Discover the Finest Types of Wood for Cabinets

At QCCI, our solid wood cabinets begin with the finest materials—each piece carefully selected for its unique grain, tone, and durability. Whether you’re drawn to the warmth of cherry or the bold grain of oak, our custom hardwood cabinets reflect the unmatched beauty and integrity of natural wood. Explore the most popular types of woods for kitchen cabinets, built-ins, and storage solutions. Learn their defining characteristics and how they contribute to enduring, heirloom-quality designs.

Popular Cabinet Wood Species and Types

Maple

Hard Maple

Hard Maple features a smooth, uniform grain and a creamy white tone with color variation that can range from pale beige to light brown. Known for its strength and durability, it provides a clean, contemporary look that takes well to both clear finishes and light stains. Its subtle grain pattern makes it ideal for modern or transitional designs.

Available for: StoneHill, Quality Custom Cabinetry

Maple

Red Oak

Red Oak is distinguished by its prominent, open grain and warm reddish-brown hues. A timeless favorite for traditional cabinetry, Red Oak offers both durability and texture. The visible grain pattern absorbs stain beautifully, highlighting the wood’s natural depth and character.

Available for: StoneHill, Quality Custom Cabinetry

Maple

Cherry

Cherry wood is known for its rich red undertones and smooth, closed grain. A popular choice for traditional and transitional spaces, cherry deepens in color over time, adding depth and character. The fine grain allows for a polished finish that complements both clear coats and dark stains.

Available for: StoneHill, Quality Custom Cabinetry

Maple

Alder

Alder offers a soft, even texture with a straight grain and light honey-brown tone. It accepts stains well, often mimicking more expensive species like cherry or walnut. Its subtle grain and warm color make it a versatile option for rustic, farmhouse, or contemporary spaces.

Available for: Quality Custom Cabinetry

Maple

Mahogany

Mahogany is prized for its deep, reddish-brown color and fine, consistent grain. Mahogany is a premium hardwood known for elegance and stability. With age, mahogany develops a rich patina that enhances its luxurious appearance, making it ideal for sophisticated or classic designs.

Available for: Quality Custom Cabinetry

Maple

Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)

MDF is an engineered material made from wood fibers and resin, offering a smooth, consistent surface ideal for painted finishes. It resists warping and expansion, ensuring stability in varying climates. Its uniform texture allows for sharp detail and precision in custom designs.

Available for: Quality Custom Cabinetry

Maple

Plain Sliced White Oak

Plain Sliced White Oak reveals the wood’s natural cathedral grain pattern and light tan to golden-brown color. White Oak is known for its strength and timeless appeal, providing a classic look that pairs beautifully with both contemporary and traditional finishes.

Available for: Quality Custom Cabinetry

Maple

Quarter Sawn White Oak

Quarter Sawn White Oak features a straight grain pattern with striking medullary rays, creating a refined, linear look. Its stability and unique ray flecking make it a hallmark of fine craftsmanship. The wood’s neutral tone accepts stains evenly for a sophisticated finish.

Available for: Quality Custom Cabinetry

Maple

Rift Red Oak

Rift Red Oak offers a linear, consistent grain pattern that minimizes cathedraling, giving cabinet doors a clean, modern appearance. Its reddish hue brings warmth to contemporary designs, while its open grain adds subtle texture and depth.

Available for: Quality Custom Cabinetry

Maple

Rift White Oak

Rift White Oak is prized for its straight, uniform grain and pale golden tone. It combines the durability of oak with a sleek, architectural look. Often used in modern and minimalist interiors, it provides a neutral canvas for both light and dark finishes.

Available for: Quality Custom Cabinetry

Maple

Walnut

Walnut stands out for its rich chocolate-brown color and smooth, flowing grain. Highly valued for its natural beauty and fine texture, it adds warmth and luxury to any space. Over time, walnut lightens slightly, revealing depth and tonal variation that enhance its timeless appeal.

Available for: Quality Custom Cabinetry

Maple

Architectural Veneer

Architectural Veneer offers the beauty of real wood in a thin, carefully sliced layer applied over a stable substrate. Available in a variety of species and grain patterns, it delivers a premium look with consistent color and texture—perfect for sleek, contemporary cabinetry or large-scale installations.

Available for: Quality Custom Cabinetry

Specialty Woods

Quality Custom Cabinetry offers unlimited custom cabinet wood options. Your imagination is the limit. Some examples of specialty wood species include:

  • Hickory: stands out for its dramatic color contrast and bold grain pattern, blending creamy whites with deep browns. Naturally strong and resilient, Hickory cabinets are ideal for rustic, farmhouse, or craftsman-inspired designs.
  • African Mahogany and Sapele: provide a refined, reddish tone with a rich, interlocking grain, often used in classic or formal spaces.
  • Wenge and Zebrawood: deliver bold, exotic visuals with dark striping and high contrast, making them favorites for modern, statement-making interiors.

Find the Right Wood Type for Your Space

Whether you’re building a warm and welcoming kitchen with red oak or a modern sanctuary with white oak, QCCI offers custom wood cabinets designed to reflect your style and stand the test of time. Ready to find the perfect cabinet wood type?

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