Oak Cabinetry – a Blast from the Past?

Not exactly!  The Oak cabinetry we’re referring to is hardly the oak cabinetry of your parents’ or grandparents’ homes.  Gone is the yellow-hued cabinetry featuring exposed hinges and cathedral arched doors.  Oak Cabinetry, specifically White Oak, has experienced a resurgence and current designs with color tones will in no way remind you of kitchens of the 90s – that we can promise.

Before we start sharing why the Oak cabinetry of today trumps the Oak cabinetry of yesteryear, let us first start by sharing why we love this particular wood variety.  Oak is by far one of the most durable woods for cabinetry.  It offers a unique grain which accepts stain in all color ranges from light to dark in a very uniform manner creating a warm overall aesthetic to a kitchen. Available in a variety of different cuts, Oak graining takes on a difference in appearance, some more open and prominent while others are more closed and fine.

So let’s get to the cut (get it – the cut of the Oak log?)!  There are predominately 3 types of oak cuts for cabinetry: Plain-Sawn, Quarter-Sawn and Rift-Sawn.

Plain-Sawn Oak

Plain-Sawn Oak is a great option for more traditional designs.  This cut has a prominent, open grain pattern and texture, which varies from a tight, straight grain to a distinctive, arched pattern.  Color can range from light to medium brown with red hues and the occasional pin knots.  Of all the varieties, plain-sawn oak is the most common and easiest to produce.

Quartersawn White Oak

Quartersawn White Oak is coveted for its light color and dramatic grain, and is truly one of the most desired cabinet materials of the moment.  The multiple cuts on Quarter Sawn White Oak provides variation and warmth along with consistency and a neutral tone.   When lighter stains are applied to Quartersawn White Oak, it exhibits an appealing range of colors, from creamy tans to medium brown, with some light brown to nearly white even possible. These color variations add richness and depth to the wood’s overall appearance.

Riftsawn White Oak

Riftsawn Oak is very similar to quarter sawn, but with a key difference. As with quarter sawn lumber, logs are first cut into quarters. However, for rift sawn cabinetry doors, the quarters are then cut in a spiral pattern. This unique cutting method results in cabinetry where the growth rings run parallel to all faces of the board making it a top contender on the wish lists of homeowners for good reason. Rift White Oak’s straight and consistent grain makes it an ideal choice for modern and minimalist designs, where clean lines and a touch of visual intrigue are highly prized.

A principle of home décor states — what’s old often becomes new again. Just as fashion repeats itself, the same is true for home design.  Oak cabinetry can give your space a warm, natural and classic look that truly will never go out of style.  To learn more about the beautiful varieties of Oak cabinetry, reach out to our dream team now!