Oak Cabinets: Bold, Beautiful, and Back in Style
You've probably seen those stunning stained wood cabinets gracing your social media feeds and wondered, "what is that wood?" We don’t blame you. We know just how beautiful and unique their look is, and natural woods, like oak, are back and better than ever!
The secret to these cabinets lies in the type of oak used. We’ll break it down for you below!
The Oak of the Matter
While all oak cabinets are made from the same tree species, the way the wood is cut from the log significantly impacts its appearance and quality. The cabinets you admire are likely crafted from quarter sawn white oak or rift sawn white oak. These cuts differ dramatically from the plain sawn oak commonly used in cabinets from the 80s and 90s.
The Impact of the Cut
Plain Sawn Oak: This is the most common and affordable type of oak cut, resulting in a flat grain pattern. While it's a classic choice, it lacks the visual interest of other cuts.
Quarter Sawn Oak: Cut from the quarter of the log, this method produces a distinctive grain pattern with prominent flecks. It offers a beautiful balance of character and durability.
Rift Sawn Oak: Known for its clean, vertical grain and minimal flecking, rift sawn oak exudes a modern and sophisticated look. This cut is highly prized for its stability and resistance to warping.
Why Choose Quarter or Rift Over Plain Sawn Oak?
Durability: These cuts are generally more stable than plain sawn oak, reducing the risk of warping and cracking over time.
Sustainability: White oak is an excellent choice for staining as it produces rich, even colors with minimal yellowing.
Aesthetics: The unique grain patterns of quarter sawn and rift sawn oak add depth, character, and visual interest to cabinetry.
While the beauty and durability of quarter sawn and rift sawn oak are undeniable, they also come with a higher price tag due to the specialized cutting process and increased material waste. By choosing high-quality oak cabinets with the right cut, you can create a kitchen or bathroom that is both stunning and long-lasting!
Our favorite part of all renovations lie in the details, like which type of cabinet to use! Our team at Spain Construction is here to walk you through each and every step of the process and make sure your space is crafted to your dreams, and beyond!
