The cost of birch and maple is where these two wood species can stand out from each other. Typically speaking, maple is usually more expensive than birch. Birchwood is, most of the time, a cabinet maker's entry-level product.
That said, maple cabinets are more expensive than birch, costing between $2,500 and $6,000, while birch costs between $2,000 and $4,000. Birch will likely be the preferred option for the more budget-conscious homeowner.
Affordability - Birch is usually the least expensive option in solid wood cabinets. Strength - Birch is a durable hardwood with a high tensile strength rating, meaning it holds nails and screws well, and is particularly useful for frequently opened and closed cabinet doors.
Between maple and birch, maple is a harder, stronger and more durable wood with outstanding workability. It is easy to stain and finish and can be made to look like mahogany or cherry through polish. Maple is also generally more expensive than birch timber.
Maple is one of the toughest woods to stain – its density, tight grain and closed pores cause the stain to absorb very unevenly. Birch offers similar problems for staining, especially for darker colors. When staining Birch and Maple, choosing lighter hues can help create a more consistent appearance.
Quartz Countertops
Much like granite, its value is best appreciated in the long term, as it is a durable and low-maintenance material. Quartz is a practical choice, compatible with the challenges of busy family and work lives because it requires so little effort to maintain its classic beauty.
So, on one hand, oak is (often) more expensive than birch. On the other hand, oak is less expensive than alternative hardwoods like cherry or walnut, which are harder to come by. Overall cost, of course, is also conditional on the type of finish applied to the cabinets.
The durability of birchwood is also remarkable, especially indoors. With proper care, there is a chance that the wood will last for years or decades.
The study also provided the first evidence that termites will eat, damage and survive to some extent on Peruvian walnut. Average termite survival on Peruvian walnut was only 16.4 percent, but the amount of Peruvian walnut destroyed was similar to that of birch and red oak, both termite-susceptible woods.
Oak species are slightly harder than Birch – White Oak has a Janka rating of 1360 and Red Oak of 1290, while Birch has a rating of 1260. (Sweet Birch, a less common hardwood, has a higher rating of 1470.)
Advantages: straight wood grain and attractive pattern. light in colour but strong and durable. good resistance to decay.
The most prized part of the tree where birch is concerned is the sapwood or outermost section of the tree. Its usually more of a creamy white, but can be almost a pure white in some cases. It develops a yellowish-red tint with age.
They look very similar! To the trained eye, though, maple is slightly redder in colour whereas birch looks more yellow-ish. Birch has a simple grain typically made up of straight (ish) lines. Maple's grain is also simple and subtle, but more likely to be wavier and curlier than birch.
Birch is usually the least expensive option in solid wood cabinets. Its durability makes it a good choice for those who use their kitchen frequently. Birch is a naturally light-colored wood that can be finished naturally or stained to resemble maple, walnut, or cherry.
Generally speaking, oak tends to be slightly more expensive than maple due to its higher demand in various industries. Both woods, however, are considered affordable options for homeowners looking to upgrade their space with high-quality materials.
Birch is a popular choice for furniture making and other woodcrafts due to its fine grain and attractive sheen. However, improper drying can lead to various issues such as warping, cracking, and uneven coloring.
Though homeowners often desire birch as an ornamental tree, they soon discover that birch can be very difficult to maintain as a healthy, long-lived specimen. In many landscapes, birch trees begin to decline within a few years, and many trees die well before reaching maturity.
Which Wood Lasts the Longest? Teak wood easily lasts the longest when used for outdoor furniture or decking. When properly maintained, it can last for the entirety of your life and years after.
While several varieties of wood may be affordable, softwoods emerge as the most inexpensive choice, particularly types like pine, spruce, and fir.
Pure black ebony wood, which is the most valuable, only comes from trees that are at least 150 years old. Ebony wood is extremely hard and durable, with a beautifully striped wood grain. It ranges in hue from deep red to solid black.
Higher Cost Compared to Birch
Maple flooring is more expensive than other hardwood options. While maple's exceptional durability and beauty justify its premium price, it can increase the upfront cost of your flooring.
Quartz countertops are some of the most popular alternatives to granite countertops. Generally, quartz counters combine the crystalline mineral with rock binders and a polyresin resulting in a natural stone look. This type of countertop is well-suited for contemporary spaces.
White marble countertops are a hallmark of Joanna's kitchens, effortlessly bringing luxury and timeless elegance. Paired with dark cabinets, they strike the perfect balance of modern style and cozy warmth, as seen in her Waco home.
In 2024, several countertop materials continue to be popular choices for kitchen renovations. Quartz countertops remain a top favorite, appreciated for their durability, versatility, and wide range of colors and patterns.