Caring for Your Cabinets

Maintaining your kitchen cabinets will protect your investment and ensure they last for years to come, looking just about as good as the day they were installed. Keeping in mind the species of wood and style of kitchen will ultimately determine how much maintenance you will incur. Here are a few considerations you will need to keep in mind when caring for your new cabinets.

Moisture

If your cabinets are made of solid wood, you will have to ensure that moisture does not sit on the wood, as over time that could damage the finish. For best results, use one cloth to clean the wood with mild soap and warm water, use a second cloth to rinse it with clean water, then dry it quickly with a third cloth.

Cleaning Products

There are many cleaning products available on the market, but some of them can cause buildup, damage the finish or leave a sticky residue. It is best to avoid any cleaners that may contain ammonia or have abrasive cleaning properties. Using natural cleaners will protect the finish and extend the life and beauty of your wood cabinets. Mild, grease-cutting dish soap works best in cleaning of any grime that may accumulate on your cabinet using a soft cloth. A vinegar/water solution, followed by clean water to rinse, works well to remove grease as well. An oil soap can help emulsify grease buildup as well. Water spots can be removed with white toothpaste and a clean cloth.

Cleaning Cloths

Using good, soft cleaning cloths such as cheesecloths, chamois, or a great old t-shirt works perfectly. Avoid cloths that have a lot of lint, such as towels.

Daily Care

In order to avoid a large buildup of grease or grime, it is best to clean your cabinets on a daily basis, especially after cooking or spills. This will reduce the buildup that occurs over time and keep your cabinets looking like new for a longer time. Using your soft cleaning cloth and avoiding harsh chemicals will protect the finish, stain, and paint on your cabinet doors. Remove dried-on food and grease by using the methods described here on a daily basis.

Cabinet Tops

If your cabinets do not extend all the way to the ceiling, then the tops of those cabinets will inevitably collect dust as well as the tiny bits of grease and oil that can travel in the air and settle up there. While most people don’t often clean this area, regularly removing the grease and dust will prevent the sticky and unsightly buildup that can occur.

Polishing

Wood cabinets can remain very beautiful for years, even decades, with regular cleaning and polishing. Some polishes, though, if used too often can leave a residue on the wood, causing the wood to darken (this is diferent from any natural darkening over time). Polishes will help ensure your finish remains smooth and shiny. They contain mild detergents and emulsifiers that clean and protect the wood.

If you wish to have a natural, non-toxic wood polish, mixing ½ cup of olive oil with 1 TB of lemon juice creates a great cabinet polish without the worry of harsh fumes. There also are a lot of commercial waxes, sprays, and polishes available. These, however, can cause a buildup over time, making future refinishing more difcult, because this buildup would have to be removed.

Maintenance of your new cabinets will keep them looking about as perfect as they did the first day you saw your new kitchen. Daily care typically just requires a quick wipe down with simple ingredients, and your cabinets will last for years to come.

Wood Species for Your Cabinets

Oak

Heralded for its immense strength and hardness, oak is the most popular species of wood used in cabinets and other furniture and floorings. Oak typically has very beautiful wood grain patterns. It can also be very versatile and ideal in both a traditional or modern kitchen. The stain chosen for oak can be darkened to create a warm, rustic feel or lighter for a more contemporary look. The design of the cabinet doors themselves can further enhance the specific look of your kitchen.

Birch

Birch wood tends to be lighter in color and will have an attractive sheen to it. The grain markings tend to be more fine and subtle making them a good choice for a modern kitchen look. Birch wood is strong but lightweight and tends to be less expensive than oak and is easily stained to any color desired. If you desire to eventually paint or add a faux finish to your cabinets, birch would be a good choice.

Maple

Maple is another very durable and sturdy wood. It can have a wide variety of wood grain patterns depending on the particular species of tree but generally has a fine texture and beautiful patterns that make it highly desirable in many kitchen designs. Maple takes stain well, which can enhance the unique grain pattern if desired and is often used in modern kitchen designs.

Hickory

This is a very hard, dense wood and is ideal for cabinets that may undergo a lot of wear and tear. Hickory is very durable and can last for decades. These are most often chosen by people looking to create a rustic kitchen with country charm. It typically has a two-toned afect that gives it a very natural, warm appearance. Due to the density of this wood, hickory doesn’t take stain very well but is usually kept natural and coated with a clear finish. Using drawer pulls will reduce the wear on this finish.

