Materials · 21 Oct 2026 · 5 min

Solid wood or board for your kitchen? How to choose in 2026

Mvule, mahogany, MDF, plywood: where each one belongs, and why higher import costs on boards change the maths.

A luxury kitchen can be built well in solid hardwood or in premium board. The right choice depends on where the piece sits, how it is used and how you want it to age.

Where solid wood shines

Doors, drawer fronts, worktop edges, open shelving and freestanding furniture. Kenyan hardwoods such as mvule and mahogany are dense, stable when properly seasoned and can be sanded and refinished for decades.

Where board makes sense

Carcasses and large painted panels, where a stable, flat sheet matters more than grain. Moisture-resistant grades belong near sinks and dishwashers.

Why 2026 changes the conversation

New taxes on imported boards were introduced in the 2026 budget, and higher duty applies to some imported finished furniture. Board-based kitchens have become more expensive, which narrows the gap to locally sourced solid wood. Ask your designer to price both before you decide.

We draw every option so you can compare the look and the cost side by side before anything is cut.