If you love a rustic kitchen, both cedar cabinets and knotty alder cabinets are choices available to you. Cedar has rich color and distinctive grain patterns. Its natural aroma adds a layer of nature’s charm. On the other hand, knotty alder boasts a unique rustic appeal with its prominent knots and varied grain, giving your cabinets a truly one-of-a-kind rustic look.
Let’s discuss the differences between these two materials, and which you should choose for your kitchen cabinets.
Cedar Cabinets Pros and Cons
Cedar is a durable softwood species. Cedar cabinets are rot-resistant, largely due to their natural oil content and tight grain structure. This wood accepts stains well and is great for outdoor applications, humid environments, and rustic cabins.
This cedar kitchen with 5-piece door style is full of country wilderness charm. A matching cedar plank ceiling creates a rustic cabin look.
Cedar cabinets for indoor use in a traditional North American Home is not a common choice. Cedar is not as affordable as knotty alder, which creates a similar look in a home. Cedar cabinets for a traditional home would not benefit from many of the advantages of cedar wood, like its weather or pest-resistant qualities. That doesn’t mean it’s not doable, if this material is what your heart desires and if price is not a concern.
This modern rustic British Columbia cabin boasts a stunning cedar kitchen.
Cedar shines in traditional cabins (that may not be temperature-controlled) and outdoor kitchens. They are resistant to moisture, so if you live in an environment with extreme humidity or temperature fluctuation, cedar may be a great choice for rustic-style wood cabinets.
Are cedar cabinets a good idea?
Cedar cabinets are ideal for outdoor applications, humid environments, and rustic cabins. They are not the best choice for standard indoor kitchens.
Cedar Cabinets Compared to Knotty Alder
If you like the look of cedar cabinets but don’t require the moisture resistance qualities of cedar, knotty alder is a great alternative for indoor spaces.
This knotty alder kitchen showcases natural characteristics across the entire room. A modern country dream!
Knotty alder has beautiful open and closed knots, which create a stunning rustic look for kitchen cabinets. This is a fairly inexpensive wood for cabinets, which is great for your renovation budget. Knotty alder can be stained in a variety of shades and colors. The classic cedar smell is the only aesthetic quality alder can’t replicate. Otherwise, the alder cabinets will look very similar to a traditional kitchen.
Alternating between a smooth center panel and a beadboard style cabinet creates even more rustic texture.
Which should you pick?
The choice between cedar or knotty alder depends on your preferences for aesthetics, price, and environmental needs. Cedar is the best choice for outdoor and cabin applications, where knotty alder is best for indoor residential kitchens. If you prefer rustic home design and love the look of wood, cedar cabinets or knotty alder cabinets are both great choices.
