The cheapest type of wood for cabinets is typically particleboard, which is a composite material made from wood fibers and resin. However, if you are looking for Premium options, solid wood like oak, or pine is often one of the more affordable choices.
The most affordable cabinet material for your kitchen is often particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a laminate finish. These materials are cost-effective and commonly used in budget-friendly kitchens.
MAPLE WOOD CABINETS: Maple is a popular choice for wood cabinets and can be more affordable than oak. It has a simple, small grain and can be smoother and more uniform-looking than other wood species. While I'm a HUGE fan of oak, my second (and more affordable choice) is maple.
MAPLE WOOD CABINETS: Maple is a popular choice for wood cabinets and can be more affordable than oak. It has a simple, small grain and can be smoother and more uniform-looking than other wood species. While I'm a HUGE fan of oak, my second (and more affordable choice) is maple.
Solid wood cabinets are known for their durability, natural beauty, and timeless design. They're crafted from authentic wood, making them a top choice for homeowners seeking both functionality and style. These cabinets can elevate your kitchen's look while offering long-lasting value.
The cheapest type of wood for cabinets is typically particleboard, which is a composite material made from wood fibers and resin. However, if you are looking for Premium options, solid wood like oak, or pine is often one of the more affordable choices.
Solid Wood - In Stock Kitchen Cabinets - The Home Depot.
Ash is a great alternative to white oak in nearly every application. Elm, similar to Ash, takes beautifully to colour thanks to its natural neutral tone.
For durable kitchen cabinets, consider solid woods like oak and hickory, which resist dents and moisture. Plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are also economical and long-lasting options. Laminate and textured finishes provide scratch and stain resistance.
Oak cabinetry often features an orange finish, making your kitchen appear outdated. To tone down the warmth and create a modern kitchen with oak cabinets, outfit the rest of the kitchen in cool, refreshing tones such as blues or greens.
White oak is one of the most expensive cabinet materials on the market and can be roughly 40% more expensive than its red-oak counterpart. There are two key reasons for such a stark contrast in pricing. First, there are simply more red oak trees than there are white oak trees, making them readily available.
Maple wood kitchen cabinets are incredibly versatile! And far from outdated. They're one of the most durable woods used in kitchen cabinets, and with the right finishes, they can fit in perfectly with any look, whether it's a traditional, modern, rustic, or contemporary kitchen.
Thermofoil cabinets are made from MDF board covered with a vinyl film, while laminate cabinets are made from particleboard or MDF covered with melamine resin impregnated with paper. Melamine cabinets are also made from particleboard or MDF but are surfaced with a resin coating.
Cabinet Components per Sheet
Typically can cut: 4-5 wall cabinet side panels. Multiple shelves. Back panel.
Solid wood kitchen cabinets are the gold standard when it comes to strength and durability. They are strong, long-lasting and resistant to damage. Scratches are usually easy to cover or buff away.
White is the most timeless cabinet color of all, with popularity dating back over half a century. It's hard to beat the crisp, clean beauty of bright white cabinets.
In terms of actual upkeep and cleaning, the flat slab or 1-piece doors are easiest. It's the universal go-to choice for an easy-to-clean kitchen, whether you opt for a painted wood cabinet door or an acrylic door. Great advice, which you can learn about in-depth in our article: How to Clean Kitchen Cabinets.
Known in the trade as 'poor mans' oak' the other differences you'll notice between Oak and Idigbo (other than cost) is the weight of the timber – hold a piece of Idigbo in one hand and a piece of Oak in the other and there is a noticeable difference in weight, the Idigbo being far lighter.
American Ash
It is almost half the price of European Oak. Ash grows quicker than oak and reaches very tall and very wide sizes and so it is available in great thicknesses, widths and lengths kiln dried. You can get Ash boards up to 300mm wide where this can be difficult to find in Oak.
Which wood is the least expensive? While several varieties of wood may be affordable, softwoods emerge as the most inexpensive choice, particularly types like pine, spruce, and fir.
Pine is an affordable and lightweight option, making it a good choice for budget-conscious projects. It's easy to work with and takes stain and paint well. However, pine is a softer wood that can dent and scratch more easily than hardwoods. Its light colour and visible knots might not suit all design preferences.
Price Point
When it comes to pricing, Lowe's cabinet costs generally fall somewhere in the middle compared to other big-box stores. Generally, you can expect to spend between $200 and $500 per linear foot for stock cabinets.
The cabinet box and drawer box can be constructed of human-made materials or solid wood. Particle board and furniture board are composites of reclaimed and recycled wood products bonded together with a synthetic resin or binder under heat and pressure.