How maple, oak, cherry and walnut compare in grain, color, hardness and how they take paint and stain.
Each cabinet wood has its own character. Maple has a fine, tight grain and a pale color. Oak has an open, pronounced grain and ranges from light tan to reddish. Cherry is smooth and reddish, and it deepens with light and age. Walnut is a rich brown with flowing grain and can be dramatic. The wood you choose changes how the finish looks and how the cabinets feel.
Maple is a favorite for painted cabinets because its smooth grain gives an even surface. Oak is strong and traditional and takes stain with clear grain. Cherry is classic for formal rooms. Walnut suits modern and traditional rooms that want depth. Tennessee also grows several of these hardwoods, which connects Nashville kitchens to local forests. We bring real samples so you can see and touch each one.
Fine grain, pale color and a smooth surface that paints well.
Open grain, strong and traditional, with a visible pattern.
Smooth and warm, and it darkens with light and time.
Deep brown with flowing grain, dramatic and elegant.
Maple and oak are very hard. Cherry and walnut are slightly softer but durable.
Maple paints and stains with care. Oak shows grain. Cherry and walnut shine with clear finishes.
Shaker Style CabinetsShaker style cabinets with a simple five-piece door, clean lines and a finish you choose, from soft white…Explore 
Flat Panel and Slab CabinetsFlat panel and slab cabinets with smooth, clean doors in wood veneer, paint or laminate for a modern…Explore 
Painted CabinetsPainted cabinets finished in a durable catalyzed or lacquer coating, in white, soft neutrals or deep colors, with…Explore 
Stained Wood CabinetsStained wood cabinets that show off the grain of maple, oak, cherry, walnut or hickory, with finishes from…Explore Size a room, check your cabinets or ballpark a budget.
Cabinet Layout and Quantity CalculatorEnter your measurements to see base and wall cabinet counts, counter area, vanity widths, closet sections, bookcase bays and pantry shelves.Try it 
Should I Refresh or Replace My Cabinets? CheckerPick your cabinet type, condition and the signs you see to learn whether a tune-up, paint, refacing or replacement may fit.Try it 
Cabinet Budget PlannerPick a kitchen, bath, built-in or repair project, set the size and add allowances to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it Maple is a common choice because of its smooth grain. Oak grain may show through paint unless filled.
Yes, with exposure to light it deepens, which many people enjoy.
Oak and maple are very hard. All four make durable cabinets when built and finished properly.
Comparison guideFramed vs FramelessHow face frame cabinets and frameless cabinets differ in look, storage, strength and installation.Learn more 
Comparison guideInset vs OverlayHow inset doors, full overlay doors and partial overlay doors differ in look, cost of labor and storage.Learn more 
Comparison guideCabinet MaterialsHow solid wood, plywood, fiberboard and particleboard compare as cabinet materials for boxes, doors and shelves.Learn more 
Comparison guideDoor FinishesHow thermofoil, laminate, painted and natural wood doors compare in look, wear, repair and cleaning.Learn more Call us and describe your room. We will visit, talk through options and give you a clear written estimate.
