Comparison: Best Woods For Cabinets (Updated | Oct 22nd)
When choosing the best wood for cabinets, it’s essential to balance durability, aesthetics, and budget. Options like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut each offer unique grain patterns, hardness, and finishes that suit different styles and needs. Hardwoods such as maple provide scratch resistance, while cherry develops a rich patina over time. This guide explores popular wood types, highlighting their strengths, maintenance requirements, and ideal applications to help you make an informed decision for your cabinetry project. Whether you prioritize longevity, appearance, or workability, understanding these characteristics ensures a functional and visually appealing result.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
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Best for long-lasting protection:
Weiman Cabinet and Wood Cleaner -
Best for best value:
Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine Spray – Furniture -
Best for aerosol polish:
Weiman Cabinet & Furniture Polish – 17 Ounce – Aerosol Protect Clean Polish Wax Your Wood Tables Chairs Cabinets -
Best for grease removal:
Parker and Bailey Kitchen Cabinet Cream-Wood Cleaner-Grease Remover 16 oz (1) -
Best for budget pick:
Guardsman Deep Cleaning Wood Cleaner for Cabinets -
Best for best overall:
Weiman Wood and Cabinet Restorer 3-In-1 Bundle – Removes Dirt -
Best for non-sticky formula:
Therapy Wood Cleaner and Furniture Polish 16 oz. (2 Pack) – Wood Cabinet and Table Cleaner – Conditioner – Almond Scent -
Best for polish bundle:
Therapy Wood Polish Bundle with Microfiber 16 oz. – Wood Furniture Polish -
Best for expert guide:
Designing & Building Cabinets: The New Best of Fine Woodworking -
Best for premium protection:
Goddard's Cabinet & Wood Wax Spray
Product Comparison: Best Woods For Cabinets
Long-lasting protection
Weiman Cabinet and Wood Cleaner, Shine, Clean and Protect Spray – For Wood Cabinets, Furniture, Tables, Baseboards, Trim and more, 16 oz, 2 PACK with MicroFiber Towel
Weiman
- FORMULATED FOR YOUR MOST CHERISHED WOOD FURNITURE PIECES & CABINETS: Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine cleans and restores shine and beauty to your kitchen and home cabinets and wood furniture. No oily, greasy residue left behind!
- OFFERS LASTING PROTECTION: Our formula guards against water marks, dirt and grime – keeping your wood surfaces shining brightly for longer in between cleanings. It also protects against drying, fading, cracking and discoloration.
- RECOMMENDED FOR: All finished wood surfaces including tables, chairs, office & bedroom furniture, antique wood furniture, cabinets, wall paneling, trim, baseboards and painted wood cabinets and surfaces. We recommend that you do NOT use this product on wood floors.
- FRESH & LIGHT ALMOND SCENT: Using Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine will leave your wood surfaces looking bright and clean and your home smelling amazing! The almond fragrance is fresh – and not overpowering.
- VALUE BUNDLE OFFER: Includes (2) 16 oz Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine Spray Bottles and (1) Reusable Microfiber Cleaning Towel
Best value
Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine Spray – Furniture, Kitchen Cabinets, Baseboard & Trim, Fresh Almond Scent, Microfiber Cloth Included
Weiman
- FORMULATED FOR YOUR MOST CHERISHED WOOD FURNITURE PIECES & CABINETS: Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine cleans and restores shine and beauty to your kitchen and home cabinets and wood furniture. No oily, greasy residue left behind!
- OFFERS LASTING PROTECTION: Our formula guards against water marks, dirt and grime – keeping your wood surfaces shining brightly for longer in between cleanings. It also protects against drying, fading, cracking and discoloration
- RECOMMENDED FOR: All finished wood surfaces including tables, chairs, office & bedroom furniture, antique wood furniture, cabinets, wall paneling, trim, baseboards and painted wood cabinets and surfaces. We recommend that you do NOT use this product on wood floors.
