Wood Types

CABINET WOOD SPECIES GUIDE

From smooth painted finishes to rich natural grain, each wood type brings its own character to your space, shaping the overall look and feel of your cabinetry once it’s built into your home.

Alder (Knotty)

Janka Hardness: 590
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Beech
Janka Hardness: 1,300
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Black Walnut
Janka Hardness: 1,010
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Cherry
Janka Hardness: 950
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Hickory
Janka Hardness: 1,820
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Knotty Hickory
Janka Hardness: 1,820
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Red Oak
Janka Hardness: 1,290
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Sapele
Janka Hardness: 1,510
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Vertical Grain Fir
Janka Hardness: 660
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White Oak (Plain Sliced)
Janka Hardness: 1,360
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White Oak (Rift Cut)
Janka Hardness: 1,360
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THE JANKA HARDNESS RATING, EXPLAINED

The Janka scale is a simple way to understand how well different wood types hold up to everyday use. In our experience, it comes down to how a cabinet will live in your home, not just how it looks on day one. Harder woods like hickory and oak tend to resist dents and wear better over time, while others like maple and cherry offer a slightly softer feel but bring their own character and warmth.

When we walk clients through wood selection, we use this as one of several tools to help guide the decision. It’s not about picking the “hardest” wood; it’s about finding the right balance between durability, style, and how you actually use your space.

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HELPING YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT WOOD FOR YOUR CABINETS

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