Which Is Better Maple Or Oak Cabinets
Hard maple cabinets and doors are heavier than a comparable red oak door.
Which is better maple or oak cabinets. Reasonable price oak is moderately priced and less expensive than maple or cherry. Oak s naturally neutral color goes with nearly any decor and its uncommon grain patterns lend it a quiet dignity. If you want straight lines for your cabinets then use maple. Maple is less porous than oak and even though it s harder maple doors and cabinets are more susceptible to dents and scratches than oak because of the smooth uniform surface.
Because of its consistency maple also does not absorb stain as well as oak. High quality solid oak cabinets never really go out of style. Oak has a more curved and swirled grain pattern. Finishes oak was traditionally stained but new paint finishes allow the the distinctive grain to be featured in an updated look.
The graining is busier than maple and often has a bit of a 3d effect that shows though paint. The light natural finish makes hard maple a leading choice for contemporary spaces when it comes to furniture and hardwood flooring. Maple is harder it has a tighter grain with less pattern and can be splotchy looking if you try to stain it too dark. Because the widespread of the oak trees maple wood can be a little more expensive.
Maple is less porous than oak which makes it slightly more susceptible to dents and scratches. Red oak doors produce a duller clunk sound. Although they are both hardwood types maple is less resistant to damage than oak. As a species oak has an open grain that takes stain well.
Red oak with its coarse flame pattern hides scratches better.