Cabinets made of solid wood are one of the best investments you can make in your home. The natural warmth they provide is also a distinguishing characteristic of these kitchens over other types. Solid wood cabinets are durable, which is one of their biggest benefits. Taking care of solid wood cabinets can extend their life expectancy by more than 25 years.
Cleanup is simple with wood cabinets. Unlike other cabinet materials, they can also be refinished, restrained, or repainted. Depending on the damage, sanding and polishing can be used to repair cabinet doors.
In addition to their beautiful appearance, real wood cabinets can be stained or painted to fit your aesthetic preferences.
Cabinetmakers can make any sized or shaped furniture out of wood since it is easy to work with.
If well maintained, solid wood cabinets usually maintain their value over time, unlike some cheaper or modern materials. If you decide to resell your home in the future, this can make a big difference in its price.
There are some potential disadvantages with solid wood cabinets, although most can be overcome. Here are some of them:
In comparison to plywood, particle board, laminate, MDF cabinetry, and some other materials, solid wood cabinets are more expensive. Nevertheless, the advantages of wood include its durability, beauty, and value. Moreover, it is clearly the best choice for luxury houses.
It may be more cost-effective to choose pine instead of oak or maple. Using solid timber in combination with other materials is another alternative. As a result, your overall costs will be reduced while still having the beauty of natural wood pieces.
If you tap a wooden cabinet, it makes a hollow or dull sound, which indicates termite infestation. As part of their damage to the wood, termites make tunnels or galleries containing fecal pellets that measure 2mm in length that are interconnected by wood grain chambers.
If your home is treated for termites and you have a termite bond, this should never occur. Termites should be treated right away by your pest control company if you ever see them.
Moisture sensitive wood shouldn't come as a surprise. The planks will expand and contract as the moisture content changes due to local climate change. Warping occurs over time as a result of it.
You're in trouble if your house floods, your sink overflows, or if your family does dishes without worrying about water running down the sides of and under your solid wood cabinets. When exposed to water for a prolonged period of time, wood can swell because it is hygroscopic, absorbing moisture from the environment.
Professional installation is recommended for cabinets. For a quality installation that will last for a long time, they have the necessary tools and equipment. Many homeowners are able to complete the project on their own. Incorrectly installed cabinets do not guarantee quality of work, durability, or sustainability. When a novice homeowner attempts to repair work, it will often cost more to call in a professional. Investing in cabinets is a wise decision. But they will pay off in the long run for your house.
There are many types of wood for kitchen cabinets available on the market. But what is the best wood for cabinets?
For real wood kitchen cabinets, here are some of the most popular and best types of wood materials to choose from:
True ebony wood comes from Diospyros trees. Woods include Ceylon, Gabon, Makassar, and Mun ebony. They grow naturally in Sri Lanka, India, Ghana, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Laos (Ceylon, Makassar, Mun). Ebony wood kitchen cabinets are perfect if you want something stunningly beautiful and different. The color is a very dark black, providing plenty of drama and sophistication for your kitchen, working well in a modern architectural style. Another plus — ebony wood doesn’t show scratches and stains.
The wood of mahogany comes from three tropical hardwood species of the genus Swietenia in the Meliaceae family. The durability and color of mahogany make it a popular commercial material. In addition to being naturally found in North America, it has also been imported into Asia and Oceania. Mahogany kitchen cabinets are the premier wood for fine cabinetry with their deep reddish-brown color and the beautiful swirl pattern in the grain. Mahogany is very strong and durable and the absolute epitome of luxury kitchen cabinets. Of course, it is also the most expensive.
Hickory wood comes from deciduous hickory trees. Trees classified under the Carya genus form a structurally similar group. There are approximately 18 species in the genus. In North America, fifteen are native, while three are from East Asia. Hickory wood cabinets are as strong as oak and have a similar grain pattern to oak, as well. The pale yellow color looks great with a natural finish in a rustic style architecture and design.
Cherry wood comes from Prunus serotina, a tree that is native to North America. Prunus serotina produces small, tart fruits after about ten years of growth, which are often used for jelly and jam. Among the hardwoods used for furniture in America, cherry wood is perhaps the most prized. The American Black Cherry fruit tree, whose wood is smooth-grained, reddish-brown, is the most popular hardwood seller. Cherry wood kitchen cabinets are extremely popular and very durable. They have a uniform grain that provides timeless beauty. Cherry wood cabinets are more expensive than some other types of wood, but it is a solid investment.
Although there are dozens of species of maple trees around the globe, the species most common among American woodworkers is Hard Maple (aka Sugar Maple or Rock Maple). Maple wood cabinets are a pale color, easy to paint or stain, and very durable. They are lighter than cherry with a smoother surface. The soft grain, with waves and bird’s eye patterns, works well with traditional and modern architecture. These cabinets can be more expensive than other wood cabinets. But they will not disappoint.
Oaks are beloved throughout the world for their beautiful, lobed leaves and tiny acorns. Due to its durability, workability, and natural beauty, oak wood is prized for furniture making, flooring, and cabinetry. Cabinets made from oak are among the most durable woods. Aside from resisting rot and warping in humid environments, its hardness and strength make it resistant to scratches and dents as well.
Among North American trees, black walnuts (Juglans nigra) are considered to be among the most valuable. Its edible nuts are harvested for commercial sale and its wood is valuable for furniture and cabinet making. Walnut wood cabinets have a very fine smooth grain and can come in a variety of colors from dark browns to light yellows. It’s easy to finish in a rich color and these cabinets are very dense and long-lasting. Walnut is also less affected by water than birch or pine.
Pine is one of the cheapest cabinet woods. Since pine scratches and dents easily, its budget pricing makes sense. It is possible to make your pine wood look much more luxurious and stylish with the right stain. Unlike other woods, pine resists moisture and won't swell or crack, making it ideal for humid environments. Additionally, pine wood is quite soft. The result is a cabinet that is easy to work with and carve.