Are Solid Wood Cabinets Worth The Money?

It's not only aesthetically pleasing but also very sturdy and resilient. However, the price tag is often too much for average homeowners to bear. 

Recognizing what you're spending for is essential for homeowners who are renovating or about to embark on home renovations, especially when it comes to cabinets. Do sturdy wood cabinets warrant the added cost when there are cheaper alternatives, such as MDF board? The good and bad of purchasing solid wood cabinets will be covered here.

What Is A Solid Kitchen Cabinet?

There's a good reason why solid wood cabinets are so widely used in the kitchen. They are stronger and last longer than alternatives because they are constructed entirely of wood rather than cheaper materials like particleboard, plywood, or medium-density fibreboard (MDF). Enjoy the aesthetics and long-lasting qualities of real wood with solid kitchen cabinetry. Oak, maple, cherry, and birch are just some of the wood types that can be used to construct these cabinets. And there's a wide variety of grain patterns and hues to pick from with wood. 

Common Materials To Make Solid Kitchen Cabinets:

Ebony

Due to its high density and rich, dark colour, ebony is a highly prized material. It's fine grain makes it ideal for crafting sophisticated and eye-catching cabinetry. It's one of the more pricey options here, but if you value quality and durability over trends, it's money well spent. Ebony cabinets not only look great, but they are also excellent at hiding imperfections.

Cherrywood

Cherrywood is an ageless wood used for centuries in the construction of cabinets. It has a rich, reddish brown colour and stunning, natural grain patterns. It's perfect for those going for a more classic or country feel in the kitchen.

Hickory

Hickory is a durable and sturdy wood that stands up well to high foot traffic and repeated use, making it an excellent choice for rooms like kitchens. It has a gorgeous natural grain pattern and is available in a wide range of brown tones.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a popular choice for high-end, aesthetically pleasing solid wood cabinets due to its rich, warm appearance. It's easy to work with thanks to the wood's straight, even grain, and it improves with age. It's perfect for those who prefer a more traditional style.

Maple

Maple is a strong and adaptable wood that can be used to make both contemporary and classic cabinetry. Its light cream colour and subtle grain pattern make it a great option for homeowners seeking a simple, uncluttered aesthetic.

Reclaimed wood

If you're going for a more rustic or industrial look, reclaimed wood is a green and beautiful choice. Its character and charm come from the fact that it is crafted from reclaimed wood from vintage structures or furniture.

Lyptus

Modern hybrid wood lyptus is created by crossing two different types of eucalyptus trees and can be harvested without harming the surrounding forest. Lyptus is an eco-friendly material that can be harvested in a contemporary style. Its modern aesthetic appeal stems from its hearty reddish-brown colour and beautiful, organic grain pattern.

Are Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets Better?

Cabinets make every space in our homes more functional. Kitchen cabinets are essential because they show off your kitchen's aesthetic. Kitchen cabinets that have a more natural appearance are more popular now than they were in recent years. People prefer unique materials, like real wood, because of their personality. 

If you're going for a high-end aesthetic in the kitchen, solid wood cabinets are the way to go. Solid wood cabinets are built to last a lifetime. When compared to other materials, nothing beats the durability, beauty, and longevity of solid wood cabinets. Long-lasting and beautiful in any kitchen style, solid wood cabinets are a wise investment. 

Wooden kitchen cabinets, while beautiful, can cost a pretty penny. This may be out of your price range given that this is the most popular material for cabinetry. There are many benefits to working with solid wood, whether it be maple, oak, Adler or cherry. 

Advantages Of Solid Wood Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets made of solid wood are the best option. Moreover, they are:

Durable and Strong

Wooden cupboards are built to last for many years. Depending on the type of wood used, some are more durable than others.

Stainable/Paintable

Real wood cabinets are great because you can alter their appearance by staining or painting them. 

Beautiful

When it comes to flooring, cabinets, and furniture, nothing beats the natural beauty of wood. By doing so, you are introducing a natural element into your dwelling that does not reek of artificiality or manufacture.

Custom

Because wood is so malleable, your cabinet maker can create it in any size or shape you can imagine.

Easy Maintenance

Wooden cupboards are practically maintenance-free. Unlike other cabinet materials, they can be refinished, restrained, or repainted. Cabinet doors can be sanded and refinished to fix scratches.

Renewable/Sustainable/Eco-friendly

Cabinets made out of wood, which is a renewable resource, put less strain on the environment than those made out of petroleum. Choose bamboo, lyptus, or reclaimed wood cabinets if you're looking for something truly eco-friendly.

Great Value Retention

When compared to cabinets made of cheaper or more fleeting materials, solid wood cabinets that are cared for properly tend to hold their value over time. If you ever decide to sell your home, this can greatly increase its value.

Disadvantages Of Solid Wood Cabinets

There are benefits and drawbacks to every material. However, there are a few drawbacks to solid wood cabinets that you should be aware of.

