When selecting cabinets for a bathroom or kitchen remodeling project, the choice of cabinets can be a one of the major decisions for a homeowner. Wood cabinets are one of the most popular forms of cabinets available on the market today.

Particle Board

One of the least expensive types of wood cabinets are made of particle board. The particle board is primarily used for the cabinet base and doors. Very often, a thin veneer layer of another type of wood is used as an overlay on particle wood doors, making them appear like solid wood cabinets.

It is not uncommon for stock wood cabinets to be made of particle board. Stock cabinets have standard sizes and shapes and very often can be purchased at major home improvement centers. Stock cabinets are usually available immediately for pick-up or within a few days or purchase.

Hardwood

Another common type of wood cabinet is cabinets made of hardwoods. Popular hard woods include oak, maple and cherry. Hardwoods are an excellent choice for cabinets because they resist dings and scratches and are easy to care for and keep looking in excellent condition.

For homeowners who are considering the different options for remodeling, hardwood cabinets can be easily resurfaced by sanding and revarnishing or repainting, giving them a refreshed look for a minimum expense, particularly when compared to completely replacing the cabinets.

Soft Woods

Soft woods like pine are used on cabinets where the tendency to scratch or dent is not important. For instance, cabinets that are intentionally distressed to look antique to older are commonly made of pine.

Wood Veneer

A veneer is a thin layer of wood that is placed over the top surface of a cabinet door or exterior cabinet base. Veneers are available in a wide range of woods, from oak to maple to cherry. The use of veneers is one way to update an older set of cabinets or to resurface existing cabinets without incurring the expense of entirely replacing the cabinets. Veneer is best done by a professional contractor with experience resurfacing and installing wood veneers on existing cabinets.

Installing Wood Cabinets

While installation of wood cabinets is certainly a task that can be completed by a savvy homeowner with knowledge of cabinetry or kitchen or bathroom remodeling experience, often homeowners are more comfortable with using the services of a professional contractor. When choosing a professional contractor, ask for a resume of their experience and whether or not they see any potential problems with your project.

Be aware that most contractors add a fee to materials they purchase. If you are attempting to save money, ask the contractor if they have objections to homeowners purchasing their own materials, particularly when it comes to cabinets. A good contractor should be able to provide you with a list of specific measurements for your wood cabinets and the number of each type of cabinet you will need to purchase. Also, they should be able to provide you with a basic drawing, showing the placement of each cabinet.

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