Different Types of Wood Cabinets

Find Your Favorite Cabinet Wood Type

With so many beautiful choices for wood cabinets, where to begin? Here are some of the different types of wood for kitchen cabinets that MasterBrand offers.

Cherry
Maple
Oak
Alder
Hickory
Birch
Walnut
Pecan

We've gathered some of the key considerations, including natural characteristics of wood cabinets in general, plus unique characteristics of individual woods, to help you find your favorite cabinet wood type.

Solid wood cabinets tend to be more expensive than a variety of wood-looking alternatives. We also offer information on cabinets made of compound materials, another popular option. Some of those options include MDF, Veneer, Melamine, Acrylic, Thermofoil, and Laminate.

Cherry Wood Cabinets

Cherry cabinets are characterized by their red undertones but may vary in color from white to a deep rich brown. Cherry has a smooth, close-grained appearance with a fairly uniform texture and random markings. The even grain allows finishes to be applied with ease.

Maple Wood Cabinets

Maple cabinets are predominately white to creamy-white in color, with occasional reddish-brown tones within a cabinet door panel. The subtle grain pattern of Maple wood creates a smooth, uniform appearance.

Oak Wood Cabinets

Oak cabinets have distinct grain patterns and range in color from white to pink and reddish tones. Streaks of green, yellow and even black may appear due to mineral deposits in the wood.

Alder Wood Cabinets

Alder cabinets are characterized by light brown and reddish undertones. Alder has a straight and even-textured wood grain with indistinct boundaries between the heartwood and the sapwood.

Hickory Wood Cabinets

Hickory cabinets have a naturally contrasting appearance due to the heartwood and sapwood of the Hickory wood. The color may range from blonde or white to reddish-brown and dark brown.

Birch Wood Cabinets

Birch cabinets have a smooth surface texture with a tight wood grain that is strong and heavy. The predominant sapwood color of Birch is white to creamy yellow, while the heartwood varies from medium to dark brown to reddish brown.

Walnut Wood Cabinets

Walnut cabinets feature graceful grain patterns and muted brown hues. The smooth, fine and general straight wood grain has colors that range from deep chocolate to light reddish-gray brown.

Pecan Wood Cabinets

Pecan cabinets range from blonde or white to reddish-brown and dark brown. The dramatic wood colors within a piece come courtesy of this wood type’s heartwood and sapwood.

Engineered Wood Cabinets

MasterBrand offers many choices of engineered wood cabinets made of compound materials that are highly durable, less susceptible to discoloration and easy to maintain.

MDF

Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a popular choice for cabinet doors due to its smooth, uniform surface and ability to hold intricate designs. It's made from fine wood fibers bonded with resin under heat and pressure.

Veneer

Veneer finishes involve applying a thin layer of real wood veneer onto an engineered wood cabinet door, such as MDF or plywood. Veneer finishes offer the natural beauty and warmth of wood with the stability and uniformity of engineered wood.

Melamine

Melamine doors are made by thermally-fusing a printed, resin-covered, paper to a door form made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The result is a durable, low-maintenance finish.

Acrylic

Acrylic finishes consist of a high-gloss acrylic panel applied to an engineered wood cabinet door. Acrylic finishes offer a reflective surface that adds depth and dimension to cabinet doors.

Thermofoil

Thermofoil finishes are created by applying a thin layer of vinyl film to an engineered wood cabinet door, usually MDF. The vinyl is heated and vacuum-sealed onto the surface, creating a seamless and durable finish.

Laminate

Laminate cabinet doors consist of a thin layer of decorative paper or plastic bonded to an engineered wood cabinet door, typically MDF or particleboard. Laminate is available in a vast array of colors, patterns, and textures, including wood grain, solid colors, and abstract designs.