Guide to kitchen cabinets: wood 101

by Ysobel Croix
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

You know your price range. You know when it comes to materials for kitchen cabinets, wood is exactly what you want. But what kind of wood? Shopping around and comparing prices can make a lot more sense when you know a few characteristics of a kitchen cabinet's wood.

Kitchen cabinets: wood types

Alder. Alder is light red to reddish brown in color. It has a straight grain and even texture. Alder is a softer hardwood than maple or cherry, so it may dent more easily.

Popular manufacturers of alder kitchen cabinets:

• Adelphi Kitchens & Cabinetry
• Dura Surpeme Cabinetry
• Thomasville Cabinetry

Cherry. Cherry wood offers a wide color range, from light yellow to deep, reddish brown. It has a satin texture and distinctive markings, such as gum veins and pin knots. Cherry is a moderate hardwood with excellent shock resistance.

Popular manufacturers of cherry kitchen cabinets:

• Adelphi Kitchens & Cabinetry
• Aristokraft Cabinets
• Dura Surpeme Cabinetry
• Kraftmaid Cabinets
• Thomasville Cabinetry

Maple. Maple is light in color, ranging from creamy white to a light, reddish brown. It is tough, extremely strong and dense--durable enough for gym floors and bowling pins.

Popular manufacturers of maple kitchen cabinets:

• Adelphi Kitchens & Cabinetry
• Aristokraft Cabinets
• Dura Surpeme Cabinetry
• Kraftmaid Cabinets
• Thomasville Cabinetry

Oak. Oak makes the favorites list for furniture, flooring, bathroom and kitchen cabinet wood. Among oak's several species, red and white oak tend to be the most popular. Red oak tends to have a more open grain, while white oak is marked with long plumes or rays. Both types are high-quality and durable.

Popular manufacturers of oak kitchen cabinets:

• Aristokraft Cabinets
• Dura Surpeme Cabinetry
• Thomasville Cabinetry

No matter your budget, no matter your aesthetic, when shopping for kitchen cabinets, wood is a construction material that can add warmth and beauty to your home. Know your woods, research your options, renovate your kitchen with confidence.