep than plastic-coated (laminated) cabinets but can be well worth it for the look and feel they bring to a kitchen
