The short answer is: No, they are making a comeback, but you may need to update them.
Every fashion trend, so the saying goes, ultimately returns. There was a time in the early 2000s when other cabinet styles completely replaced oak cabinets. The oak cabinets of yesteryear, considered a throwback to the early 1990s had a significant flaw: they didn’t look all that fantastic when combined with the then-dominant designs of granite countertops.
On the other hand, oak kitchen cabinets are currently making a comeback. There could be several causes for this. The first thing that homeowners want in their kitchens is warmth and genuineness. All the requirements are met by natural wood. It undoubtedly helps that modern oak cabinets seem far better than the ones in your home when you were a child. To put it another way, if you like the way oak looks, don’t be scared to use it in your kitchen. This article will serve as a guide on matters of oak kitchen cabinets.
Characteristics of oak wood
Open-grain patterns with light-reflecting rays characterize oak wood cabinets. Due to the hardwood’s weight, strength, and outstanding wear resistance, dents and curves are avoided. Oak kitchen cabinets have surfaces where water flows off rather than soaks into the wood. This wood’s popularity is partly influenced by its adaptability. Oak typically has a light honey color; however, the shade can change from white to red depending on the cabinet finish.
Oak kitchen cabinets pros
- Durability.
- The cabinets are water-resistant.
- Trendy; Traditions come and go, but Oakwood is making a big comeback in 2022
- Wide range of colors: you can choose a variety of hues between white abd red oak.
- Shellacs and stains enhance oak cabinets to make them more appealing.
Oak cabinets cons
- Oak grain might show up in different finishes.
- It is challenging to change the grain.
Pro tips for updating oak kitchen cabinets
There are several ways to refresh or upgrade the appearance of oak cabinetry to achieve a classic and fashionable kitchen design. Its grain patterns give it the classic “natural wood” appearance that is currently so in vogue, and it is a perfect way to add pattern or texture to a primarily streamlined or monochrome kitchen.
Consider changing the hardware
Cabinets from the 1980s and 1990s typically lack hardware (handles or knobs). Functionally, it doesn’t matter because you can still open them, but aesthetically, it looks like you’re missing the final component of the jigsaw. To achieve that elegant look, make use of the hardware.
Additionally, do not mix and match hardware finishes if your exposed hinges have the same finish as your handles or knobs. The most common hardware finishes are polished nickel and black. Think of handles as opposed to knobs. If your cabinet doors have knobs, think about drilling an additional hole using a template and putting handles instead.
- Consider adding crown mold and valance.
You know, crown molding isn’t just for ceilings! This concept transforms the appearance of your cabinets from builder-basic to custom-made. Crown molding is the ‘crown’ that rests on top of your cabinets. The three-inch-long piece of wood fastened to the base of your upper cabinets is called a valance. It provides your cabinets with a distinctive profile and makes them appear taller and aesthetically pleasing.
- Painting
Your oak kitchen cabinets can be updated and modernized by being painted. Note that the oak grain will be more visible the glossier your paint finish is. While you want it to have a wipeable finish, you also don’t want to be able to see your reflection in it.
- Staining
Oak cabinets can be stained to match a range of interiors. Your oak kitchen cabinets could develop scratches or stains over time, or you might decide you want a slightly darker appearance. Restaining your oak cabinets is the answer to these issues. To stain the cabinets darker, Try lightly sanding them before using one of the polyurethane and then stain in one product to deepen them. That technique can darken the cabinets without over-darkening the grain.
Painting vs. Staining
Paint your cabinets if you want a simple, contemporary style. Painted cabinets have an extremely smooth appearance that masks the wood’s grain. Staining your cabinets will give them the more natural, vintage look you want. Your cabinets will look more classic if you stain them since it brings out the wood’s natural grain.
Oakwood finishes
Since stains and paints make the grain of red and white oak hardwood obvious, choosing unfinished, glossed, or varnished oak kitchen cabinets is advised to better display the wood’s original texture. Oak cabinets also take paint nicely if you like to change the look of your house or decor. However, keep in mind that alternative types of wood might offer painted kitchen cabinets a smoother surface. Before staining your oak cabinets, make sure to inspect sample stains because the grain of the wood might cause dark stains to appear two-toned.
Oakwood kitchen cabinet cost
Due to its affordable pricing, oak kitchen cabinets are frequently chosen by designers in preference to maple, birch, or cherry. A 10-foot by 10-foot kitchen should cost around $1,743 in natural oak, but a maple finish would push the price by a few hundred dollars. Remember that the cost of your new kitchen cabinets may rise dramatically due to professional installation and hardware. Generally, compared to many other hardwoods, oak cabinets have a premium appearance at a price of roughly 20% lower.
Designing your kitchen with oak cabinets
Oak cabinets go nicely with glass doors because of their distinctively traditional appearance. Use black appliances and dark bronze or cast iron handles for a contemporary take on rustic. Light stone counters and stainless steel appliances provide a contemporary look. Consider spending more on contemporary fixtures like soft-close cabinetry or custom shelving for cutting-edge functionality with the money you would have saved by purchasing acceptable oak cabinets. For dark oak cabinets, match contrasting dark hardware with light oak and vice versa.
The bottom line
Oak kitchen cabinets add personality to your kitchen thanks to their numerous color possibilities and distinctive grain characteristics. For any kitchen, these cabinets are a timeless, reliable option. A lovely appearance that lasts for generations can be created with proper design, careful appliance, and accessory choices. Contact us in Temecula, California, USA, to get the best oakwood kitchen remodeling services!