When designing custom cabinets, selecting the right wood is one of your most important decisions. The wood species you choose directly influences the look, durability, and upkeep of your cabinetry. At Florkowskys’ Woodworking and Cabinets, we specialize in crafting high-quality custom cabinets in Edmonton using premium wood tailored to your style and space. Whether you’re renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or mudroom, the wood you select lays the foundation for timeless functionality and elegance.
Understanding the Role of Wood in Cabinetmaking
Wood is more than just a material—it’s the essence of your cabinetry’s character. Its grain patterns, colour variations, and texture bring warmth and depth to your space. Different woods offer distinct advantages in hardness, appearance, and maintenance needs, making understanding each option essential before making your final choice.
Popular Wood Choices for Custom Cabinets
Maple: Durable and Versatile
Maple is a popular choice for custom cabinets due to its smooth grain and strength. This hardwood offers a clean, consistent look and readily accepts both stain and paint, making it a favourite for homeowners seeking a flexible design. Its density makes it highly resistant to dents and scratches—ideal for high-traffic kitchens.
However, maple’s lighter tone may show marks more easily if stained in darker colors. That said, its adaptability allows it to suit everything from classic to modern cabinet styles.
Oak: Distinctive and Resilient
Oak cabinets have been a staple in North American homes for decades. Known for its prominent grain pattern and excellent strength, oak stands up well to heavy use. It comes in two varieties: red oak, with warm undertones, and white oak, which has a more neutral appearance.
Because of its bold grain, oak is often chosen for traditional designs. Its coarse texture absorbs stains unevenly, adding to its rustic appeal. With proper care, oak cabinets can last generations.
Cherry: Rich and Elegant
Cherry wood brings a touch of luxury to any cabinetry project. Its smooth, reddish-brown hue darkens beautifully over time, developing a rich patina that adds depth to the wood. Cherry is slightly softer than maple or oak, making it more prone to dings if not handled with care.
This wood is best for elegant, high-end cabinetry where its natural aging process is celebrated rather than concealed. Cherry is perfect for formal kitchens or offices where sophistication and refinement are desired.
Walnut: Sophisticated and Unique
Walnut is prized for its deep chocolate tones and rich, complex grain. While not as hard as maple or oak, walnut is still a durable choice when cared for properly. Its natural colour is often left unstained to highlight its organic beauty.
If you’re looking for a show-stopping, luxurious centrepiece in your kitchen or bathroom, walnut delivers unmatched visual impact. It pairs beautifully with the matte and high-gloss cabinet finishes offered at Florkowskys, adding warmth and prestige to modern or transitional designs.
Birch: Budget-Friendly and Clean-Looking
Birch is an excellent choice for those seeking the look of maple at a more affordable price point. With a fine, even grain, it closely resembles maple and accepts paint well, making it ideal for contemporary or Scandinavian-style cabinets.
Though not as hard as some other hardwoods, birch is still quite durable for everyday use. It’s a practical option for utility rooms, laundry rooms, or rental properties where cost-efficiency and style need to align.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Wood
Durability and Maintenance
The hardness of a wood species affects how it handles daily wear and tear. Harder woods like maple and oak are less likely to dent or scratch, which makes them better for high-traffic areas. Softer woods like cherry and walnut require more mindful maintenance but reward you with stunning aesthetics.
Maintaining your cabinets also depends on finish. A durable topcoat, applied professionally during the manufacturing process at our Edmonton facility, will extend the life and luster of any wood you choose.
Appearance and Grain Patterns
Your wood selection sets the visual tone for the entire room. Consider whether you want a subtle, uniform appearance like maple, or a dramatic, expressive grain like walnut. Lighter woods brighten spaces and reflect modern trends, while darker options introduce warmth and richness.
Don’t forget that wood is a living material—its color may deepen with age and exposure to sunlight. Knowing this in advance helps set realistic expectations and ensures you’ll enjoy your cabinets for decades to come.
Sustainability and Sourcing
At Florkowskys’, we take pride in using responsibly sourced hardwoods. Choosing North American species supports local forestry practices and ensures your cabinets meet high environmental standards. If you’re concerned about sustainability, Natural Resources Canada offers more information on sustainable wood products and forest certification programs.
The Florkowskys’ Advantage
For over 50 years, Florkowskys’ Woodworking and Cabinets has been Edmonton’s trusted name in custom cabinetry. Our process—from initial consultation to final installation—is focused on delivering unmatched craftsmanship and personalized service. When you work with us, you’re not just choosing wood—you’re choosing a legacy of quality.
Whether you’re drawn to oak’s timeless appeal or walnut’s modern elegance, our in-house experts are ready to help you select the perfect wood for your dream cabinets. We offer a wide range of custom options, including door styles, glass panels, and unique finishes, to bring your vision to life.
Ready to Choose the Perfect Wood?
Let our decades of experience guide you through the selection process. Contact Florkowskys’ today for a free estimate and discover how our handcrafted cabinets can transform your space into something truly special.
