As a Pasadena woodworker, selecting suitable lumber for cabinetry can be challenging. With so many species, grades, and cuts of lumber available, choosing the best wood for your project can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, Bohnhoff Lumber Co. has a wide variety of domestic and exotic hardwood lumber choices available at our lumber yard. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help Pasadena woodworkers, select the best hardwood for their next woodworking project. However, if you would like to have an idea of what to buy before you go, this article will discuss some of the best lumber choices for cabinetry and what makes them an excellent choice for your woodworking project.
What Should I Look for When Selecting a Wood To Use for Cabinetry?
When choosing hardwood for cabinetry, you should consider several important characteristics for this application. Here are some of the critical characteristics to look for:
- Hardness: Hardness is an essential factor, as it affects how well the wood will resist dents, scratches, and other damage. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are popular choices for cabinetry due to their durability.
- Grain: The grain of the wood can impact the appearance of the cabinetry. Straight-grained woods like maple and cherry are often preferred for a clean, modern look, while more figured woods like oak and walnut can add character and interest.
- Color: The color of the wood can also impact the appearance of the cabinetry. Lighter woods like maple and birch can help brighten a room, while darker woods like walnut and cherry add warmth and depth.
- Texture: The texture of the wood can impact both the appearance and the feel of the cabinetry. Smooth woods like maple and cherry can create a sleek, modern look, while more textured woods like oak and hickory can add a rustic or traditional feel.
- Stability: Choosing a stable wood that won't warp or twist over time is important. Hardwoods like maple and oak are known for their stability and are good choices for cabinetry.
Choices of Wood for Cabinetry Available to Pasadena Woodworkers:
Overall, the perfect hardwood for cabinetry will depend on your personal preferences and the specific style and design of your cabinetry. However, by considering these characteristics, you can make an informed decision and choose a hardwood that will be both beautiful and functional. Fortunately, we have several choices that tick all the right boxes available in our lumberyard.
Hard Maple
Hard maple is an excellent choice for cabinetry due to its durability and strength. It has a tight and uniform grain making it perfect for intricate designs and a smooth finish. Hard maple is also resistant to scratches and dents, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Hard maple is available in different grades, including clear and select. Clear hard maple has a uniform and consistent appearance, while select hard maple has some natural color variations and may have small knots.
Cherry
Cherry is a popular choice for cabinetry due to its beautiful color and grain patterns. It has a warm reddish-brown color that darkens with age, making it a timeless choice for cabinetry. This species is also easy to work with, making it an excellent choice for intricate designs and details.
Cherry is available in different grades, including clear and select. Clear cherry has a uniform and consistent appearance, while select cherry has some natural color variations and may have small knots.
Walnut
Walnut is a luxurious and elegant choice for cabinetry due to its rich brown color and beautiful grain patterns. It has a tight and uniform grain, making it perfect for intricate designs and a smooth finish. Walnut is also a durable and long-lasting wood that withstands daily wear and tear.
Walnut is available in different grades, including clear and select. Clear walnut has a uniform and consistent appearance, while special walnut has some natural color variations and may have small knots.
White Oak
White oak is a durable and strong choice for cabinetry due to its tight and uniform grain. It has a light to medium brown color with an exceptional grain pattern that adds character to any cabinetry project. White oak is also resistant to decay and moisture, making it an ideal choice for outdoor cabinetry projects.
White oak is available in different grades, including clear and select. Clear white oak has a uniform and consistent appearance, while select white oak has some natural color variations and may have small knots.
Hickory
Hickory is a unique and rustic choice for cabinetry due to its light to medium brown color with distinct dark streaks. It has a tight and uniform grain, making it perfect for intricate designs and details. Hickory is also durable, long-lasting wood that resists wear and tear well.
Hickory is available in different grades, including clear and select. Clear hickory has a uniform and consistent appearance, while select hickory has some natural color variations and may have small knots.
Exotics
Exotic hardwood choices, such as mahogany, teak, padauk, and red balau, are also excellent choices for cabinetry. These hardwoods share endearing characteristics, such as hardness, density, and durability. Each of these hardwoods has a character that makes it uniquely beautiful. For instance, mahogany has a visual characteristic called "chatoyancy," which provides its mesmerizing appearance. On the other hand, the deep brown color of teak and the unique red tone of balau make them exceptionally beautiful.
Selecting the Right Lumber for Cabinetry Is Essential
Each of the woods described above has its unique characteristics, and the choice ultimately depends on the desired look and style of the cabinetry. As a Pasadena woodworker, it's essential to consider the wood's durability, strength, and resistance to wear and tear. Choosing suitable lumber ensures that your cabinetry project will stand the test of time and be a beautiful addition to any home or space.
Bohnhoff Lumber Co. has a vast selection of domestic and exotic hardwoods in our lumber yard. You are welcome to come in and see these beautiful boards at our lumberyard in person. We are one of the few remaining lumber yards in Los Angeles, or anywhere else, that allows handpicking of lumber. We also offer milling services if you need help preparing the perfect size of boards for your woodworking project. Call us at (323) 263-9361 to check for price and availability. If you are a woodworker from Alameda, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Burbank, Downey, or anywhere in Southern California, visit our lumber yard for excellent wood choices!