Pine

Pine has traditionally been chosen for those wanting to create a rustic feel in their kitchen. Similar to other species like hickory, it can have a beautiful knotty look and grain pattern. In contrast to hickory, though, pine takes stain much better so the wood can adapt to look great in a traditional or modern kitchen look, however, the grain pattern is likely to continue to be visible. Pine trees tend to grow much more quickly than oak or maple trees making them much more environmentally friendly as they can be grown in a shorter amount of time. This feature allows this wood species to be a cheaper, but no less beautiful alternative and its versatility makes it a good choice for most kitchens.

MDF

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a manufactured material that is created by compressing together wood fibers from hardwoods and sealing it with a variety of binding agents. This is a great alternative to solid wood and tends to be very afordable. It is actually denser than plywood and quite durable. It is an ideal choice for those who desire to have painted cabinets, as it does not contain any grain patterns or wood knots. It has a very uniform appearance and is good for veneering, as well. This material will not expand and contract with fluctuating climates like solid wood will and is great for cutting with a jigsaw to create a custom look with inlays or other embellishments.

Cherry

Cherry is very popular with those wanting to create a beautiful, traditional looking kitchen. Though not a hardwood, cherry is very strong and durable. It has a beautiful rich, dark appearance that makes it a good choice for a contemporary kitchen and looks great paired with a variety of countertop and backsplash choices. Cherry wood ages well and the color tends to deepen with age. Although cherry may be one of the more expensive options for you kitchen cabinets, they are very durable and will last a lifetime if properly taken care of.

Bamboo

Bamboo has become increasingly popular over the last several years for its environmentally friendly nature but has been used for centuries in Asia to create everything from homes and buildings to furniture and medicine. Bamboo is not actually a wood at all, but actually a species of grass that can be easily renewed because they are the fastest growing plant on earth. Bamboo has a very unique horizontal or vertical grain appearance. These cabinets are extremely sturdy and durable and will not expand and contract with climate fluctuations. The color of bamboo cabinets tend to be light in color and are popular with those seeking a bright, modern feel to their kitchen.

Wood Species for Your Cabinets

Oak

Heralded for its immense strength and hardness, oak is the most popular species of wood used in cabinets and other furniture and floorings. Oak typically has very beautiful wood grain patterns. It can also be very versatile and ideal in both a traditional or modern kitchen. The stain chosen for oak can be darkened to create a warm, rustic feel or lighter for a more contemporary look. The design of the cabinet doors themselves can further enhance the specific look of your kitchen.

Birch

Birch wood tends to be lighter in color and will have an attractive sheen to it. The grain markings tend to be more fine and subtle making them a good choice for a modern kitchen look. Birch wood is strong but lightweight and tends to be less expensive than oak and is easily stained to any color desired. If you desire to eventually paint or add a faux finish to your cabinets, birch would be a good choice.

Maple

Maple is another very durable and sturdy wood. It can have a wide variety of wood grain patterns depending on the particular species of tree but generally has a fine texture and beautiful patterns that make it highly desirable in many kitchen designs. Maple takes stain well, which can enhance the unique grain pattern if desired and is often used in modern kitchen designs.

Hickory

This is a very hard, dense wood and is ideal for cabinets that may undergo a lot of wear and tear. Hickory is very durable and can last for decades. These are most often chosen by people looking to create a rustic kitchen with country charm. It typically has a two-toned afect that gives it a very natural, warm appearance. Due to the density of this wood, hickory doesn’t take stain very well but is usually kept natural and coated with a clear finish. Using drawer pulls will reduce the wear on this finish.

Pine

Pine has traditionally been chosen for those wanting to create a rustic feel in their kitchen. Similar to other species like hickory, it can have a beautiful knotty look and grain pattern. In contrast to hickory, though, pine takes stain much better so the wood can adapt to look great in a traditional or modern kitchen look, however, the grain pattern is likely to continue to be visible. Pine trees tend to grow much more quickly than oak or maple trees making them much more environmentally friendly as they can be grown in a shorter amount of time. This feature allows this wood species to be a cheaper, but no less beautiful alternative and its versatility makes it a good choice for most kitchens.

MDF

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a manufactured material that is created by compressing together wood fibers from hardwoods and sealing it with a variety of binding agents. This is a great alternative to solid wood and tends to be very afordable. It is actually denser than plywood and quite durable. It is an ideal choice for those who desire to have painted cabinets, as it does not contain any grain patterns or wood knots. It has a very uniform appearance and is good for veneering, as well. This material will not expand and contract with fluctuating climates like solid wood will and is great for cutting with a jigsaw to create a custom look with inlays or other embellishments.

Cherry

Cherry is very popular with those wanting to create a beautiful, traditional looking kitchen. Though not a hardwood, cherry is very strong and durable. It has a beautiful rich, dark appearance that makes it a good choice for a contemporary kitchen and looks great paired with a variety of countertop and backsplash choices. Cherry wood ages well and the color tends to deepen with age. Although cherry may be one of the more expensive options for you kitchen cabinets, they are very durable and will last a lifetime if properly taken care of.