- FRESH & LIGHT ALMOND SCENT: Using Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine will leave your wood surfaces looking bright and clean and your home smelling amazing! The almond fragrance is fresh – and not overpowering
- MADE IN THE USA: Weiman Products are proudly manufactured in the United States of America with US and imported parts
Aerosol polish
Weiman Cabinet & Furniture Polish – 17 Ounce – Aerosol Protect Clean Polish Wax Your Wood Tables Chairs Cabinets
Weiman
- Restore – Gently cleans moisturizes and conditions wood, contains Brazilian carnauba wax
- Protect – Quickly removes dirt soil and residue
- Prevent – Drying fading cracking and discoloration
- Scent – Fantastic Cherry Almond Fragrance
Grease removal
Parker and Bailey Kitchen Cabinet Cream-Wood Cleaner-Grease Remover 16 oz (1)
Parker & Bailey
- Kitchen Cabinet Creme cleans, restores and removes grease or food stains off your kitchen cabinets
- Clean restore and rejuvenate your wooden surfaces with this kitchen cabinet cleaner, apt to use on natural wood, faux wood, laminate and painted wood
- Kitchen cabinet cleaner and restorer rejuvenates and degreases cabinets, leaving a long lasting natural appearance
- Easy to use – Apply wood cabinet cleaner onto surface to remove dirt, grease and grime; rinse and repeat if needed, then buff for natural wood polish shine
- Parker and Bailey cabinet cleaner formula does not contain any waxes, silicones, petrochemicals or harmful solvents
- Made in the USA; wood cleaner prevents wood drying and cracking since 1879, used by antique and furniture restorer over 100 years
- Wood cleaner and restorer that removes grease and food stains off cabinets; works on laminate and painted wood including white cabinets
- Cabinet cream cleaner rejuvenates wooden kitchen cabinets, for a long lasting natural appearance
Budget pick
Guardsman Deep Cleaning Wood Cleaner for Cabinets, Furniture, Tables, and Other Wood Surfaces, Aerosol Spray, 12.5 Ounces
Guardsman
- Guardsman Deep Cleaning Wood Cleaner with deep cleaning foam action is specially formulated to remove dirt, grime, and other impurities for a thorough clean
- Deep cleaning foam leaves wood looking and feeling clean and fresh, great for surfaces susceptible to heavy use, such as kitchen cabinets, tables, and chairs, as well for cleaning doors, paneling, and molding
- Leaves behind a streak-free shine that enhances the natural beauty of the wood with a no drip foam that powers through dirt and grime in those high traffic areas
- Cleaner doesn't leave behind a residue that attracts dust, helping to keep your furniture looking clean and dust-free for longer and comes in a convenient spray that makes it easy to apply the cleaner evenly and effectively
- Since 1915, Guardsman has been trusted worldwide by furniture professionals with its industry-leading furniture protection
Best overall
Weiman Wood and Cabinet Restorer 3-In-1 Bundle – Removes Dirt, Residue, Dust, Reduces Scratches, Restore Shine, Prevent Fading, UV Shield Technology, Safe for Antique Wood, Tables, Chairs, Cabinets
Weiman
- REJUVENATE YOUR WOOD SURFACES: Bring new life to your natural wood furniture and cabinets with the Weiman Wood and Cabinet Restorer 3-In-1 Bundle that comes with a microfiber cloth. This bundle was specifically designed for all type of wood surfaces like antique wood, tables, chairs, desk, bedroom sets, wood cabinets, wood panels, wood doors, trim, office furniture, and bedroom furniture.
- CLEAN, POLISH & PROTECT: Our powerful wood cleaner lifts away dirt, dust, grime, and residue while restoring a natural shine and minimizing the appearance of scratches to revive the rich beauty of your surfaces. Plus, our advanced UV shield technology helps protect wood from fading, discoloration, and drying out caused by sun damage.
- NATURAL SHINE WITHOUT RESIDUE: Our specially formulated solution leaves no residue or streaks behind, giving your wood surfaces a natural shine without any oily or greasy feel. Say goodbye to dull, lifeless furniture with this effective product.
- EASY TO USE : Shake well before using. Apply to a soft, clean, damp cloth then wipe onto surface. Rub in a circular motion until polish has penetrated the surface. Dry and buff using a clean cloth.
