Wooden kitchens, the strength and beauty of using solid woods.

The materials you choose when planning your kitchen play a crucial role in both its aesthetic appeal and its long-term durability. 

At Cub we believe in the timeless elegance and exceptional quality of solid woods. We use ash, oak, tulipwood or quality hardwoods like birch ply in all our kitchens. Not only are we advocates of their natural beauty, we believe they are the optimum materials to use for high traffic areas like kitchens offering durability and hardiness. 

Wooden kitchen with slatted detail island.

Made from oak veneered birch ply.

Why do we use hard woods?

Hardwood kitchens offer superior strength, resistance to moisture, heat and offer a unique character that enhances any home. Unlike MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) and melamine-face Chipboard, which can chip, swell, and degrade over time, hardwood is an investment that will last for generations with proper care

The characteristics of oak, ash, tulipwood and birch ply. 

Oak, ash and tulipwood samples.

Oak 

Look: Features a prominent open grain with distinct ridges and valleys, often with a warm golden hue. It offers a classic, timeless look that ages gracefully. 

Qualities: It's extremely durable, hardwearing and resistant to wear and tear making it ideal for high traffic areas like kitchens. 

Oak features a prominent grain

Oak cabinet doors with discreet matt black cabinet pull.

Ash

Look: Features an open grain with a lighter hue compared to oak. It offers a clean, brighter look and can be stained, oiled and painted to create your desired look. 

Qualities: Ash is strong hardwood making it highly resistant to dents, scratches, and everyday wear and tear. This durability makes it an excellent choice for kitchens. 

Ash is relatively easy to work with, allowing for intricate designs and detailed craftsmanship.

Tulipwood 

Look: Tulipwood is a hardwood species native to North America, it has a straight, fine grain with a subtle, uniform pattern. Typically it's a pale yellow to creamy white colour, sometimes with a greenish tinge. 

Qualities: While it isn't as strong as other woods, such as Oak, its workability and attractive nature make it a popular choice. Tulipwood is also fast-growing, making it a relatively sustainable wood choice.

Birch plywood

Untreated birch ply

Look: Technically an engineered wood, birch plywood is made from layers of birch glued together to create an extremely strong, easily workable wood. The smooth, even grain is also attractive and it has a pale, ivory hue which creates a light, contemporary feel.  

Qualities: It is known for its exceptional strength and stiffness, making it a robust material for kitchen cabinetry. It's highly resistant to warping, twisting, and shrinking, ensuring long-lasting performance and maintaining its shape over time.

Sustainability 

Sourcing timber from a local sawmill.

We endeavour to use local timber.

We only use hardwoods from suppliers who are certified by credible organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). This ensures the wood comes from responsibly managed forests where ecological, social, and economic sustainability is prioritised. We endeavour to use locally sourced timber from local sawmills.  

Incorporating solid wood into your kitchen design

There are numerous ways to incorporate solid wood into your kitchen design, not just through your cabinetry:

• Worktops: While requiring more care than other materials, solid wood worktops offer a warm and inviting surface for food preparation. They add a touch of rustic charm to any kitchen.

• Flooring: Solid wood flooring creates a beautiful and comfortable surface underfoot. It adds warmth and character to your kitchen and complements the natural beauty of solid wood cabinetry.

• Shelving: Solid wood shelving is a stylish and functional way to display your favourite kitchen items. It adds a touch of warmth and texture to your kitchen.

• Decorative Accents: From corbels and mouldings to custom-made spice racks and chopping boards, solid wood can be used to create unique and personalised details 

  At Cub we believe in the enduring quality of solid wooden kitchens and are committed to using only the finest materials, locally sourced materials in our kitchens. To discuss the benefits of using solid wood in your kitchen, book a kitchen session.