Bamboo

Bamboo has become increasingly popular over the last several years for its environmentally friendly nature but has been used for centuries in Asia to create everything from homes and buildings to furniture and medicine. Bamboo is not actually a wood at all, but actually a species of grass that can be easily renewed because they are the fastest growing plant on earth. Bamboo has a very unique horizontal or vertical grain appearance. These cabinets are extremely sturdy and durable and will not expand and contract with climate fluctuations. The color of bamboo cabinets tend to be light in color and are popular with those seeking a bright, modern feel to their kitchen.

Cabinets Finish/Style Guide

The type of finish you choose for you cabinet can often decide what type of look you are going for in your kitchen design. Whether you are looking for a rustic look or a modern finish, consider these diferent options as you determine what color and finish you prefer for your cabinets.

Painted Finish

If you are seeking to add a painted finish to your cabinet, it is best to choose a wood species that has a smooth and uniform grain, such as maple, that will create a clean look when finished. There are endless options available for creating a unique and personalized paint finish, from faux finishes such as an antique or crackle finish, to a sleek and modern color. A painted look can tailor your cabinets to match the décor of the rest of your home and can transform you current look to something completely diferent. Paint can be rubbed of or scratched in areas that have a high use and may have to be touched up occasionally, such as near drawer and cabinet pulls. If it is used with a species of wood that tends to expand and contract with climate fluctuations, the paint may crack over time and need to be touched up. Although painting may be a little more high maintenance, paint has a unique ability to create a very custom look that can take your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary.

Stained Cabinets

Staining is a popular option used to enhance a wood’s natural grain pattern. Staining can also create a custom look, however, by using diferent staining techniques, such as hand-rubbed. Stains can soak into diferent portions of a wood’s grain giving them an irregular look. This creates a highlighting efect of the wood’s grains and knots, bringing out the natural beauty of a wood. Stains can range from dark to light and can be used in any style kitchen. Though there is not quite the wide range of options that paint can create, stain is more durable and won’t scratch as easily requiring less maintenance but still having the ability to enhance any kitchen design.

Varnished Finishes

Varnish is a transparent, hard, protective finish that is used on wood. Typically, it is used as a topcoat that is applied over a stain. It usually creates a glossy appearance but there are a variety of varnish finishes that can create a satin or more matte finish as well. There are even tinted varnishes available that will give the appearance of painted cabinets but will show more of the wood grain. However, the tinted varnish is susceptible to scratches and chips the same way paint does. Varnish provides the finish with a durability that is resistant to heat and corrosion. They can create a variety of looks from high-gloss to an antiquing efect depending on the type of varnish used.

Glaze

Glaze is usually used to create a unique hue and texture to a cabinet surface. Glazes can be a transparent or semi-transparent finish that is tinted with any desired color and is applied over paint or a stain. It will create a very unique and customized efect to your cabinets, bringing out details or inlays. The process of creating a high quality glazed finish requires time and precision so it does usually increase the cost of the cabinet but can provide an unparalleled depth of interest. A varnish topcoat is applied on top of the glazed surface to ensure durability and a long lasting look.

Water Based UV

A water based ultraviolet finish on kitchen cabinets is an environmentally friendly option as it does not contain the volatile organic compounds and toxic fumes that other finishes have. When your cabinets are installed, you will not have to worry about the fumes that would occur with traditional finishes. It is easy to clean, scratch resistant, and low in odors. It will give you virtually the same look of varnishes, stains, or painted cabinets and are a great option for those who want to minimize their environmental impact or who are worried about the fumes inside their homes.

Kitchen Countertops Options

Granite

This heavy and durable stone comes in a huge variety of options, colors, veining patterns, and styles. Granite resists scratches, heat, and stains and has become an extremely popular choice for kitchen counters. Massive granite slabs can be cut precisely for your kitchen or you can buy granite tiles which are a slightly less expensive alternative. The great thing about granite is that is can be incorporated into a traditional or contemporary kitchen design. Since granite is naturally formed, every piece is unique so you can rest assured that no one will have the exact same kitchen as you.
Granite will increase the value of your home as most buyers view it as essential upgrade in even the most modest home. It is strong. can withstand a lot of wear and tear and will last a lifetime. Granite can also be fairly inexpensive depending on the type that is chosen, where it originated and how thick the slab is. While some types of granite can be very expensive, there is usually one to suit most budgets. It is not something that can be installed yourself so you should expect to have to pay to have it professionally installed. For all it’s strength and durability, granite is not maintenance free and must be re-sealed every 12-18.

