Choosing the Best Wood Species for Your Cabinets

When you’re investing in new cabinets, one of the most important decisions is the type of wood you choose. The right wood species affects not only how your cabinets look, but also how well they stand up to daily use.

Should you choose maple or oak cabinets for durability? Is cherry or walnut better for a high-end look? Or would poplar or knotty beech give you the style you want on a budget?

This guide compares six popular cabinet woods—maple, oak, cherry, walnut, knotty beech, and poplar—to help you decide which option is right for your kitchen, bathroom, or custom project.

This is not an extensive list of what we offer, but here are popular options.

Maple Cabinets

• Appearance: Light, creamy wood with a smooth, fine grain.

• Durability: Very hard and strong—excellent for busy kitchens.

• Finishing: Takes paint beautifully; lighter stains work well, though dark stains can blotch without prep.

• Best For: Painted cabinets or homeowners who want a clean, modern look with long-lasting durability.

Why choose maple? If you’re debating maple vs oak cabinets, maple gives you a smoother grain and is the go-to for painted finishes.

Oak Cabinets

• Appearance: Distinct, visible grain. Red oak has warm tones, while white oak has a more neutral, modern look.

• Durability: Extremely strong and resistant to wear—perfect for high-traffic kitchens.

• Finishing: Stains beautifully and enhances the bold grain pattern.

• Best For: Traditional, farmhouse, or rustic kitchens where you want the wood’s natural texture to stand out.

Why choose oak? Oak cabinets are a classic choice, offering strength and character at a reasonable price.

Cherry Cabinets

• Appearance: Smooth grain with natural reddish-brown tones that darken over time.

• Durability: Strong and stable, holding up well in kitchens and baths.

• Finishing: Looks stunning with a natural finish, but also takes stain evenly.

• Best For: Homeowners wanting a timeless, elegant, and rich cabinet style.

Why choose cherry? Cherry is known as one of the best woods for high-end kitchen cabinets, adding warmth and sophistication.

Walnut Cabinets

• Appearance: Dark brown with deep, rich undertones and flowing grain patterns.

• Durability: Strong but slightly softer than maple or oak.

• Finishing: Often left natural with a clear finish to highlight its natural beauty.

• Best For: Modern, upscale spaces where a dramatic, luxurious cabinet style is desired.

Why choose walnut? Walnut creates a striking look that instantly elevates kitchens, offices, and built-ins.

Knotty woods can add interesting textures to your space.

Knotty Beech Cabinets

• Appearance: Light wood with visible knots and rustic character.

• Durability: Strong and resilient, though knots add a more casual look.

• Finishing: Accepts stain well; lighter finishes showcase the natural knots.

• Best For: Rustic, farmhouse, cabin, or country-style kitchens.

Why choose knotty beech? It offers a budget-friendly alternative to knotty alder while still giving that warm, rustic charm.

Poplar Cabinets

• Appearance: Pale wood with green, gray, or yellow streaks.

• Durability: Softer than hardwoods like maple or oak; dents more easily.

• Finishing: Paints beautifully, making it a popular choice for painted cabinets.

• Best For: Painted cabinets on a budget or secondary spaces like laundry rooms and garages.

Why choose poplar? Poplar is one of the most cost-effective woods for painted cabinets, perfect for homeowners who want style without breaking the budget.

You can always mix and match stains and painted wood in your space.

Which Wood Species is Right for Your Cabinets?

• For durability and busy households: Choose maple or oak.

• For timeless elegance: Go with cherry or walnut.

• For rustic charm: Pick knotty beech.

• For painted cabinets: Select maple (premium) or poplar (budget-friendly).

But Wait, There's More!

We offer many wood options, here's a list of all you can explore:

• Walnut

• Mahogany

• Cherry

• Rustic Cherry

• Clear Beech

• Knotty Beech

• Hickory

• Maple

• West Coast Maple

• Cypress

• Birch

• White Oak

• Red Oak

• Cedar

• Alder

• Knotty Alder

• Pine

• Knotty Pine

• Poplar

• Paint Grade

Final Tip: Always Test Samples in Your Space

Cabinet wood can look very different under your home’s lighting. Always view samples in your kitchen or bathroom before making a final choice.

By comparing maple vs oak vs cherry vs walnut vs knotty beech vs poplar cabinets, you’ll be able to find the perfect match for your style, budget, and lifestyle needs.

Check out our Design Page to see all the wood options Prater-Built Cabinets offers as well as door styles to make your space really yours.