View Full Version : birch vs oak Kitchen Cabinets. Opinions needed
Rockstead
Sep 14th, 2005, 11:39 AM
Hi,
I'm just about ready to purchase Kitchen cabinets, I'll be spending a lot of money and I want to make sure I'm not making a mistake.
The seller recommends that I purchase Birch, while I hear a lot of people who spent a lot of money on their kitchen purchased OAK.
Is there a big difference between the two? should the price difference be a lot?
any feedback would be appreciated.
Redflagdeals_is_the_best!
Sep 14th, 2005, 11:49 AM
think about which colour you like more too sinc ethey are different.
Eye-man
Sep 14th, 2005, 12:13 PM
Depending on the amount of money you want to spend on the cabinets, birch would be the better option since, in my opinion, birch is more visually apealling than the company standard oak. But as I said it all depends on cost, as both are very good materials for kitchens, assuming you do not go cheap on the finish (I would recommend a varatheane stain to bring out the grain patterns for both) and will probably last the lifetime of the house.
Rockstead
Sep 14th, 2005, 01:00 PM
Thanks for the feedback, should the cost between birch and Oak be similiar? I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being cheaped out and given Birch because of the cost difference. This is the type of job I'll only get done once and want to make sure it's done right and to not have any regrets.
We are getting a Chocolate stain, I'd assume that would be a varatheane stain, but thanks, I will confrim.
I'm spending a lot of money, it's scary, biggest expense I've ever had aside from the downpayment on the house. Just the cabinets alone will run for about 16k taxes included, that includes deeper than standard size cabinets where possible, maple interiors,brackets that stop the drawers from slamming handles, crown moldings, installation, accessories for cabinets (knife rack, mix master pop up shelf, etc).
Depending on the amount of money you want to spend on the cabinets, birch would be the better option since, in my opinion, birch is more visually apealling than the company standard oak. But as I said it all depends on cost, as both are very good materials for kitchens, assuming you do not go cheap on the finish (I would recommend a varatheane stain to bring out the grain patterns for both) and will probably last the lifetime of the house.
Eye-man
Sep 15th, 2005, 04:05 PM
Birch is more expensive and because this is a one time thing as you said I suggest going with birch.
TdotO
Sep 15th, 2005, 04:29 PM
I don't think you can go wrong with either wood.
They're both tough and durable and will last a lifetime, unless it was made from shoddy workmanship.
It will probably come down to what has the most pleasing grain to you.
Have you seen birch and oak in the chocolate stain that you want?
They will not look similar as the paint will be affected by the wood differently.
Go to the showroom and look at both woods in the color you want. If they don't have it on display ask for a sample.
Then make your decision.
spm24
Sep 15th, 2005, 04:43 PM
if u think ur getting ripped off i suggest u get a second opinion .
there are many places that do estimates for free.
who knows umight be able to save a couple hundred or possibly a grand or 2.
i have worked in places that makes cabinets for kitchens they are expensive but it all depends on what product u are using as well . i know u want a high quality kitchen but u dont always have to pay a high quality price.
bug
Sep 15th, 2005, 04:54 PM
My uncles wife insisted on Solid Oak kitchen cabinets. I believe they cost over $20,000 25 years ago. Oak laminate or veneer would be fine for most people, but not her. I remember he did the walls in the master bedroom in jointed pine. It looked fantastic, but she didn't think so. He gyprocd right over it :lol:
dalion
Sep 15th, 2005, 05:39 PM
get oak it lasts longer
CSK'sMom
Sep 2nd, 2008, 02:29 PM
This should be in the H&G forum to begin with...