See 1 Kitchen Style With 5 Different Woods
These transitional-style kitchens show off the beauty of white oak, walnut, cherry and more
Barbara Milner
10 March 2019
Houzz Contributor. Designer, journalist and vintage hound. I enjoy telling personal stories through my design projects and creating happy, practical spaces that are both inspirational and memorable. I adore edgy elegance and have a passion for vintage objects and curiosities. You can often find me with hair in bun and child in tow at thrift shops and antique markets. www.southhillinteriors.com.
Houzz Contributor. Designer, journalist and vintage hound. I enjoy telling personal... More
If you’re remodeling your kitchen and plan to include wood cabinets, one question you may be considering is what type of wood to choose. The good news is that many different woods can work with many different kitchen styles.
These kitchens are all transitional, a design style that marries traditional and contemporary looks and that is the most popular style for a remodeled kitchen, according to Houzz research. The spaces here show how five types of wood can work beautifully with one style of kitchen. Which room is your favorite?
These kitchens are all transitional, a design style that marries traditional and contemporary looks and that is the most popular style for a remodeled kitchen, according to Houzz research. The spaces here show how five types of wood can work beautifully with one style of kitchen. Which room is your favorite?
1. White Oak on Refrigerator Doors and Island
White oak has a subtly earthy appearance and a less prominent grain compared with red oak, so its natural beauty never overpowers a room. The species’ neutral hue makes it easy to blend with a wide range of color palettes and materials.
How it’s used. Designer Bryan Wark of Bryan Wark Designs used white oak boards in a herringbone pattern on this kitchen’s refrigerator and freezer doors and island. The chamfered edges of the boards create small grooves between them that emphasize the herringbone pattern.
White oak has a subtly earthy appearance and a less prominent grain compared with red oak, so its natural beauty never overpowers a room. The species’ neutral hue makes it easy to blend with a wide range of color palettes and materials.
How it’s used. Designer Bryan Wark of Bryan Wark Designs used white oak boards in a herringbone pattern on this kitchen’s refrigerator and freezer doors and island. The chamfered edges of the boards create small grooves between them that emphasize the herringbone pattern.
Supporting elements. Wark blended hand-scraped white oak with lacquered white cabinetry and a standout blue-and-white backsplash of hand-painted tiles from Morocco. Unlacquered brass hardware and vintage copper factory lights over the island enhance the kitchen’s artisanal and elegant style.
Why it works. The hand-scraped white oak adds texture and an element of soft luxury to the kitchen. It creates visual interest and pairs beautifully with the subtlety of the timeless white cabinetry and the rawness of the exposed wood beams. The wood also warms the kitchen, while the blue and brass accents add further warmth and character.
Durability. White oak is one of the more durable woods used for cabinets, which makes it well-suited to high-traffic areas. On the Janka scale — a measure of wood’s relative hardness — it registers 1,360. A measure of 1,290 is considered medium, meaning that white oak is harder than average.
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Why it works. The hand-scraped white oak adds texture and an element of soft luxury to the kitchen. It creates visual interest and pairs beautifully with the subtlety of the timeless white cabinetry and the rawness of the exposed wood beams. The wood also warms the kitchen, while the blue and brass accents add further warmth and character.
Durability. White oak is one of the more durable woods used for cabinets, which makes it well-suited to high-traffic areas. On the Janka scale — a measure of wood’s relative hardness — it registers 1,360. A measure of 1,290 is considered medium, meaning that white oak is harder than average.
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2. Walnut on Wall Cabinets and Stools
Walnut is a straight-grained hardwood that varies in color from chocolate brown to yellow, depending on which part of the tree it’s from. It’s typically clear-coated or oiled to bring out its variegated colors.
How it’s used. In this kitchen built by Osborne Construction, black walnut is used on the upper and lower perimeter cabinets but not on the island base. Walnut stools add an element of repetition, which brings a sense of unity and cohesiveness to the design.
