What exactly is a wood veneer?

A veneer is essentially a thin decorative covering, and a wood veneer is a covering that’s made from ultra thin layers of natural wood, which are sliced or ‘peeled’ from the log and then bonded to both sides of a strong core material. Typically in modern kitchen manufacture a hardwood veneer will be added to a high-quality MDF base.

The process of veneering allows the natural grain patterns of the original wood to be retained, resulting in a beautiful product that has its own individual character, but is also durable and will stand the test of time.

What are the benefits of using a wood veneer?

The most obvious advantage of veneered cabinetry is affordability. A wood veneer is more cost-effective than solid wood, while still looking stunning and allowing you to showcase the beautiful natural patterns of the wood grain.  But veneering isn’t just a ‘cheap alternative’ to solid wood: there are many ways in which it’s a better, wiser, more ethical choice. The benefits include:

• Sustainability – a wood veneer is created from a piece of solid wood that’s been sliced into multiple layers, meaning you can make much more from a single piece of wood.

• Durability – a wood veneer is more stable than solid wood and less susceptible to environmental factors such as changes in temperature and humidity, so it’s less prone to splitting, cracking or warping over time 

• Aesthetics – wood veneers can come in a wide variety of different colours, styles and finishes, making them perfect for creating beautiful, bespoke kitchen cabinets tailored to your favourite look, whether that’s traditional, minimalist or very contemporary.

• Versatility– A wood veneer is lighter and easier to manipulate than solid wood, meaning it can be more easily manipulated into a range of different shapes and designs, allowing for a truly bespoke kitchen layout built for your home and life.
  

Choosing the right wood is an important decision when buying cabinet doors. When it comes to wood types for cabinets, you need a material that will hold up to the normal wear and tear that comes with cooking in a kitchen, but also provide an eye-catching style. By exploring the different options for the best wood for kitchen cabinets, you can determine which is right for your needs, and find a suitable solution that’s durable and stylish.

Here’s everything you need to know about the best wood for cabinets.

What to Consider When Shopping For The Best Wood for Kitchen Cabinets

Not all wood types for cabinets are created equally. The wood species vary by durability, color, and versatility. When shopping for the best wood for cabinets, there are a few different factors you must consider to ensure you find the best option for your project.

Color and Grain Pattern

All types of wood for cabinets have different colors, grain patterns, and aesthetic appeal. When deciding which is the best wood for your kitchen cabinets, you'll want to consider your kitchen design and personal design preferences. Since every wood species is unique, the lowest-cost option might not always be the best for your project.

For example, cherry has a rich, dark color that tends to darken to a deep red over time, while maple has a lighter and brighter appearance. Cherry would look great in a rustic or traditional kitchen, while mape may be a better option for a modern or minimalist kitchen design.

Durability

When looking for the best wood for kitchen cabinets, durability is likely one of the first factors you may consider. The durability of a wood type is measured using the Janka wood hardness rating scale. The higher the wood type is on the rating scale, the stronger and more resistant it is to scuffs and everyday wear and tear.

Workability

Not all wood types will be easy to work with, which is something to remember, especially if you've never added a finish or a polish to cabinet doors on your own. For example, wood types with an open grain pattern can be more challenging to work with for beginners. The large, open pores may leave your cabinets looking unfinished and uneven, but it doesn't mean they're impossible to use. Instead, you'll want to consider working with a professional to get a more refined, put-together finish.

Finish Vs. Paint

A natural clear finish is designed to protect and enhance the natural wood grain and color of the best wood for the cabinets you choose to add to your kitchen. Paint is perfect for adding a pop of color to your kitchen or committing to a more modern kitchen design. Both options are great, and deciding between the two really comes down to personal preference.

Before you invest in a new wood type for cabinets, you'll want to consider which look will look best in your kitchen. If you decide to paint your kitchen cabinet doors, paint grade wood would be a more suitable option.

Versatility

Some wood types are more versatile than others. For example, Poplar can be used for shelves, cabinet doors, and at-home hobby projects. While Hickory is a more durable wood type that can be more challenging for at-home projects.

Which Are The Best Woods for Kitchen Cabinets?

The best wood for cabinets should tactfully balance functionality and style. Choosing the cabinet wood type for you is no easy task, as there are plenty of species with different grain patterns and strength factors. Fortunately, you can’t go wrong when you start with a good list of options. The following are the best materials for kitchen cabinets, with each offering its own advantages.

1. Alder

Alder grows primarily in the Pacific Northwest, in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Although classified as a hardwood, alder is a fairly soft hardwood with medium density and is softer than oak and maple. Alder is often used more in the western states but is becoming more popular and more available across the US.