Water Damage

Your solid wood cabinets may be in danger if you experience flooding in your home, your kitchen sink overflows for an extended period of time, or if members of your household are careless and let water pour down the front of the cabinets while washing the dishes. Even more so if they are not properly sealed.

Because of its hygroscopic nature, wood can swell when exposed to water for extended periods of time. Sealing the wood is a simple solution to this problem.

Warping/Cracking

Extreme changes in temperature or prolonged exposure to high humidity can cause wood cabinets to crack or warp. Extremely dry or cold conditions can cause wood to contract and crack as well.

These problems can usually be avoided by keeping the HVAC system running and promptly mopping up any spilt water or liquids on the cabinets. Investing in a humidifier/dehumidifier can help prevent problems with your wood cabinets, mould, and other issues if you have high humidity levels in your home.

More Expensive

Cabinets made of solid wood are more expensive than those made from plywood, particleboard, laminate, or medium-density fibreboard (MDF). On the other hand, wood is more valuable, beautiful, and long-lasting. For high-end residences, it is also the best option.

How Much Are Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Solid wood kitchen cabinets are well-known for their longevity, stain resistance, and resistance to warping. The high price reflects the high quality of solid wood materials. Kitchen cabinets made of solid wood are timeless and easy to match with other design elements. Pricing for installed solid wood kitchen cabinets ranges from $600 to $2400 per linear foot. The price per linear foot for the materials alone is between $300 and $750. 

A sophisticated genuine wood kitchen cabinet, which was formerly priced at $13,000, is now priced at $30,000. Putting in brand new, solid wood kitchen cabinets is a laborious and time-consuming task. If you want the job done right and fast, choose a professional cabinet installer. Solid wood cabinet installation is suggested to cost between $130 and $200 each unit, or $50 and $450 per linear foot. However, installation costs can differ significantly amongst service providers.

Solid Wood Vs. MDF – Which Is Better?

The "great debate" for cabinet door materials is between solid wood and MDF. Homeowners often select wood for their new kitchen cabinets because of its aesthetic value, durability, and unique personality. However, there are imperfections in solid wood cupboards. 

They swell and shrink in response to variations in temperature and humidity. The wood in your cabinets, doors, drawers, and/or panelling may contract, crack, or buckle over time.

Is there any way to prevent this? MDF is widely used by skilled cabinetmakers.

This is the first thing that springs to mind when you mention the words "wood" and "MDF." MDF is often seen as a cheap, inferior alternative to wood, which is seen as strong and sturdy.

Both solid wood and MDF will have their pros and cons discussed in this article. It's a common fallacy that wood is always preferable, but there are times when MDF is the better choice.

Do You Have to Pick Between Solid Wood and MDF?

When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the discussion between real wood and MDF can get difficult. Must you choose between two undesirable alternatives? That's quite improbable.

You have a lot of options when it comes to materials for custom cabinets. If you purchase semi-custom or stock cabinets, the manufacturer will choose the finishes and hardware for you. You'll get exactly what they give you. The tips in this post are applicable whether you choose custom or stock cabinets.

It's important to know the distinctions between wood and MDF if you're thinking of painting your cabinets.

MDF or Solid Wood Cabinet Doors?

Most people believe that solid wood is superior to MDF in terms of strength, durability, and longevity. In comparison to solid wood, MDF is more affordable but also more flimsy. The advantages and disadvantages of solid wood and MDF have been outlined above.

While solid wood has been around forever, MDF is technically an "engineered wood" product. Cabinet boxes are typically made of solid wood, while some components, such as the door centre panels, are made of medium-density fibreboard (MDF).

Both real wood and medium-density fibreboard (MDF) have their uses in kitchen cabinetry. The cabinets' smooth finish comes from MDF, while the solid wood makes them strong, sturdy, and long-lasting.

MDF can withstand more fluctuations in humidity and temperature than solid wood can. Adjustments in humidity and temperature cause horizontal and vertical movement in solid wood. Because of this, you should expect to see evidence of wear and tear in the joints of your painted cabinetry and other genuine wood components.

MDF doesn't warp or crack like solid wood does when the weather changes. This is why MDF is typically used for the central panels of painted cabinet doors.

Conclusion

Kitchens with solid wood cabinets are common because of the wood's natural beauty and durability. Ebony, cherrywood, hickory, mahogany, and maple are just few of the common woods used to construct cabinets made entirely of wood. Cherrywood is a timeless wood that has been used for hundreds of years, while ebony is highly coveted due to its great density and rich, black colour. Hickory is a strong and long-lasting wood that can withstand heavy use and wear. Due to its rich, warm appearance, mahogany is frequently used for high-end, aesthetically beautiful solid wood cabinets.

