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WOOD SPECIES.

The type of wood your cabinetry is built with will help determine the look and the durability. We offer many standard options in wood species but are always open to sourcing special woods to fit your needs. Each wood has its own distinct characteristics and hardness.

Most people choose the type of wood based on how it looks. But it's also essential to consider how hard the wood is so that your cabinets will be beautiful and last a long time, no matter how you use them.

Hardness Scale: 1 (Softest) to 4 (Hardest)

Alder - Reddish hew; often mistaken for cherry

With a soft and smooth grain pattern, Alder is a beautiful option for cabinetry
Qualities: accepts all types of stain well
Grain: soft and smooth pattern
Hardness rating: 1
Price point = $$$

Beech - Usually a pale cream color; sometimes with a pink or brown hue

Beech is typically pale with a straight grain and stains well with all shades
Qualities: accepts all types of stain well
Grain: straight with fine-to-medium texture
Hardness rating: 3
Price point = $$$

Cherry - Reddish hue, stains well with all colors

Cherry, a favorite for cabinetry, is known for “sweetening” or darkening over time
Qualities: one of the most beautiful wood species, accepts all types of stain well
Grain: soft and smooth pattern
Hardness rating: 2
Price point = $$$

Hard Maple - White hew with flecks of reddish brown

Hard Maple is popular for building furniture and cabinetry
Qualities: can be stained darker if a pre-conditioner is used, ideal for light stain
Grain: fine and minimal pattern
Hardness rating: 3
Price point = $$

Hickory - High contrast color; shades of brown, white and red

Hickory gives a rustic appearance with high contrast in natural wood colors
Qualities: stains well with a variety of colors
Grain: straight, open grain
Hardness rating: 4
Price point = $$

Paint Grade Maple - Best surface for paint

Paint Grade Maple is the perfect wood to obtain a silky-smooth painted finish
Qualities: free of knots and heavy patterns for painting
Grain: dense and tight structure
Hardness rating: 2
Price point = $$

Quartersawn Oak - Variety of light and dark color patterns with unique flecks

Quartersawn Oak achieves a primitive antique or classic, Early American look
Qualities: accepts full spectrum of stains
Grain: very straight and heavy
Hardness rating: 3
Price point = $$$$

Red Oak - Light-to-medium brown color with slight reddish hew

Red Oak is the American classic for cabinetry, ideal for budget-minded homeowners
Qualities: accepts all types of stain well
Grain: heavy with deep texture
Hardness rating: 3
Price point = $

Walnut - Lighter brown to deep chocolate

American Black Walnut is always a showstopper!
Qualities: typically, not stained; only clear coated to show off the natural beauty
Grain: usually straight but can be irregular; medium texture
Hardness rating: 3
Price point = $$$$

White Oak - Light to medium brown commonly with an olive cast

White Oak is durable and heavy, available in quarter sawn
Qualities: accepts all types of stain well
Grain: mixture of straight and curly; a coarse, uneven texture
Hardness rating: 3
Price point = $$$$

KC Home Design Studio | Call Us: 816.988.7230

WOOD SPECIES.