Pine Kitchen Cabinets

Gain insight on pine kitchen cabinets, a popular wood choice in many country kitchens.
Knotty-pine cabinetry matches existing cabinets throughout this friendly, family home. Warm tones make this room a great entertaining space. Note the step up to the working area from the bar area.

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Knotty-pine cabinetry matches existing cabinets throughout this friendly, family home. Warm tones make this room a great entertaining space. Note the step up to the working area from the bar area.

By: Amy McEvoy

Pine kitchen cabinets are a popular choice among homeowners, especially those interested in a more rustic or country kitchen design as well as a low-budget option.

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Pine wood tends to be lighter in color, although it can be stained to a darker hue as well. Pine wood also tends to have many knots, giving it a distinctive, immediately recognizable look.

Because knotty pine has these distinctive knots throughout, it's often best to choose pine kitchen cabinets in person. Individual cabinet surfaces may vary greatly due to the knots and other natural markings, so be sure to inspect your choices thoroughly before deciding on the cabinet set that's right for your kitchen.

Although pine kitchen cabinets can be made with different door styles and stained different colors, many knotty pine cabinets feature distinctive hardware and decorative pieces that together appeal to homeowners looking for a more rustic, country or even retro look. Natural pine also has a slightly yellow tint that can create a sunny, airy feel in a kitchen, brightening the space and creating a welcoming feel.

Another reason pine is popular with homeowners is that it is an extremely cost-effective wood. Although the cost of pine may vary among retailers, in general pine is a cheaper wood than oak, maple, cherry, mahogany, or more exotic woods like bamboo.

One thing to remember when choosing pine kitchen cabinets is that pine is a distinctly less durable wood than some other higher-end woods. That is because it is a softer wood and thus is more vulnerable to scratches, dents and dings. This is an important consideration as the kitchen is often the command center of the home and can be highly susceptible to daily abuse. Additionally, you should use extra caution when installing hardware onto pine cabinets or when pulling stools or other furniture up to an island bank of pine cabinets.

When you've sourced your pine cabinets from a home improvement or cabinet specialty store, it's time to install them. Cabinet installation can be a complex project, requiring DIY home improvement knowledge. If you've done it before effectively, there's no reason to think you can't install your own pine cabinet—however, if you're less than handy and a novice when it comes to cabinet installation, it's probably best to hire a professional. You'll pay more in labor costs but save time and energy, and you'll avoid the potential disappointment of a failed job.

Whether you are seeking out a retro kitchen renovation or are creating the cozy country kitchen of your dreams, pine is a material that is appealing due to its distinct look, its affordability and its availability at a wide range of retailers. You may also find it's easy to decorate around knotted pine, as its unique character lends itself to a particular rustic country aesthetic.

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