What is the Best Wood For Your Bespoke Kitchen?

Choosing the right wood for your bespoke kitchen is an important decision; one that takes into consideration aesthetics, durability, and the actual practical needs of a working kitchen. Here at Hugo & Blake, we take great pride in the materials we use, ensuring that each beautiful kitchen we create is built to last. This commitment to quality begins with the timber we select for our cabinets, which forms the backbone of every kitchen we create.

kitchen island with stools

The importance of quality wood

The wood chosen for your kitchen plays a significant role in the final product's appearance and longevity. The best wood should offer durability, stability, and a pleasing aesthetic that complements the overall design of your home. When it comes to bespoke kitchens, where every detail is tailored to your needs, the quality of the wood is paramount.

Tulipwood: the perfect choice for painted kitchens

At Hugo & Blake, we use tulipwood for our kitchen fascias and doors. Tulipwood, also known as yellow poplar, is a hardwood that perfectly suits the demands of a painted kitchen. It combines strength and stability with a fine, knot-free grain that ensures a smooth, flawless finish when painted. This makes tulipwood an excellent choice for homeowners looking for painted cabinets that will maintain their beauty over time.

The knot-free grain of tulipwood is particularly advantageous for achieving a high-quality painted finish. Knots can cause paint to crack or flake over time, but with tulipwood, the smooth surface allows for even paint application, resulting in a durable and visually appealing finish that lasts.

handmade kitchen cabinets in blue

Sourcing sustainable wood

Hugo & Blake is committed to using wood from responsible sources, ensuring that all our materials are as environmentally friendly as possible. Our timber and sheet materials carry certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), organisations that promote sustainable forest management worldwide.

Our commitment to sustainability means that when you choose a Hugo & Blake kitchen, you can be confident that your handmade cabinets are made from ethically sourced materials. We do not use tropical hardwoods, which are often associated with deforestation and environmental degradation. 

Carcasses built for strength and longevity

The carcasses of our cabinets are available in a variety of materials, each chosen for its strength and durability. We offer options such as beech or oak-veneered Engineered High-Density Board, birch-faced plywood, and solid oak. Each of these materials is carefully selected to provide a robust foundation for your kitchen, ensuring that it will withstand the rigours of daily use.

All carcass sides and edges are finished with a lacquered coat in clear, golden, mid, or dark stain, depending on your preference. This finish brings out the wood’s natural beauty and makes it easy to clean and maintain, adding to the longevity of your kitchen.

kitchen island and breakfast bar

Building a kitchen that’s uniquely yours

No two kitchens are the same at Hugo & Blake, and we take pride in creating bespoke kitchens that are tailored to fit perfectly within the space they’re made for. From the size and configuration of the cabinets to the finish of the wood, every detail has the customers’ needs in mind.


From traditional designs with a distressed paint finish or a modern kitchen with sleek, clean lines, our master cabinet makers and kitchen design team will work with you to bring your vision to life. If you’d like to find out more about how Hugo & Blake can create your dream bespoke kitchen, or would like to book a free consultation, please get in touch.

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Posted on August 22nd 2024

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