The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Wood for Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets

Finding the right wood is easy, for finding one that suits perfectly is not as easy as one would think. This is because it all depends on what your priorities are: durability, aesthetic appeal, or cost and which wood type matches each of these needs. From there, it's an informed choice, ensuring your cabinets look amazing and last a lifetime.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about choosing the best wood for unfinished kitchen cabinets for your unfinished RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets like Drawer Base Cabinets . From exploring market trends and material options to understanding cost considerations and durability, we will discuss it all.

Wood selection significantly impacts home value, with quality cabinetry potentially increasing property value by 6-10%. The wood type becomes the foundation of your design, influencing everything from durability and maintenance to the final look and feel of your space. Unlike pre-finished cabinets, unfinished options give you the ultimate flexibility to customize and personalize your modern kitchen designs. 65% of cabinet damage is moisture-related, emphasizing the importance of proper sealing.

A 2023 National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) survey revealed that 42% of homeowners prefer hardwood cabinets, showcasing a strong preference for classic and durable materials.

Engineered wood materials followed with 35%, while 23% of homeowners opted for alternatives like laminate or metal. Choosing hardwood cabinets aligns with these trends, offering not only timeless appeal but also the potential to boost your home’s resale value. 

Maple stands out as a top-tier option for kitchen cabinets, offering a combination of durability and aesthetic appeal that's hard to beat. Its tight, uniform grain pattern provides a smooth surface that's perfect for painting or staining. Maple represents approximately 27% of all hardwood cabinet installations, making it the most popular premium wood choice.

Characteristics:

• Extremely hard and durable

• Smooth, fine-grain

• Resistant to wear and tear

• Excellent for both modern and traditional kitchen designs

• Takes paint and stain exceptionally well

Cost: Maple cabinets usually run between $100 - $250 per linear foot.
Ideal For: Homeowners looking for a high-end, long-lasting cabinet solution, especially those who want a clean, contemporary look.

Oak has been a staple in cabinet construction for generations, and for good reason. Available in red and white varieties, oak brings a classic, timeless feel to any kitchen. Oak accounts for 22% of hardwood cabinet installations, maintaining its long-standing popularity in kitchen design.

Characteristics:

• Prominent grain pattern

• Highly durable

• Resistant to moisture

• Excellent for traditional and rustic kitchen designs

• More affordable than maple

Cost: Oak is a budget-friendly option with costs ranging from $80 - $200 per linear foot. 

Ideal For: Those seeking a traditional look with excellent durability and a more budget-friendly option.

Cherry wood is prized for its rich, warm tones and the beautiful aging process. Cherry wood cabinets comprise 18% of hardwood installations, as it ages, cherry develops a deeper, more luxurious color that adds sophistication to any kitchen. 

Characteristics:

• Rich, warm color that deepens with age

• Smooth, fine-grain

• Moderately hard

• Develops a beautiful patina over time

• Excellent for staining

Cost: Cherry cabinets fall in the range of $150 - $300 per linear foot.

Ideal For: Homeowners looking for a luxurious, high-end look with a warm, inviting feel.

 Birch represents 15% of wood cabinet choices, offering an attractive balance between affordability and quality, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners. 

Characteristics:

• Similar appearance to maple

• Smooth, fine-grain

• Takes paint and stains well

• More affordable than maple or cherry

• Relatively durable

Cost: Birch cabinets are a budget-friendly option that can cost between $70 and $180 in linear feet.

Ideal For: Those who want the look of maple without the higher price tag.

With a Janka hardness rating of 1,820 lbf (pounds-force), hickory is the most durable wood considered, accounting for 8% of hardwood cabinet installations. If you're aiming for a rustic, farmhouse-style kitchen, hickory might be your perfect match.

Characteristics:

• Extremely hard and durable

• Dramatic grain variations

• Distinctive, rustic appearance

• Resistant to wear and tear

• Unique colour variations

Cost: Hickory cabinets are the most durable among the lot, ranging between $90 and $220 in linear feet.

Ideal For: Homeowners seeking a robust, rustic aesthetic with maximum durability.

Kitchen cabinets are also pretty much subject to wear and tear. For example, a hardwood wood, which does not easily get scratches, dents, or scuffs, should be used in the cabinets. Wooden cabinets, if properly taken care of, can last as long as 20 to 30 years. Quality wooden cabinets, besides looking wonderful, will give your house a resale value of 3% to 5%.

The wood's grain pattern affects both its appearance and how well it takes stain or paint. Tighter grains like maple work well for smooth, modern looks, while more pronounced grains like oak suit traditional styles.

Wood prices vary significantly. Maple and cherry tend to be pricey, but birch and oak offer a budget-friendly option. The annual maintenance cost of wooden cabinets is about $200-$500. 

Some woods take stain and paint more evenly than others.  Maple and birch are best suited for painting, while oak and cherry are better suited for staining. Professional refinishing can extend cabinet life by up to 40%.

Choosing the best wood for your unfinished kitchen cabinets is a personal decision that balances aesthetics, durability, and budget. Whether you choose premium maple, classic oak, luxurious cherry, affordable birch, or rustic hickory, each wood type offers unique benefits.

After all, partially constructed cabinets give you the ultimate option for customization. Take your time, consider all your options, and choose a wood that doesn't only look beautiful but will also withstand all the demands that your kitchen puts on it.

Ready to transform your kitchen? Browse our unfinished RTA cabinet collections from Door Drawer Base Cabinets to Vanity Sink Base Cabinets, and start your kitchen renovation journey today!