The Only Wood Tough Enough for Kitchen Cabinets
When it comes to choosing materials for kitchen cabinets, durability and longevity should be top priorities. Kitchens tend to get heavy use on a daily basis, with cabinets being opened and closed repeatedly and holding a variety of weighty cookware and dishes. The last thing you want is to invest time and money into kitchen cabinetry that starts showing scratches, dents, and other signs of wear after just a few years. Opting for cabinets made from woods known for their strength and natural resistance can save you from frequent repairs or replacement down the road.
We'll also share our top three recommendations for cabinet woods that can stand up to decades of daily use and maintain their good looks through busy kitchens, kids, and entertaining over the years.
What Makes a Wood Durable for Cabinets?
Not all wood is created equal when it comes to durability. Here are some of the key factors that determine how well a wood will hold up over time:
Density and Hardness
Denser woods with a tighter grain tend to be harder and more scratch/dent-resistant. Hardness is measured using the Janka hardness scale, with a higher rating indicating greater durability. For kitchen cabinets, look for woods with a Janka rating of at least 1,300.
Strength and Stability
Strength refers to a wood's structural integrity and ability to maintain its form without cracking or warping. Stability indicates its resistance to shrinking and swelling with changes in temperature and humidity. Woods that are naturally strong and stable are less likely to warp or develop structural issues in the humidity of kitchens.
Natural Durability
Some woods have natural properties that make them resistant to rot, mold, and wood-boring pests. This natural durability means they don't require as many potentially toxic preservatives to prevent decay. Durable woods will last for decades without succumbing to common issues like termites.
Top 3 Durable Woods for Cabinets
Based on the durability factors above, these are our top recommendations for long-lasting kitchen cabinetry:
Cherry
Known for its rich red-brown color and distinctive grain patterns, cherry is more than just visually appealing. It's also extremely durable, with a Janka rating of 1450. The dense wood feels heavy and substantial, and it only gets better with age as it darkens into a deeper reddish-brown. Cherry resists scratches well and is naturally resistant to common wood pests and rot. Overall, it's an excellent choice for enduring years of kitchen use.
Maple
Maple is a hardwood that feels smooth and silky but delivers exceptional durability. It earns top marks on the Janka scale with a rating as high as 1450 for the hard rock variety. The fine, even grain gives maple a consistent look when stained, and it doesn't easily show scratches or dings. In addition to hardness, maple is naturally moisture-resistant, making it a stable choice that is unlikely to warp, even in humid cooking environments. It offers an excellent combination of beauty and brawn.
Alder
Although it doesn't quite measure up to cherry and maple for hardness, alder is still an excellent choice if you're looking for an affordable durable wood. It has a tight grain pattern that allows for even, consistent stain absorption. The wood is resistant to dents and scratches beyond surface level. Alder also machines and finishes well, allowing it to be adapted into a variety of cabinet door styles and finishes. For a fraction of the cost of cherry or maple, alder delivers lasting quality and versatility.
Finishes for Durability
Even the toughest wood needs the right finish for optimal durability. Two great options are:
Conversion Varnish
This modern finish formulation provides excellent protection for heavily used kitchen cabinets. Compared to traditional varnish and lacquer, conversion varnish cures faster, is more flexible and scratch-resistant, and provides superior moisture and chemical resistance. The extra durability is worth the extra cost for high-traffic kitchens.
Polyurethane
Oil-based polyurethane forms a hard, protective plastic-like coating that resists moisture, heat, scratches and staining. Opt for poly with the highest percentage of solids for a thicker, tougher finish that can better handle daily wear and tear. Polyurethane is more affordable than conversion varnish but doesn't offer quite the same level of durability and moisture protection.
Proper Installation
No matter how durable the wood, improper installation can undermine your cabinets. Here are tips for maximizing durability right from the start:
- Finish all sides of the cabinet wood before installation. This prevents uneven drying that can cause warping.
- Allow cabinets to acclimate to the temperature and humidity levels of your home before installation to prevent issues from wood movement later on.
- Use durable joinery techniques like dovetails that support the structural integrity of the cabinet boxes.
Caring for Cabinets
With the right woods and finishes, your cabinets are built to last. But with proper care and maintenance, you can keep them looking their best and maximize their lifespan:
- Dust cabinets frequently with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent buildup of grease and grime that can break down the finish.
- Avoid excessive moisture on cabinets near the sink or dishwasher. Quickly wipe up spills and splatters to reduce swelling and potential for mold growth.
- Consider refinishing cabinets every 3-5 years to renew the protective topcoat, especially in areas exposed to heavy use and moisture.
Durable kitchen cabinets begin with selecting woods that are dense, hard, stable and naturally resistant to moisture, pests and decay. Cherry, maple and alder all fit the bill. Combine them with a tough conversion varnish or polyurethane finish and proper installation and care, and your cabinets are sure to stand the test of time.
Rather than replacing cabinets in 5-10 years, investing in these durable woods allows you to enjoy stylish, long-lasting cabinetry that will serve your kitchen through years of changing trends and busy family life. By choosing the right wood for the job, you can avoid continual repairs or upgrades down the road.