Maple's straight, even grain makes it a prefered material for high-end, aesthetically beautiful, solid wood cabinets. Maple is a durable and versatile wood, making it suitable for both modern and traditional cabinetry. If you're going for a more natural or industrial style, reclaimed wood is a great option. Harvesting lyptus does not cause any damage to the surrounding forest, making it a sustainable resource. For a luxurious look in the kitchen, nothing beats solid wood cabinets for its longevity, beauty, versatility, and low maintenance needs.

Maple is a durable and versatile wood, making it suitable for both modern and traditional cabinetry. If you're going for a more natural or industrial style, reclaimed wood is a great option. Harvesting lyptus does not cause any damage to the surrounding forest, making it a sustainable resource. Kitchen cabinets made from solid wood may be refinished, restored, or repainted, making them an eco-friendly and renewable option. However, they are more costly and susceptible to problems like warping and cracking when exposed to water.

The pros and cons of using solid wood versus MDF for cabinet doors are discussed. In this post, we'll look at the benefits and drawbacks of both options so you can make an informed choice. Kitchen cabinet debates between solid wood and medium-density fibreboard (MDF) may get sticky. Although MDF is less expensive, solid wood outperforms it in strength, durability, and endurance. Kitchen cabinets can benefit from either wood or MDF; the former provides a sleek surface while the latter ensures durability, strength, and longevity. MDF is commonly used for the core panels of painted cabinet doors because it does not warp or split like actual wood when the weather changes.

Content Summary

• Solid wood is always the most obvious choice when deciding what material to use for your cabinets.
• The good and bad of purchasing solid wood cabinets will be covered here.
• There's a good reason why solid wood cabinets are so widely used in the kitchen.
• Enjoy the aesthetics and long-lasting qualities of real wood with solid kitchen cabinetry.
• Hickory is a durable and sturdy wood that stands up well to high foot traffic and repeated use, making it an excellent choice for rooms like kitchens.
• If you're going for a more rustic or industrial look, reclaimed wood is a green and beautiful choice.
• If you're going for a high-end aesthetic in the kitchen, solid wood cabinets are the way to go.
• Solid wood cabinets are built to last a lifetime.
• Long-lasting and beautiful in any kitchen style, solid wood cabinets are a wise investment.
• There are many benefits to working with solid wood, whether it be maple, oak, Adler or cherry.
• Kitchen cabinets made of solid wood are the best option.
• Choose bamboo, lyptus, or reclaimed wood cabinets if you're looking for something truly eco-friendly.
• When compared to cabinets made of cheaper or more fleeting materials, solid wood cabinets that are cared for properly tend to hold their value over time.
• However, there are a few drawbacks to solid wood cabinets that you should be aware of.
• Your solid wood cabinets may be in danger if you experience flooding in your home, your kitchen sink overflows for an extended period of time, or if members of your household are careless and let water pour down the front of the cabinets while washing the dishes.
• Sealing the wood is a simple solution to this problem.
• Extreme changes in temperature or prolonged exposure to high humidity can cause wood cabinets to crack or warp.
• Investing in a humidifier/dehumidifier can help prevent problems with your wood cabinets, mould, and other issues if you have high humidity levels in your home.
• Cabinets made of solid wood are more expensive than those made from plywood, particleboard, laminate, or medium-density fibreboard (MDF).
• The price per linear foot for the materials alone is between $300 and $750.
• Putting in brand new, solid wood kitchen cabinets is a laborious and time-consuming task.
• If you want the job done right and fast, choose a professional cabinet installer.
• The "great debate" for cabinet door materials is between solid wood and MDF.
• Homeowners often select wood for their new kitchen cabinets because of its aesthetic value, durability, and unique personality.
• However, there are imperfections in solid wood cupboards.
• The wood in your cabinets, doors, drawers, and/or panelling may contract, crack, or buckle over time.
• Both solid wood and MDF will have their pros and cons discussed in this article.
• It's a common fallacy that wood is always preferable, but there are times when MDF is the better choice.
• When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the discussion between real wood and MDF can get difficult.
• You have a lot of options when it comes to materials for custom cabinets.
• If you purchase semi-custom or stock cabinets, the manufacturer will choose the finishes and hardware for you.
• The tips in this post are applicable whether you choose custom or stock cabinets.
• It's important to know the distinctions between wood and MDF if you're thinking of painting your cabinets.
• Most people believe that solid wood is superior to MDF in terms of strength, durability, and longevity.
• In comparison to solid wood, MDF is more affordable but also more flimsy.
• The advantages and disadvantages of solid wood and MDF have been outlined above.
• Cabinet boxes are typically made of solid wood, while some components, such as the door centre panels, are made of medium-density fibreboard (MDF).
• Both real wood and medium-density fibreboard (MDF) have their uses in kitchen cabinetry.
• The cabinets' smooth finish comes from MDF, while the solid wood makes them strong, sturdy, and long-lasting.
• MDF can withstand more fluctuations in humidity and temperature than solid wood can.
• This is why MDF is typically used for the central panels of painted cabinet doors.