🪵 Hardwood vs. Softwood: What Homeowners Should Know Before Choosing Wood for Custom Cabinets
- Sam Lita
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
“Just because it’s called a hardwood doesn’t mean it’s hard—and just because it’s a softwood doesn’t mean it’s soft.”
Yep, it sounds backwards, but that’s one of the first things we explain to clients who come into the shop. If you’re planning a remodel, custom cabinetry, or furniture build in California, understanding the difference between hardwood and softwood is a game changer. 🧠✨
Let’s break it all down!
🌳 Hardwood vs. Softwood: What’s the Real Difference?
Here’s the first myth to bust:🛠️ Hardwood and softwood don’t get their names from how tough or soft the wood is. It’s all about tree biology.
Hardwoods come from deciduous trees—the ones that drop their leaves in the fall 🍂 (like oak, walnut, and cherry).
Softwoods come from coniferous trees—those evergreen trees 🌲 that keep their needles year-round (like pine, fir, and cedar).
"People always think hardwood = hard wood. But you got things like poplar or alder—both hardwoods, but soft as heck.”
The terms confuse a lot of folks, especially when they walk in thinking they need “the hardest wood” for cabinets. Truth is, you’ve got soft hardwoods and hard softwoods. 🤯
🧰 Woods We Actually Use in the Shop
At Arden Cabinet, we mostly work with hardwoods, especially for custom cabinetry and furniture. Why? Because they give us a durable, long-lasting finish, and they just look great. Here's what we use most:
Mahogany – Gorgeous, rich tone. High-end look. Easy to work with. A classic.
Red Oak – Durable, stainable, water-resistant. Great all-around cabinet wood.
Walnut – Dark, elegant, premium. We love it for statement pieces.
Cherry – Deepens in color over time. Warm and timeless.
Maple – Super dense, strong, and great for modern styles.
Alder – Technically a hardwood, but super soft and easy to work with.
Poplar – Also soft for a hardwood, ideal for paint-grade projects.
How to Choose the Right Wood for Your Project
Whether you're doing a kitchen remodel, a bathroom vanity, or a DIY built-in, here are a few questions we always ask clients:
1. Is it stain-grade or paint-grade?
Want the wood grain to show? Go stain-grade = hardwoods.
Painting it? Save money and go with softer woods like poplar or pine.
2. How much abuse will it take?
Kids slamming cabinet doors all day? Go hardwood.
Decorative piece in a guest room? Softwood might be fine.
3. Who’s going to use it?
“If it’s for the kids, I’m going hardwood. If it’s for grandma, I might go softwood.”
4. Are you into a traditional or modern look?
Cherry, oak, and walnut lean classic.
Maple and paint-grade poplar feel more modern.
Hardwood vs Softwood: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Hardwood | Softwood |
Durability | ✅✅✅ High – tough, long-lasting | ✅ Lower – dents more easily |
Cost | 💰💰💰 Higher upfront | 💰 Budget-friendly |
Finish Look | ✨ Rich grain, great for staining | 🎨 Often painted |
Workability | ⚒️ Depends – maple is dense, alder is soft | 🧰 Usually easier to cut and shape |
Vibe | 👑 Classy, timeless, traditional | 🌾 Cozy, rustic, casual |
💬 Real Talk from the Shop
Let’s be real — there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wood.
We lean toward hardwoods because they hold up, finish beautifully, and bring serious presence to any space. But here’s the truth:
Some hardwoods are soft. Some softwoods are tougher than you’d think. What really matters is:
How will it be used?
How do you want it to look in 5 years?
Are you staining, painting, or showcasing grain?
We don’t pick wood by name.We pick it by performance, style, and how well it fits your life.
Ready to Choose the Perfect Wood for Your Project? 🔨✨
Whether you’re dreaming of stunning custom cabinets or one-of-a-kind furniture, picking the right wood is the foundation for success.
If you want to go beyond the basics and get the full scoop on hardwood vs. softwood — including insider tips, real-world examples, and what to avoid — we’ve got you covered.
Watch our full video where I break down everything you need to know to make the smartest choice for your home or business. Don’t guess. Choose with confidence.
Comments