Wood is a beautiful material that features in many homes, but it’s a particularly popular choice for kitchens. Wood can work with any décor, from modern and contemporary properties to traditional farmhouse kitchens, and it can be stained, painted or kept natural, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. From budget, colour and style to the different finishes available, this is your complete guide to buying wooden kitchens.
What are the Benefits of Using Wood in Kitchens?
Solid wood isn’t just a durable and resilient material, but it’s also surprisingly versatile and flexible. It works with a wide range of colour schemes, so whether you stick with your décor for years or you want to mix things up a few months down the line, you can be sure that your cabinetry will still work with the surroundings.
Solid wood kitchens are built to last, so your financial investment is one that will stand the test of time. What’s more, scratches and chips can be repaired easily, so you can maintain the look of your kitchen for much longer. One thing to bear in mind, however, is that humidity and moisture can warp wood over time, so be sure to keep your kitchen well ventilated to avoid issues in the future.
Consider the Aesthetic
The layout of your kitchen is focused on practicality and how you intend to use your kitchen – do you need extra counter space or is storage and organisation a priority? But when it comes to cabinetry, appearances are everything.
Think about the look you’re trying to achieve and the overall tone of the kitchen, as this will influence the style of kitchen you opt for. If you have a larger kitchen, a traditional style works well, centred around a large island or family-friendly kitchen table for entertaining and socialising, while gallery kitchens can benefit more from a minimalistic, contemporary design that maximises space and creates the illusion of a larger kitchen.
Types of Wood Finishes Available
The finish of the wood makes all the difference in the overall look of your kitchen, so it’s an important factor to consider. If you want a rustic, natural look, then keeping the wood oiled for an elegant finish that’s also protective is ideal. Oiling the wood will ensure it ages well and continues to look great for years to come, while also preventing damage from heat and moisture.
If you want something more subtle than the sheen provided by oil, there are also waxes that deliver similar protective properties but with a more muted finish. Of course, if you want additional shine or colour to your cabinetry, you have the option of varnishes and stains too.
Colour Options to Consider
Your colour scheme will influence the type of wood you choose for your kitchen, as each has its own tone, warmth and distinctive grain patterns to offer. Oak, maple and pine offer a subtle warmth that works well with a host of styles and colour schemes, which is why they’re often the go-to for kitchens. Walnut is a much richer wood, so it works well in larger rooms that can take the depth that this type of wood provides. For a paler wood that works well for smaller spaces, birch wood is a great option that is neutral and understated.
When you’re browsing different colours for your kitchen, consider how the colour and tone of the wood will work with your worktop too. You may want to choose a wooden worktop that matches the cabinetry, or you might want to opt for a quartz, granite or marble worktop for an elegant and sophisticated feature of your kitchen. Steel or glass worktops are great for adding a modern element to your kitchen and are well-suited to minimalist cabinets with clean lines and a streamlined look.
What is Your Budget?
Finally, when choosing a wood kitchen, think about your budget as this will play an integral role in the finish and look of your kitchen. There are wood kitchens to suit all budgets, plus you have the option of installing it yourself to save money if this is something you’re confident doing. A new kitchen is an investment, but choosing a durable material such as wood will ensure that the money you spend goes further.
Final thoughts
Wood is a beautiful and durable material that works wonderfully in kitchens of all shapes, sizes and styles. Whether you choose a classic shaker style or contemporary cabinets with clean, minimalist lines, or whether you want a natural finish or bold colours, a wooden kitchen can adapt to any style or budgetary considerations.
If you’d like more information about the different styles of wooden kitchens we have available, get in touch with the team today and we’ll be happy to help.