Yahoo Finance 8 Popular Types of Wood for Cabinets
By Pro.com
Special to Yahoo Homes
Hardwood is always an elegant choice for kitchen cabinetry, and one that will forever remain in style. Different woods feature different characters varying by knots, mineral deposits and grains. While you can’t go wrong with any of the options out there, here is a guide of eight of the most popular woods for kitchen and bathroom cabinetry to help you decide.
1. Alder
Pale red to a brownish-red, alder features a grain that can be completely clear to very rustic with lots of knots and streaks. It takes well to stains and finishes, so it is a very versatile hardwood option.
2. Beech
Beech has a closed grain, meaning that pores are small and feel smooth. Colors range from blond to light brown and it is very hard and durable, second only to oak.
3. Oak
Legendary for its strength, oak is also a less expensive hardwood due to its abundance in America. For that reason, oak is also very common in homes and has been for centuries. It’s the toughest of the hardwoods and very damage resistant. The grain can be fairly patterned making it perfect for traditional or rustic cabinets.
4. Cherry
George Washington was probably able to chop down his cherry tree as a child because this wood is so soft. It’s the most elegant and modern of the hardwoods. And because it takes so well to stains, it can also be made to look vintage. The warm and rich color darkens with time and is as expensive as it looks.
5. Hickory
The dense, vivid variations in hickory’s color and grain patterns make it a very bold hardwood. You can have different flows and shades in a single piece of wood, but it’s also smooth and easy to stain. For a fashion forward homeowner who wants to feature their cabinets, hickory is a good choice.
6. Maple
Maple is very popular for its character and versatility ranging from country kitchens to modern ones. Its grain is tight, uniform and consistent, and any existing streaks will darken when stained. These fine lines and curling waves are considered very attractive and will increase the value and beauty of the wood.
7. Birch
Birch is a soft, lush wood which stains extremely well. It is similar to cherry; smooth to touch with subtle patterns that make a room feel warm and cozy.
8. Pine
This easily recognized wood is also the softest and will dent without much force. It’s best in kitchens and bathrooms that are used gently. The pale yellow color can be easily stained and features very distinct knots. They give pine a rustic, country feel that elevates any traditional home.
Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services -- especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.
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