With so many wood options to choose from for your kitchen cabinets, how do you choose? The wood you select for your cabinets determines not only how they will look, but how long they’ll last. Below, you’ll find a handy guide to the most popular wood choices for custom cabinets.

4 Types of Wood to Consider When Designing Your Kitchen Cabinets

1.White Oak

White oak is generally only available for custom cabinetry – which means you won’t be seeing this choice in every kitchen on your block. While the more common red oak is equally as durable, where white oak truly stands out is its more subtle grain. If you’re designing a kitchen with a classic period or Arts and Crafts look, white oak is an excellent choice.

2.Hard Maple

Hard maple is especially popular with more modern kitchens, and is often used in mid-century modern design. If you’re not a fan of grainier wood, this is an elegant choice for you. It’s a popular choice for custom cabinets and is often left unstained with only a clear finish to bring out its subtle beauty.

3. Hickory

Designers are fawning over rustic finishes right now, and no wood does rustic better than hickory. If you’re a fan of oak’s grain, you may find hickory to be a more contemporary choice. Hickory can be stained in a variety of colors, or enhanced with a natural finish.

4. Cherry

Cherry is both elegant and formal, and a popular choice for those seeking a more traditional style for kitchen cabinets. Cherry is known for its red undertones but is available in shades ranging from pale white to deep browns. Cherry is durable, standing up to decades of wear, and has a smooth uniform texture making it a natural for a variety of finishes.

If you’re dreaming of custom kitchen cabinets, Marlon Architectural Woodworking in Bridgeport, CT, is considered Fairfield County's top craftsman—known for their extraordinary skills in custom furniture, woodworking, and custom cabinets for both residential and commercial customers. Call (203) 650-2245 to schedule a consultation to discuss your new custom cabinets, or visit them online.