Exotic Lumber for Cabinets

Using exotic lumber for cabinets is an easy way to update the look of your home. In most cases when this is done well you can increase the value of your home too. This is good to know if you are looking at renovations that will potentially add value to your home's price later.

There are several types of exotic lumber for cabinets. When you look at choosing an exotic wood you want to make sure that it will be suitable for cabinetry and can withstand the conditions in your average kitchen. Here's a quick look at a few of the more popular exotic lumbers suited for cabinetry.

African Padauk Lumber

This bright red wood is good for cabinetry. The finish can range from deep reds to a purple red color. It's a hard wood and will hold up well when tooled. However, it doesn't steam well, so if you want rounded shapes in the cabinetry you will need to find another exotic lumber to use.

Zebrawood Lumber

Zebrawood is becoming more popular as an exotic lumber for cabinets. The finish is named after the primary color scheme you'll find. In most cases it will have a light oak appearance with dark brown veining. Even though it is becoming more popular, it's not always best suited for cabinets. If you like the look of this it's better to find Zebrawood paneling to use on the exterior. Solid Zebrawood is very soft and can become damaged very easily.

Lacewood Lumber

Lacewood is a great variety of exotic lumber for cabinets. This has a rich appearance and a grainy finish. The finish resembles lacing, making it a unique option for any woodworking project. It's also relatively affordable when compared to other exotic wood types. It's sturdy enough to use power tools with, and soft enough to be steamed. The finished product should be treated with a preservative to help keep bugs away.

Honduras Mahogany Lumber

Unlike other types of Mahogany, Honduras or Central American Mahogany has a lighter finish. You'll still get that rich, deep, color that you have with most other Mahoganies, but in a slightly redder color. It's expensive and often used in high end cabinetry.