Whether you are a professional or a DIYer, selecting the correct timber is essential to any furniture design project, especially when it comes to wood for cabinet making.
The type of timber you choose, the quality, and treatment, will impact not only the appearance of your project but also its durability and performance over time.
Understanding timber types
Before buying wood, it is critical to understand the two main categories: hardwood and softwood.
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees like maple, oak, and walnut, all popular choices for cabinetry due to their fine grain, strength, and ability to maintain finishes.
Softwoods, such as pine and cedar, are from coniferous trees and are often easier to work with but may be damaged or worn more quickly.
Each type of timber has its place. For cabinet making, hardwood is often preferred, especially for doors, frames, and exposed surfaces for their durability. Softwood may be used in hidden structural components or budget-friendly projects (species dependent).
Choosing the right wood for cabinet making
When deciding what timber you need for your cabinet making tasks, consider factors such as:
- Aesthetics: consider grain patterns as they can vary dramatically from straight lines to curves; additionally, consider the colour you are wanting and if you plan to stain your timber
- Workability: some softer timbers, such as pine, can be easier to machine than some harder timbers like hickory
- Durability: choosing a durable species will see longevity in projects, especially cabinetry projects that see frequent use
- Cost: exotic wood can be stunning but expensive; balancing budget with desired look and function is key
There are many popular timber species available, which can vary depending on location. To help you get started, here are some popular species used in the cabinet making industry, along with some key characteristics and best-use cases:
- Oak: a classic hardwood known for its strength and prominent grain; great for traditional cabinetry and furniture that needs to last for generations
- Maple: a hardwood with a smooth grain, making it ideal for clean-lined cabinetry; maple is often chosen for its light even colour and durability
- Walnut: a rich dark colour tone and an elegant grain; walnut is commonly known as a high-end choice and works well with premium feature pieces
- Cherry: a beautiful hardwood that can darken over time; popular for formal projects with a warm finish
- Pine: a softwood known for its workability and low price; great for painted projects or hidden components
- Birch: often more cost effective then other hardwoods, with a nice subtle grain and pale colour; birch is a cost-effective alternative that has a visual appeal
Sourcing and buying timber
It is always advised to buy your timber from a reputable supplier. Whether you’re visiting a local timber yard or ordering online, ask about the moisture content, sustainability certifications, and grade of the wood. Seek timber that is kiln-dried and appropriate for indoor cabinetry.
For custom cabinetry making, consider rough-sawn boards and mill them yourself for maximum flexibility. If you would prefer convenience, already milled timber is always easier to work with.
Storing and handling your wood
Wood is sensitive to its environment, and can be impacted negatively if not stored and handled correctly.
Once you have purchased timber, allow it to acclimate to your workspace before cutting or assembling. Store all boards flat and elevated off of the floor, away from moisture and direct sunlight, this will avoid warping and splitting.
Finishing touches
After constructing a project, finishing your timber with oil, stain, or varnish will not only enhance natural grain but also protect your wood from moisture, scratches, and everyday wear and tear.
The right finish can bring out depth and warmth in timber, giving your project a professional look. Consider speaking with suppliers and researching what finishes are best for your timber type and your project’s purpose.
When you’re restoring an old cabinet or building something new, choosing the correct wood is a foundational decision. With careful selection and proper handling, your timber will not just look beautiful but also stand the test of time.
If you’re planning your own cabinet project and interested in using the free version of our pro cabinet design software, please check out our CabinetFile service here.
