One of the most important decisions made when remodeling a kitchen is the material and style of the kitchen cabinets. Most remodeling is done on a budget. Oak kitchen cabinets are more expensive than some other options. It is natural to be concerned if oak is worth the additional cost. Oak is prized for its durability and beauty. Especially in North America and England it is natural to consider oak kitchen cabinets.

Oak kitchen cabinets are desirable for several reasons:

- Oak is very hard. English oak has a harder surface than many other varieties, making it especially popular for furniture.

- Oak is admired for its unique open grain.

- Oak is admired for strength and durability.

- Oak is heavy.

- Oak is strong and should last for generations.

- Oak is associated with dignity.

- Oak is very desirable for furniture and for this reason oak kitchen cabinets are prized.

Varieties of Oak

There are an estimated 295 kinds of oak in the world. About 50 of them grow in North America. Most oak is divided into one of two families: white oak and red oak. White oak is less porous and more durable. Its color is widely preferred for furniture and kitchen cabinets. White oak has a finer texture and a more prominent figure. It is more resistant to moisture and fungus. This is a major reason oak kitchen cabinets are so popular. Red oak tends to have a reddish cast and a coarser texture.

Two Ways to Cut Oak

When building oak kitchen cabinets or furniture, the wood can be cut straight or it can be quarter-sawed. The difference will be very apparent. Oak has strips of a special tissue that radiates from the center of the tree or log out to the edge (called medullary rays). These strips look like the spokes of a wheel. When the log is cut through by quarter sawing, the boards will show flakes of smooth wood. The effect can be stunning. Quarter sawing does not produce the same effect in narrow strips, but it can be remarkable in cabinet doors. This added feature makes oak kitchen cabinets a more desirable choice if you want a unique room.

Oak cabinets can create a truly beautiful and luxurious room. When matched with oak window and door frames, chair rail, and other trim, as well as oak kitchen stools, table and chairs, etc. the total effect can be breathtaking. Mixing the right varieties of oak can eliminate sameness and produce a result that is totally unique. This makes oak kitchen cabinets an outstanding choice for your kitchen remodel.

Scott Dostal is the owner of Kitchen Cabinet Value, LLC, Clinton Township, MI, which serves SE Michigan. Be sure to get Scott’s free report on how you can buy oak kitchen cabinets that have the quality and look of top of the line custom cabinets at a fraction of the price.