Oak is the most commonly used wood in the world for kitchen cabinets, mainly because of its low price. It is also considered to be a very durable type of wood. It is no wonder then that oak wood is a popular favorite among people who are trying to bring their old style kitchen into something new.

How Oak Differs from Other Kinds of Wood

Oak is a hardwood with a very prominent grain. This is considered to be its most typical feature. The grain is prominent, but at the same time it can be different from one sample of oak wood to the other. The variation is also observed in the color of the oak wood. This is a lighter shade of wood than other varieties that are generally used for making furniture. Its color can range from an almost white shade to a lighter shade of pink.

The most characteristic feature of oak wood is definitely its strong grain texture, which is one of the reasons why most people prefer it over others. However, the manner of cutting the oak wood is very important for the way the grain appears. The best cut, according to several people who are experts in wood, is when the oak is quarter sawn. This is when the grain appears at its most prominent shade.

Pros and Cons of Using Oak Kitchen Cabinets

One of the advantages of using oak cabinets is that oak is resistant to fungus and mildew, so it does not rot easily. This is a species of wood that can last ages with minimal care. It can suffer the humidity and the temperature conditions within the kitchen quite easily.

The light shades are also an asset. They make the grain appear better and increase the visual appeal of the oak kitchen cabinets.

But the most important reason why people go for oak kitchen cabinets is that oak is one of the cheapest varieties of woods. A whole 10 by 10 kitchen could be set up with oak cabinets for under $2,000, which is a very affordable cost considering the other varieties of woods that are available.

The con to using oak wood is that the color that you choose will most likely fade away with time. Though the wood itself is durable, its color can change. Direct sunlight falling on the oak cabinets can accelerate this phenomenon.

Matching Your Oak Kitchen Cabinets with the Rest of Your Kitchen Décor

It is actually quite easy to match your oak cabinets with the rest of your kitchen décor because of the versatility of colors and grains that are available here. Most oak wood furniture manufacturers will provide samples with the different grains and shades and you can take your pick from among them. However, you must know that the color will fade away with time.

There is some possibility of working with oak wood, too. If you are bent on using oak wood but want it to be of a darker color, then that can be managed. Oak wood can be finished to have darker hues. Some manufacturers have managed to give the darker shades of mahogany and cherry wood to oak wood, which is less expensive than either of them.

Interested in cabinets for your home? Get your project started by submitting a free BuyerZone request for cabinets price quotes.