Among all rooms in the home, the kitchen makes most use of natural wood in its core design. And because cabinetry is typically the biggest renovation investment—and resale point—it’s important to choose the perfect variety that’ll fit the character of the space. By opting for wood cabinetry, homeowners are essentially committing to the first stop on their custom journey. Every wood comes with its own unique nuances including variations in color, texture, and grain.
So, when it comes time to select their authentic wood finish, help clients consider what’s best in their modern or traditional kitchen. Give them a crash course in what makes each species special.
Cherry
This popular wood fits seamlessly with many décor styles because of its diverse range of color tones. Although the moniker suggests a bold crimson, cherry cabinets actually span everything from deep chocolate hues to light and medium natural shades. Of course, all retain that gorgeous reddish tone. Cherry wood has consistent color, and its grain lines can be streaky with strokes of black.
Mahogany
With its rich, durable properties, mahogany is on the luxurious end of the wood spectrum. Like cherry, mahogany wood has rich notes of red, but this imported hardwood is capable of a deeper, highly expensive-looking finish. It is known for its straight, fine grain lines, which appeal to those searching for an even appearance.
Pine
Pine is economical and seems to always be trending. For a rustic look reminiscent of a farmhouse kitchen or old country cottage, pine is distinctive, classic, and completely versatile. With a number of subspecies, this wood is relatively inexpensive but still exudes a cozy charm with its knotty detail.
Maple
For a lighter, airy feel, maple is a wonderful cabinetry option. The hardwood comes in so many shades, from creamy whites all the way to medium browns reminiscent of a cherry. Its grain is rather understated, offering ideal smoothness and consistency of color. Minor spots and streaks may darken when stained, which is great for infusing some unique character in the space.