Wood

Wood is a natural material with random grain patterns and mineral streaks--a gift from Mother Nature. No two trees are alike and therefore no two pieces are alike. Wood offers the ability to hide the inevitable nicks that come with day to day living by refinishing the surface.

Better quality cabinet manufacturers use higher-grade woods and grain colors and patterns are usually matched by hand. Cabinet manufacturers allow a certain degree of tolerance regarding mineral streaks, knots, and random grain patterns. Read the manufacturer's specification and/or warranty sheet to find out their tolerance values (some showroom dealers and manufacturers may even ask you to sign a tolerance disclaimer). If you don't want to take the chance of having mineral streaks and grain variations in your wood, then you may prefer to use a plastic wood-grain laminate.

When looking at doors, be aware that they can be made out of all solid wood and/or natural wood veneer materials. A veneered wood door is a thin piece of natural wood that is adhered to MDF. Veneer wood doors will usually cost less and the grain will be more consistent, it will also be more stable due to the MDF. Make sure you know whether the entire door (or just a part) is veneered.

Softwood cabinet doors are primarily found in pine species. These species are readily abundant and therefore do not require an up-charge from the manufacturer. This makes them an affordable option. Pine takes light stain finishes well and is best when distressed.

Hardwood as a material is a very popular choice in today's market. Its combined durability and beauty (variation of grain and color) make it easy to live with and thus a very good choice. Currently maple and cherry are the most popular species. Many hardwoods require and up-charge from the manufacturer--inquire about the cost.
To learn more about hardwood species, link to the online brochure "Guide to American Hardwood Species" from the Hardwood Manufacturers Association and The Hardwood Council. They also have an additional brochure "Hardwood Expressions - At Home with Hardwoods" which is a consumer guide to solid hardwood flooring, cabinetry, furniture and woodwork. A printed copy of each brochure is free and may be ordered through their "Write Us" page.Visit their kitchen section at Hardwood Information Center for more information about using hardwood in the kitchen including hardwood countertops, butcher blocks and cutting boards.