So you’ve decided to get custom cabinets, but now you’re not sure what type of wood to build them from. It’s not as straightforward as you might think, nor is it a choice you want to make lightly—the type of wood you select will affect not only how your cabinets will look but also how long they will last. At Harris Timberworks, fine custom cabinetry is our specialty; here’s a quick breakdown of cabinet wood options to help you find the solution that’s just right for your home.
Softwoods vs. Hardwoods
The first big decision is choosing between softwood and hardwood. Despite the name, the difference isn’t just about toughness—it comes down to the tree species. Hardwoods, like oak and walnut, come from deciduous trees and are dense, durable, and long-lasting, making them ideal for cabinets, like kitchen cabinets, that see heavy use. Softwoods, such as pine and cedar, come from evergreen trees and are typically more affordable and easier to work with, but they can be more prone to dents, scratches, and overall degradation over time.
If you’re going for a budget-friendly option, softwood might be the way to go, and you can choose powerful finishing products that will add some toughness and longevity. As such, these woods work great for low-traffic areas like bathroom vanities. For a higher-end and longer-lasting investment, hardwood is the clear winner. The best choice depends on your style, usage, and budget, and if you still need help, experienced cabinet makers like Harris Timberworks can help you decide.
Popular Wood Choices for Cabinets
The following is a list of the best types of wood for cabinets, ordered from softest to hardest.
Pine
Pine is one of the softest and most affordable wood options available, making it a great choice for budget-conscious homeowners. Its light color, ranging from pale yellow to light brown, creates a warm, inviting look, perfect for farmhouse-style cabinets. The wood has a subtle grain, which can sometimes make it less distinctive than harder woods. It’s not the most durable option, but with proper care and occasional refinishing, pine can serve its purpose well.
We often recommend pine for historical homes where it would be authentic to the time period from which they were made. Victorian-era homes, for example, often used southern yellow pine for interior finishes and furniture.
Cedar
Cedar is a softwood known for its distinct reddish-brown hue and aromatic scent. It’s easy to work with but softer than hardwoods, which makes it more susceptible to dents and scratches. Cedar’s natural resistance to moisture and insects makes it a good choice for humid environments, though it may require more maintenance over time. Its warm, rustic aesthetic and unique grain patterns make it ideal for more nature-inspired or cozy designs, but it’s less common in high-traffic cabinetry due to its softness and need for care.
Alder
Alder is a soft hardwood with a smooth, even grain pattern, which makes it easy to work with. It comes in a light brown to reddish color and has a relatively subtle appearance, which allows it to complement a variety of stains and finishes. It’s a good option for homeowners looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to oak or cherry, but without sacrificing the look of a quality hardwood.
On the other hand, this really is a soft wood, so it might not be the best choice for high-traffic, high-impact areas such as a busy kitchen. If you like the color but desire something more durable, birch and cherry are stronger and can be stained similar colors.
Cherry
Cherry is a premium hardwood with a rich, reddish-brown hue that deepens and darkens over time, adding character and warmth to cabinetry while staining very well. The wood has a fine, straight grain with a smooth, even texture, making it perfect for classic interior design aesthetics. Cherry is highly durable; naturally, its quality and aesthetic appeal make it a highly attractive wood, but it is still less expensive than Alder. With age, cherry develops a patina that enhances its natural beauty, making it a great choice for long-term investments.
Birch
Birch is a medium-density hardwood that offers a good balance between durability and cost. The wood is light in color, with a fine, uniform grain pattern, often exhibiting a creamy white to reddish-brown hue. It’s less distinct than maple but still offers a clean, polished look. Birch’s smooth texture makes it suitable for both modern and traditional styles, though it can sometimes have imperfections like knots. It’s durable enough for most cabinetry but can show wear over time with heavy use.
Walnut
Walnut is perhaps the most luxurious wood used for cabinetry. It’s known for its stunning deep brown to purplish-black color, with a rich, straight grain that can display striking patterns. The wood’s elegant appearance and exceptional durability make it a popular choice for high-end projects. Although walnut is dense and durable, it also tends to be one of the priciest options, making it ideal for homeowners who are willing to invest in a truly high-quality look. Finally, unlike cherry, Walnut tends to get lighter with age due to UV exposure.
Oak
Oak is a classic American hardwood, known for its strength and durability. It typically features a prominent grain pattern that can be either tight or open, depending on the variety, and can range from light to medium brown. Oak is versatile and works well in traditional and rustic designs. It’s a bit more expensive than wood like pine or birch, but its durability and long lifespan make it a great investment for high-use cabinetry, such as in kitchens. For these reasons, white oak, specifically, is currently the most popular hard wood.
While it’s resistant to wear and tear, oak can be more susceptible to moisture damage, so regular sealing is recommended.
Maple
Maple is a highly durable, dense wood that offers a smooth, even grain pattern. Its light color—ranging from pale cream to reddish-brown—gives it a clean, contemporary look, ideal for modern and transitional kitchen designs. Maple is strong and resists wear, which makes it a favorite for custom cabinetry. Its smooth surface and tight grain takes stains and finishes well. In fact, this is the go-to wood for painted and colored cabinetry since the grain won’t easily show. The one downside is that its relatively high density can make it difficult to work with for more intricate designs.
Hickory
Hickory is the hardest and most durable hardwoods available for cabinetry. It features a bold, dramatic grain pattern that can range from straight to wavy, and its color can vary from light blonde to darker browns. While its hardness makes it a great choice for durability, hickory’s striking visual appeal can be too much for some tastes, making it ideal for those who want a more rustic or rugged aesthetic.
Professional Cabinet Makers
Choosing the right wood for your cabinets is about balancing style, durability, and budget to create a space that fits your needs. Harris Timberworks in Colorado offers expert craftsmanship and customized solutions to ensure your cabinets are both beautiful and built to last. Contact our team of premium cabinet makers for more information!