Quck answer
Here are a few ways to determine if your kitchen cabinets are made of real wood:
1. Check the grain: Real wood cabinets will have a natural grain pattern that is visible on both the surface and edges of the cabinets. Look for variations in color and texture.
2. Inspect the edges: Real wood cabinets will have edges that show the layers of wood, known as the end grain. Look for patterns and lines that indicate the layers of wood.
3. Examine the knots: Real wood often has knots or imperfections in the grain. These knots will have a different texture and color compared to the rest of the cabinet.
4. Tap the surface: Wood cabinets will produce a solid, resonant sound when tapped. If the cabinets sound hollow or dull, they are likely not made of real wood.
5. Look for veneer: Some cabinets may have a thin layer of real wood veneer applied to a different material, such as plywood or particleboard. Look for seams or edges where the veneer may be visible.
Remember, these are just general guidelines, and it’s always best to consult with a professional or a cabinet specialist for a definitive answer.
When designers refer to real wood cabinets, they are usually talking about the visible parts such as the doors, drawer fronts, and face frames. The interior components of the cabinets, including the cabinet boxes, shelves, and drawer boxes, are often made of a different material than the visible parts, but that doesn’t mean they are not made of wood. Plywood, which is technically wood, is commonly used by cabinetmakers instead of cheaper particleboard. However, both plywood and particleboard are classified as “engineered wood” products because they are made by binding thin layers (plywood) or small wood pieces (particleboard) with resin.
Distinguishing Genuine Wood from Engineered Wood
When it comes to appearance, the door and drawer fronts of a kitchen cabinet are the most important, and manufacturers are skilled at creating engineered products that resemble solid wood. To distinguish between the two, careful observation is required. This is because the surface of engineered wood cabinets is actually a thin layer of real wood attached to a panel made of plywood or particleboard. To enhance the illusion, the exposed edges of these panels are often covered with a thin strip of veneer. Busby Cabinets provides some clear indications of engineered wood:
- Inspect the edges of the doors and drawers. If they are made of solid wood, you will be able to see the end grain on the top and bottom edges. If they are engineered, you will notice edging material with a longitudinal wood grain, which appears unnatural.
- Examine the corners. Genuine wood corners are typically rounded or shaped, while engineered corners are often sharp and square.
- Check for any nicks or chips. If they are deep enough or if they are found on the edges of the doors, they will reveal the plywood or particleboard core.
If the doors are painted, you can usually see the grain running along the top or bottom edge of the door beneath the paint. Additionally, you can determine whether the underlying material is solid wood by examining the corners.
Wood Cabinets Feature Dovetail Joints
Genuine wood is expensive, so it is uncommon for cabinetmakers to construct entire cabinets using it. However, it is not unheard of, and when a cabinetmaker invests a significant amount of money in a cabinet, the craftsmanship is usually of the highest quality. Dovetail joints are one of the most recognizable signs of superior workmanship.
Look inside the drawers and inspect the joints between the door faces and the rest of the frame. If you see interlocking “fingers,” which indicate a dovetail joint, the drawer is likely made of solid wood. It is possible, although difficult, to create these joints when working with plywood, but dovetails are never used with particleboard. Dovetail joints may also be present in the cabinet facing and in other areas, such as the corners between the front and sides, as well as in built-in features like a cutting board or spice rack.
Even factory-made drawers can have dovetail joints, and when they do, it signifies that they are made of solid wood. The wood may be inexpensive pine rather than a hardwood, but it is still genuine wood.
Real Wood Doesn’t Always Mean Better
Discovering that the doors are not made of solid wood doesn’t necessarily indicate a negative quality. According to Boston Building Resources, particleboard and plywood may not be as high-end as cherry, maple, and mahogany, but they do have their advantages. In addition to being more affordable, there are other benefits as well.
Both plywood and particleboard offer greater dimensional stability compared to solid wood. They have the ability to expand and contract in all directions, reducing the likelihood of warping. This means that cabinets made from these materials may have better durability than those made of wood. However, it’s important to note that particleboard can be prone to moisture absorption, especially in the kitchen, and swelling is a telltale sign of cabinets doors and drawers constructed with this material.
