Which Is Better: Oak or Maple Cabinets?

Grains

• The grain pattern of oak and maple are different. Maple has rather straight lines, while oak has curly or swirling ones. Because of its more visible grain pattern, oak is usually preferred for country decor. Unlike maple, oak has visible pores which makes it less smooth to the touch. If you like that smooth-to-the-touch feel, maple is your better choice. If you prefer a more pronounced grain pattern, oak is better.

Color

• Maple wood, depending on the tree variety, has tones ranging from creamy white to red. Oak is a reddish brown, but before it is sold, treatments often turn it white. Oak can be stained almost any color. Some varieties, such as white oak and red oak, have different tones. Maple is lighter than oak and can also be stained or colored. The better wood for you has the tone that fits your kitchen's color scheme.

Durability and Cost

• Oak, because it is harder than maple, is more durable. It is less likely to sustain damage and will usually last longer than maple. When cabinets that have the same style and design intricacy are compared, oak is generally less expensive than maple. This is because oak trees are more widely available than maple.

Caution

• Solid woods in kitchen cabinets usually look and feel like high quality. Yet it is not always the best choice for these cabinets. In areas with high or low humidity, solid wood will warp or shrink over time. Solid wood also reacts to temperatures, swelling or contracting.