Picking the Right Wood Species for Your Cabinet Doors
The species of wood you choose will dictate not only the appearance of your cabinets, but affects their performance as well, so it is a good idea to take some time and plan a perfect fit.
But with the large variety of engineered and solid wood types out there to choose between, the task of finding the best material for your home can begin to seem a little daunting.
To make things easier, here is a quick guide on some of the most common materials available for your cabinet door’s construction.
Generally cheaper in cost and heavier in weight than solid wood, the following engineered materials are excellent options to consider for your kitchen space.
Wood naturally tends to expand and contract when exposed to changes in temperature, which can lead to bending, cracking, and other signs of general wear on your cabinet doors over time. With MDF, you can expect a longer lasting performance than that provided by traditional wooden doors.
When it comes to appearance, MDF doors are very smooth, have no wood grain, and react wonderfully to paint. This material is less absorbent than solid wood, which reduces the chances of warping, plus it provides an even surface which can display color more vibrantly than solid wooden doors.
If you plan on painting your cabinets, this may be the best option for you.
For all of their benefits, MDF cabinets are still very vulnerable to water damage. However, the application of RTF gives additional strength and water resistance to your doors, while at the same time maintaining the benefits of MDF material.
These RTF veneers also make your cabinet doors more difficult to dent, easier to clean, and can display a wider range of styles than untreated MDF material; including realistic grain patterns and stylized door prints.
Ultimately RTF is a fantastic choice for recreating a naturally wooden appearance in your cabinets, or an artistically embellished pattern, while also enjoying the long-lasting benefits of this hardy material.
SOLID WOOD TYPES
While engineered woods have their obvious benefits, the traditional style of solid wooden doors certainly has its own appeal. Wood cabinets are lighter in weight than their composite counterparts, sport naturally sophisticated grain patterns, and can mellow beautifully over time when cared for correctly, making them a solid choice in most kitchen arrangements.
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Why would you start article talking about types of wood and then tout particle board ? What about hickory, maple, ash.... Many great SOLID woods !!!
I had my 1970's kitchen remodeled over 20years ago using hickory cabinets. They were gorgeous, but the only parts that were made of hickory were the doors and facings. The actual carcass and shelves were mdf covered in wood look paper. Moisture caused bubbles on the shelves, lesson learned!when we built our new house, I chose oak cabinet doors. They were custom made by a cabinet shop and are all wood. Have had no problems in 15 years of use.
BTW, the hickory cabinets were purchased from a local lumber store. Most cabinets available in the chain stores are made like the hickory. Beautiful on the outside, but fake wood interiors.
My husband currently building me custom hickory cabinets. Totally solid hardwood . They are beautiful !