How to Choose the Right Wood for Your Project

Advice from Wichita’s Custom Cabinetry & Trim Experts

Whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel, building a custom entertainment center, or installing new baseboards, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is which type of wood to use. The right wood sets the tone for the entire project — affecting everything from appearance and durability to cost and long-term maintenance.

At Records Custom Cabinets and Trim Carpentry here in Wichita, KS, we work with a wide variety of wood species and understand how each one performs. Here’s what you need to know when choosing the perfect wood for your next custom project.

1. Consider the Purpose and Location of Your Project

Not all wood is suitable for every application. For example:

• Cabinetry & Furniture: Choose hardwoods like maple, oak, walnut, or cherry for strength and beauty.
• Trim and Millwork: Poplar is a popular, cost-effective choice for painted trim, while stained trim often uses oak, maple or cherry for the grain.
• Bathroom Projects: Use moisture-resistant woods like teak or marine-grade plywood.  MDF is a definite no-no in bathrooms and locations that might get wet.
• Garage and Utility Storage: Budget-friendly plywood or MDF may be suitable for non-visible or painted applications.

2. Think About Durability and Hardness

The Janka hardness scale measures a wood’s resistance to dents and wear:

• Hardwoods (like maple, hickory, and oak) are best for high-traffic areas or pieces that see daily use.
• Softwoods (like pine or fir) can work for decorative elements or rustic pieces but are more prone to dents and scratches.

For heirloom-quality pieces or kitchens that see heavy use, we typically recommend harder woods.

3. Match the Grain and Color to Your Design Style

Different woods offer unique grain patterns, colors, and finishes:

• Maple: Smooth, tight grain; ideal for modern, clean-lined cabinetry.
• Oak: Pronounced grain; great for traditional, craftsman, or rustic styles.
• Cherry: Rich red hues that deepen over time; elegant and timeless.
• Walnut: Dark, luxurious color; perfect for high-end contemporary designs.
• Poplar: Smooth and uniform; great for painted trim and built-ins.

We can help you decide whether to embrace the wood’s natural grain or opt for a painted finish.

4. Factor in Your Budget

Some woods are more readily available and cost-effective, while others are considered premium:

• More Affordable: Poplar, pine, birch, soft maple.
• Mid-Range: Red oak, hard maple, white oak.
• High-End: Cherry, walnut, exotic hardwoods.

We always strive to balance quality and cost, guiding you toward options that give you the best long-term value without sacrificing style.

5. Consider How the Wood Will Be Finished

Some woods take stain beautifully, while others are best painted:

• For Staining: Choose woods with prominent or consistent grain, like oak, walnut, and cherry.
• For Painting: Go with tight-grain woods like maple or poplar, which offer a smooth, even finish.

We custom match stains and finishes in-house, ensuring your project turns out exactly how you envision it.

Bonus Tip: Always Ask for Samples

Before you commit, it’s smart to see and feel wood samples in person. Lighting and surrounding finishes can greatly affect how a wood looks in your space. We can provide a range of sample boards to help you compare colors, textures, and finishes right in your home.

Ready to Build Something Beautiful?

At Records Custom Cabinets and Trim Carpentry, we craft every piece from hand-selected materials right here in Wichita. Whether you know exactly what you want or need expert guidance, we’ll help you choose the ideal wood for your project — and build it to last.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get started.