Choose a Species

A complete list of wood species and their characteristics would take a lifetime to study and write a book about, which I’m sure there are some great options out there to read from. This however is meant to be a good summary of what options are available and realistic for the vast majority of people interested in purchasing custom cabinets.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Cabinet-Worthy Wood Species

When designing or updating your cabinetry, the type of wood you select can have a significant impact on the functionality, appearance, and cost of your project. Each wood species has unique characteristics, such as grain patterns, color, durability, and workability, which make them suitable for different styles and applications. In this guide, we'll explore the various types of woods commonly used in cabinetry—from traditional hardwoods and softwoods to engineered and exotic woods—and discuss their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications.

Hardwoods: Preferred for Cabinetry Due to Strength and Durability

Hardwoods are often the top choice for cabinetry due to their strength, durability, and variety of grain patterns. Oak (red and white) is well-known for its strength and distinct grain, making it popular for traditional, rustic, or farmhouse-style cabinets. Red oak has a pinkish hue, while white oak tends to be more golden. Both types accept stains well, offering a wide range of finishes that make oak adaptable to different design preferences.

Maple (hard and soft) is another common choice, with its smooth texture and minimal grain, making it ideal for modern or minimalist designs. Hard maple is more durable, while soft maple is easier to work with. Maple's closed grain can make staining challenging, but it is often painted for a consistent look. Cherry wood, on the other hand, is known for its rich, reddish color that deepens with age, adding elegance to formal or traditional kitchens. It is often finished with a clear coat to highlight its natural beauty, which develops a deeper patina over time.

Walnut stands out for its dark, rich tones, which bring warmth and sophistication to high-end custom cabinetry. It looks stunning with a natural or clear finish, enhancing its deep hues. Hickory is very durable and features color variations from white to dark brown, perfect for a rustic aesthetic. It is often left natural to showcase its bold character.

Birch is an economical alternative to maple, with a fine, even grain that accepts paint and stain well, making it versatile enough for both modern and traditional styles. However, birch can sometimes absorb stain unevenly, requiring pre-treatment. Alder is a softer hardwood with a rustic appearance, often used for distressed styles, and takes stain and glaze well, giving it an antique look. There are two types, Knotty alder and Superior (Clear) Alder. (Insert Hyperlink for subsequent Blog)

Ash is light in color with a distinct grain, making it versatile for modern or traditional styles, while beech is hard, tough, and smooth-grained, suitable for cabinetry frame parts or utility cabinets. Mahogany is often chosen for high-end cabinets due to its reddish-brown color and ability to be polished to a high sheen, adding a luxurious touch.

Pecan is similar to hickory in terms of durability and features striking color variations, making it a great choice for rustic and traditional cabinetry. Teak is highly resistant to moisture and rot, ideal for outdoor or specialty indoor cabinetry, typically finished with oil to maintain its golden hue. Poplar is softer and affordable, making it popular for painted cabinets.

Softwoods: Less Common and not Suitable for Most Cabinets

Softwoods are less commonly used for cabinetry compared to hardwoods. Pine is easy to work with and features visible knots that add character, making it ideal for rustic furniture and trim. Pine can be stained or painted, but knots may require pre-treatment to avoid bleeding. Douglas Fir is known for its strength and straight grain, making it suitable for both rustic and modern looks, and it takes stain well, with the grain adding character to painted finishes. Neither Pine nor Douglas Fir are offered by Becks Custom Carpentry as cabinet grade wood.

Exotic Woods: Used for High-End or Specialty Cabinetry

For those seeking a unique and luxurious touch, exotic woods are an excellent and pricey choice. Ebony is almost black, with a fine texture and a polished finish that highlights its natural sheen, often used for luxury cabinetry accents. Zebrawood has striking stripes with contrasting patterns, making it ideal for decorative panels or unique accent cabinetry. It is typically finished with a clear coat to enhance its distinct appearance.

Wenge is dark and coarse-grained, often used for contemporary cabinetry, and looks best with a clear finish to highlight its richness. Padauk features a vibrant reddish-orange color and is often used for unique accent pieces, while Purpleheart adds a natural purple hue to specialty cabinets, preserved with a clear coat. Bubinga is popular for luxury cabinetry due to its deep reddish-brown color and fine grain, looking stunning with either a natural finish or a high-gloss polish.

Engineered Woods: Cost-Effective Alternatives

Engineered woods offer a more budget-friendly alternative to solid wood while still providing durability. Plywood (cabinet grade) is stable and strong, consisting of layers of wood veneer glued together, often used for cabinet boxes and shelves. It can be painted or veneered for a solid wood appearance. High-Density Fiberboard (HDF), made from wood fibers, has a smooth surface ideal for painting, often used for painted cabinet doors and panels. Veneer core is a thin wood veneer bonded over a plywood substrate, providing the look of solid wood at a reduced cost, and it can be stained or finished accordingly.

Plastic Panels (HDPE): A Durable Choice for Outdoor Cabinetry

Starboard, made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are an ideal material for outdoor cabinetry due to their durability and weather resistance. Unlike wood, HDPE is completely waterproof, meaning it won’t swell, warp, or rot when exposed to rain or humidity. It also resists fading from UV exposure, making it a great low-maintenance solution for outdoor kitchens and storage. Starboard panels are easy to clean, require no painting or sealing, and provide a long-lasting, attractive finish, making them perfect for all outdoor cabinetry needs.

Conclusion

Selecting the right wood for your cabinetry depends on your design goals, budget, and functional needs. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry are popular choices due to their durability and beauty, while softwoods like pine are suitable for more rustic or farmhouse styles. Exotic woods are perfect for creating distinctive, high-end cabinets, while engineered woods provide cost-effective alternatives without compromising on quality.

Whether you're envisioning a classic oak kitchen, a sleek modern maple design, or unique zebrawood accents, understanding the properties of each wood type will help you make the best decision for your cabinetry project.

Take Action Now!

Ready to get started on your custom cabinet project? Contact Beck's Custom Carpentry today to schedule a consultation.

Email: Tyler@beckscustomcarpentry.com
Phone: (361) 648-7590

Our Service Area

We specialize in designing, building, finishing, and installing custom cabinets in a 100-mile radius of Victoria, TX. This area includes Cuero, Edna, Goliad, Port Lavaca, El Campo, Hallettsville, Yoakum, Ganado, Shiner, Seadrift, Refugio, Rockport, Bay City, Wharton, Palacios, Beeville, Columbus, Flatonia, La Grange, Schulenburg, Woodsboro, Port O'Connor, Aransas Pass, Sinton, Ingleside, Karnes City, Three Rivers, George West, Mathis, Nixon, Luling, Lockhart, Tivoli, Austwell, Plum Grove, San Marcos, New Braunfels, Kyle, Pearland, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, and Richmond.