Choosing the Perfect Wood for Your Custom Cabinets
Robin Ek shares his expert insights on selecting the right wood species for both beauty and durability, including tips on oak, maple, walnut, and exotic hardwoods.
When it comes to custom cabinetry, the wood you choose shapes the look, feel, and longevity of your investment. As a craftsman with years in the trade, I’ve worked with just about every wood species available — and each has its own strengths.
Oak
A timeless choice, oak offers a bold grain pattern and incredible durability. Perfect for busy kitchens, oak can handle daily wear and tear while still looking great decades later.
Maple
Smooth, fine-grained, and versatile, maple takes paint beautifully. If you’re after a crisp, modern look, this is my go-to.
Walnut
Rich in color and depth, walnut brings a natural warmth and elegance that’s hard to beat. A great option for statement pieces.
Cherry
Famous for its reddish hue and smooth texture, cherry darkens beautifully over time. It’s ideal for traditional or transitional kitchens.
Pro Tip:
When in doubt, I always suggest clients handle physical samples in different lighting conditions — what you see in the showroom may look different at home.
