If you’re in the market for new cabinets, there’s a good chance that wood cabinets are at the top of your list. And why not? Wood cabinets are a classic choice that never goes out of style. From custom living room cabinets to wood kitchen cabinets, this material adds rustic charm to any home.
Choosing the right kind of wood can be tricky, though. Holland’s Custom Cabinets takes a closer look at the factors you need to consider when selecting wood cabinets. By making the right choices, you’ll not only create the living space of your dreams, but also increase your home’s resale value.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Wood for Custom Cabinets
1. Durability
Wooden cabinets made from durable, high-quality, solid wood are easy to maintain and resilient. High-quality wood is long-lasting and should be able to withstand daily wear, spills, and even scratches.
2. Aesthetics
Few would disagree that wood has a unique appeal. Natural wood comes in various color variations and unique grain patterns, which allows homeowners to further customize different types of kitchen cabinets. With wood, it’s possible to alter the color with stains and create the type of finish you desire, giving your cabinets a luxurious look. Wood can even be painted.
3. Cost
Wood is a great material because it’s durable, usually resistant to rot, and offers natural beauty. The cost of wood depends on several factors. Solid wood typically costs a little more but also lasts longer, even in harsh environments (such as the kitchen). So, getting solid wood kitchen cabinets can work wonders in the long term. You can go with cheaper, manufactured wood options, but be aware they are not likely to last as long.
4. Grain Pattern
One of the main reasons wood cabinets look great is because of the grain pattern. While all wood has some type of grain to choose from, most high-end solid wood cabinets come with brilliant, grain-matching properties that can be customized to suit your taste. This is a unique aspect of wood no other material can replicate.
5. Sturdiness
Of course, you don’t want your wooden cabinets to sag or break. After all, they’ll be enduring a whole lot of abuse over the years, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, or mudroom. Kitchen cabinet materials and bath cabinet materials need to be sturdy, making solid wood cabinets the perfect choice for long-lasting results.
6. Workability
Wood is easy to work with, making it possible to create intricate crafting and design. With the right tools and skills, wood can be cut and shaped easily to fit most any space. In addition, sanding and polishing can impart more refinement to wood cabinets.
7. Environmental Impact
It’s no secret that wood is a limited natural resource. It is, therefore, crucial that this material is sourced responsibly and reused/recycled whenever possible. The beauty of wooden cabinets is they can be given new leases on life by sanding and staining or painting. This way, you can enjoy your cabinets for longer by reusing and extending their lives.
Popular Wood Types Used for Custom Cabinets
Each type of wood comes with its own advantages and limitations. Understanding the characteristics of the most commonly used living room, bathroom, and kitchen cabinet materials can help you make the right choice for your situation..
1. Oak
Oak is a hardwood and comes with a whole lot of texture in its grain. It was once the go-to wood kitchen cabinet material, but its coarse, uneven grain has prompted homeowners to explore other options. However, oak is affordable. Imparting new finishes can breathe new life into it. While stained oak is now considered a tad outdated, giving it a paint finish can completely transform its look.
2. Maple
Maple is also a hardwood. Its colors range from simple white to rich cream. Its grain has a smooth texture. Maple wood cabinets are versatile enough to find a place in traditional as well as contemporary homes. Thanks to its fine grain, this wood can take all colors of stain or paint. It is also widely available and quite affordable.
3. Cherry
Yet another hardwood, cherry wood is softer than oak. It has rich grain and tiny pin knots that make it easy to work with. Cherry wood cabinets are considered a classic and can fit very well in homes with vintage themes. Its natural reddish-brown hue is usually highlighted with stain. While it can be easy to source, it is more expensive than several other kinds of wood.
4. Walnut
Thanks to its natural dark color, walnut cabinets always look elegant. Walnut wood cabinets are usually finished with a light stain to emphasize natural color variation. They may also be finished with a darker stain to achieve a more classic finish. Cabinets made from this material look great in traditional-style homes. The wood quality is hard and availability may be limited, which means it can be pricey.
5. Birch
A fine-grain wood, birch is slightly darker in color than maple. It finishes well and can be easily transformed to look luxe. When stained, it can resemble cherry or maple wood. Birch wood cabinets cost relatively less and are typically used in both stock and custom cabinetry.
6. Mahogany
Mahogany wood cabinets look luxurious because of the material’s straight grain, great strength, high durability, and expansiveness. It is also rot-resistant and lasts decades when maintained properly. As it ages, its color gets darker and deeper, giving it a posh look. It has a relatively glossy surface, so you won’t need much wax to improve its appearance.
7. Pine
Pale yellow in color, pine is the only softwood used in cabinet construction. It dents more easily than hardwoods. It is usually used in kitchens – on the island and ceiling. It can be stained and often features knots that help achieve a traditional, country-style look in homes.
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Custom Living Room Cabinets
Now that you know about the characteristics and types of woods used with custom living room, bathroom, and kitchen cabinets, it’s time to choose. As you do, keep the following in mind:
1. Identify Your Needs:
How many wood cabinets do you need to install? What do you want them to look like? How important is longevity? Does the chosen material fit your budget? Make sure you have answers to all these questions to know exactly what you need for your space.
2. Understand the Characteristics of Different Woods:
There’s a plethora of wood materials available out there. From oak and mahogany to cherry and pine, there’s a type of wood for all requirements. To pick the right one, find out about their various qualities and characteristics: grain, texture, ability to take color, durability, availability, and so on.
3. Weigh the Pros and Cons:
Every type of wood comes with its own strengths and weaknesses. Knowing about these will help you pick the one that suits the specific needs of your rooms.
4. Consider the Overall Design of Your Living Room:
Is your home modern or traditional in terms of design, style, and décor? Consider these factors to pick a wood type that complements your house’s interior so you can make the most of custom wood cabinets.
Take the First Step towards Custom Cabinets
Figuring out the right type of wood for custom living room cabinets or wooden cabinets in the kitchen or other space in your home is just the first step towards realizing your dream space. You’ll also need to decide on the cabinetry design, style, finish, and more.
If this all sounds a little daunting, rest assured the team at Holland’s Custom Cabinets can help you every step of the way. Think of us when you need quality wooden cabinets that boast superior workmanship and durability.
And if you are thinking about selling your home, even if it’s years down the road, know that putting wooden cabinets in your home will likely increase resale value. Wood cabinets let potential buyers know your home was built with attention to detail and an emphasis on quality. Call 619.443.6081 or complete our online form to get in touch.
