WOOD SPECIES & MATERIALS

Stained finishes enhance the natural characteristics of wood species by enriching natural graining and color variation. Stain colors range from light to dark tones.

Woodland’s unique Rustic offerings in Cherry, Alder, Maple, Walnut, Hickory and Oak are hand selected to have more pronounced variations of their natural characteristics. You’ll find greater color variation, more noticeable graining, and additional knots, mineral streaks, burls and pinholes.

woods for kitchen cabinet

Find Your Favorite Cabinet Wood Type

Types of Wood Cabinets

With so many beautiful choices for kitchen wood cabinets, where to begin? Whether you want cherry, maple, oak, alder, hickory, birch, walnut or pecan cabinets, here are some key considerations. In general, take note of the wood cabinet’s natural and unique characteristics  We also offer information on cabinets made of compound materials, another popular option.

Below are some of the gorgeous natural woods for your kitchen cabinet ideas. Find your favorite cabinet wood type with us!

MAPLE

Maple cabinets are predominately white to creamy-white in color, with occasional reddish-brown tones within a cabinet door panel. The subtle grain pattern of Maple wood creates a smooth, uniform appearance.

maple_wood_cabinets

CHERRY

Cherry cabinets are characterized by their red undertones, but may vary in color from white to a deep rich brown. Cherry has a smooth, close-grained appearance with a fairly uniform texture and random markings. The even grain allows finishes to be applied with ease.

cherry_wood_cabinets

OAK

Oak cabinets have distinct grain patterns and range in color from white to pink and reddish tones. Streaks of green, yellow and even black may appear due to mineral deposits in the wood.

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HICKORY

Hickory cabinets have a naturally contrasting appearance due to the heartwood and sapwood of the Hickory wood. The color may range from blonde or white to reddish-brown and dark brown.

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ALDER

Alder cabinets are characterized by light brown and reddish undertones. Alder has a straight and even-textured wood grain with indistinct boundaries between the heartwood and the sapwood.

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WALNUT

Walnut cabinets feature graceful grain patterns and muted brown hues. The smooth, fine and general straight wood grain has colors that range from deep chocolate to light reddish-gray brown.

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BIRCH

Birch cabinets have a smooth surface texture with a tight wood grain that is strong and heavy. The predominant sapwood color of Birch is white to creamy yellow, while the heartwood varies from medium to dark brown to reddish brown.

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Types of Wood Cabinet in Kitchen Design

kemper maple wood kitchen cabinet

Maple Kitchen Cabinet

Make your home look warm and inviting with maple kitchen cabinets.

With maple wood, you can have plenty of options to play with. Achieving your desired kitchen aesthetic is possible; thanks to its multiple stains and finishes which include stained, varnished, glazed or natural.

Image: Kemper Gordon Maple Bucksin Kitchen Cabinet

decora cherry kitchen cabinet

Cherry Kitchen Cabinet

The cherry wood’s distinctive and unpredictable aging process makes it one of the top choices for cabinetry. It takes stains and finishes quite well, so you can have a lighter color variation or deep cherry glaze cherry kitchen cabinets.

Image: Decora Arlington Cherry Espresso Kitchen Cabinet

 

decora oak kitchen cabinet

Oak Kitchen Cabinet

The oak kitchen cabinets are often seen in traditional kitchen designs. Oakwood is a hard, heavy wood that’s proven and tested to stand the test of time. 

This material is more budget-friendly compared to maple, cherry or birch. With an oak wood,  you get a very sturdy yet inexpensive kitchen cabinet. 

Image: Decora Harmony Inset Quartersawn Oak Sepia Kitchen Cabinet

kemper hickory kitchen cabinet

Hickory Kitchen Cabinet

The hickory cabinets are famously known for their durability, making them a good investment that can last for years. Compared to other wood species,  they’re less likely to dent or scratch. They’re also more moisture-resistant, preserving the quality of the cabinet for a longer duration. 

Image: Kemper Antrim Rustic Hickory Thatch Kitchen Cabinet

kemper alder kitchen cabinet

Alder Kitchen Cabinet

From rustic to modern, the alder wood has an attractive look and a variety of finish options. People love alder wood because of its abundant supply, making it more affordable and sustainable than other hardwoods. 

Alder can be nailed without splitting, or screwed without pre-drilling. It glues well and can be sanded to a smooth finish, making it an excellent choice for cabinet doors.

Image: Kemper Gallatin Alder Whiskey Black Kitchen Cabinet

decora walnut kitchen cabinet

Walnut Kitchen Cabinet

These walnut-stained kitchen cabinets’ deep, rich color can add warmth and sophistication to any space. They’re durable and easy to maintain, making them perfect for kitchen cabinetry.

Image: Decora Marquis Walnut Jet Kitchen Cabinet

aristokraft birch kitchen cabinet

Birch Kitchen Cabinet

Birch cabinets make any kitchen remodel project a breeze. They aren’t just easy to stain; they sand, cut, and glue easily.

The birch wood variation ranges from nearly white to a light golden brown. It has a fine grain and a varied porosity which should be considered when applying certain stains during kitchen remodeling.  

Image: Aristokraft Benton Birch Autumn Kitchen Cabinet