How to Match Kitchen Countertops with Natural Wood Cabinets

Remodeling a kitchen can be a big undertaking. There are so many aspects of a kitchen remodel to consider — and let’s be honest, you can’t be an expert on everything. But with the help of your trusty kitchen countertop specialists (that’s us!), you can learn quickly.

One aspect of kitchen remodeling that we see homeowners struggle with the most is color palette. Like we said, there are so many components to consider within a kitchen, and making sure they all complement each other aesthetically isn’t an easy thing to do. 

So, let’s start with the basics here. Let’s talk about how to match your kitchen countertops with one of the most common cabinet materials: natural wood. We’ll look at different types of natural wood cabinets, and which countertops best accompany them. 

Kitchen Countertops and Natural Wood Cabinets: Which Combinations Are the Most Appealing?

First thing’s first — there truly are no wrong answers here. If you prefer a certain style or something speaks to you, capitalize on that. After all, it is your kitchen! 

However, if you’re struggling and in need of recommendations, we’re here to help. Here are a few kitchen countertop and natural wood cabinet combination suggestions from our professionals. 

Best Kitchen Countertops for Oak Cabinets

Oak cabinets offer classic appeal, which is why they’re so popular among homeowners and rental property owners alike. Different types of granite and quartz countertops complement oak cabinets well. 

Granite Countertops & Oak Cabinets

When matching granite countertops with oak cabinets, you can go one of two ways. If your cabinets aren’t stained or have a lighter color stain, it’s best to keep that brightness alive and choose a lighter color granite, like rose or light brown. If your cabinets have a darker stain, a black or dark brown granite countertop is a great way to enhance their richness. 

Quartz Countertops & Oak Cabinets

Quartz countertops available in many colors similar to granite, so the same general color pattern can be followed to match the oak wood cabinets. Lighter tones call for white or light brown quartz countertops, while darker shades call for black or dark brown. 

Something cool about quartz is that it gives homeowners the opportunity to experiment with pops of color. Many styles have pink, gold, or green flecks within them, so finding a countertop that matches your personal aesthetic can be exciting!

Best Kitchen Countertops for Maple Cabinets

Maple cabinets are known for their fine texture and smooth, uniform grains. In their natural form, they’re generally a light color — but they can be stained to be darker, similarly to oak cabinets. That said, the best kitchen countertop options for maple cabinets are very similar to those of oak cabinets: granite and quartz. 

Granite Countertops & Maple Cabinets

Pairing a light maple wood cabinet with a granite countertop that’s dark brown or black has the ability to create an aesthetically pleasing visual contrast in your kitchen. On the other hand, choosing a light-colored granite countertop could help brighten the room — which may be especially important if your kitchen feels a bit cramped. 

Quartz Countertops & Maple Cabinets

Similar to what we’ve mentioned previously, quartz options are very similar to granite options when it comes to matching your kitchen countertops with a natural wood. Go for contrast with a darker color, or go for brightening the room with a lighter one. 

But if you’re looking to achieve a unique color tone for your kitchen, quartz is the way to go. Choose a lighter quartz slab with those speckles of green, pink, or gold, and watch what it does to add charm to your space!

Best Kitchen Countertops for Cherry Cabinets

Cherry cabinets have a natural red-brown color that emanates a rich, luxurious appeal. To complement that, you need a countertop that does the same — and marble is the way to go. 

Marble Countertops & Cherry Cabinets

Marble countertops offer intricate veining and a variety of colors to ensure a sleek, highly designed look for your kitchen. Find them in the whitest of white tones, all the way to the darkest of black tones. No matter what your personal preference is, both styles of marble countertops are sure to match the red hues of cherry cabinets well. 

Get More Kitchen Countertop Recommendations from the Team at Kowalski Granite & Quartz

If you’re looking for new kitchen countertops to match your natural wood cabinets, all of us at Kowalski Granite & Quartz would love to help! We have a large selection of various countertop styles, materials, and colors for you to choose from, and we’re happy to provide recommendations to guide your project. Contact our team to get started.