The 9 Best Wood Species to Paint (And Why)

When painting wood, not all species are created equal.

Choosing the right wood – whether you’re working on cabinets, furniture, or trim work – can make the difference between a professional, perfect finish and a frustrating project that requires multiple coats and touch-ups.

Wood Porosity: The Key to a Successful Paint Job

One of the secrets to selecting paintable wood is porosity.

Ring-porous woods have small, scattered pores throughout their structure. This makes them stronger and quicker to paint since they don’t absorb excessive amounts of product.

On the flip side, diffuse-porous woods like oak and walnut have larger, less dense pores that tend to absorb paint easily. This can make it challenging to paint without requiring multiple layers.

Top Wood Species for Painting Projects

1. Cherry

Widely considered the best wood for painted cabinets, cherry offers a nice smooth surface. While it may contain tiny pin knots and natural oils, proper priming can easily address these issues and deliver excellent results.

2. MDRF (Medium Density Refined Fiberboard)

Though heavier than solid wood, MDF provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly option with a smooth painting surface. It’s perfect for budget-conscious projects without sacrificing quality.

3. Soft Maple

Highly favored in cabinetry, soft maple doesn’t fuzz up during sanding like some other species. It also tends to have a lower absorption rate which creates smooth finishes with fewer coats.

4. Birch

While more expensive than budget options, birch can withstand heavy use – even from toddlers and teens! It’s a smart choice for furniture or high-traffic areas. Make sure to prep the wood properly and allow for adequate drying time.

5. Poplar

Affordable, workable and stable, poplar sands easily and has fine grain that accepts paint beautifully. A painted finish can also help protect this softer wood species from denting.

6. Paint Grade Maple

Though color consistency isn’t monitored, paint grade maple takes paint very well, making it a smart choice for projects where the natural wood color will be completely covered.

7. Beech

With its subtle, tight grain pattern, beech isn’t much to look at naturally. But that makes it perfect for painting! Proper prep work and cleaning will ensure its excellent paint-holding qualities.

8. Alder

This smooth, softer wood lacks distinct heartwood and sapwood, and takes paint well overall. However, it has a high absorption rate for primer and can fuzz during sanding, so plan accordingly.

9. Pine

Widely available and painter-friendly for those with expertise, pine requires careful selection. Choose a clear pine to prevent sap from seeping through the painted finish over time.

Making Your Choice

When choosing wood for your next painting project, prioritize species with tight, small pores and smooth surfaces.

While some options require more prep work or specific techniques, choosing the right wood from the start will save time, money, and frustration in the long run!

Have questions about the best wood species for your next project? Contact our team anytime – we’re here to help!