If you're going to remodel your kitchen, why not go for the gold with the finest available kitchen cabinet wood options? That means choosing from the solid hardwoods: hickory, oak or maple. Now that you have it down to the top three, however, how do you make the ultimate choice? Following are some facts that will assist you.
1. Hickory: Although not quite as popular as its counterparts (mostly likely because of cost and nothing else), hickory is considered a step up from oak and maple. With its cross-the-board variations and its strong grain patterns, hickory has a rustic flavor to it.
In the United States, hickory is one of the hardest, heaviest and strongest woods available. The light to dark variations in its coloration (even within the same piece) will lend unique drama to your kitchen.
Typically brown to reddish brown in hue, if hickory has one downfall its that it may contain random bird pecks, water spots and mineral streaks. These faults, however, are part and parcel of its natural state, giving your kitchen cabinet and authentic, woodsy appeal.
2. Oak: Head and tale above the rest, oak is the most popular of all kitchen cabinet woods. That said, if you're looking for something unique that all your neighbors don't have, oak may not be your best kitchen cabinet choice. The rich texture, knotting and grain of oak are its major selling point.
Within the hardwood oak family, there are two varieties: white oak and red oak, with the latter bear the premium distinction. Nevertheless, white oak is harder and heavier than its red counterpart, making it the wood of choice for long-lasting durability.
Red oak is not actually red, but rather comes in shades of white, to light brown, to pinkish-reddish brown. Red contains less pronounced patterns than white oak, which has a tan rather than a pink tint to it.
3. Maple: On the popularity scale maple comes in second to oak on the kitchen cabinet wood hierarchy. The second most popular of all the cabinet woods. The subtle, even grain of maple wood gives it a crisp, clean appearance.
Maple wood is available in both hard and soft varieties. Although the latter is physically, both are considered hardwoods. Nonetheless, hard maple is more expensive than soft maple. The warm, golden hue maple takes on as it ages makes it a great choice for a major kitchen remodel overhaul.