Supporting elements. A blue kitchen island is as bold as the walnut cabinetry, and the island’s cool hue contrasts beautifully with the wood’s warmth. Cool grays in the marble mosaic backsplash continue the delicate balance of hot and cold, while modern brass cabinet hardware echoes the walnut’s warmth. The pendants are modern classics that complement this transitional kitchen’s fresh take on time-honored materials.
Walnut is a straight-grained hardwood that varies in color from chocolate brown to yellow, depending on which part of the tree it’s from. It’s typically clear-coated or oiled to bring out its variegated colors.
How it’s used. In this kitchen built by Osborne Construction, black walnut is used on the upper and lower perimeter cabinets but not on the island base. Walnut stools add an element of repetition, which brings a sense of unity and cohesiveness to the design.
Supporting elements. A blue kitchen island is as bold as the walnut cabinetry, and the island’s cool hue contrasts beautifully with the wood’s warmth. Cool grays in the marble mosaic backsplash continue the delicate balance of hot and cold, while modern brass cabinet hardware echoes the walnut’s warmth. The pendants are modern classics that complement this transitional kitchen’s fresh take on time-honored materials.
Why it works. Beautiful black walnut sets the tone of the kitchen’s dramatic design choices. The rich organic nature of the cabinetry creates a stunning tension with the linear geometry of the marble backsplash. These elements paired with the striking blue island create an eye-catching and memorable space.
Durability. Walnut isn’t as hard as oak, registering 1,010 on the Janka scale. Its natural color variation has the advantage of hiding light scratches and dents.
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Durability. Walnut isn’t as hard as oak, registering 1,010 on the Janka scale. Its natural color variation has the advantage of hiding light scratches and dents.
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3. Knotty Alder on Base Cabinets and Select Uppers
Knotty alder has a distinct character defined by nicks and dents. These markings make it quite different from clear alder, which has subtler patterns.
How it’s used. Savvy Interiors used knotty alder for this kitchen’s base cabinetry and on one set of upper glass cabinets.
Supporting elements. Refined polished nickel cabinet pulls and quartz countertops that mimic Arabescato marble nicely juxtapose the aged appearance of the knotty alder in this kitchen.
Knotty alder has a distinct character defined by nicks and dents. These markings make it quite different from clear alder, which has subtler patterns.
How it’s used. Savvy Interiors used knotty alder for this kitchen’s base cabinetry and on one set of upper glass cabinets.
Supporting elements. Refined polished nickel cabinet pulls and quartz countertops that mimic Arabescato marble nicely juxtapose the aged appearance of the knotty alder in this kitchen.
Why it works. The wood’s distinctive markings in an elegant door profile produce a look that’s formal but not precious. The overall feel is graceful with a vintage quality.
Durability. Alder is one of the softest of hardwoods and is commonly referred to as a semihardwood. It registers 590 on the Janka scale, slightly above pine. Its open knots and rustic appearance can conceal everyday wear and tear.
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Durability. Alder is one of the softest of hardwoods and is commonly referred to as a semihardwood. It registers 590 on the Janka scale, slightly above pine. Its open knots and rustic appearance can conceal everyday wear and tear.
Read more stories about kitchen cabinets
4. Clear Alder for a Kitchen Island and Open Shelves
Though clear alder is the same wood species as knotty alder, it’s quite different in appearance and much less rustic. It’s ideal for light or natural finishes because it has minimal color variation. Its grain patterns are subtle and straighter than other hardwoods, such as oak. This wood is a great choice if you want to accent a transitional kitchen with an aged or distressed look.
Though clear alder is the same wood species as knotty alder, it’s quite different in appearance and much less rustic. It’s ideal for light or natural finishes because it has minimal color variation. Its grain patterns are subtle and straighter than other hardwoods, such as oak. This wood is a great choice if you want to accent a transitional kitchen with an aged or distressed look.
How it’s used. In this kitchen, designer Kelsey Fehr of Redl World Class Kitchens used clear alder on the island base and for the open shelving (see next photo). It’s worth noting that the island’s millwork is more traditional than that of the white cabinetry, a choice that adds character and charm to the island and the kitchen.
