How Oak Kitchen Cabinets Can Increase Your Home's Resale Value?

American kitchens have been blessed with the magic of oak since the 1980s. Effortlessly charming and uniquely durable, oak cabinetry continues to wow homeowners to date. And guess what? Oak kitchen cabinets are believed to significantly impact the resale value of a house.

But merely incorporating classic orange oak cabinetry won't help. You'll need to thoughtfully include the warmth of oak across your culinary space. Here's how.

Create a Focal Point With Oak Kitchen Cabinets

A rose will never be beautiful if we don't call it so, right? The same goes for oak kitchen cabinets. It's sad to see contemporary kitchens with vast stretches of oak cabinetry. It’s boring and overpowering things unnecessarily. Instead, tone down the scene by making oak cabinets a focal point.

Start by installing an eye-catching backsplash or introducing a statement range hood to divert attention from the oak cabinet. Low on budget? Relax! Get a patterned rug on the floor to balance the visual impact across the kitchen.

Tone Down the Orangish Hue

All oak kitchen cabinets carry an orangish hue that can make your kitchen appear too warm. So, it makes sense to counteract the impact by incorporating cool hues like greens and blues. Backsplashes are an immediate choice, but one can also work with green and blue kitchen accessories and gray wall colors.

Accessorizing Is a Great Idea

Kitchen cabinets are all about utilizing the power of wood to tap into neutral visual impact. With oakwood, you can always take things up a notch by accessorizing them with ornamental pieces. Got a color palette you like? Stick to it as you introduce other things to the scene, like small kitchen appliances, planters, vases, and dish towels. Pay attention to the lighting because the ambiance is everything. Go for fixtures that readily complement existing aesthetics.

A Touch of Contemporary for Classic Oak Kitchen Cabinets

Homeowners who prefer a modern, natural look for their kitchen cabinets usually opt for lacquer-free models. To strike a contrast, pair it with contemporary pulls and a backsplash featuring geometric shapes. Introducing artwork to the scene is also an excellent way to even out the vibe of bulkier wood surfaces.

Mix-N-Match Wood Tones

Crave for an updated look for your kitchen? Try mixing and matching wood tones for oak kitchen cabinets. Pair darker cabinets against lighter tones like rustic wood that bring out the natural beauty of wood grains. If you like to keep it subtle, use rich shades like walnut.

Keep it Light With Oak Kitchen Cabinets

For some homeowners, the vibe of oak kitchen cabinets can be a tad bit heavy. That’s why opting for lighter tones across other areas like walls, countertops, and floors works great. Steel, glass, and any shiny surfaces are your best companions. For instance, pairing a natural oak cabinet against a sheer white wall with gray accents instantly gives the visual lift one desires.

Try Two-Tone Cabinets

Do you think you’re missing the punch with oak kitchen cabinets? Say yes to two-tone. Get the base cabinets painted in accent colors to add visual interest and leave the other half natural to blend seamlessly with the kitchen interiors. If you aren’t sure of the hue, trust classic white that easily pairs with all oak cabinetry. Replicate the color combination for other accessories for a neat color scheme.

FAQs:

Q: Are oak kitchen cabinets expensive?

A: Generally, oak kitchen cabinets cost between $1200 and $4000. However, the price can go up depending on the hardware one chooses.

Q: Which oak wood is the best for kitchen cabinets?

A: When it comes to strength, white oaks are preferred over the red ones. White oakwood has a Janka hardness score of 1360 lbf in comparison to red oak (1220 lbf). If you like wooden planks for your kitchen cabinets that can withstand rough handling, white oaks should be your go-to thing.

Q: How long do oak kitchen cabinets last?

A: Oak is the most durable wood available for professional carpentry. Oakwood cabinets can easily last 40-50 years with minimal maintenance.

Q: How to upgrade the look of oak kitchen cabinets?

A: Start by replacing the hardware. Hardware is like jewelry in a culinary space. Go for warm metal options like copper, bronze, and brass, which readily match the natural warmth of oak cabinets.

Q: How to clean and maintain the shine of oak kitchen cabinets?

A: Maintaining the natural shine of oak kitchen cabinets is easy! Take some salt and mix it in vinegar to make a paste. Next, take an old toothbrush and dip it in to scrub a particular area. Work in small touches and keep a light hand, or you’ll scratch the wood permanently. When you’re done, rinse off with water, and pat dry using a towel.

Q: How do I check for the authenticity of oak kitchen cabinets?

A: Whether you buy offline or from an online retailer, your oak kitchen cabinet should come with proof of authenticity and a warranty card. Still, there are some ways you can determine if you're getting real oakwood for the price paid. First, check for the color. Real oakwood comes in different hues and has distinct textures that separate it from other kinds of wood. For example, a pale honey oak cabinet will have various shades, from red to white. The other thing you need to pay attention to is the open graining that reflects more light than it absorbs.