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If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, you're probably aware that there are several different types of wood species you can have cabinets made from. What many people don’t realize is that the appearance of your kitchen area cabinets is contingent on the quality of your cabinets and the wood they’re made from. Kitchen cabinets can be made from a variety of woods. In an article by DC Drawers: “the best wood for cabinetry is widely considered either red oak, poplar, maple, mahogany, or plywood. Which solid wood type is best for a specific project depends on budget, if the cabinetry will be painted, and personal preference.” Here are two key takeaways here:
The specific traits you’re interested in will determine the “best” type of cabinetry for your needs. Naturally, the next question most people would ask is, “what are the differentiating traits of the many kinds of wood used for kitchen cabinets?” Glad you asked. Different Wood Types Commonly Used For Cabinetry Below is a quick overview of the various types of woods commonly used for cabinets, as well as a list of the wood traits. Hopefully, this will give you a better idea of the kinds of wood for cabinetry that are available. Cherry There’s no denying the fact that cherry wood is warm and rich in color. Cherry has a larger grain than some woods and the variation in the wood coloration really is what draws people to this wood for cabinetry. Typically, the lighter the stain the greater the variation. One thing to note about cherry wood is that natural pitting is common, this is one of the features that adds “character” to this kind of wood.  Knotty Alder Knotty alder is commonly used for stained or painted cabinetry. The straight and even-textured wood grain helps this wood type. Another notable trait of knotty alder is that it commonly has knots or holes, that can be up to 3/4-inch in diameter through the panel. For some people this adds character and a rustic feel to cabinet doors. For those interested in cherry, but don't like the price, knotty alder cabinetry may be a great option to consider.
Birch Very similar to maple, birch has a consistent and tight grain pattern. Birch is also a wood that takes a stain well and is a cost-effective option for those interested in staying within a budget. It's important to note that birch does not take a high-polished finish. If this is something you're interested in, this wood species may not be ideal. Hickory Hickory has an extremely high variation in color, making this a great option for people looking for a unique wood with a LOT of character. When choosing hickory, one should expect a large “striped” grain pattern with small knots and pits.  Maple Maple is another commonly used wood for cabinetry and for good reason. Maple has a consistent grain, polishes, and stains nicely, and has a relatively consistent color when compared to other types of wood. One unique quality of maple, however, is that it has “mineral streaks,” which are grey blemishes. For most people interested in maple cabinets, the mineral streaks only add to the interest and “personality” of the wood. It’s important to note that care should be taken with both maple and birch when staining. Rushing the preparation process can result in “splotches.” Walnut If you’re looking for variety in color and graining, consider walnut. Walnut patinas, or darkens up over time, very nicely. This trait makes walnut a top choice if you’re looking for a more matured cabinet look. Pine While pine is a softer wood and can dent easily, it’s a popular choice for people interested in cabinetry with a lighter look. In Colorado, utilizing beetle-kill pine has become a popular option. To read more about what beetle kill pine is and how it's harvested, read the full article from Sustainable Lumber. Here's a summary of the article: “the beetle carries a fungus that slowly turns the wood different colors. Commonly known as “blue stain” the colors that appear can range from blue, purple, brown, orange, yellow, red, and pink. If harvested within 5 years of the tree dying, fungal staining is purely cosmetic and has no effect on the structural integrity of the wood.” Bamboo Bamboo has a very consistent and tight grain. It should be noted that most standard cabinet companies do not carry bamboo and this would be considered a “special order” type of material. Mahogany Mahogany is known for its tight and consistent graining. While true mahogany isn’t really used in cabinetry today, many cabinet companies actually use a similar wood called Lyptus and call it, “mahogany.” Conclusion As you can see, there are a variety of wood types and, depending on your specific needs and application, a certain wood type may be better than another. If you’re in the market for some new cabinets, we’d love to start a conversation. At TLC cabinetry, we have the team and experience to help match your specific needs to the right kind of cabinetry. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation, (720) 436-5317. Like any other industry, kitchen remodeling and cabinetry is a continually evolving industry. While it’s true that some looks never seem to go out of style, many consumers want to see a little innovation when it comes to their kitchen designs. Here are a few kitchen trends to keep an eye out for in 2019. Kitchens that feel like a sports car For several years, variety hoods have actually been an afterthought when renovating a kitchen. Kitchen cabinetry, lighting, or floor coverings tend to be more obvious elements homeowners consider when it comes to remodeling their kitchen. That is, until now. Previously only available is high-end appliances that would exceed several months of your mortgage, appliances that come in sporty colors like cherry red or blue make the list as some of the hottest kitchen trends in 2019. In particular, black appliances and cabinets became all the rage. According to Sebring: “Although white cabinets are a classic look that can be used in almost any kind of kitchen style, we are slowly starting to see them on the way out! We expect white to start declining in popularity throughout 2019. To break up the all-white kitchen expect to see islands in a variety of different paint colors or wood stain colors. The mixing of finishes create a needed accent piece and additional pops-of-color for the brave of heart... You can read more about their predictions for this trend by reading the full article here. It should also be noted that with this trend, stainless steel seems and stark white kitchen design seems to be on a downward trend when it comes to modern interior design. Unfortunately, we have mixed feelings about this as a long-lasting trend. While too much of a good thing can be overdone, white is a classic look that has withstood the test of time. Ditching the Upper CabinetsAccording to Amanda Gates from Gates Interior Design, one of the trends to be on the lookout for in 2019 is ditching those upper cabinets. Gates notes that: “... as the minimalist movement takes shape, I’m seeing clients wanting their spaces to appear as clean as possible. The best way to achieve an openness is to eliminate those upper cabinets. If you’re building or remodeling this works beautifully by adding a true butlers pantry, or perhaps an antique armoire. But the hottest trends rise to the top at KBIS and guess what’s hot? NO upper cabinets.” For many people, this might make their heart skip a beat. What?!? No upper cabinets? After all, most people have an issue with cabinet space as is. What’s interesting is that several modern interior designers are opting for open shelving instead of the traditional cabinet. Of course, going with this option depends on the overall aesthetic of your home and if it makes sense to go the minimalistic route Retro Throwback
Maximizing Usable SpaceCreating a space for kitchen essentials becomes critical, especially if you’re opting to go with a modern, clean look. If you’re like most homeowners, the cabinet that stores your pots and pans can get cluttered. You may even resort to just stacking your cookware in the cabinet and closing the door as quickly as possible, hoping to avoid any serious bodily injury should the door open. To address this problem, we recommend using in-cabinet organization systems, like Rev A Shelf. While these systems are relatively easy to install, they can be life-changing. In-cabinet storage systems can allow users to store nearly anything from cookware to spice jars, all on convenient slide-out shelves. If you’re interested in learning more about Rev A Shelf, visit our cabinet storage solutions page for product details. Let Us Help With Your Next ProjectIf you’re interested in remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, or your entire home, we’d love to help. At TLC cabinetry, we carry a variety of hand-crafted cabinets that fit nearly every kind of budget.
Whether you’re looking for something economical or custom-painted cabinets, we would love the opportunity to start a conversation. Give us a call today at 720-436-5317. |
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