As of today, Friday, April 18, 2025, in the United States, the most common types of wood used for cabinetry continue to be a mix of hardwoods and engineered wood products, balancing cost, durability, and aesthetics.
Here’s a breakdown of the most prevalent choices:Most Common Hardwoods:
- Maple: Remains a top choice due to its affordability relative to other hardwoods, its durability, smooth grain that’s excellent for both painting and staining, and its clean, versatile look that suits various styles.
- Oak (Red & White): Still very popular for its strength, availability, and distinctive grain patterns. Oak offers a classic and robust feel, particularly favored in traditional and transitional designs. White oak’s water resistance also makes it a practical choice for certain areas.
- Birch: Continues to be a cost-effective hardwood option with a fine, tight grain and light color, making it a good substrate for painted cabinets. It’s readily available and offers a good balance of price and workability.
- Alder: Remains a frequently used, softer hardwood that is easy to work with and accepts stains well. It serves as a more budget-friendly alternative to premium hardwoods like cherry and offers a versatile aesthetic.
Most Common Engineered Woods:
- Plywood: Still the workhorse for cabinet boxes due to its structural stability, resistance to warping and humidity fluctuations, and relatively lower cost compared to solid hardwood for large panels. Different grades and core materials offer varying price points and performance.
- Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF): Continues to be the go-to material for painted cabinet doors and often for drawer fronts and other components. Its smooth, consistent surface ensures a flawless paint finish, and it’s generally more cost-effective than solid wood for these applications.
While other wood species like cherry, hickory, pine, and walnut are used in cabinetry, the combination of maple, oak, birch, alder, plywood, and MDF represents the vast majority of materials found in residential cabinetry across a range of price points and styles in the United States today. The specific popularity of each can fluctuate with current design trends and regional preferences, but these remain the foundational materials.