Non-sticky formula
Therapy Wood Cleaner and Furniture Polish 16 oz. (2 Pack) – Wood Cabinet and Table Cleaner – Conditioner – Almond Scent
Therapy
- SUPERIOR CLEANING & POLISHING: Therapy Wood furniture polish leaves a brilliant finish on wood surfaces.
- VERSATILE USE: Safe for cabinets, antiques, teak, tables, chairs, and more.
- EASY APPLICATION: Easy formula wipes away grease and grime while restoring original wood finish with a simple wipe.
- NON-STICKY FORMULA: Free of beeswax and orange oils, ensuring surfaces remain free from sticky residue.
- WOOD CABINET REVITALIZER: Effective wood cabinet cleaner that breathes new life into dull surfaces.
- EXCEPTIONAL WOOD FURNITURE CLEANER: Our formula excels in cleaning wood furniture, effectively removing dust and grime while preserving the natural beauty and finish.
- FULL TRANSPARENCY: All ingredients are listed for your safety and peace of mind.
- FAMILY-OWNED COMPANY: Proudly crafted in the USA and made with families in mind, we prioritize safety for every household!
Polish bundle
Therapy Wood Polish Bundle with Microfiber 16 oz. – Wood Furniture Polish, Best Furniture Cleaner – Almond Scent – Cleaner, Cabinet and Table Restorer, Natural Conditioner
Therapy
- COMPLETE WOOD POLISH BUNDLE: Includes a 16 oz. Wood Cleaner & Polish and Premium Microfiber Cloth.
- VERSATILE USE: Safe for cabinets, antiques, teak, tables, chairs, and more.
- EASY APPLICATION: Easy formula wipes away grease and grime while restoring original wood finish with a simple wipe.
- NON-STICKY FORMULA: Free of beeswax and orange oils, ensuring surfaces remain free from sticky residue.
- WOOD CABINET REVITALIZER: Effective wood cabinet cleaner and conditioner that restores dull and surfaces.
- EXCEPTIONAL WOOD FURNITURE CLEANER: Our formula excels in cleaning wood furniture, effectively removing dust and grime while preserving the natural beauty and finish.
Expert guide
Designing & Building Cabinets: The New Best of Fine Woodworking
Taunton Press
- Used Book in Good Condition
Premium protection
Goddard's Cabinet & Wood Wax Spray, Wood Cleaner & Furniture Polish, Wood Conditioner with Beeswax and Lemon Oil, Shine & Stain Protection, 23 oz
Goddard's
- Versatile Wood Polish: This wood wax spray is convenient for maintaining the natural beauty of wooden furniture and cabinets. It cleans, shines, and protects all in one easy step.
- Gives wood a renewed shine without altering the color of your chosen stain. Goddard's formula harnesses the natural power of lemon oil and beeswax to shine wood without leaving any oily residue.
- Maximum Protection: Goddard's proven formula protects wood from sun damage, stains, drying, and cracking. This product cleans wood surfaces as you wipe while also locking in natural moisture.
- Easy to Use: Hold the bottle upright 6 inches from the surface and spray over the entire area. Wipe immediately along the grain with a clean, soft cloth, turning occasionally. No buffing required.
- Trusted Brand: Inspired by the woodworking of Chippendale, Joseph Goddard created the world's finest wood waxes and polishes over 140 years ago. We continue his legacy of excellence to this day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What wood types are best for durability in kitchen cabinets?
Hardwoods like maple, oak, and cherry are top choices for durable kitchen cabinets.
Which wood is most resistant to moisture for bathroom cabinets?
Teak or cedar are ideal for moisture-prone areas due to their natural water resistance.
Are engineered woods suitable for cabinets?
Plywood and MDF offer stability and cost-effectiveness, making them popular for cabinet construction.
What wood provides a traditional, classic look?
Oak is a classic choice known for its prominent grain and timeless appearance.
Which wood is easiest to maintain for cabinets?
Hardwoods with sealed finishes, like maple, require minimal upkeep and resist staining.
Is bamboo a good option for eco-friendly cabinets?
Bamboo is a sustainable, durable hardwood alternative for eco-conscious cabinetry.
What wood works best for painted cabinets?
Maple or birch with tight grains provide smooth surfaces ideal for painting.
