Cabinet Wood Options

CHOOSING THE BEST WOOD FOR CABINETS

When deciding on the decor of any room, it is important to take the building materials into consideration. A product is only as good as the material crafting it. Cheap materials result in inferior products, and durable, high-quality materials result in superior products. When designing your home, it is important to know the difference in quality, appearance, and durability in the different products you wish to use.

The type of wood used for cabinets is particularly important because of the areas where cabinets are commonly installed. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets see a lot of use and can suffer more wear and tear than cabinets in other areas of your home. Each wood’s reaction to things like moisture and heat can affect its functionality in different rooms. Every type of wood also has varying characteristics that provide different aesthetic options.

Natural Woods

Natural woods are woods that have undergone very little processing. They are cut, sanded, and finished with stains or paints. Natural woods tend to provide a classic or rustic feel to the space where they are installed. Many people choose natural woods for aesthetic purposes rather than functional purposes. As a natural material, the wood you choose will gradually darken or lighten (depending on wood type) in response to aging, lighting, and UV exposure.

People considering natural wood for their cabinets should keep in mind that wood is in a constant state of expansion and contraction because of the moisture in the air. This state of flux can cause hairline cracks at the joints of the cabinets. Although these cracks can cause cosmetic damage, they don’t usually affect the strength of the wood. Natural wood can be repaired more easily than synthetic materials since it can be sanded down and stained.

Common Hardwoods Used for Cabinets

There are five common type of hardwoods used in cabinetry. They all vary in grain texture and coloring, and each provides a different look and feel for a room. If you decided that natural wood is the material you want for your cabinets, then you need to decide which species of wood you like best.

High-Pressure Laminates

High-pressure laminates (HPL) are composed of layers of kraft paper and finished with a protective layer that can be printed with accents and other decorative features. HPL are probably the best choice for family homes that see the most usage. They are especially ideal for kitchens and bathrooms because HPL has high durability, cleanability, and water resistance. HPL provide a modern aesthetic look to a room, with solid colors and clean lines. HPL is the better choice for cabinets when deciding on a purely functional aspect. They have an indoor life of at least 20 years and are difficult to ignite to fire. In addition, HPL is resistant to the following:

• Scratching
• Abrasion
• Heat
• Staining
• Chemical attack
• Organic solvents
• Steam
• Boiling water

Choosing the Best Option for You

At Cherokee Wood Products, we offer a variety of wood options for your cabinet needs. We carry a number of natural hardwoods as well as work with Pionite and Nevamar to provide you with high-pressure laminates. It is important to compare aesthetics with functionality, and our knowledgeable staff is here to help you meet both your needs as thoroughly as possible. Beautiful, quality cabinets are just a phone call away.

Call us today at (909) 920-5430 to speak with a friendly and helpful staff member. For your convenience, you may also fill out our information request form to find out more information. We look forward to hearing from you.