What Kind of Wood Should I Choose for Custom Designed Cabinets?

When investing in custom cabinetry, you have plenty of decisions to make. 

Style choices, primary and secondary colors, finishes—not to mention the kind of creative organization that’s tailored perfectly to your home and habits—are a part of what makes getting custom-built cabinets so special.

However, of all these choices, the first may be the most important: selection of lumber. Because choosing the perfect wood isn’t just about looks—it’s an investment in beauty, longevity, and the overall experience of your home.

So let’s take a look at the more popular choices Twin Valley Woodcrafts installs for our high-end homeowners—from the most timeless and luxurious, to the everyday choices for every budget, and the unique qualities that set them apart.

What To Consider When Selecting Wood Species for Custom Cabinets

Whether you’re exploring handmade kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, or built-in bookshelves, it’s wise to first learn what core traits to consider when comparing various types of wood.

Here’s the shortlist:

• Durability: Some wood varieties are more impervious to daily wear than others—something to consider when investing in custom made kitchen cabinets
• Grain Pattern: Do you prefer sleek modern or natural and organic? Wood grains can make all the difference in the overall vibe of your custom built kitchens
• Coloring: Natural wood tones range from creamy whites to deep, chocolate browns—and even subtle reds and golds in more premium woods
• Stain Versatility: Some woods are best stained, while others bring bold personality without a color finish

With the basics down, let’s now take a look at some of the more popular choices in our area.

White Oak—Great for a Modern, Warm Aesthetic

With its exceptional balance of durability and tight, straight grain, white oak remains a favorite among homeowners who appreciate elegance.

White oak also absorbs stains beautifully, making it adaptable to nearly any style. So if you’re aiming for timeless sophistication with natural warmth, white oak is hard to beat.

Why Do Luxury Homes Still Choose Cherry?

Cherry wood has long been associated with refinement and heirloom furniture—and for good reason. Its smooth grain, subtle luster, and rich reddish undertones create a classic, upscale feel.

Additionally, sunlight gently darkens cherry over time—creating a unique patina loved by many homeowners. If you’re one who appreciates a living material that grows more gorgeous every year, cherry is a top contender.

Choose Hard Maple For a Contemporary Look That Lasts

Hard maple offers a smooth, uniform grain that feels fresh and modern. 

Additionally, the density of maple makes it incredibly durable—and perfect for busy households or high-use areas like islands and vanities. And with its light, creamy tones, maple also makes the perfect canvas for paint.

For The Boldest of the High-End Woods, Pick Walnut

Whether used for a full kitchen, accent island, or built-in shelving, walnut’s rich chocolate coloring, dynamic grain movement, and luxurious presence brings an undeniable sense of artistry to a space.

That said, it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum. But if you can afford it—and your goal is to create cabinetry that feels like fine furniture—it may be the perfect choice.

Should I Consider Softwoods Like Pine?

Though hardwoods dominate luxury cabinetry, certain softwoods like knotty or clear pine deliver a certain charm and character—especially if you appreciate a rustic, inviting look. 

And while softwoods are more prone to wear—they can be easily scratched and knicked—the patina can become part of its appeal for plenty of homeowners. 

How Do I Choose the Right Wood for My Home?

Choosing the right wood for your custom cabinets can be broken down into three steps:

1. Start by considering the mood you want to evoke. Do you envision bright and airy? Rich and dramatic? Warm and traditional? How about something more sleek and modern?
2. Think about how your cabinetry will interact with flooring, countertops, and natural light. Wood selection isn’t just about which plank looks best on its own. You need to envision the life that unfolds around them.
3. With these points in mind, you’re ready to contact a custom cabinet builder—particularly one versed in hard and softwood choices and with plenty of experience building high-end cabinetry that can give you a detailed, accurate proposal.

Follow the steps above and you’re sure to make the best choice for your budget, style, and needs—the key to loving your custom built cabinetry for life.

Custom Designed Cabinets That Exceed Expectations

The fact is, there are a lot of custom cabinet builders. And when it comes to custom built cabinetry in Lancaster, PA, you have plenty of options.

But by choosing Twin Valley Woodcrafts, you’re choosing a family-owned and operated custom cabinet manufacturer based in the heart of Amish Country—Lancaster, PA. And we’re still a small company—which is a good thing. Because you get a personal touch and one-on-one relationship with custom cabinet builders who care about you and your home.

It’s been 30 years and our family is still excited to serve Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey with the perfect storage solutions. So whether you’re looking for custom kitchen cabinets, custom bathroom vanities, built-in shelving, or more, the Twin Valley family has you covered.

Don’t put your dream on hold any longer.