Choosing Timber for Cabinets: Veneer, Solid & Timber-Look Explained

Cabinetry Timber Types: Which One Is Right for Your Project?

Timber has consistently been a favoured choice for interior cabinetry, celebrated for its warmth, natural beauty, and durability. With advancements in technology, designers and homeowners now have access to a diverse array of timber products and timber-look alternatives, each offering unique characteristics, benefits, and applications. Among the most commonly compared options are timber-look products, timber veneer, and solid timber. By understanding the differences between these materials, you can make an informed decision that best suits your project's cabinetry needs and aesthetic preferences. 

Where to Use Timber Cabinets in the Home

Before we dive into the different types of timber for cabinets, let's take a look over the most common areas in a home, office or commercial project where you are likely to find cabinetry of some form in the space.

Kitchen Cabinets

Timber kitchen cabinets add warmth and elegance, offering styles from sleek modern to classic shaker designs. Light woods like oak create an airy feel, while darker tones add depth. Durable finishes ensure longevity, pairing beautifully with stone benchtops. The natural grain of timber enhances any kitchen, blending function with aesthetics for a timeless, inviting space.

Havwoods HW32100 Clicwall Brown, RealGrain | Corsendonk Turnova Hotel

Bathroom Vanities

Timber vanities bring organic elegance to bathrooms, softening tiled surfaces with warmth and texture. Moisture-resistant timbers like oak and teak ensure durability. Floating vanities create a spacious feel, while deep storage drawers keep essentials organized. Paired with matte black or brass fixtures, timber vanities enhance functionality while creating a spa-like retreat in any bathroom.

*All timber products are susceptible to damage from moisture, even if they are water resistant. When deciding whether to use timber in a bathroom or any other wet area, it is important to check with your supplier if your chosen product is suitable, requires extra precautions be taken during installation, or if there is any other important information you may need to make an informed decision on whether timber will be suitable in this space.

Havwoods PurePanel HW31018 Brienne

Living Room

Timber cabinetry in living rooms adds both function and craftsmanship. TV units, bookshelves, and consoles showcase natural textures while providing useful storage. Lighter tones feel fresh, while darker woods offer sophistication. Open shelving highlights décor, while closed units keep clutter hidden. Integrated LED lighting enhances timber’s warmth, creating a cozy, refined space that complements any interior style.

Bedroom and Wardrobes

Timber wardrobes and cabinetry bring more than just practicality to bedrooms. Custom joinery ensures seamless design, from built-in wardrobes to bedside storage. Light timber tones create a calming retreat, while darker hues add luxury. Sliding or pivot doors maximise space, and integrated drawers improve organisation. Paired with soft textiles, timber cabinetry enhances comfort and timeless appeal.

Havwoods Elegante Veneers

Types of Timber for Cabinets

With advancements in technology, designers and homeowners now have access to a diverse array of genuine timber and timber alternatives for cabinetry, each offering unique characteristics, benefits, and applications. Among the most compared options are timber-look products, genuine timber veneers, and solid timber. By understanding the differences between these materials, you can make an informed decision that best suits your project's needs and aesthetic preferences.

Timber-Look Products for Cabinetry

Timber-look materials are engineered to replicate the appearance of real timber while often being more cost-effective and low-maintenance. These products include laminate, vinyl, and hybrid flooring, as well as melamine panels for cabinetry and joinery. These are typically made by printing a high-resolution wood grain image onto a composite or synthetic base, sometimes with added texture for a realistic feel. Timber-look products are the top option for those looking to cut costs or working with a more limited budget.

Havwoods HW32106 Clicwall Light Natural RealGrain | Monument Office

Pros of Timber-Look Products:

• Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable than real timber or veneer.
• Durability: Resistant to scratches, moisture, and UV exposure, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and wet zones (always check with your supplier if your selected product is suitable for wet zones).
• Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and does not require refinishing or sealing.
• Design Variety: Available in a vast range of colours, grain patterns, and finishes, mimicking different timber species. 

Cons of Timber-Look Products:

• Lower Quality Products Can Lack Authenticity: While high-quality timber-look products can very closely resemble real wood, lower quality products can lack the natural variation and texture of real timber.
• Non-Renewable Surface: Unlike timber veneer or solid wood, they cannot be sanded or refinished.
• Environmental Considerations: Some products may contain synthetic materials and adhesives that have a negative environmental impact. Ensure you check with your supplier on the sustainability of your selected product.

Havwoods RealGrain sets a new benchmark for timber-look panels for cabinetry, combining durable and innovative, patented Master Oak Technology to deliver a hyper-realistic timber appearance and texture - along with the  sustainability of PEFC certification.

Timber Veneer

Timber veneer is a thin slice of real timber that is adhered to a substrate such as MDF (medium-density fibreboard) or plywood. This allows for the aesthetic appeal of natural wood while using significantly less timber material. Veneer is commonly used in cabinetry, furniture, and wall paneling, offering a sustainable and versatile solution that delivers the same benefits of real wood at a lower price point.

Havwoods Elegante Veneers

Pros of Timber Veneer used for Cabinetry:

• Genuine Aesthetic: As it is made from real wood, it features distinct grain patterns and the natural warmth and texture that only genuine timber can provide.
• Cost-Effective Alternative: More affordable than solid timber while still providing a genuine wood finish.
• Stable and Lightweight: Unlike solid timber, veneer does not expand or contract as much with temperature and humidity changes, reducing the risk of warping.
• Sustainable: Uses less wood per application, making it a more resource-efficient choice.

Cons of Timber Veneer:

• Limited Refinishing: Can only be lightly sanded and refinished a few times, if at all, due to its thin surface layer.
• Susceptible to Damage: Lower quality veneers can be more prone to chipping or peeling over time, especially at edges.
• Dependent on Substrate: The quality of the final product depends on the core material it is adhered to, which may not be as durable as solid timber. Check with your supplier on the quality of your selected products substrate.

Solid Timber

Solid timber is exactly as it sounds - wood in its purest form, milled from trees into planks or panels. It is widely used in cabinetry, furniture, and structural applications where durability and natural beauty are essential.

Pros of Solid Timber in Cabinetry:

• Longevity: Can last for generations when properly installed and maintained. 
• Refinishing Capability: Can be sanded and refinished multiple times, extending its lifespan.
• Natural Beauty: Offers unmatched depth, texture, and variation in grain patterns. 
• Strength and Durability: Highly durable and can withstand heavy use.

Cons of Solid Timber:

• Higher Cost: Generally significantly more expensive than timber veneer and timber-look alternatives.
• Maintenance Requirements: Needs periodic sanding, sealing, and care to prevent damage from moisture, pests, and wear.
• Prone to Expansion and Contraction: Can expand, shrink, or warp due to humidity and temperature changes, particularly if used in wet areas.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right timber option depends on your project, budget, and aesthetic preferences. If you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance solution, timber-look products may be ideal. If you want a balance between authenticity and cost-effectiveness, timber veneer offers a great middle ground that delivers all the benefits of solid timber cabinetry. For those who prioritise longevity and timeless beauty, solid timber may be your best choice where budget allows.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each material, you can select the best option that aligns with your design vision, project budget, and practical needs.

Havwoods PurePanel HW31028-Vertou | Green Home Kitchen

Find Your Timber Solution for Beautifully Crafted Cabinetry

Havwoods stock a range of products that are popular products for creating beautifully crafted cabinetry in a wide range of spaces from luxury homes to retail and commercial spaces. 

Explore our timber look Real Grain collection or our real wood timber veneers, PurePanel. For even more options, visit our showrooms or get in touch to speak with an experienced consultant who can recommend products to suit your specific needs.