Most Durable Wood For Cabinet Doors

Choosing a wood species for your cabinet doors is about functionality and style. You want to find a wood type that complements your aesthetic but is also built to withstand everyday wear and tear.

When exploring the different wood species for your next custom cabinet door order, wood durability should always be at the top of your mind. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of durable woods and touch on the most durable wood species to consider. Here's everything you need to know:

The Importance of Wood Durability

There are many advantages to choosing a durable wood species for your cabinet doors. For starters, durable wood species tend to last longer than softer woods. You don't need to worry about everyday wear and tear impacting the appearance of your cabinet doors, so you're less likely to replace them as quickly. Durable wood species are also less resistant to damage caused by moisture, rot, and decay. This makes them easier to maintain. So you don't need to worry about unnecessary upkeep costs.

Characteristics of Durable Wood

When looking for a cabinet door of durable wood, there are a few things you'll want to consider. This includes:

• Density and Hardness: Density and hardness are determined by the Janka Hardness Scale Test. This is a standardized measure that measures the resistance of a specific wood type. The higher the ranking, the more durable the wood is.
• Resistance to Moisture and Humidity: Some wood species are more susceptible to expanding and contracting in humid climates or places with high moisture levels.
• Resistance to Pests and Decay: Some durable wood species are more resistant to pests and decay. Woods that are considered soft on the Janka hardness scale are more porous. This means pests and fungi are more likely to impact the integrity of the wood.

Five Most Popular Wood Species for Cabinets

If you're currently shopping for new replacement cabinet doors, here are five of the most popular wood species you may consider:

Maple

Janka Hardness Scale: 1450

Maple is a popular wood choice for cabinet doors. It has a light creamy color with a slight reddish hue. The color tends to get darker with age. It also has a fine-grain pattern with a slightly wavy pattern.

Maple is a 1450 on the Janka scale. Which means it is a relatively durable and dense wood species. It's resistant to everyday wear and tear, so you don't need to worry about unnecessary dents, damage, or scuffs. This makes maple a top choice for high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom.

The wood type is also low maintenance. If you have maple replacement cabinet doors, clean them regularly with gentle soap and warm water. This will help the wood species maintain its color and appearance.

White Oak

Janka Hardness Scale: 1360

White oak has a light brown color and a coarse-grain texture. The wood species has a unique wavy pattern and is commonly used for cabinet doors because it stains well.

White oak is a 1360 on the hardness scale. This means it's one of the most used and strongest woods for cabinet doors. What makes white oak great for the best wood cabinet doors is its resistance to rot and decay. So, if you live in a humid climate or want replacement cabinet doors for areas exposed to high moisture levels, white oak is the perfect investment.

Hickory

Janka Hardness Scale: 1820

Hickory is another popular, durable wood species for cabinet doors. It is an effortless blend of creamy white and reddish brown. It has a straight grain pattern and a coarse texture.

Hickory is one of the strongest, most durable woods for cabinet doors. You won't need to worry about dents or scratches. However, since it's so durable, it's also more challenging to work with, which means it's slightly more expensive than other wood species. It's also not ideal for humid climates since the wood is more susceptible to expanding or contracting at different moisture levels.

Cherry

Janka Hardness Scale: 995

Cherry has a fine texture paired with a curly grain pattern. The color is typically a rich reddish brown, which pairs beautifully with traditional or contemporary aesthetics.

Cherry is a somewhat softer wood species, which means it's more susceptible to dents and scratches than hickory, white oak, or maple. However, many homeowners choose cherry over other cabinet door durable wood species for its unique appearance, grain pattern, and texture.

Alder

Janka Hardness Scale: 590

Alder is a beautiful light brown color. It has a straight grain pattern with a fine texture and is one of the easier wood species to stain.

Alder is one of the softest wood species. Which means it's less resistant to dents and scratches. However, since it's a softer wood, it is much easier to work with. To prevent general wear and tear in your kitchen or bathroom, apply a top coat finish to the cabinet doors. This protective layer will help extend the longevity of your investment.

Tips for Choosing and Maintaining Durable Wood Cabinets

While durability is important, there are a few other things you'll need to consider when looking for the best cabinet door durable wood. This includes:

• Consider More Than Just Durability: While durability is important, you'll also want to ensure the wood complements your aesthetic goals. So, always look at grain pattern, color, and stainability when finding the best wood cabinet doors.
• Easy to Clean: Cabinet doors with more ornate details are more challenging to clean and maintain. Modern cabinet door styles with clean lines and simple structures are less likely to accumulate dirt, grime, and dust.
• Consider Moisture Levels: Some wood species are more likely to expand and contract when exposed to moisture. Wood species with tight grain patterns, like maple and oak, are better suited for humid climates and high-moisture environments.
• Maintenance Matters: To maintain the appearance of your cabinet door durable wood, you'll need to clean them regularly. It's best to use a gentle soap and warm water.

Explore Cabinet Door Durable Wood With CabinetDoors.com

At CabinetDoors.com, we're committed to quality craftsmanship. All of our wood is sustainably sourced from reputable vendors. We have over nine different wood species to choose from and countless styles. Once you find the perfect cabinet door with durable wood and a style you like, we'll custom-cut the cabinets to fit your current cabinets perfectly.

Explore our selection of cabinet doors and drawer fronts today.

What wood would be most durable for cabinet doors?

The most durable wood species for cabinet doors are hickory, white oak, or maple.

What is the Janka scale?

The Janka hardness scale determines how resistant a specific wood species is to everyday wear and tear. This scale is a measure you can use to determine the best cabinet door durable wood for your space.