The Boss’s Daughter

Wood Species 101: A Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Wood for Cabinets, Floors & Built-Ins 

Choosing finishes for a remodel is overwhelming — but choosing wood species might be the most misunderstood decision of all. 

To most homeowners, wood is just… wood. Brown. Pretty. Expensive. Confusing. 
But to builders, cabinet makers, and designers, wood species affect durability, appearance, cost, maintenance, and how your home will age over time. 

Two kitchens can look almost identical on Pinterest and still have wildly different price tags, performance, and long-term satisfaction — all because of the wood choice underneath the finish. 

This guide breaks down what wood species actually mean, how they differ, and how to choose the right one for your home, lifestyle, and budget. 

Think of this as your no-jargon, no-pressure roadmap before diving into individual species. 

A visual overview of popular cabinet wood species displayed as individual swatch cards highlighting tone, grain, and performance characteristics.

Why Wood Species Matter More Than You Think 

Wood species aren’t just about color or grain. They determine: 

In places like the Bay Area — where we’re remodeling older homes, condos, and shared-wall properties — these factors matter even more. Materials need to perform well, not just look good on day one. 

Hardwood vs Softwood: The First Big Divide 

Before we even talk species, let’s clear up one common misconception. 

Hardwood and softwood don’t describe how “hard” the wood feels. 
They describe the type of tree the wood comes from. 

Hardwoods 

Examples: 

Softwoods 

Examples: 

For cabinetry and built-ins, hardwoods are far more common — especially in long-term remodels. 

Grain: The Personality of the Wood 

Grain is what most homeowners react to emotionally — even if they don’t realize it. 

Tight / Subtle Grain 

Examples: 

Pronounced / Visible Grain 

Examples: 

If you hate seeing grain, choosing the wrong species will drive you crazy — no matter how pretty the color is. 

How Finish Changes Everything 

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing wood based on color alone. 

Here’s the truth: 

Wood species + finish = final look 

The same wood can feel: 

depending entirely on how it’s finished. 

This is why understanding the base material matters before falling in love with a sample. 

Durability: Not All Woods Wear the Same 

Some woods hide wear beautifully. Others show every dent. 

If you have kids, pets, or a very active household, durability should weigh just as heavily as aesthetics. 

Cost: Why Wood Species Affect Your Budget 

Wood species play a major role in cabinet and millwork pricing. 

Generally speaking: 

Price tiers tend to look like this (very broadly): 

Lower to Mid Range 

Mid Range 

Upper Range 

Choosing a more affordable species can free up budget for: 

Wood Species We’ll Be Covering in This Series 

A side-by-side comparison chart of common cabinet wood species showing color tone, grain visibility, paintability, durability, character level, and cost range.

This guide is the hub for our full wood species breakdown. Each post dives deep into one wood — including pros, cons, best uses, cost expectations, and who it’s right for. 

Oak 

Durable, classic, and far more modern than its reputation suggests. 
Best known for visible grain and long-term performance. 

→ Read: Oak Cabinets: Classic, Durable, and More Modern Than You Think 

Maple 

Smooth, subtle, and ideal for painted cabinetry. 
A favorite for clean, timeless kitchens. 

→ Read: Maple Cabinets: Smooth, Clean, and Perfect for Paint 

Walnut 

Rich, dramatic, and design-forward. 
A statement wood that feels warm and luxurious. 

→ Read: Walnut Cabinets: Bold, Sophisticated, and Timeless 

Cherry 

Elegant, traditional, and known for deepening in color over time. 
A wood that truly ages. 

→ Read: Cherry Wood Cabinets: Warmth That Grows With Time 

Engineered Woods & Veneers (Bonus) 

Not solid wood — but sometimes the smartest choice. 

→ Read: Veneers & Engineered Wood: When “Not Solid” Is Actually Better 

Choosing the Right Wood for Your Home 

There is no “best” wood species — only the right one for your priorities. 

Ask yourself: 

When wood species are chosen intentionally, everything else falls into place faster. 

Why We Break This Down for Our Clients 

At Toupin Construction, wood species conversations happen before cabinet doors, hardware, or finishes are finalized — because they shape everything that follows. 

When homeowners understand what they’re choosing: 

Education isn’t about upselling — it’s about helping people make decisions they won’t regret. 

Start With the Wood, Not the Finish 

If you’re planning a remodel, think of wood species as the foundation. Paint colors can change. Hardware can be swapped. Countertops evolve. 

But the wood underneath? 
That choice sticks with you for decades. 

This series is here to help you choose wisely. 

Up Next in the Series 

We’re starting with Oak, the most familiar and most misunderstood cabinet wood. Oak sets the foundation for understanding grain, durability, and how modern finishes have completely changed its reputation. 

From there, we’ll move into Maple, a smoother, subtler wood that behaves very differently than oak and is often the go-to choice for painted cabinetry.