Alder’s grain is generally straight, with a fine, uniform texture. This wood has excellent working properties, making it one of the best materials for kitchen cabinets, and as a result, it’s becoming very popular in the cabinet industry. It has excellent finishing properties, too, but care is needed when staining. Alder requires careful wood sealing to prevent a blotchy and uneven finish.

2. Oak

Oak is separated into two distinct types—red oak and white oak. Contrary to what you might think, white oak tends to be slightly darker and grayer in color, while red oak is lighter and varies from reddish brown to wheat in color.

White oak is commonly used in whisky barrels, wet environments, and cargo truck flooring, while red oak is typically used in furniture and cabinets because of its hard strength. Red oak is a slightly softer but still durable wood, which stains well and withstands damage, making it one of the best choices for wood kitchen cabinets.

The slower growth of the oak tree makes the wood denser and superior for furniture wood. Oak, especially red oak, is good for staining but not the best option for painting.

3. Maple

Maple is a widely available and common choice for wood, typically found in the northern Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states. Unlike most other hardwoods, the sapwood of hard maple lumber is used more often than its heartwood. The heartwood tends to be a darker reddish brown and is seldom used in cabinets, while the sapwood ranges from nearly white to a charming off-white cream color.

The grain in maple is generally straight, with a fine, even texture. Maple finishes to an attractive light color with polyurethane alone; however, it can be tricky to stain correctly. Because maple is a tight, closed-grain wood, it requires experience to stain without looking blotchy and uneven.

Hard maple is a hard and heavy wood, as the name indicates, and it has excellent strength. That makes it resistant to wear and tear, so it is a particularly excellent choice for wood kitchen cabinets.

4. Cherry

Cherry is one of the most charming cabinet wood types, featuring a timeless look that stands out in any space. Although softer than other woods, cherry is still a durable hardwood, that is resistant to wear and surface damage. This durability makes it an excellent choice for your kitchen.

The wood features a fine but detailed and prominent grain highlighted by a dark red hue. A dark stain helps to emphasize the elegant appearance of cherry even further and brings uniformity to the wood. Cherry often runs at a higher price point than other woods, but with this higher cost comes higher durability and a distinct eye-drawing appearance.

Find the Best Wood for Your Kitchen Cabinet

When it comes to choosing kitchen cabinet that work best for your home, the correct wood makes all the difference. At Unionlands Cabinetry, we offer a handful of options for wood species and hundreds of cabinet door styles, so you can get high-quality, custom-sized doors for your kitchen cabinets made with the most attractive woods.

Explore our complete inventory of cabinet door styles to find which material and style works best for your personalized preferences. Once you’ve chosen a style and wood species that fits your needs, you can enjoy brand-new cabinet doors delivered straight to your door in just a few short weeks without any retail markups. 

What Is A Beaded Cabinet Door?

Beaded inset cabinets are face framed cabinets with inset doors and drawer fronts that have a 1/4″ bead detail around each door and drawer opening.

Like the example in the photo on the left, this finer detail results in beautiful custom cabinets that look more like furniture pieces than utilitarian storage.


Beaded or readed inset cabinets have an additional decorative detail on the face frame immediately surrounding the door or drawer. This detail is known as a bead, or a slight groove and rounded edge cut into the wood. The bead acts as a “frame within a frame” to outline your doors and drawers. Either way, the extra detail requires finesse and is the mark of truly custom cabinetry.

Beaded Panel-Cabinet Door Style Choice
Beaded panels provide either a single or double groove routed into the panel of a door. We offer a variety of doors that come standard with a beaded panel but many of our door styles can be upgraded with an optional beaded panel. Some beaded grooves have a rounded edge for a softer appearance while others have a more angular, straight edge. 

Bead or readed details can also be used to accent your drawers and door fronts, whether you choose plain or beaded inset cabinet. If you choose a door with a panel, a bead can be added around the rails and stiles for additional interest. Beading is also what gives beadboard its distinctive look: Those vertical grooves add texture and a bit of country flair to paneling but can also be used for the central panel of your cabinet drawers. 


Inset kitchen cabinets are a luxurious choice that have never gone out of style. Whether you chose plain or beaded face frames is up to you, but you can always trust Unionlands Cabinetry to customize your unique beaded cabinet.We are the top ten custom kitchen cabinet manufacturers in China, with 5500+ project experience and our own R&D factory, with affordable prices and good quality.

