Advantages:
- Durable
- Versatile
- Accessible
- Inexpensive
- Accepts stains
Disadvantages:
- Recommended only for rustic cabins and less formal kitchens
- Softest of cabinet woods, so hinges may need to be tightened periodically
OVERVIEW of Pine Cabinets:
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and the right choice for kitchen cabinets is key to the successful execution and ongoing use of the space. Now more than ever, you can choose from a diverse range of kitchen cabinet materials and finishes. For each aspect of home design and remodeling you can also strive to make choices that are 1) Functional, 2) Stylish, 3) Cost-Effective, and 4) Environmentally Sustainable. These are the four key guiding principles in the GREENandSAVE strategy. You will find that in certain cases, one or two of the criteria take precedent over others. However, as you review the home improvement options that are right for your home, you may be surprised to learn that reaching all four is more achievable than you thought.
Selection Tip: In choosing a kitchen cabinet material and finish make sure to think through the countertop and backsplash that will work best for your design and installation. Solid surface and natural stone materials typically need to be precut prior to installation versus tiles that can be cut and set right on the job site. Kitchen countertop backsplashes sometimes look great when they match the countertop material, but you can alternatively enhance the countertop material by choosing a different tile to run from the top edge of the counter all of the way up to the underside of the head cabinets. If you decide on the tiles, also take care in choosing the right color grout and look for new tile grouts that are stain resistant. Think of the kitchen cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes as an integrated kitchen design system, so try to avoid buying one before you get perspective and price out the materials, finishes, and installation implications for all three.
DETAILS on Pine Cabinets:
Pine cabinets are a popular option for kitchen remodeling due to their affordable price, casual look, and most importantly, their durability.
Pine cabinets are known for their versatility. Whether you want just a gloss over their naturally beautiful color or a dark stain to mimic a more expensive wood, the pine will naturally adapt to the color to give you the desired look.
Choosing an accessible wood when remodeling keeps the process simple. Pine is one of the most affordable wood options and it is used by most contractors. If you are looking to use a rarer wood, chances are you may have a harder time finding a contractor who will work with that specific type.
The one downside to working with pine is that it is the softest of cabinet woods. The hinges may need to be tightened periodically as they tend to pull out of the wood.
GREEN Considerations:
Pine is one of the best options if having an environmentally-friendly kitchen is at the top of your redecorating list. Pine trees grow quickly and are easily farmed. Along with being easily farmed, most pine tree farms use environmentally-healthy methods in their farming.
If you are considering pine to completely remodel your kitchen, do not fall into the habit of thinking everything has to be brand new. Are you simply updating your existing pine cabinetry? Good! Can any of it be reused? Even better.
If you decide to supply your kitchen with all-new pine, make sure to use FSC-certified or reclaimed wood. A Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification guarantees that wood is grown and harvested in a sustainable manner. Many companies also use reclaimed wood, meaning they use salvaged wood to produce beautiful products.
Columbia Forest Products is the largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood in North America. They have transformed their business to supply only formaldehyde-free products, an extremely beneficial factor for the environment, as well as your home.
Checking to be sure that the products you are placing in your home are manufactured and sold in eco-friendly ways is half the battle of keeping your home environmentally-friendly.
