How Do I Choose the Best Wood Kitchen Cabinets?

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Choosing kitchen cabinets is easily the most involved portion of redecorating any kitchen space. The good news is that selecting the right kind of wood kitchen cabinets doesn't have to be a difficult process. The bad news is that you will have to do a bit of research before settling on the right wood type, though all the information you need to know can be found right here.

No matter what kind of wood kitchen cabinets you are looking at, make sure that they are one hundred percent solid wood. Many manufacturers use particle board in place of wood in order to cut costs. The problem with particle board is that this wood composite won't last as long, or look as good, as solid wood. If you are redoing your whole kitchen, then you may as well purchase solid wood kitchen cabinets.

Oak is by far the most popular wood choice. Oak trees can be found all over the globe, which is one of the reasons why oak wood kitchen cabinets are so easy to find. Oak takes well to stain, it is durable, and it is aesthetically appealing. Most homeowners who choose oak cabinets prefer a natural, or honey stained, look to any kind or darker stain, though darker stains are available.

Ponderosa, white, and yellow are all types of pine wood that are frequently fashioned into cabinets. White and yellow pine are the most versatile, since both types of wood can be easily stained without any added amount of fuss. Contrastingly, ponderosa pine can be difficult to work with if you plan to stain your own cabinets. If you prefer the look of ponderosa pine, cabinets made from this type of wood can be purchased pre-stained.

Maple is a type of wood that many contractors prize for its sheer adaptability. Maple can be stained in any shade, and it will still maintain its natural wood grain. You'll also find that maple tends to be more cost-effective than pine or oak, since maple trees can be found in Asia, and many maple wood kitchen cabinets are manufactured in Asia. Unlike maple, cherry wood is expensive, though it is quite stunning to look at.

Cherry wood is unique in that it turns from a light wood color to a deep red color with time. Once cherry wood has been stained, exposure to sunlight over many years will bring out the wood's natural red hue. This is precisely why many people pay a higher price for cherry wood. Lastly, mahogany wood kitchen cabinets are rare, but they have a rich and luxurious look that many homeowners love. If style and class is what you're after, then mahogany may be the type of wood that you are seeking.

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Written by Harriette Halepis


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