Wood Kitchens Are Back in 2025 — Here Are the 7 Best Wood Cabinets to Choose (And How to Style Them Beautifully)
Modern kitchen with light white oak cabinets, soft gray countertops, and natural lighting — a perfect example of the 2025 wood kitchen trend.
Warm. Natural. Sophisticated.
Wood kitchens are no longer “outdated” — they’re officially having their moment again. And honestly? It’s about time.
After years of white-on-white trends, many homeowners are craving texture, depth, and soul in their kitchens. And nothing delivers that quite like real wood. From Pinterest boards to high-end catalogs, wood cabinetry is leading one of the biggest design comebacks of the decade.
If you’ve been eyeing a wood kitchen but feeling unsure what species to choose — or how to make it feel current — this guide is for you.
Let’s walk through seven of the most popular wood types for 2025 kitchens, and exactly how to style each one so your space feels timeless, not tired.
7. Alder — The Flexible Budget-Friendly Wood
Alder is the quiet underdog of wood cabinetry. Soft, warm, and surprisingly versatile, it’s often used by designers who want the look of a higher-end kitchen without the steep price tag.
Why? Because alder can be stained to resemble cherry, maple, or walnut — giving you that rich wood-tone look for less.
Spacious kitchen with rich alder cabinets, white marble countertops, and satin nickel hardware — a classic example of budget-friendly elegance in 2025 kitchen design.
Style it with:
- Off-white quartz countertops
- Satin nickel hardware
- Walls in Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige
Just one note: alder is a soft wood, so it’s more prone to dents in high-traffic areas.
6. Pine — Rustic, Cozy, and Full of Character
If you love farmhouse charm, pine might be calling your name. It’s known for its visible knots and casual, lived-in feel — like a favorite wooden table passed down through generations.
Knotted pine instantly warms up a kitchen and adds a sense of history.
Rustic farmhouse kitchen with knotted pine cabinets, butcher block countertops, and matte black hardware — a cozy and timeless look for 2025.
Pair it with:
- Butcher block counters
- Matte black hardware
- Creamy white walls like Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
Keep in mind: pine is soft and can scratch more easily than hardwoods.
5. Hickory — Bold Texture and Natural Beauty
Hickory isn’t subtle — and that’s its strength. This wood has bold grain variation, strong durability, and a raw, earthy presence that works beautifully in rustic-modern kitchens.
It doesn’t try to blend in — it wants to be noticed.
Rustic-modern kitchen featuring natural hickory cabinets, concrete-look counters, and antique brass fixtures — a bold yet balanced look for 2025 kitchens.
Try styling it with:
- Concrete-look quartz countertops
- Antique brass hardware
- Warm gray walls like Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray
Just be cautious in small kitchens — hickory’s heavy grain can feel busy unless balanced with minimalist lighting and simple surfaces.
4. Cherry — Classic Luxury That Ages Gracefully
Cherry wood brings richness and elegance to any kitchen. Its deep tone matures over time, developing a beautiful patina that adds depth and warmth.
It’s a timeless choice — especially if you lean toward traditional or transitional style.
Traditional luxury kitchen featuring deep cherry wood cabinets, white marble counters, and gold-accented hardware — a timeless favorite for elevated classic style.
Design pairings that work:
- Granite countertops
- Bronze or copper fixtures
- Wall colors like Grant Beige (BM) or Svelte Sage (SW)
Just know that cherry darkens noticeably in sunlight over time — which can subtly shift your color palette.
3. Maple — Bright, Clean, and Perfect for Minimalists
Light in tone with a soft grain, maple is a designer favorite for creating clean, sunlit kitchens. It’s also extremely adaptable — stain it dark, leave it natural, or go custom.
Modern kitchen with light maple cabinetry, matte black hardware, and a walnut-tone island — a fresh, flexible look that reflects natural light beautifully.
Best with:
- Crisp white quartz
- Matte black hardware
- Pale greige walls like BM Classic Gray or soft green tones like SW Sea Salt
One note: dark stains can turn blotchy on maple if the prep isn’t done right, so work with a professional if you’re going that route.
2. Walnut — Instant Sophistication in a Natural Finish
There’s something quietly luxurious about walnut. The rich undertones and silky grain make it one of the most refined options on this list — and you don’t need any stain to make it look good.
Refined kitchen with dark walnut cabinets, marble countertops, and ornate brass fixtures — a timeless, sophisticated option that adds depth and elegance to any space.
Create balance with:
- Soft gray walls like Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist
- Sleek quartz or marble counters
- Stainless steel or brushed chrome appliances
Yes, it’s a bit pricier — but it’s a long-term beauty, especially with occasional touch-ups.
1. Oak — The Most Reliable and Timeless Choice
Whether you prefer the traditional charm of red oak or the clean elegance of white oak, this wood is everywhere right now — and for good reason.
White oak is especially on-trend in 2025, thanks to its neutral grain and ability to blend seamlessly into both modern and classic kitchens.
Bright kitchen with light oak cabinetry, marble surfaces, and gold accents — a perfect example of how white oak adds warmth and modern elegance in 2025 design.
Pair it with:
- White marble or quartz countertops
- Warm brass hardware
- Walls painted in BM White Dove or SW Shoji White
Just a heads-up: red oak’s grain is more pronounced and can feel dated unless styled thoughtfully with modern elements.
Final Thoughts: Should You Choose Wood Cabinets?
If you want warmth, depth, and a kitchen that doesn’t feel sterile, real wood is a smart investment. It’s more expensive than MDF or laminate — yes — but it’s also longer-lasting and adds resale value.
The key is to embrace the natural variation — the knots, the grain, the richness. That’s what gives your kitchen its personality.
🌿 Want to see how these wood tones look in real kitchens?
Watch the full video here →