Woods That Cabinet Makers Use

Cherry

• Cherry wood features an appealing combination of straight, fine grain and a rich reddish color that deepens as the wood ages. Some cherry boards display gentle ripples that provide added visual texture, and sometimes convey an almost luminous quality. The wood’s durability makes it a reliable choice for cabinets that will see heavy use. Cherry is a much sought-after hardwood used in mid-range and higher-end cabinets for both residential and commercial applications.

Maple

• Maple’s versatility makes it a frequent cabinet makers’ choice. Maple displays a light natural character that intrigues consumers who prefer a lighter-toned kitchen or bath. A cabinet maker can apply a clear polyurethane finish to protect this densely grained hardwood without obscuring its soft sand color. Maple has an almost chameleon-like quality, as a cabinet maker can apply stains or finishes to create the appearance of a completely different wood.

Oak

• Consumers who prefer an informal, rustic decor often select oak kitchen or bath cabinets. Highly durable oak also appears in commercial cabinet designs, such as office suite kitchenette cabinet groupings. Oak wood combines a rough textured look with an open grain you can feel with your fingers. Cabinet makers can often select from red or white oak hardwood stock to satisfy consumers’ color preferences.

Hickory

• Hickory wood combines an attractive open-grained texture with impressively high strength. Hickory cabinets often appeal to consumers who gravitate to open-grain finishes, but want to freshen a kitchen or bath with a durable wood other than oak. Cabinet makers may have access to a veritable palette of natural hickory tones that range from rich brown to soft white. A cabinet maker may find it challenging to produce hickory cabinets displaying similar colorations.