Everything You Need to Know About Kitchen Cabinet Wood Colors (2024)

Room Design

Kitchen Design

• 01 of 08

  Red Oak

  

  Red oak is one of the most commonly used and least expensive types of wood used for kitchen cabinets. It's a durable material that has a natural warmth to it and features pronounced grain that's visible if you apply a stain.

  Red oak cabinets can easily date a kitchen, but when done right, they can have a timeless appeal. Modernize this wood type with less ornate cabinet fronts and streamlined matte black hardware, or emphasize their warmth with a light stain and antique brass pulls.

• 02 of 08

  Maple

  

  Maple wood is an elegant choice for kitchen cabinets that is slightly more expensive but achieves a classic finish. Often used for custom cabinetry, it has a fine grain that looks stunning paired with a dramatic marble backsplash with pronounced veins. Maple wood can be stained or kept natural to showcase its light tone.

• 03 of 08

  Beech Wood

  

  Beech wood is a less commonly used material for cabinets as it tends to be more expensive. This hardwood is a beautiful choice for a modern kitchen and is known for its weight, strength, and durability. Use beech wood in a kitchen with bright white walls, minimalist light fixtures, clean-lined hardware, and plenty of natural light for a contemporary aesthetic.

• 04 of 08

  Walnut

  

  Walnut is an excellent type of wood for kitchen cabinets, not just because of its appearance but because of its practical durability. If you're looking for a material that will last well for years to come and that can withstand daily wear and tear, this is a good option. Walnut cabinets have a higher price tag than oak or maple because this type of wood doesn't grow quite as commonly, is a high-quality choice, and is a long-lasting investment.

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• 05 of 08

  White Oak

  

  White oak has become a popular wood type for kitchen cabinets because its fine grain and light tone make for a bright and open space. It's similar to red oak in its durability and practicality but is a dressier, more modern option that lends itself well to a variety of design style—from modern rustic and coastal, to Scandinavian-inspired and minimalist. White oak is more expensive than its red counterpart and is a frequent choice for custom cabinetry.

• 06 of 08

  Pine

  

  Pine is a soft wood that is one of the most affordable types of wood because it grows in much larger numbers than some of the others. Its light color and grain make it an easy to work with material that can be stained, painted, and incorporated into a traditional or modern kitchen. Because it is a soft wood, it's not quite as durable as some of the other options and may not weather quite as well.

• 07 of 08

  Cherry

  

  Cherry wood is one of the pricier wood types available on the market. It's a strong material that can be stained and only looks better as it ages. Given that it's an investment, if you want to incorporate it into your kitchen without going over budget. Consider using it on your kitchen island as an accent and going with more affordable cabinetry in the rest of the room.

• 08 of 08

  Hickory

  

  Hickory provides a durable kitchen cabinet material with a beautiful visible grain that looks just as good stained as it does left natural and topped with a clear lacquer. It holds up well and is a strong wood that adds warmth and character, but it does fall in the more expensive wood types category. Go with a dark stain to balance out the wood's natural warmth and add brass hardware for a classic look.