Varieties

• Oak cabinets are constructed from two main species of oak: red and white. Red costs more than white because of its porous nature and need for a tougher finish. A member of the pecan family, hickory comes in only one variety and is thought to be an upgrade from oak because of its durability and strength. Both oak and hickory are considered hardwoods; they come from deciduous trees and are sustainable.
  
  

Appearence

• Oak grain varies in color from light to dark, pattern and knots. The flame-shaped grain can be tight with many lines close together, or open with fewer lines spaced further apart. Red oak has pinkish-brown heartwood and white sapwood, while white oak has light- to dark brown heartwood and light-colored sapwood. Hickory wood contains both light and dark coloring with an open, dark grain pattern. Hickory consists of brownish-red to brown sapwood and almost completely white heartwood. Both woods contain knots and mineral streaks.
  
  

Finishing

• Both oak and hickory cabinets take stains well and can be finished naturally. Colored finishes enhance oak grain the most, and natural or light-colored finishes complement hickory the best. Because of the natural color variations in hickory, stains don't apply evenly; opaque paint is recommended for a more even finish. White oak has a lighter tone than red oak when finished naturally.
  
  

Durability

• Since both are considered hardwoods, hickory and oak both have high durability. White oak soaks up less moisture and liquids than red oak because of its less porous nature, making it slightly more durable than red oak. Red oak is also lighter and less dense than white oak. Hickory exceeds oak in strength, density and weight. It is the most durable of woods in the United States.
  
  

Cost

• Generally, wood cabinets cost more than other types of cabinets, and domestic woods cost less than imported ones. Red oak costs more than white oak because it is considered a premium wood. Hickory costs less than red oak but more than white oak, since it is considered an upgrade from oak. Costs for both cabinet types also depend on the style of cabinet and its size.