KITCHENS
Cabinet Material Options
The cabinet box and drawer box can be constructed of human-made materials or solid wood.
Particle board or furniture board is a composite of reclaimed and recycled wood products bonded together with a synthetic resin or binder under heat and pressure.
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residual into wood fibers. It's typically stronger than particle board.
High-density fiberboard (HDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residual into wood fibers. Due to its resin content and the manufacturing process, HDF is stronger than MDF.
Plywood is made of thin layers of wood veneer glued together. The woodgrain of each layer runs at a 90-degree angle to the grain of the layers surrounding it, resulting in a strong and stable building material.
Solid wood is kiln-dried lumber that's been milled directly from felled timber.
Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts
The look of the cabinets and the available finishes vary by wood species. As with other materials, semi-custom and custom cabinets give you more options to find the wood and finish that best fits your style and vision.
Doors, door fronts and face frames are available in different species of hardwood and human-made material:
Maple and hickory are dense hardwoods and less susceptible to dents and scratches than many other species.
Cherry is also a durable option and can have a very intricate grain and pronounced wood characteristics.
Species, such as birch, beech, oak and alder, offer the warmth and beauty of natural wood but are more economical options.
MDF coated with a durable, easy-to-clean polymer wrapped or molded surface offered in a variety of colors gives the look of painted or stained wood finish.
If selecting a natural wood look, be aware that different materials will have very different grain patterns and color tones. It’s a good idea to see a sample of your material and finish combination before purchasing. Another thing to keep in mind is natural wood tones will age over time, especially if they’re in direct sunlight through windows or doors.
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Raised Panel
Raised-panel doors feature the center portion of the door slightly raised.
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Cathedral
Cathedral, or arched doors, have the look of a raised or recessed panel with a rounded arch design at the top of the door.
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Shaker
Shaker-style doors have a frame of vertical rails and horizontal stiles around a flat, inset panel.
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Beadboard
Beadboard or beaded panel doors have an inset panel that simulates planks separated by a groove or ridge.
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Slab
Slab doors have a flat panel with no raised or recessed features and can provide a modern look.
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Louvered
Louvered doors have horizontal, angled slats running between the vertical frame pieces.
