Choosing the right wood for bathroom cabinets is essential to ensure longevity and durability in the humid environment. Aesthetics are another key factor to consider when picking the ideal wood for your bathroom cabinets. You also have to balance your wants with costs, both short-term and long-term.
Oak, maple, and cherry are the best wood options for bathroom cabinets for various reasons. In varying degrees, they exhibit impressive resistance to moisture and humidity, as well as exceptional strength. These wood types are also locally available and can be easily customized.
This post will begin by outlining what to look for when selecting the best wood for your bathroom cabinets. We’ll then move to some of the top contenders and touch on the best wood stains for good measure.
What to Look for in Wood for Bathroom Cabinets
1. Moisture and Humidity Resistance
Even your kitchen can’t compete with your bathroom in terms of moisture and humidity. It’s your space for hot or cold showers, steamy baths, and other personal hygiene routines.
Water damage to wood can cause warping, cracking, and overall deterioration of your bathroom cabinets. Therefore, you need wood that can withstand these conditions.
Look for species that naturally resist moisture, such as teak, cedar, or redwood. These types of wood have oils and resins that make them more resistant to water damage.
2. Strength and Longevity
Bathroom cabinets must withstand constant use and exposure to moisture and humidity. You may also hold on to them in case of accidental slips or falls, so you need the cabinet wood to be strong and sturdy.
Some of the best wood species for strength and longevity are oak, maple, and birch. These hardwoods have a dense and tight grain, making them less susceptible to dents and scratches.
In addition, these woods can withstand weight without warping or bending, ensuring your cabinets will last for many years to come.
Learn more via: ‘Plywood vs. Solid Wood Cabinets.’
3. Style and Finish Options
One type of wood can be the best option for one homeowner and less than ideal for another, depending on their style preferences. It’s essential to consider the desired aesthetic of your bathroom and choose a wood species that complements it.
Some popular options for cabinet finishes include stained, painted, or natural wood. Stained cabinets accentuate the wood grain, lending the room a warm and classic appearance.
Some cabinet wood options are impossible to stain because the close-grained, oily wood absorbs minimal pigment. Others have a special texture that does not lend itself well to staining.
In contrast, painted cabinets provide a modern and clean finish with endless color options.
4. Cost Considerations when Choosing Cabinet Finishes
Of course, not all wood types cost the same to purchase and install. Your budget may necessitate a different type of wood. For example, solid wood cabinets can cost more than double the price of MDF or laminate.
Moreover, it’s easier to cut and work with softer woods, which reduces labor costs. However, your attitude may change if you pit short-term gains against long-term durability.
The costliest cabinet wood options are usually the most durable.
Best Types of Wood for Bathroom Cabinets
1. Oak
Oak is a super popular choice for bathroom cabinets because it balances affordability, durability, and timeless style. Thanks to its dense grain structure, oak naturally resists denting and scratching.
So, it’s a great option for high-use areas like bathrooms.
- Advantages: Strong, long-lasting, and easy to stain.
- Style: Prominent grain patterns work well for rustic, traditional, or farmhouse designs.
2. Maple
Maple is another excellent choice for bathroom cabinets thanks to its strength and smooth, fine-grained wood. Versatility is a key benefit as it exists in multiple colors and finishes.
From creamy whites to rich reddish-browns, maple allows you plenty of creative freedom for customization. You can also easily stain or paint maple cabinets to fit any bathroom aesthetic.
- Advantages: Hard, durable, and less prone to warping in humid environments.
- Style: Smooth surface perfect for painted cabinets or light stains.
3. Cherry
Cherry wood is prized for its rich, reddish tones that deepen and darken with age. It’s often considered a luxury choice for bathroom cabinetry due to its elegant appearance and durability.
Due to its higher cost, cherry wood is often used for furniture accents or smaller bathroom vanities.
- Advantages: Ages beautifully, durable, and luxurious appearance.
- Style: Warm, rich tones make it a popular choice for traditional and formal bathrooms.
4. Hickory
If you want cabinets that make a bold statement, hickory is a great pick. Popular for its dramatic color variations, from pale blond to deep brown, hickory gives bathrooms a rustic, unique look.
Its grain patterns can be wavy, straight, or irregular and often feature knots and mineral streaks for added character.
- Advantages: Unique, dramatic color variations, adds character to bathroom design.
- Style: Ideal for rustic or country-style bathrooms.
5. Birch
Birch is a cost-effective hardwood that offers strength and style without the premium price tag. Its pale color and smooth grain make it easy to customize for different looks, ranging from modern to traditional.
- Advantages: Durable, budget-friendly, and easy to work with.
- Style: Works well in both painted and stained finishes.
6. Plywood and Engineered Wood Options
Not all bathroom cabinets are made entirely of solid wood. High-quality plywood and engineered woods are often used for cabinet boxes, paired with solid wood doors.
They’re often cheaper and must be treated or coated to withstand moisture and humidity. However, they can be just as sturdy if made with high-quality materials.
