Sunday, June 25, 2017

Pros and Cons of Maple, Cherry and Oak Cabinets


Hi Everyone!

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Pearl, and I'm the new sales assistant at Kitchen Concepts!

Let's get down business - or should I say cabinets! As a new sales assistant at Kitchen Concepts, I have been researching cabinetry so that I can be more helpful to customers when they walk through the door. I thought I'd share what I've learned so far, so in this post I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of maple, cherry, and oak cabinets.

Maple
Maple is a hardwood with a fine, uniform grain pattern. It is a light-colored wood and is often stained or glazed and sealed with a light finish to bring out its natural color and cream-like textural appearance.

Pros:
  • Versatile. Maple is great for both traditional and contemporary designs. It takes both light and dark stains well.
  • Durable. Maple is one of the strongest, hardest wood types, making it an ideal choice for high-use areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Affordable. Maple is more expensive than oak, but less expensive than other wood-types.
Cons:
  • Price. Maple is more expensive than some types of wood, such as oak and pine.

   Design Tip: Maple can be stained to mimic a pricier wood such as cherry or mahogany.

Cherry
Cherry has a pinkish-brown hue and a soft, elegant grain pattern. It is one of the most highly sought-after wood types in North America by both consumers and manufacturers because of its beautiful appearance and exceptional durability.

Pros:
  • Durable. Cherry is one of the hardest wood-types. It is very durable and resistant to decay. It is an ideal wood for high-use areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Polishes well. Cherry sands to an almost glass-like smoothness, making it exceptionally beautiful when finished.
  • Grain pattern. Cherry’s fine, straight grain makes it perfect for all types of finishes.
  • Natural aesthetic. Even unstained, cherry has a rich, beautiful color.
Cons:
  • Price. Cherry is one of the most expensive types of wood.

Oak
Oak is known for being very hard, heavy, and strong. Its grain characteristics include knots, wormholes, and random varying patterns. Its texture is coarse, and its porous surface takes stains well. Oak is both affordable and durable, which makes it a practical choice for any homeowner.

Pros:
  • Durable. Oak is often cut in a way that makes it resistant to warping.
  • Lightweight. Oak is lighter than other types of wood.
  • Affordable. Oak is less expensive than maple or cherry, and is still attractive and durable.
  • Stains well. Red oak cabinets stain evenly.
Cons:
  • Distinctive grain. Oak has a distinctive grain pattern that may not appeal to all buyers. Also, stain can overly darken and exaggerate the grain and end up looking two-toned.
  • Mineral deposits. Streaks of yellow, green, or even black can appear in oak cabinetry due to mineral deposits in the wood.

I hope you found this post helpful and that it answered your maple, cherry, and oak cabinetry questions! Keep an eye out for next month's post where I'll continue to discuss the pros and cons of other less popular cabinet wood types including pine, hickory, and alder!

If you have any questions in the mean time, do not hesitate to contact Kitchen Concepts or stop by our showroom. Contact information can be found on the homepage of our website.

Thanks for reading and good luck with your kitchen remodel!