The 5 Best Wood Types for Kitchen Cabinets

Choosing the right wood for your kitchen cabinets is one of the most important decisions you can make during a remodel. Wood determines the look, durability, and long-term performance of your cabinetry, which is why Premium Wholesale Cabinets helps homeowners select options that elevate their home for years to come.

From color and grain to strength and finish, here is a simple guide to the best wood types for kitchen cabinets and how to choose the one that fits your style.

Your Choice in Wood Choice Matters

Your cabinets are more than storage. They are one of the most visible and functional pieces in your home. The wood you choose influences:

Durability and longevity
Color and finish options
Grain pattern and texture
Overall kitchen style
Maintenance needs
Price and long-term value

Premium Wholesale Cabinets offers a wide range of high-quality woods so you can create a kitchen that feels custom, cohesive, and built to last.

Maple Cabinets

Maple is one of the most popular cabinet woods because it is strong, smooth, and versatile. With its light color and subtle grain, maple fits beautifully in modern, transitional, and Scandinavian-inspired kitchens.

Benefits of maple:

Durable and long-lasting
Smooth, even grain
Takes paint and stain well
Works in almost any design style

Maple is a great option if you want a clean and timeless look.

Oak Cabinets

Oak offers a distinct grain pattern and natural strength that homeowners love. It is warm, durable, and gives your kitchen a classic or rustic feel depending on your finish.

Benefits of oak:

Strong and highly durable
Beautiful, visible grain
Great for traditional or craftsman-style kitchens
Excellent for stained finishes

Oak is ideal for homeowners who want a natural, textured look that never goes out of style.

Walnut Cabinets

Walnut is rich, luxurious, and instantly elevates any kitchen. Its chocolate-brown tones and sophisticated grain create a high-end, modern feel.

Benefits of walnut:

Deep, natural color variations
Stunning grain movement
Works well in modern, contemporary, and luxury designs
Naturally durable

Walnut adds warmth and refinement without feeling heavy.

Cherry Cabinets

Cherry wood brings richness and depth to a kitchen through its warm reddish tones. Over time, cherry matures and darkens, creating a beautiful patina that adds character.

Benefits of cherry:

Ages beautifully
Smooth texture with subtle grain
Ideal for warm, elegant kitchens
Great for traditional or classic designs

Cherry is the perfect choice for homeowners looking for a cozy, inviting aesthetic.

Hickory Cabinets

Hickory is one of the strongest cabinetry woods available. Its dramatic color variation and bold grain patterns are perfect for homeowners who want a unique, eye-catching kitchen.

Benefits of hickory:

Extremely durable
Natural variation in tone and pattern
Great for rustic, farmhouse, or lodge-inspired spaces

Hickory brings personality and natural beauty into your home.

How to Choose the Right Wood for Your Kitchen

When selecting a wood type, consider these factors:

Your home’s overall style
Whether you prefer subtle or bold grain
Natural light in the space
Whether you want painted or stained finishes
Long-term maintenance preferences

Premium Wholesale Cabinets guides every homeowner through this process, helping you choose materials that match your design goals and lifestyle.

When to Choose Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are ideal if you want:

Full control over wood type, finish, and door style
Better storage solutions and layout options
A perfect fit for your kitchen’s dimensions
A high-quality, long-lasting upgrade

Premium Wholesale Cabinets specializes in custom-built cabinetry that enhances both functionality and visual appeal.

Ready to Begin Your Kitchen Remodel?

Premium Wholesale Cabinets is here to help you design a kitchen that feels beautiful, durable, and uniquely yours.

Schedule a design consultation today to explore your wood and finish options.