White kitchen cabinets have long been a favorite among homeowners and interior designers. Their timeless appeal, versatility, and ability to make a space feel open and airy make them an excellent choice for any kitchen style. However, with so many options available, choosing the perfect white kitchen cabinet for your home can be a daunting task. This guide aims to simplify that process by exploring different styles, materials, finishes, and pairing tips, ultimately helping you make an informed decision.

Understanding Different Styles of White Kitchen Cabinets

Materials and Finishes for White Kitchen Cabinets

Tips for Pairing White Cabinets with Countertops and Backsplashes

Custom vs. Stock: Which White Cabinets Are Right for You?

Expert Advice on Measuring and Planning Your Kitchen Layout

Understanding Different Styles of White Kitchen Cabinets

The first step in choosing the perfect white kitchen cabinets is understanding the various styles available. From modern and sleek to classic and rustic, the style of your cabinets can set the tone for your entire kitchen.

Shaker-style cabinets are a popular choice due to their simple, clean lines that work well in both modern and traditional kitchens. They feature a recessed panel door design that adds a subtle yet elegant touch. For a more contemporary look, flat-panel or slab cabinets offer a minimalist aesthetic with their smooth, unadorned surfaces. On the other hand, if you're aiming for a more ornate and traditional feel, raised-panel cabinets with their intricate detailing can add a touch of sophistication.

Each style has its unique charm, so consider the overall theme and design of your kitchen when making your decision.

Materials and Finishes for White Kitchen Cabinets

Next, let's delve into the materials and finishes that can enhance the durability and appearance of your white kitchen cabinets. The choice of material not only affects the cabinet's look but also its longevity and maintenance requirements.

Solid wood cabinets, such as those made from maple or oak, are renowned for their durability and natural beauty. They can be painted in a crisp white finish that complements various kitchen styles. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or plywood cabinets can offer excellent durability at a lower cost. These materials are often used as the base for cabinets that are finished with a white matte lacquer or wood grain melamine, providing a sleek and polished look.

When it comes to finishes, a matte finish can give your kitchen a modern, understated elegance, while a glossy finish can add a touch of luxury and reflect more light, making your space feel brighter.

Tips for Pairing White Cabinets with Countertops and Backsplashes

Choosing the right countertops and backsplashes to complement your white kitchen cabinets is crucial for achieving a cohesive look. White cabinets provide a neutral backdrop, allowing you to experiment with various colors and textures for your countertops and backsplashes.

For a classic and timeless look, pair white cabinets with marble countertops. The natural veining in marble adds visual interest and a touch of luxury. If you're seeking a more durable and low-maintenance option, quartz countertops in shades of gray or beige can provide a similar aesthetic.

When it comes to backsplashes, subway tiles are a popular choice that pairs beautifully with white cabinets. They offer a clean, timeless look and can be arranged in various patterns for added visual appeal. Alternatively, mosaic tiles in glass or natural stone can add texture and a pop of color, creating a focal point in your kitchen.

Custom vs. Stock: Which White Cabinets Are Right for You?

One of the key decisions you'll need to make is whether to opt for custom or stock white kitchen cabinets. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your budget, timeline, and specific needs.

Custom cabinets offer the highest level of customization, allowing you to tailor every aspect to your preferences and kitchen layout. They are ideal if you have unique space requirements or want a truly personalized design. However, custom cabinets can be more expensive and take longer to manufacture and install.

Stock cabinets, on the other hand, are pre-manufactured and readily available in standard sizes and styles. They are a more budget-friendly option and can be installed quickly. While they may offer fewer customization options, stock cabinets have come a long way in terms of quality and design, making them a viable choice for many homeowners.

Expert Advice on Measuring and Planning Your Kitchen Layout

Proper measurement and planning are critical to ensuring your new white kitchen cabinets fit perfectly and function efficiently. Start by measuring the dimensions of your kitchen space, including the height, width, and depth of the areas where the cabinets will be installed. Take note of any architectural features or appliances that may affect the cabinet layout.

Consulting with a professional kitchen designer can be invaluable in this process. They can provide expert advice on optimizing your kitchen layout for both aesthetics and functionality. Whether you're working with a small kitchen or a spacious one, a well-thought-out plan will ensure you make the most of your space and create a kitchen that's as beautiful as it is practical.

In conclusion, choosing the perfect white kitchen cabinets involves careful consideration of styles, materials, finishes, and complementary elements like countertops and backsplashes. Whether you opt for custom or stock cabinets, proper measurement and planning are essential for achieving a flawless installation. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning and timeless kitchen that enhances the heart of your home.