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All You Need to Know About Oak Kitchen Cabinets
By: Andrew Saladino | 
min
Oak kitchen cabinets have remained a go-to in kitchen design for years. It's secured a spot in standard layouts with its durability and a timeless look. These versatile cabinets typically feature a significant amount of unique grain which can impact the aesthetic of the kitchen depending on the hue.
Typically less expensive than its cherry and maple counterparts, oak cabinets are a favorite for homeowners and industry professionals alike. Oak kitchen cabinets have countless subspecies, making them the perfect kitchen cabinets for any home.
Oak Wood Kitchen Cabinets
The beauty of oak wood cabinets is in the variety of hues. Oftentimes, you'll see a wide range of colors and textures within the wood, and may even spot touches of minerality in the grain.
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Characteristics of
Characteristics of
Oak Wood
Oak kitchen cabinets have open grain patterns that are distinguished by light-reflecting rays. The hardwood is heavy, durable, and exceptionally wear-resistant which prevents dings and curves. Instead of soaking into the wood, water runs off of oak cabinets. The versatility of this wood also plays a role in its popularity. Typically, you'll see oak with a pale honey color, but the hue can range from white to red, and even more so depending on the cabinet finish.
Tip: Enhance the natural wood color by skipping the stain and directly applying a finish.
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Oak Wood
Oak Wood
Finishes
As the grain on both red and white oak hardwood is visible through stains and paints, it's recommended to go for natural, glazed, or varnished oak cabinets to better show-off the natural texture of the wood. If you're the type that enjoys changing the style of your home or decor, oak cabinets also take paint well. However, keep in mind that other wood species may provide a smoother surface for painted kitchen cabinets.
Tip: Be sure to check out samples prior to staining your oak cabinets as the grain can make dark stains look two-toned.
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Average OakKitchen Cabinet Cost
Many designers opt for oak kitchen cabinets instead of maple, birch, or cherry because of its reasonable price. You can expect a 10-foot by 10-foot kitchen in natural oak to be about $1,743, where a maple finish would increase the cost by a few hundred dollars. Keep in mind that professional installation and hardware can significantly increase the total cost of your new kitchen cabinets.
Tip: Oak cabinets offer a high-end aesthetic at about a 20% lower cost than many other hardwoods.
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Kitchen Designwith Oak Cabinets
With its distinctive traditional look, oak cabinets pair well with glass doors. For an updated rustic look, use dark bronze or cast iron knobs and black appliances. For a modern aesthetic, combine light stone countertops with stainless steel appliances. Consider using the saved cost from reasonable oak cabinets to allocate more to modern fixtures, such as soft-close cabinetry or custom shelves for cutting edge functionality.
Tip: Pair light oak cabinetry with contrasting dark hardware, and vise versa for dark oak.
Oak Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
Oak kitchen cabinets are versatile and can be paired with any aesthetic. Use the ideas below for inspiration to create your dream kitchen.
Opt for a natural dark varnished oak with white subway tiles for contrasting colors.
Choose white oak cabinets paired with brass hardware and dark fixtures for a modern look.
Use a deep red oak for cabinetry matched with light granite countertops for a traditional aesthetic.
Oak Wood Design Inspiration
Oak Kitchen Cabinets FAQs
Make old oak cabinets look new by thoroughly cleaning them and applying a new varnish. If you just installed new cabinetry, ensure you are maintaining them properly for increased longevity.
Oak Kitchen Cabinet Pros
- Oak cabinets are durable and water-resistant.
- Oak is a traditional aesthetic that stays desirable as trends come and go.
- Many color options ranging between red and white oak.
- Stains and shellacs can increase the color options for oak cabinets.
Oak Kitchen Cabinet Cons
- Oak's distinctive grain may show up through different finishes.
- The grain in oak cabinets is difficult to change.
- Kitchen resale value may not be as high with budget-friendly oak.
- Oak cabinets won't fit the aesthetic of an avant-garde kitchen.
How do you make old oak cabinets look new?
Paint your cabinets by sanding your cabinets, cleaning the wood, priming, and applying two coats of paint. Note that the cost of painting wood cabinets can vary between $900 and $1,200, depending on the labor and paint quality.
Are oak cabinets outdated?
Oak kitchen cabinets have a traditional look that tends to withstand trends as they come and go. By pairing complementary cabinet hardware, you can expect your oak wood cabinets to last through ever-changing fads.
How much are oak kitchen cabinets?
Expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 for new oak kitchen cabinets. Depending on the hardware you select, and whether or not you have your cabinets professionally installed, the cost will vary. This tool can help estimate the cost of your kitchen remodel.
What color countertops go with oak cabinets?
Contrast dark oak cabinetry with light granite countertops for a timeless aesthetic. For light honey oak cabinetry, pair with dark countertops for a polished and modern look.
Oak kitchen cabinets provide originality for your kitchen with a variety of color options and unique grain attributes. These cabinets are a timeless, durable choice for any kitchen. Proper design and thoughtful appliance and accessory selection can create a beautiful look that lasts for generations.
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