Shaker cabinets are one of the most iconic and enduring styles in kitchen design. With their signature five-piece door frame and recessed center panel, they offer a clean, functional, and minimalist aesthetic that works in everything from modern lofts to rustic farmhouses.
But behind the simplicity of the design lies an important question:
What type of wood should you use for Shaker cabinets?
The choice of wood affects not only the look and feel of your cabinets but also their strength, paintability, longevity, and cost. Below, we explore the most popular wood species used in Shaker-style cabinetry, including what makes each one unique from grain pattern and hardness to ideal applications and finishes.
Maple The Industry Favorite for Painted Shaker Cabinets
Maple is the most common and widely respected wood for Shaker cabinets, especially when it comes to painted finishes like white, gray, or navy blue. Its dense structure and smooth grain create a flawless surface for paint application, making it a top choice for high-end, factory-finished cabinet doors.
Why Maple Works So Well:
- Tight grain pattern: No open pores or knots, which means smoother paint coverage.
- Very hard and durable: Ideal for kitchens with heavy use maple resists dents, scratches, and wear over time.
- Neutral color tone: Naturally pale and uniform, maple doesn’t interfere with painted finishes and stains well in lighter tones.
Use Case:
If you’re installing white shaker cabinets in a bright, modern kitchen, maple ensures that your doors will look clean, sleek, and consistent for years to come.
Ideal For: Painted shaker doors, high-traffic kitchens, modern or transitional homes
Hardness: ~1450 Janka
2. Birch The Budget-Conscious Alternative to Maple
Birch is a medium-density hardwood that resembles maple in appearance but comes at a more affordable price point. It’s often used in mid-range Shaker cabinet lines and is a go-to material for ready-to-assemble (RTA) options.
What Makes Birch Stand Out:
- Fine, smooth grain: Not as flawless as maple, but still excellent for paint-grade finishes.
- Good durability: Slightly softer than maple but still strong enough for daily kitchen use.
- Cost-effective: Birch offers a good balance between quality and affordability.
Use Case:
For homeowners who want the clean, painted look of maple shaker cabinets but need to stick to a stricter budget, birch provides great value.
Ideal For: RTA cabinets, painted kitchens, starter homes
Hardness: ~1260 Janka
Cherry Luxurious Warmth with Natural Aging Beauty
Cherry wood brings elegance and sophistication to any kitchen, and when paired with the simplicity of Shaker doors, it creates a high-end, classic look. Known for its rich reddish-brown color, cherry also darkens naturally over time, gaining a beautiful patina.
What Sets Cherry Apart:
- Fine, straight grain: Gives Shaker doors a refined and smooth surface.
- Deep, warm coloration: No need for heavy stains cherry’s natural beauty speaks for itself.
- Ages gracefully: Over time, cherry develops a deeper hue and rich character.
Use Case:
If you’re going for a luxurious, traditional kitchen with natural wood finishes, cherry Shaker cabinets are a timeless choice.
Ideal For: Stained shaker cabinetry, classic kitchens, elegant interiors
Hardness: ~950 Janka
4. Oak Strength, Texture, and Traditional Appeal
Oak has long been a staple in American cabinetry. While it fell out of favor for a time, it’s now experiencing a resurgence especially white oak thanks to its durability and distinct grain. Oak brings texture and visual interest to the flat surfaces of Shaker doors.
Oak’s Advantages:
- Highly durable: One of the strongest domestic hardwoods; ideal for families or rental properties.
- Bold grain pattern: Offers a tactile and rustic aesthetic.
- Great for staining: Accepts medium to dark stains evenly, enhancing its natural character.
Use Case:
Use oak Shaker cabinets in farmhouse kitchens, rustic interiors, or craftsman homes where the grain can be a prominent design element.
Ideal For: Stained finishes, farmhouse and rustic kitchens, heavy-use environments
Hardness: Red Oak ~1290 | White Oak ~1360 Janka
5. Alder Soft, Knotty, and Rich with Character
Alder wood is favored for its knotty appearance and warm tones, often used to create a rustic or vintage look in Shaker cabinetry. While not as hard as other woods, it’s easy to work with and takes stain beautifully.
Alder Highlights:
- Soft and lightweight: Easy to cut and shape, perfect for custom or distressed cabinetry.
- Visible knots and character marks: Adds depth and personality to Shaker doors.
- Cost-effective for natural finishes: Delivers a warm look at a lower price point than cherry or oak.
Use Case:
Choose alder for a cozy, cottage-style kitchen or anywhere you want your cabinetry to have a relaxed, natural feel.
Ideal For: Rustic and knotty shaker cabinets, distressed or aged finishes
Hardness: ~590 Janka
6. Poplar Lightweight and Paint-Ready
Poplar is a softer hardwood frequently used in budget-friendly painted cabinets. Though it’s not the most durable, it’s great for secondary spaces like laundry rooms or for low-traffic kitchens.
Key Traits:
- Smooth grain and even texture: Paints well, similar to birch or maple.
- Affordable: One of the least expensive hardwoods.
- Not ideal for staining: The green and brown undertones show through.
Use Case:
Perfect for shaker doors that will be painted white or gray in smaller homes or remodels where budget matters more than ruggedness.
Ideal For: Low-traffic kitchens, painted finishes, budget-conscious projects
Hardness: ~540 Janka
Wood Comparison Table for Shaker Cabinets
| Wood Type | Grain | Finish Suitability | Durability | Ideal Use |
| Maple | Tight, smooth | Excellent for paint/stain | High | Modern, painted kitchens |
| Birch | Smooth, light | Best for paint | Medium | Affordable painted kitchens |
| Cherry | Straight, fine | Best for stain | Medium | Natural luxury kitchens |
| Oak | Open, textured | Great for stain | Very High | Rustic/farmhouse kitchens |
| Alder | Knotty, soft | Natural or distressed | Low-Medium | Rustic & aged styles |
| Poplar | Smooth, muted | Best for paint | Low | Secondary or light-use areas |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wood for your Shaker cabinets depends on more than just looks — it’s about how the cabinets will be used, how they’ll be finished, and the atmosphere you want to create in your kitchen or living space.
- Want a clean, painted look that will last for years? → Go with Maple or Birch.
- Prefer natural beauty and warmth? → Cherry or Oak offer unmatched character.
- Designing a rustic space? → Alder is full of charm and personality.
- On a tight budget? → Poplar gives you the shaker aesthetic at an entry-level price.
With the right wood, your Shaker cabinets can elevate both form and function proving that simplicity, when done right, never goes out of style.