Supporting elements. Gray subway tile brings updated classic style to the kitchen. A modern faucet, minimalist cabinet hardware, solid white quartz countertop and contemporary stools offer balance to the alder’s distressed look.
Why it works. The antique quality of the clear alder, specifically its black highlights,
works beautifully to complement the darker flooring and black kitchen accents. The rustic feel of the island paired with the industrial-style pendants creates an old-world feel. The clean, simple white cabinetry offers relaxed elegance and allows the alder island to be the room’s focal point.
Durability. Alder is similar in appearance to cherry, but as one of the softest of all hardwoods, it’s less dent-resistant. In fact, clear alder is commonly referred to as a semihardwood. It’s rated 590 on the Janka hardness scale.
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Supporting elements. Gray subway tile brings updated classic style to the kitchen. A modern faucet, minimalist cabinet hardware, solid white quartz countertop and contemporary stools offer balance to the alder’s distressed look.
Why it works. The antique quality of the clear alder, specifically its black highlights,
works beautifully to complement the darker flooring and black kitchen accents. The rustic feel of the island paired with the industrial-style pendants creates an old-world feel. The clean, simple white cabinetry offers relaxed elegance and allows the alder island to be the room’s focal point.
Durability. Alder is similar in appearance to cherry, but as one of the softest of all hardwoods, it’s less dent-resistant. In fact, clear alder is commonly referred to as a semihardwood. It’s rated 590 on the Janka hardness scale.
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5. Cherry on Perimeter Cabinets
Cherry is loved for its natural reddish-brown color that’s hard to duplicate with stain. It has a uniform texture, so it offers the character of natural wood without being too rustic.
How it’s used. In this kitchen from Wagner Cabinetry and Design, cherry is used for the perimeter cabinets; the island base is also cherry but with a slate stain.
Supporting elements. The perimeter cabinetry in this kitchen is cherry with a nutmeg stain. Engineered quartz countertops in Cardiff Cream by Cambria complement the wood’s tone. A split-face travertine backsplash adds an element of playfulness that keeps the kitchen from feeling stodgy.
Why it works. The cherry cabinetry pairs seamlessly with the hardwood flooring, creating a natural and uniform look. This allows the eye to travel up to the organic and striking backsplash.
Durability. Cherry is rated 950 on the Janka scale, making it softer than maple and oak and more susceptible to scratches and dents. Because of this, cherry isn’t ideal if you have young kids who might body-check the cabinets.
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Cherry is loved for its natural reddish-brown color that’s hard to duplicate with stain. It has a uniform texture, so it offers the character of natural wood without being too rustic.
How it’s used. In this kitchen from Wagner Cabinetry and Design, cherry is used for the perimeter cabinets; the island base is also cherry but with a slate stain.
Supporting elements. The perimeter cabinetry in this kitchen is cherry with a nutmeg stain. Engineered quartz countertops in Cardiff Cream by Cambria complement the wood’s tone. A split-face travertine backsplash adds an element of playfulness that keeps the kitchen from feeling stodgy.
Why it works. The cherry cabinetry pairs seamlessly with the hardwood flooring, creating a natural and uniform look. This allows the eye to travel up to the organic and striking backsplash.
Durability. Cherry is rated 950 on the Janka scale, making it softer than maple and oak and more susceptible to scratches and dents. Because of this, cherry isn’t ideal if you have young kids who might body-check the cabinets.
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6. Quartersawn Cherry for Cabinets
For an even less formal look, consider quartersawn cherry. The dramatic internal rays within the wood add an interesting three-dimensional appearance. Quartersawn refers to the way in which the lumber has been cut and is not limited to cherry.
For an even less formal look, consider quartersawn cherry. The dramatic internal rays within the wood add an interesting three-dimensional appearance. Quartersawn refers to the way in which the lumber has been cut and is not limited to cherry.
How it’s used. Architect and designer Michael Howells of Howells Architecture + Design used quartersawn cherry for all of this kitchen’s cabinetry. The use of a flat-front door style allows the dramatic wood — rather than any detailed cabinet features — to be the focal point.
