A Guide to Kitchen Cabinet Wood Colors

Wood cabinets are a timeless design choice that fills a kitchen with ample warmth. They come in various types and styles, levels of durability, and price points, so we've done the homework for you and rounded up the most commonly used types of wood.

Since cabinets typically make up the bulk of kitchen furnishings, they are not only a practical feature but also a decorative one. Whether you live in a rustic farmhouse or a downtown loft, wood kitchen cabinets are a durable and classic option that brings in a natural element that pairs well with a variety of color palettes and materials.

Red Oak

Red oak is one of the most commonly used and least expensive types of wood used for kitchen cabinets. It's a durable material that has a natural warmth to it and features pronounced grain that's visible if you apply a stain.

Red oak cabinets can easily date a kitchen, but when done right, they can have a timeless appeal. Modernize this wood type with less ornate cabinet fronts and streamlined matte black hardware, or emphasize their warmth with a light stain and antique brass pulls.

Maple

Maple wood is an elegant choice for kitchen cabinets that is slightly more expensive but achieves a classic finish. Often used for custom cabinetry, it has a fine grain that looks stunning paired with a dramatic marble backsplash with pronounced veins. Maple wood can be stained or kept natural to showcase its light tone.

Beech Wood

Beech wood is a less commonly used material for cabinets as it tends to be more expensive. This hardwood is a beautiful choice for a modern kitchen and is known for its weight, strength, and durability. Use beech wood in a kitchen with bright white walls, minimalist light fixtures, clean-lined hardware, and plenty of natural light for a contemporary aesthetic.

Walnut

Walnut is an excellent type of wood for kitchen cabinets, not just because of its appearance but because of its practical durability. If you're looking for a material that will last well for years to come and that can withstand daily wear and tear, this is a good option. Walnut cabinets have a higher price tag than oak or maple because this type of wood doesn't grow quite as commonly, is a high-quality choice, and is a long-lasting investment.

White Oak

White oak has become a popular wood type for kitchen cabinets because its fine grain and light tone make for a bright and open space. It's similar to red oak in its durability and practicality but is a dressier, more modern option that lends itself well to a variety of design style—from modern rustic and coastal, to Scandinavian-inspired and minimalist. White oak is more expensive than its red counterpart and is a frequent choice for custom cabinetry.

Pine

Pine is a soft wood that is one of the most affordable types of wood because it grows in much larger numbers than some of the others. Its light color and grain make it an easy to work with material that can be stained, painted, and incorporated into a traditional or modern kitchen. Because it is a soft wood, it's not quite as durable as some of the other options and may not weather quite as well.

Cherry

Cherry wood is one of the pricier wood types available on the market. It's a strong material that can be stained and only looks better as it ages. Given that it's an investment, if you want to incorporate it into your kitchen without going over budget. Consider using it on your kitchen island as an accent and going with more affordable cabinetry in the rest of the room.

Hickory

Hickory provides a durable kitchen cabinet material with a beautiful visible grain that looks just as good stained as it does left natural and topped with a clear lacquer. It holds up well and is a strong wood that adds warmth and character, but it does fall in the more expensive wood types category. Go with a dark stain to balance out the wood's natural warmth and add brass hardware for a classic look.

How to Choose Wood That Works With Your Style

Different types of wood are suited for different design aesthetics. When you're choosing the material for your cabinets and you've established your budget, consider the look you want to achieve.

While warm-toned woods such as red oak or cherry may be an appropriate choice for a traditional space, the cabinet front design and hardware you pair it with can completely transform it. Opt for streamlined white oak cabinets for a modern look and if you want to incorporate wood into your kitchen but don't want the material to overpower the room, consider pairing painted cabinets with a wood island that makes a statement and serves as the central gathering spot.