Choosing a Cabinet Door Material

Cost: $ (Least Expensive)

Description: Made from wood chips and resin, very affordable.

Pros: Not recommended for cabinet doors due to low durability and susceptibility to moisture damage.

DIY Finishing: Not recommended for DIY

DIY Cutting: Not recommended for DIY

Procurement: Readily available at most home improvement stores.

Cost per Square Foot: $1-2 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes

Requires Gluing: No (already a sheet)

Cost: $ (Least Expensive)

Description: Melamine-coated particleboard, durable, moisture-resistant, many colors/styles.

Pros: Not real wood, can chip or peel, less desirable for high-end kitchens.

DIY Finishing: Easy (no finishing required)

DIY Cutting: Easy (particleboard cuts easily with standard woodworking tools)

Procurement: Readily available at most home improvement stores.

Cost per Square Foot: $1-3 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes

Requires Gluing: No (already a sheet)

Cost: $$

Description: Smooth, consistent surface, takes paint well, affordable.

Pros: Not as strong as solid wood, susceptible to moisture damage if not sealed properly.

DIY Finishing: Easy (painting)

DIY Cutting: Requires basic woodworking tools (saw, drill, etc.)

Procurement: Readily available at most home improvement stores.

Cost per Square Foot: $2-5 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes

Requires Gluing: No (already a sheet)

Cost: $$

Description: Softwood, affordable, readily available, easy to work with, can be stained or painted.

Pros: Prone to dents and scratches, knots and imperfections may be present.

DIY Finishing: Easy (staining/painting)

DIY Cutting: Easy (softwood, basic woodworking tools)

Procurement: Readily available at most home improvement stores.

Cost per Square Foot: $3-7 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes (but solid pine boards are more common)

Requires Gluing: Sometimes (if wider panels are needed)

Cost: $$

Description: Hardwood, affordable, relatively smooth grain, paintable, good for a base for veneers.

Pros: Not as distinctive as other hardwoods, may show greenish streaks.

DIY Finishing: Easy (staining/painting)

DIY Cutting: Moderate (hardwood, sharper tools recommended)

Procurement: Readily available at most home improvement stores.

Cost per Square Foot: $4-8 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes (but solid poplar boards are more common)

Requires Gluing: Sometimes (if wider panels are needed)

Cost: $$

Description: Layers of wood veneer glued together, stable, less likely to warp.

Pros: Not solid wood, edges may need to be finished or covered.

DIY Finishing: Moderate (edges require finishing)

DIY Cutting: Easy (plywood cuts easily, but precise cuts may require a table saw)

Procurement: Readily available at most home improvement stores.

Cost per Square Foot: $2-6 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes

Requires Gluing: No (already a sheet)

Cost: $$$

Description: Hardwood, durable, smooth, close grain, takes stain well, various finishes available.

Pros: Can be bland in appearance, may yellow with age.

DIY Finishing: Moderate (staining requires care)

DIY Cutting: Moderate (hardwood, sharp tools recommended)

Procurement: Readily available at most home improvement stores and lumber yards.

Cost per Square Foot: $6-12 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes (but solid maple boards are more common)

Requires Gluing: Sometimes (if wider panels are needed)

Cost: $$$

Description: Hardwood, rich reddish-brown color, smooth grain, ages to a deeper hue.

Pros: More expensive than maple, can be prone to dents and scratches.

DIY Finishing: Moderate (staining requires care)

DIY Cutting: Moderate (hardwood, sharp tools recommended)

Procurement: Available at most home improvement stores and lumber yards.

Cost per Square Foot: $8-15 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes (but solid cherry boards are more common)

Requires Gluing: Sometimes (if wider panels are needed)

Cost: $$$

Description: Hardwood, strong, prominent grain, can be stained or painted.

Pros: Grainy texture may not be desired by everyone, can be more difficult to paint.

DIY Finishing: Moderate (staining/painting can be challenging due to grain)

DIY Cutting: Moderate (hardwood, sharp tools required)

Procurement: Readily available at most home improvement stores and lumber yards.

Cost per Square Foot: $7-14 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes (but solid oak boards are more common)

Requires Gluing: Sometimes (if wider panels are needed)

Cost: $$$

Description: Technically a grass, sustainable, durable, water-resistant, unique appearance.

Pros: Limited color options, more expensive than traditional hardwoods.

DIY Finishing: Moderate (requires specific finishes and techniques)

DIY Cutting: Difficult (requires specialized bamboo cutting tools)

Procurement: Available at specialty lumber yards or online retailers.

Cost per Square Foot: $10-20 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes (bamboo plywood)

Requires Gluing: No (bamboo plywood comes in sheets)

Cost: $$$$

Description: Hardwood, rich, dark brown color, distinctive grain, luxurious appearance.

Pros: Expensive, can be difficult to work with due to hardness.

DIY Finishing: Difficult (requires experience and specialized finishes)

DIY Cutting: Difficult (requires experience, sharp tools due to hardness)

Procurement: Available at specialty lumber yards or online retailers.

Cost per Square Foot: $15-30 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes (but solid walnut boards are more common)

Requires Gluing: Sometimes (if wider panels are needed)

Cost: $$$$

Description: Hardwood, reddish-brown, fine grain, classic and elegant.

Pros: Expensive, limited availability, requires careful finishing.

DIY Finishing: Difficult (requires experience and specialized finishing techniques)

DIY Cutting: Difficult (requires experience and sharp tools)

Procurement: Available at specialty lumber yards or online retailers.

Cost per Square Foot: $20-40 per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes (but solid mahogany boards are more common)

Requires Gluing: Sometimes (if wider panels are needed)

Cost: $$$$$ (Most Expensive)

Description: Rare and unique, striking grain patterns, statement pieces.

Pros: Very expensive, may require specialized care and maintenance.

DIY Finishing: Very Difficult (often best left to professionals)

DIY Cutting: Very Difficult (often best left to professionals)

Procurement: Available at specialty lumber yards or online retailers.

Cost per Square Foot: $50+ per square foot

Available as Sheets: Yes (veneers), solid wood sheets are very rare and expensive

Requires Gluing: If using veneers, yes. If using solid wood, no.