Six Wood Grades For Cabinet Doors From Cutting Edge
Confused by cabinet door wood grades? Learn the difference between builder, select, rustic & more, plus how to choose the right grade.
You’re reading this article because you’re not sure what you’re getting when you order cabinet doors. You know there are different wood grades, but what do the grades mean? Which one fits your project, your finish, and your budget? And how do you avoid choosing the wrong grade?
At Cutting Edge, we’ve built custom cabinet doors for over 20 years. We know that a poorly informed choice can derail a project. That’s why we’ve created clear, easy-to-understand wood grades for cabinet doors so you always know exactly what you’re getting.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- The six typical cabinet door wood grades
- What to expect from each wood grade
- How to choose the correct wood grade for your needs
Choose From Six Wood Grades For Cabinet Doors
First, it’s important to understand that wood grades aren’t the same as lumber grades. Lumber mills assign the lumber grades. On the other hand, cabinet door wood grades are assigned by cabinet door suppliers, like us at Cutting Edge, to set clear expectations for appearance, finish, and use.
Most cabinet door manufacturers offer similar options but may use different names. At Cutting Edge, we offer six wood grades:
| Grade Name | Recommended Use | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Builder Grade | Dark stained finishes | Colour variation; no knots or cracks |
| Standard Grade | Medium to dark stained finishes | Minor colour variation and some pin knots; no knots or cracks |
| Select Grade | Clear, whitewash, or natural finishes | Minimal colour and grain variation; no noticeable defects |
| Paint Grade | Painted finishes | No colour sorting; minimal knots and cracks |
| Knotty Grade | Rustic or farmhouse looks | No colour sorting; tight knots and cracks |
| Rustic Grade | Rustic or farmhouse looks | No colour sorting; open or see-through knots and cracks |
What To Expect From Builder Grade Cabinet Doors
Builder grade is the most natural and (generally) the most affordable option. It works best when under dark stains that hide minor visual flaws.
You should expect:
- Larger mineral streaks and pin knots
- Colour variation
- Budget-friendly pricing
Builder grade cabinet doors are not ideal for light finishes or clear coats where grain and colour matter most.
What To Expect From Standard Grade Cabinet Doors
Standard grade cabinet doors are the most common option, and offer a middle ground between quality and affordability. It’s visually appealing but still budget-conscious.
You should expect:
- Some pin knots, occasional mineral streaks
- Moderate colour variation
- Less uniformity than select grade cabinet doors
Standard grade cabinet doors are not ideal for light or natural finishes, or where grain and colour matter most.
What To Expect From Select Grade Cabinet Doors
Select grade is all about consistency. It is the best choice if you’re going for a clear, natural, or light stain.
You should expect:
- Uniform grain and colour
- Carefully sorted materials for maximum colour consistency
- Much higher price point
Select grade cabinet doors are not ideal for jobs on a budget and can get away with more colour variation.
What To Expect From Paint Grade Cabinet Doors
Paint grade is the practical choice for painted doors. Since the natural wood won’t be visible, this grade allows for variation that would be unacceptable under a clear finish but won’t show once painted.
You should expect:
- Colour variation and grain pattern that won’t telegraph through paint
- Small knots, mineral streaks, or other characteristics that won’t affect the final painted look
- Stable materials like MDF panels that minimize movement under paint
Paint Grade cabinet doors are not ideal for projects using clear or stained finishes where uniform colour and visible wood grain matter.
What To Expect From Knotty Grade Cabinet Doors
Knotty grade celebrates the natural characteristics of wood. It’s perfect if your style leans towards farmhouse, rustic, or lodge style.
You should expect:
- Visible knots, darker grain lines, and character-rich boards
- Best with natural, clear, or light stains
- Moderate cost, lots of personality
Knotty grade cabinet doors are not ideal for customers who want consistent results or a painted finish.
What To Expect From Rustic Grade Cabinet Doors
Rustic grade doors are even more character-focused than Knotty grade doors. Almost anything goes, as long as it doesn’t affect the structural stability of the door.
You should expect:
- Random colour contrast, open knots, cracks, and sapwood
- Best with natural, clear or light stains
- Moderate cost and lots of personality
Rustic grade is bold and unique, so it’s not ideal for customers who want a consistent look or painted finish.
How To Choose The Correct Wood Grade For Cabinet Doors
Choosing the right grade depends on two key things: the finish type and budget. To help decide which grade is right for your project, ask yourself:
- What kind of finish will you use?
- Use paint grade material for painted finishes
- Use builder or standard grade material for dark or medium stained finishes
- Use select grade material for light stained, clear lacquer or whitewash finishes
- What is your client’s budget?
- Builder grade and paint grade materials offer some savings
- Select grade materials are a premium option with a price to match
- Which matters more – character or consistency?
- Choose knotty or rustic materials if your customer wants a unique, character-heavy result.
- Choose select grade materials if your customer wants a consistent result.
- Will you be matching existing cabinet doors?
- Send pictures to your cabinet door supplier if you’re unsure about the grade used for the existing doors.
No matter what your project looks like, choosing the right wood grade sets the tone for the final result. It ensures your finish meets your customer’s expectations, your budget stays on track, and your client walks away happy.
Learn How To Price Out Your Cabinet Doors Online
At the end of the day, ordering cabinet doors shouldn’t feel like guesswork. You can’t afford problems as a busy contractor trying to avoid costly re-dos or delays. Now that you’ve learned from Cutting Edge how to choose the right wood grade, it’s time to make a confident, informed decision for your next project.
So what’s your next step? Learn how to price your cabinet doors online and see how each wood grade fits your budget and timeline.