Supporting elements. The quartersawn cherry cabinets have been combined with recycled-glass countertops and a ceramic tile backsplash with a handmade quality and slight variation in the glaze. These textures add tension and interest to the otherwise pared-down design. A traditional apron sink contrasts with the modern flush cabinet style, and the Art Deco-style drawer pulls are an ode to the origins of the home. The overall look of this transitional kitchen is clean and timeless.
Why it works. The quartersawn cherry draws attention to the earthiness of lumber and its unique textures. This sets the tone for the natural, authentic feel of the materials used in the kitchen, particularly the multitonal blue ceramic backsplash.
Durability. Quartersawn lumber is more resistant to moisture penetration and therefore more stable than plain-cut lumber. This quality also contributes to its higher price tag.
Supporting elements. The quartersawn cherry cabinets have been combined with recycled-glass countertops and a ceramic tile backsplash with a handmade quality and slight variation in the glaze. These textures add tension and interest to the otherwise pared-down design. A traditional apron sink contrasts with the modern flush cabinet style, and the Art Deco-style drawer pulls are an ode to the origins of the home. The overall look of this transitional kitchen is clean and timeless.
Why it works. The quartersawn cherry draws attention to the earthiness of lumber and its unique textures. This sets the tone for the natural, authentic feel of the materials used in the kitchen, particularly the multitonal blue ceramic backsplash.
Durability. Quartersawn lumber is more resistant to moisture penetration and therefore more stable than plain-cut lumber. This quality also contributes to its higher price tag.
7. Maple: Strong and Understated
Maple’s understated beauty is a result of its even grain and consistent appearance, even across large surfaces. Because it takes dark stains well, maple is often stained to mimic a pricier wood or used to match other woods in the home near the kitchen. Hard and soft maple are also often the woods used for painted kitchen cabinets. Its smooth grain makes it a good choice to balance kitchens with lots of texture.
How it’s used. In this kitchen from design-build firm LD&A, maple is used for the cabinetry on the refrigerator wall and for the base of the island.
Supporting elements. This transitional kitchen features maple cabinetry stained in a custom warm brown that doesn’t compete with the dark flooring. The quartzite countertop for the island has warm whites and creams in the veining that complement the wood tones. The even grain of the cabinetry sets the stage for more prominent features such as the sparkly glass backsplash. The overall look is formal yet fun.
Why it works. The custom-stained maple complements the hardwood flooring and adds a similar level of warmth. The layered wood provides a cozy envelope for crisper elements such as the white cabinetry and glass mosaic backsplash.
Durability. Maple is one of the hardest wood species — 1,450 on the Janka scale — making it a very popular choice for kitchens. It stands up well to fluctuations in temperature and humidity and can take a beating and still look great for years.
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Maple’s understated beauty is a result of its even grain and consistent appearance, even across large surfaces. Because it takes dark stains well, maple is often stained to mimic a pricier wood or used to match other woods in the home near the kitchen. Hard and soft maple are also often the woods used for painted kitchen cabinets. Its smooth grain makes it a good choice to balance kitchens with lots of texture.
How it’s used. In this kitchen from design-build firm LD&A, maple is used for the cabinetry on the refrigerator wall and for the base of the island.
Supporting elements. This transitional kitchen features maple cabinetry stained in a custom warm brown that doesn’t compete with the dark flooring. The quartzite countertop for the island has warm whites and creams in the veining that complement the wood tones. The even grain of the cabinetry sets the stage for more prominent features such as the sparkly glass backsplash. The overall look is formal yet fun.
Why it works. The custom-stained maple complements the hardwood flooring and adds a similar level of warmth. The layered wood provides a cozy envelope for crisper elements such as the white cabinetry and glass mosaic backsplash.
Durability. Maple is one of the hardest wood species — 1,450 on the Janka scale — making it a very popular choice for kitchens. It stands up well to fluctuations in temperature and humidity and can take a beating and still look great for years.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about wood
Find a pro
Shop for products
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Osborne Construction, lovely!! I love everything about this look. Great job!
Beautifully mix of different types of wood. Thank you for sharing!