If you are preparing to renovate your kitchen and still have yet to make your final decision on what surface choice you will go with for your kitchen cabinets, you have come to the right place!
There are so many options when it comes to Kitchen Cabinet Surface Choices that it can get pretty overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve broken down the major options that are available on the market so that you can start getting a better idea for what is out there and what you might want to ultimately go with.
Red Oak
Red oak is one of the strongest and most durable options that kitchen cabinets are made out of. On top of that, they are typically quite affordable relative to other options. They are available in a large range of styles and finishes and are often used for traditional cabinet styles.
Laminates
Obviously the first wood alternative on this list. Laminates are made of three resin-saturated layers. Laminates are typically quite cheap and are very durable when it comes to chips and heat. One thing to keep in mind is that the nature of production of laminates do tend to make them heavier than most types of wood that are used for kitchen cabinetry.
Hard maple
Hard maple is a find-grain and light colored wood that is a bit more expensive than oak and a little less dense as well. It is popular among people who are going with custom or semi-custom cabinets. It is a popular choice for those who want a light-colored kitchen that is common in contemporary or modern designs.
Hickory cabinets
Hickory is a lightly colored material that is known for its creamy and pale wood. This wood can be stained, but is typically applied with a clear or natural finish to accentuate the rustic look of the wood.
Birch
Birch is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets because it is slightly darker than maple and can actually be fashioned to look like more expensive wood. When stained, it can end up looking like cherry or even maple. This is commonly used for either stock or semi-custom cabinets.
Thermofoil
The other non-wood option mentioned on this list. Thermofoil is a vinyl film that is applied with a substrate of pressure and heat. This is done so that thermofoil can resemble wood as best as it can. While it is typically clearly not wood, it will look more like the natural thing compared to laminate. Typically, this option is installed in either white or off-white (like cream or almond) colors. One great aspect of this material is that it is one of the most durable on this list and is less prone to chipping than painting wood cabinets.
Ash
Similar in both strength and durability to oak, but with a lighter color, Ash holds a straight-grain lumber look that is often found in more contemporary styled kitchens. It is often seen in custom work and within kitchens that have specific aesthetics.
