With so many beautiful choices for wood cabinets, where to begin? Whether you want cherry, maple, oak, alder, hickory, birch, walnut, or pecan cabinets… here are some key considerations. You need to know the natural characteristics of wood cabinets in general, plus the unique characteristics of individual types of wood, to choose a wood type. Factors to consider in choosing wood for kitchen cabinetry…
Budget
Wood cabinets are heavy-duty, durable, and can fit into any style. They come in various choices and stains, don’t disintegrate or rot, and offer the beauty a natural wood grain. The more expensive options are often solid hardwood with specific finishes that will last the longest under the harsh environment of a kitchen. Less expensive options such as plywood and chipboard are affordable but probably will not last as long as natural hardwood. Price categories are often the most important factor in choosing materials for your kitchen.
Construction
When looking for the right solution for your kitchen, it is also important to look at the quality of the cabinets. This can be seen in the way the joints line up, or the way the drawers are assembled. The joinery on less expensive cabinets is likely to be stapled, which is not as sturdy as other types of construction. Wood drawers can be constructed using dowels or rabbets or using dovetails. Drawers with dovetails should last longer but are more expensive because more wood product is used.
Grain
You are at a more affordable option if you choose veneered cabinetry which offers beautiful finishes in various different styles to match your budget. The high-end solid wood cabinetry has excellent grain matching properties. It boasts a distinctive character that no other material can match up to.
Color
Natural wood has beautiful color variations, species, and natural grain patterns, which offers homeowners an opportunity to customize the style further. The original color of the wood can be changed through the use of stains. The type of finish you want to achieve will dictate the types of suitable wood for your specific needs. Stains and finishes can make less expensive types of wood look like more expensive types of wood. If you are looking for a more modern look you can paint to completely mask the original wood underneath.
The right kitchen cabinetry can make or break your kitchen’s functionality and style!
Want to see what W.Stephens can do for you?
Contact us (859) 331-8100 today!
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About W.Stephens Cabinetry & Design
1-Source Turnkey Planning and Design Services
W.Stephens Cabinetry and Design provides planning and design services for the entire home including kitchens, bathrooms, wet bars, butler pantries, libraries, home theaters, and closets. Our designers follow a project from conception to completion, assisting clients in not only space-planning and design but also guiding clients through each step of the project.
Quality Cabinet and Hardware Suppliers
We are aligned with the top cabinet, appliance, hardware, and countertop suppliers in the world.
Our Process
- Initial Client consultation – The design process beings with a consultation at our show room or in your home to obtain the necessary information needed to design your dream kitchen, bath, or space.
- Design – We carefully design the space, keeping your desires as the foundation of our creativity.
- Feedback / Design Approval – Working with you, using your feedback to get final Design approval.
- Installation Meeting – We meet with the installers, prior to installation to go over ALL the details.
- Post Installation Follow-up – We follow-up with you to make sure everything went well during installation.
Our Designers
Our award winning designs collaboratively work together to create the perfect space for you.
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