The Most Coveted Materials for Expensive Kitchen Cabinetry

When designing an ultra-luxury kitchen, no expense is spared in selecting the most exclusive, coveted materials for the cabinetry. From rare imported woods to natural stone and premium metal finishes, the sky's the limit when creating bespoke, high-end kitchen cabinets.

While typical kitchen cabinets use laminates, vinyl wraps, and veneers over fiberboard or plywood, luxury kitchens demand solid, all-natural materials cut and finished by master craftsmen. These raw materials carry premium price tags due to their unmatched beauty, durability, and cachet.

Solid Hardwoods

Exotic tropical hardwoods are widely regarded as the most desirable materials for superior kitchen cabinets. Mahogany, teak, and rosewood offer stunning grains, rich colors, and stand the test of time.

Mahogany

With its characteristic reddish-brown hue and smooth texture, mahogany remains a beloved choice. Its density makes it resistant to insects, warping from moisture, and everyday wear and tear. Mahogany offers a timeless elegance perfectly suited for prominent cabinets, large doors, and sturdy drawers.

Since overharvesting has made mahogany more rare, ethical sourcing from sustainable forests is a must.

Teak

Teak brings a golden brown color and pronounced grain patterns to kitchen cabinets. Its high oil content makes it naturally resistant to water, ideal for the splashes and spills of a kitchen. As teak ages, it develops a stately silvery patina.

This handsome hardwood is most often seen on cabinet doors and frames rather than large surfaces. Its distinguishing look adds flair.

Rosewood

The most dramatic of exotic woods, rosewood stuns with its bold dark brown coloring and streaks of black and purple. When polished to a glossy finish, its smooth texture and minimal grain patterns shine. This density also makes rosewood extremely durable and scratch resistant.

Since rosewood has such a striking appearance, it is often used sparingly as an accent wood combined with more lightweight breathtaking visual impact.

Exotic Imported Woods

For the ultimate expression of luxury, many designers favor rare imported woods. Zebrawood, bubinga, wenge, and pau ferro are just a few of the options harvested from Africa, Asia, and South America then shipped to exclusive designers internationally. While impossibly expensive, they create one-of-a-kind kitchens.

Zebrawood

True to its name, zebrawood is recognized by its amazing striped pattern, resembling a zebra's coat. The coloring ranges from golden tan to chocolate brown. Despite its delicate appearance, zebrawood is quite hard and dense, making it extremely durable for cabinets and fixtures subject to regular use.

The eye-catching alternating grain provides a punch of drama when used for cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and other accents throughout the kitchen.

Bubinga

Bubinga offers a reddish-brown canvas enlivened by arcs and swirls of darker grain mimicking water. This dynamic patterned wood seems to change depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. Bubinga also repels fungi, mold, and mildew - perfect for the moisture of kitchens.

When polished, bubinga develops a lustrous glow. It pairs beautifully with metal finishes and natural stone for tremendous visual impact.

Natural Stone

For centuries, natural stone has conveyed luxury in architectural design. Marble, granite, quartzite, and other natural stones elevate kitchen cabinetry to breathtaking new heights.

No two slabs have the same patterning, making each kitchen utterly unique. While incredibly durable, natural stone requires meticulous installation and sealing by specialized professionals.

Marble

The epitome of timeless elegance, marble has been used in palaces and manors since antiquity. Available in a stunning spectrum from crisp white Carrara to bold emerald green, marble imparts smooth texture, graceful veining, and effortless luxury.

Marble requires diligent sealing to prevent stains and etching in kitchens. For individuals seeking a classic, enduring look, marble is hard to surpass.

Granite

Granite has become a status symbol of the luxury kitchen, and for good reason. This rugged natural stone has unparalleled strength and scratch resistance. Its crystalline structure and diverse color options create one-of-a-kind visual appeal.

Since granite can withstand high temperatures, it is an ideal surface for busy kitchens. The sheer permanence and natural beauty of granite delivers an instant feeling of expensive sophistication.

Stainless Steel

While ubiquitous in appliances, stainless steel plays a starring role in contemporary luxury kitchen cabinetry. Its industrial sleekness provides a dashing contrast to the warmth of wood cabinetry.

Brushed stainless finishes deter fingerprints and are easily wiped clean. This metal integrates seamlessly into professional-grade ranges and refrigerators.

Matte Black Stainless

For those desiring a darker, moodier look, matte black stainless finishes bring a cutting-edge sophistication to ultra-modern kitchens. The soft, glare-free surface hides fingerprints and smudges effortlessly.

The richness of black stainless steel juxtaposed with exotic wood grains or creamy marble tops creates drama sure to impress.

Glass

Glass cabinet doors create a stunning focal point and illuminate interiors like no other material can. Etched, frosted, leaded, or colored glass caters to diverse aesthetics. Display cabinets with interior lighting highlight beloved china, crystal, and collectibles.

Leaded Glass

Leaded glass cabinet doors and inserts provide old-world ornate embellishment. Metallic accents between geometric or floral stained glass patterns cast warm, inviting radiance throughout the kitchen. For contemporary contexts, clear leaded glass accents lend a touch of timeless glamour.

Copper & Brass

The warmth and radiance of copper and brass bring a decorative flair while harnessing natural anti-microbial properties. That functionality meshes beautifully with the demands of a kitchen.

Over time, copper and brass develop an appealing patina that adds character and vintage charm. Metallic inlays and hardware crafted from these handsome materials provide an irreplaceable handmade artistry.

From hand selected tropical hardwoods to dramatic imported exotic species, natural stone surfaces, glasswork, and metal touches, the most coveted materials compose luxury kitchens unmatched in beauty, distinction, and sheer extravagance.

With knowledgeable designers guiding the way, the proper selection and masterful execution of these premium materials creates a cherished kitchen beyond compare - an everyday space transformed into an oasis of style.