Quartz

If you are seeking to add a painted finish to your cabinet, it is best to choose a wood species that has a smooth and uniform grain, such as maple, that will create a clean look when finished. There are endless options available for creating a unique and personalized paint finish, from faux finishes such as an antique or crackle finish, to a sleek and modern color. A painted look can tailor your cabinets to match the décor of the rest of your home and can transform you current look to something completely diferent. Paint can be rubbed of or scratched in areas that have a high use and may have to be touched up occasionally, such as near drawer and cabinet pulls. If it is used with a species of wood that tends to expand and contract with climate fluctuations, the paint may crack over time and need to be touched up. Although painting may be a little more high maintenance, paint has a unique ability to create a very custom look that can take your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary.

Corian

Corian combines the look of natural stone and creates a great solid surface that comes in a great variety of colors suitable for any design style. It has a seamless look and is not quite as hard as natural stone so if you drop a plate or glass, it will prevent breakage. Corian is inexpensive and sturdy so it is great solution for anyone wanting a highquality modern kitchen without breaking the bank. It is easy to install and clean.
Corian, however, is not heat resistant and is prone to chipping and scratching. If the surface is damaged or scratched, water can seep into the cracks and create warping. It is relatively easy to replace, though, if desired. Corian can be as inexpensive as laminate but new manufacturing techniques have created diferent styles that can raise the prices, such as those made with glass fibers or heavy-duty carbon reinforced surfaces.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile has the great ability to allow a homeowner to truly customize their kitchen countertops. With tile, you will have the ability to mix and match colors and add accent tiles to create a unique look. The tile has a glossy appearance and can really create a designer look. They are relatively heat resistant so placing a hot pan on its surface will not burn or damage it. If a tile is damaged it can be easily replaced and a great design can increase the value of your home significantly.
Tile can chip or crack, however, and the grout can stain can be difcult to clean. Grout is also porous and will have to be re-sealed to prevent microbes from growing in the microscopic pores. Also, if you have a truly unique look, it is best to buy extra tiles because replacement tiles may be difcult to find over time. Tiles can range from as little as $10 per square foot to as expensive as $70 per square foot. Tile can also be more easily installed yourself but a professional installation will ensure the tiles are laid properly and level.

Wood

A solid wood or butcher-block counter creates a unique and warm atmosphere in any kitchen. Since wood is renewable, it has become an increasingly popular solution to homeowners who wish to be environmentally friendly. In addition, with the wide options in stains, wood counters can be beautifully customized to suit any design style.
Wood is classic, durable and resists bacteria. Should your counter become scratched or stained, it can simply be sanded and re-stained for very minimal costs so it can adapt to a home’s changing décor over the years. It does, however, tend to scratch and will need to be periodically sealed to ensure that it remains waterproof and doesn’t warp. Typically the type of wood used will determine the price point but you can expect to pay anywhere from $45 up to as much as $135 per square foot for exotic woods such as teak. You also have the option of buying it prestained by the manufacturer or unfinished, which will reduce your cost.

Stainless Steel

This metallic surface is popular for those who want a very modern, sleek, chef-friendly kitchen. It gives a kitchen a very clean, contemporary look and greatly resists the growth of bacteria. The manufacturer can easily customize it so it can work for any style or shape of kitchen. It does tend to create a colder, more industrial appearance that may turn some buyers of so you may or may not get a good return on your investment and can be a more troublesome to clean and keep free of fingerprints and streaking with certain typical cleaners.
Stainless steel can range from $60 per square foot up to about $80 and any additional customization or acid etching can increase the cost but it allows for a very one of a kind look.

Soapstone

This type of natural stone has distinctive veining that is unique to each piece; so like granite, each piece tends to not look just like another. It will resist bacteria and staining and is very durable.
It does require regular oiling to prevent cracking and may darken over time and will require professional installation as well. Depending on the thickness, it may cost anywhere from $55 to $75 per square foot.

Marble

Marble has very beautiful veining and has been used in kitchens and homes for hundreds of years. Though mostly seen in shades of white and gray, marble does come in a variety of colors but does tend to be very expensive and porous making it susceptible to staining. It also requires professional sealing as well.

Concrete

Modern techniques have made concrete a beautiful yet unexpected alternative countertop material. Concrete can be easily stained to create very unique efects and following the application of industrial sealer, it will create a very smooth, non-porous surface. Concrete will work great for those wanting to have a modern look, however, with certain staining techniques, concrete can mimick the look of granite and can be used in a traditional kitchen as well.
Since concrete can be poured on site, it can be great for custom shapes. It can, however, become fairly expensive due to the labor involved and installation process putting it around $100 per square foot.