Choosing Cabinet Woods
Among the first decisions for a homeowner to make when remodeling a kitchen, the type and grade of cabinet wood will set the tone for the project. DeLapp Builders recommends real wood, hardwood, products for the best value, but offers many options to suit every price range. Our cabinet builders offer several standard woods, in a wide range of colors. We’ll start with teh most popular woods used in both pre-fabricated and custom cabinet making, and discuss the benefits of each wood type.
During the estimating process, we also will provide “first choice” and “optional” recommendations for wood, hardware and framing components to meet your budget. These may include utilizing high-density alternate board on inside areas and framing, or a mix of woods. All products suggested during your estimate are professional grade, and designed specifically for kitchen cabinets to avoid degradation and sustain the the overall quality of our work.
North American Maple
This most popular cabinetry wood, North American Maple, is light and durable. Providing a beautifully-grained smooth surface when prepared for cabinetry. Maple is one of the hardest woods available for building use, and easily accepts a wide range of stain colors while resisting dents and dings. North American Maple cabinets are an excellent long-term value.
Stain Colors: Wide Variety including: White, Coffee, Mocha, Mahogany, Light Brown, Black Cherry
Basswood
Basswood is a softer (lighter) cream-colored wood choice for cabinetry that offers an even texture and tight grain. While allowing detailed design and customization, and overall strength, it requires specific handling and hardware to ensure maximum functionality. DeLapp Builders is highly-experienced with all cabinet wood types, and welcomes you to consider basswood for your cabinetry, where conditions are found to be appropriate. During your design review, we will assist you in determining whether basswood cabinets are ideal for you!
Stain Colors include: Recommended Dark to Medium shades
Beech
Beech is a white to reddish colored hard wood that is also well-suited to cabinet-making. As a sturdy, resistant choice, Beech is best when chosen in pre-fab or manufactured cabinetry, as it does require some special handling during construction. It is also commonly used for parts and interior construction, in conjunction with harder wood doors.
Stain Colors Vary depending on original Wood Color; Light to Dark
Suggested: Dark Chocolate, Mahogany
Poplar
Poplar is another strong and durable cabinet wood, often favored for its light weight, strength and durability. Poplar cabinet woods are event-textured with a smooth grain, making it idea for custom woodwork, moulding, doors, and turnings. Poplar accepts stain and paint exceptionally well, and tends to be an economical choice for quality cabinetry.
Stain colors: wide range from Light to Dark
American Grade Melamine
Melamine is a superior cabinetry product. Top-quality Melamine custom cabinets recommended by DeLapp Builders are built with plywood and laminated with high-grade American Melamine, providing the most durable cabinet surface. Resistant to cracking, chipping and warping, this superior product is only available from American manufacturers and continues to be the favored choice among experiences professionals and home owners alike. Melamine comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, but caution is necessary to avoid poor quality material.
Ask us before selecting your cabinet materials to ensure you are purchasing the finest possible product!