- Advantages: More affordable than solid hardwoods, resistant to warping, and stable in humid conditions.
- Style: Can mimic solid wood when paired with veneers or painted finishes.
The Best Wood Stains for Bathroom Cabinets
Stains Protect and Enhance Natural Wood
Before we analyze some of the best wood stains for bathroom cabinets, ask yourself, “Why does staining matter?”
A good stain highlights the natural beauty and grain of the wood and adds a protective layer to guard against moisture, humidity, and everyday wear.
Bathroom environments are especially tough on cabinetry, and staining is one of the simplest ways to extend the life and appearance of your cabinets.
Use Light Stains for Bright, Airy Spaces
Light stains, such as maple and oak, are a popular choice for lighting up a space and making it feel airy. They create a warm and welcoming space.
They also pair well with white or neutral-colored tiles, making them a versatile option for any bathroom design.
Some popular light stain options include:
- Natural Maple: A classic choice that showcases the natural beauty of the wood grain.
- Honey Oak: Adds warmth and depth to the overall look of the cabinets.
- Golden Pecan: Provides a slightly darker tone while still maintaining a bright appearance.
Go for Dark Stains for an Elegant Touch
Sometimes, you want your space to be elegant and sophisticated. Dark-stained cabinets can help achieve that look as these rich tones add a touch of luxury to any bathroom design.
Popular dark stain options include:
- Cherry: A timeless option with a deep reddish-brown hue.
- Espresso: A modern choice that gives off a sleek and luxurious vibe.
- Walnut: Adds warmth and depth to the space while still maintaining an elegant look.
Use Medium Stains for Versatility
Medium tones, such as chestnut, pecan, or walnut, help balance warmth and versatility. They highlight wood grains without overwhelming the bathroom’s design.
- Best for: Oak, cherry, and hickory.
- Advantages: A warm, timeless appearance that complements most styles.
- Considerations: Offers a classic look, but may feel traditional if paired with modern bathroom designs.
Consider Clear or Natural Finish
Some homeowners prefer a clear sealant that preserves the wood’s natural state. This option works best with species like hickory or cherry, which already have strong natural character.
- Best for: Hickory and cherry.
- Advantages: Highlights natural grain and variations, no color distortion.
- Considerations: Requires high-quality sealing to protect against bathroom humidity.
Painted Finishes
Though technically not a stain, paint is another popular choice for bathroom cabinets. Painted finishes allow endless color customization, from bright whites to bold blues or blacks.
Painting cabinets is vital for wood that is prone to warping. The thick paint layer will protect the wood from moisture and humidity, which are common in bathroom settings.
However, painted finishes can also obscure the natural wood grain and texture, making them less suitable for highlighting the unique characteristics of certain woods.
- Best for: Maple, birch, and engineered woods.
- Advantages: Smooth, even color, and easy to refresh over time.
- Considerations: Paint can chip if not sealed properly, and moisture-resistant finishes are a must in bathrooms.
Learn How to Select Bathroom Cabinet Colors
Your initial choice of bathroom cabinet color sets the tone for your entire bathroom design. It creates some calm and relaxation or adds a bold pop of color and energy.
Discover how to choose bathroom cabinet colors that suit your style and goals.
Maintenance Tips for Wood Bathroom Cabinets
Cleaning Practices for Beauty and Longevity
Did you know that regular cleaning and maintenance can greatly prolong a cabinet’s lifespan?
We already covered how to clean wooden cabinets, but here’s a quick recap:
- Use a soft cloth that you dip in soapy water. Wring it and use it while damp to wipe your cabinets.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals that could corrode away the food finish.
- For tough stains or grime, use warm soapy water and soft cloth to avoid scratching.
- Always dry off any excess moisture after cleaning to prevent water damage.
- Don’t place hot items directly on top of your wood cabinets, as this can cause discoloration or warping.
Consider Finishes that Resist Moisture
Again, moisture is a major consideration when choosing bathroom cabinetry finishes. So, the finish you pick will ultimately depend on your individual preference and the type of wood you intend to use.
Please note that some finishes resist moisture better than others, making them ideal for bathroom cabinets.
For example, polyurethane is a popular finish because it provides a high level of resistance against water damage. It’s an excellent choice for bathrooms where humidity levels may be higher than in other areas in the home.
Another option is acrylic paint, which offers similar benefits to polyurethane but with more color customization options.
Additionally, if you prefer a natural look for your bathroom cabinetry, consider using oil-based finishes, such as linseed or tung oil. These finishes penetrate the wood, providing a protective barrier against moisture.
Parting Thoughts
If you’re unsure about which finish is best for your specific needs, consult with us to determine the best option for your bathroom cabinetry.
We help you to consider factors such as moisture, durability, and aesthetic preferences. We also remind you of other befitting alternatives for your bathroom cabinetry. Consider using materials like melamine and veneer for a more budget-friendly and low-maintenance option. Review melamine cabinets vs. wood and veneer vs. solid-wood cabinets to help you make an informed decision.